Black SpectaclesReviews of blackspectacles.com

Any service can improve, naturally, though the information presented as organized and complete as Black Spectacles does lends to easy note-taking and a good complement to written study material. My recommended improvements surround the presenter's concision and apparent liveliness in the content. He wouldn't work on these videos if he didn't care about architecture, but the best educators are the most obviously vivacious.

I recently failed an exam and I really appreciated that Black Spectacles reached out and offered me a virtual session with a licensed architect to discuss how I can improve my study habits and ultimately pass the next few tests. Cat Heard was very knowledgeable and shared some great tips that have kept me motivated. I look forward to taking the next few exams, which is a different feeling as I have dreaded it in the past. It is a good feeling to know that they are also rooting for me and are here to help!

I use the same study process on all of my exams, and end with the Black Spectacles practice exams each time. Their exams are as close to the real thing in content and format as anything out there and really put me in the right mindset on test day. I've passed all my exams when doing this.

I probably couldn't have completed the process without Black Spectacles. I used BS for PA, PPD, PDD, and CE. The content at your fingertips with the expert membership is extremely thorough. I was on my phone constantly studying with the BS membership. I could pull it up anytime anywhere and get in some study time. The videos are interesting. I felt like I was back in school; but, learning virtually through the lectures with Mike. His sketches kept me engaged. The flash cards are helpful for recalling and learning new information. There are now quizzes available which was the one thing that I would say was missing. The practice exams are set up with the same format as the real exam. So, that helps with familiarity during exam day and you can focus on the question without being distracted by a new format. By using BS you are essentially practicing the software too. The workshops are a great way to test your knowledge and discuss concepts with other people. Also, the wksps help you feel like you are not alone. I learned so much by using the workshops, the practice exams, the lecture videos, and the quizzes. The program is amazing! I just wish they would also offer one on one coaching. They offer the online community but I really wanted a personal coach and I would have paid extra for one.

I loved the lectures and exams. I didn't use the flash cards, but I always started my studying efforts with the lectures and a practice exam. I would highly recommend using this and reading the Ching books. I didn't need much else for all 6 tests. Good luck!

I had a really good experience with Black Spectacles. The videos made it easy to study on the go, I could just put in some ear buds and listen during my commute, working out, etc. I also found the practice exams to be super helpful. They were challenging, but gave a good preview of what the exam would be like. After completing a practice exam it lets you know which answer was right/wrong and why, super helpful! The subscriptions are a little expensive, but it was worth it as I was able to pass every test on the first try only using Black Spectacles.

Understand that this resource is a SUPPLEMENT for your real-life work experience and independent studying, NOT a REPLACEMENT. If you understand that, and use BlackSpectacles to fill in the gaps in your knowledge, it is a fantastic resource!! I found the videos to be especially helpful, as they go beyond delivery of information and give applicable examples that help you think critically during the exams. I would recommend this to others, and found that it was worth the cost!

Not only are the lectures full of great content that is easy to follow along to, but the exams were great and I found the structure and layout to be very similar to the ARE itself. A couple different times I had to reach out to ppl at B.S. and they always got back to me in a timely manner and were very nice. Very pleased!