ARE 5.0 - Black Spectacles VS Amber Book
This article offers a comparison between two leading ARE 5.0 test prep providers: Black Spectacles and Amber Book. Both are popular choices among aspiring architects preparing for the Architect Registration Examination, but they each bring different strengths, approaches, and resources to the table. In the following sections, we'll explore how these two options stack up against each other to help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Let us start with Black Spectacles
Black Spectacles is a comprehensive and highly regarded test prep platform specifically designed for architecture students preparing for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) 5.0. As the first and only NCARB-approved provider for all six divisions of the ARE 5.0, Black Spectacles has established itself as a trusted resource in the architecture community. Their materials are tailored to the specific content and structure of the ARE, ensuring that students are studying exactly what they need to know to pass the exam. The platform offers a wide range of resources, including video lectures, practice exams, flashcards, and study guides, all developed by experienced architects and educators. These resources are designed to cater to different learning styles, making it easier for students to grasp complex concepts and apply them in a test setting.
One of the key features of Black Spectacles is its interactive and user-friendly interface, which allows students to track their progress and focus on areas where they need the most improvement. The platform also offers a robust community where students can connect with peers and instructors for support and guidance throughout their study journey. Additionally, Black Spectacles provides flexible study plans, allowing students to tailor their preparation to fit their schedules and learning preferences. With its NCARB-approved content and a comprehensive suite of study tools, Black Spectacles is an invaluable resource for architecture students aiming to pass the ARE 5.0 and advance their professional careers.
Black Spectacles prepares students for the ARE through a multi-faceted approach that combines comprehensive study materials, interactive tools, and personalized learning strategies. Their test prep resources include video tutorials, which are presented by experienced architects and educators who break down the complex topics covered in the exam. These videos are complemented by practice exams that closely mimic the format and difficulty of the actual ARE 5.0, allowing students to gauge their readiness and identify areas that need further review. Additionally, Black Spectacles provides flashcards, quizzes, and study guides that reinforce key concepts and help students retain important information. The platform's interactive dashboard tracks each student's progress, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, so they can focus their efforts on the areas where they need the most improvement.
Regarding their pricing and policies, Black Spectacles offers a "Pass Guarantee" for their exam prep subscriptions. This guarantee ensures that if a student completes their assigned study plan and does not pass their division of the ARE, Black Spectacles will refund the cost of their subscription. This policy reflects the confidence the platform has in its materials and the effectiveness of its study plans. Black Spectacles also reports a strong passing rate among its users, with many students successfully completing the ARE on their first attempt. As for pricing, Black Spectacles offers various subscription plans to accommodate different needs and budgets. Their monthly subscription costs around $179 per month, while the annual subscription is priced at approximately $1790, which includes access to all six ARE divisions. Additionally, Black Spectacles offers a 30-day free trial, giving students the opportunity to explore the platform before committing to a paid plan.
In a nutshell, Black Spectacles provides exceptional, NCARB-approved test prep for all six ARE 5.0 divisions, offering a variety of resources like video lessons, practice tests, and interactive tools. The platform is built to help you focus on the areas where you need the most help, giving you a real boost in your exam prep. Plus, their "Pass Guarantee" means if you stick to their study plan and don’t pass, they’ll refund your money, which really shows they stand by their product. With flexible and affordable subscriptions, Black Spectacles feels like a solid choice to support your journey to becoming a licensed architect.
Now let us look at Amber Books
Amber Book is a popular and highly regarded ARE 5.0 test prep resource known for its engaging and efficient study approach. Designed with busy architecture students and professionals in mind, Amber Book offers a comprehensive series of video tutorials that break down the complex topics covered in the ARE into easily digestible segments. The videos are both visually engaging and informative, making it easier to understand and retain the material. Amber Book’s approach is to focus on what you need to know to pass, without overwhelming you with unnecessary details. They offer a streamlined, all-in-one package that covers all six divisions of the ARE, allowing you to study at your own pace and focus on the content that matters most.
What really sets Amber Book apart is its emphasis on flexibility and user-friendliness. The content is designed to be easily accessible, whether you’re watching videos on your commute or squeezing in study sessions between work and life commitments. The platform also includes practice quizzes and other resources to help reinforce your learning and track your progress. While Amber Book doesn’t offer a pass guarantee, its high pass rates and positive reviews from students speak volumes about the effectiveness of the program. In terms of cost, Amber Book is a bit of an investment, but many students find the convenience and quality of the content well worth the price, especially if you’re looking for a prep course that fits seamlessly into your busy schedule.
Amber Book’s video tutorials make studying for the ARE 5.0 feel manageable and even enjoyable. With visually rich content, these videos break down tough concepts into easy-to-understand lessons, focusing on exactly what you need to know to pass. You can study at your own pace, whether that means revisiting a tricky topic or moving ahead when you’re ready. The animations, diagrams, and real-world examples really bring the material to life, making it easier to remember and apply during the exam.
What I love about Amber Book is its flexibility—perfect for those of us juggling busy schedules. You can access the videos on any device, so you can squeeze in study time whenever it works for you, whether that’s during your commute or a quick lunch break. Alongside the videos, Amber Book offers practice quizzes and other tools to reinforce what you’ve learned and track your progress. While they don’t offer a pass guarantee, the high success rates of students who use Amber Book speak for themselves. The cost is $390 per month, which gives you full access to all the content and resources. It’s definitely an investment, but many find the convenience and quality well worth it.
So, which one is better? Which one should you use?
From my experience with both Amber Book and Black Spectacles, I found that Amber Book is generally better for its straightforward, no-nonsense approach. It provides a comprehensive overview of all the crucial topics without getting bogged down in unnecessary details, which made my study sessions more focused and efficient. However, Black Spectacles stands out for offering a larger number of practice exams that closely mimic the real ones, which I found incredibly helpful for exam preparation. Using both resources allowed me to take 5 exams in just 8 days and pass all of them, so I’d definitely recommend blending their strengths for the best results.
Ready to take your ARE prep to the next level? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates, tips, and exclusive content to help you succeed. Don’t forget to check out our FREE section for valuable resources and insights that can make a real difference in your study routine. Sign up today and stay ahead in your journey to becoming a licensed architect!
