Architect Exam Prep excellent, and was my main study source for content and for practice tests; but the practice tests on Black Spectacles were very useful for identifying what I still needed to learn. If I left something out that you have found particularly useful please let me know in the comments below.

AIA offers a variety of resources to assist you in passing the exam and getting that architect stamp you’ve been working for. Hi, Kati. Working alongside other AIA members can ease the sometimes daunting task of preparing for the exam. I haven't used Black Spectacles, but from what others have said I would agree with Michelle about its usefulness. I hope this list of the best architect exam prep resources has been helpful. NCARB launched the Approved Test Prep Provider Program to help candidates better prepare for ARE 5.0. Architect Exam Prep LLC 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Suite 160-163 Las Vegas, NV 89135. support@architectexamprep.com The comprehensive packages include: A PDF Study Guide that can be printed or loaded onto your computer, tablet, or phone - includes text and supporting graphics/diagrams I started out by studying Architect Exam Prep and Ballast, but found both of those to be lacking overall.

I hope this list of the best architect exam prep resources has been helpful. As far as Black Spectacles itself, I took several of Mike Newman's classes when it was through AIA Chicago and before they were rolled into Black Spectacles… If you elect to stay for more than one month, you’ll review the same topics again, but with new exercises - so you can really ensure you’ve mastered these concepts.

Now that I have passed the exam (YAY !)

Architect Exam Prep Study Packages are available for all six ARE 5.0 exam divisions. Reach out to your local AIA chapter to find study groups, prep sessions, and study materials. We utilize multimedia, traditional study methods, and much more to help you tackle the ARE. I have to say Black spectacles was worth it. I found them very useful, especially after trudging through those same sections of the Ballast book..

I was pleasantly surprised to find the "primary sources" referenced in the Handbook to be easy to read and very helpful.

Architect Exam Prep believes in a personable approach in preparing you for ARE exams. Through this initiative, test prep companies can submit study materials to an NCARB committee of volunteer architects for review. I don't have any experience with their private tutoring, but I just took PPD and PDD this week and I used their video courses and mock exams as part of my study strategy. Charlie talks (along with myself and Jennifer Rittler) about how he prepared for the exam in the latest ARE live podcast.

If there is a particular product you found useful, let me know in the comments below. And remember, with your Black Spectacles membership, you get access to content for all six divisions, so you can switch over to a different exam’s workshops at any time.