Stay ConnectedThe Black Spectacles ARE® Live Podcast is your home for navigating the road to passing the Architect Registration Exam (ARE®) and becoming a licensed architect.
Episodes include discussions about specific ARE & NCARB topics, interviews with distinguished architects & guests, and recordings of live broadcasts covering specific exam topics and questions and answers from a live audience.
First ever NCARB Approved Test Prep Provider for all 6 divisions of ARE 5.0.
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Learn more about Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 exam prep: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=are_live_podcast Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock to learn the best study strategies for passing the PDD exam. On this episode of ARE Live, we walk through a mock exam for the Project Planning & Design division of the ARE 5.0. You'll learn about the PPD exam and we'll cover topics related to coordinating with civil engineers on accessible route conflicts, selecting fire sprinkler systems for unconditioned freeze-prone spaces, anticipating structural and MEP impacts of rooftop generators, coordinating beam and ductwork conflicts in tight ceilings and resolving tree placement conflicts with underground utility lines. Timestamps: 4:41 - Question No. 1 12:01 - Question No. 2 16:50 - Question No. 3 23:33 - Question No. 4 35:59 - Question No. 5 See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast
Learn more about Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 exam prep: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=are_live_podcast Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock to learn the best study strategies for passing the PjM exam. On this episode of ARE Live, we walk through a mock exam for the Project Management division of the ARE 5.0. You'll learn about the PjM exam and we'll cover topics related to identifying consultants included in architect basic services, documenting nonconforming work during construction administration, managing architect responsibility for consultant coordination, addressing owner-hired consultant scope disputes and distinguishing basic services from additional services. Timestamps: 5:35 - Question No. 1 11:47 - Question No. 2 18:48 - Question No. 3 25:54 - Question No. 4 33:34 - Question No. 5 See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast
Learn more about Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 exam prep: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=are_live_podcast Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock to learn the best study strategies for passing the PDD exam. On this episode of ARE Live, we walk through a practice exam for the Project Development & Documentation division of the ARE 5.0. You'll learn about the PDD exam and we'll cover topics related to evaluating insulation strategies for energy code compliance, selecting specification types for named products, coordinating building systems within ceiling plenums, organizing specification sections and reference information & assessing value engineering impacts on building performance. Timestamps: 5:23 - Question No. 1 15:28 - Question No. 2 20:35 - Question No. 3 25:47 - Question No. 4 34:01 - Question No. 5 See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast
Learn more about Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 exam prep: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=are_live_podcast Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock to learn the best study strategies for passing the CE exam. On this episode of ARE Live, we walk through a mock exam for the Construction & Evaluation division of the ARE 5.0. You'll learn about the CE exam and we'll cover topics related to calculating allowance adjustments and contract cost impacts, using allowances for incomplete bidding information, managing nonconforming work during construction administration, documenting accepted exceptions at substantial completion and preparing change orders under AIA contract documents Timestamps: 4:40 - Question No. 1 10:53 - Question No. 2 18:18 - Question No. 3 29:17 - Question No. 4 35:21 - Question No. 5 See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast
Learn more about Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 exam prep: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=are_live_podcast Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock to learn the best study strategies for passing the PA exam. On this episode of ARE Live, we walk through a mock exam for the Programming & Analysis division of the ARE 5.0. You'll learn about the PA exam and we'll cover topics related to applying accessibility standards to corridor design requirements, prioritizing programming goals through strategic space planning, evaluating zoning limits affecting building gross area, orienting buildings for optimal natural daylight performance and maximizing efficiency through residential floor plate planning. Timestamps: 5:20 - Question No. 1 8:36 - Question No. 2 15:40 - Question No. 3 27:25 - Question No. 4 30:32 - Question No. 5 See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast
Learn more about Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 exam prep: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=are_live_podcast Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock to learn the best study strategies for passing the PcM exam. On this episode of ARE Live, we walk through a mock exam for the Practice Management division of the ARE 5.0. You'll learn about the PcM exam and we'll cover topics related to managing independent contractor roles and firm responsibilities, understanding tax implications of firm ownership structures, evaluating risks and regulations for international practice expansion, identifying standard payroll withholdings for employees and developing work plans for publicly funded housing projects. Timestamps: 4:55 - Question No. 1 12:17 - Question No. 2 22:53 - Question No. 3 29:05 - Question No. 4 35:39 - Question No. 5 See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast
Learn more about Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 exam prep here: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=are_live_podcast Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock to learn the best study strategies for passing the PDD exam. On this episode of ARE Live, we walk through a mock exam for the Project Development & Documentation division of the ARE 5.0. You'll learn about the PDD exam and we'll cover topics related to verifying zoning, programming, and early project requirements, designing for environmental impact and neighbor compatibility, coordinating consultants for underground utility infrastructure, selecting roofing systems for unique building geometries and evaluating material substitutions for cost control. Timestamps: 4:50 - Question No. 1 10:34 - Question No. 2 22:23 - Question No. 3 40:30 - Question No. 4 47:42 - Question No. 5 See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast
Learn more about Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 exam prep here: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=are_live_podcast On this episode of ARE Live, Black Spectacles hosts a discussion on why and how to pass the ARE 5.0 in 2026. You'll learn what order to take the exams in, how much time to study for each division, how to approach certain types of questions, what study tactics to pass the ARE 5.0, how to take advantage of Black Spectacles suite of study materials, how to study to pass the ARE 5.0 exams and more! Timestamps: 4:10 - What order to take the ARE 5.0 5:51 - Take similar division together [What order to take the ARE 5.0] 6:59 - Start with your strengths [What order to take the ARE 5.0] 8:01 - Follow the NCARB sequence recommended by Black Spectacles [What order to take the ARE 5.0] 9:45 - Study tactics to pass the ARE 5.0 10:06 - Learn the content [Study tactics to pass the ARE 5.0] 11:32 - Understand the exam format [Study tactics to pass the ARE 5.0] 16:33 - Combat external stressors [Study tactics to pass the ARE 5.0] 31:00 - Live Q&A See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast
Learn more about Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 exam prep here: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=are_live_podcast On this episode of ARE Live, Black Spectacles hosts a discussion on why and how to pursue licensure in 2026. You'll learn what licensure means for your career, its benefits, and the steps to becoming a licensed architect. Timestamps: 4:33 - Why you should become a licensed architect 12:01 - How to become a licensed architect 24:48 - Live Q&A See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast
Learn more about Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 exam prep here: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=are_live_podcast Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock to learn the best study strategies for passing the PPD exam. On this episode of ARE Live, we walk through a mock exam for the Project Planning & Design division of the ARE 5.0. You'll learn about the PPD exam and we'll cover knowledge and skills related to identifying next steps for site subdivision, using crickets to divert water on steep roofs, selecting roof membranes for curved, low-slope conditions, coordinating consultants for shop power, noise, and ventilation and detailing cavity walls for proper drainage performance. Timestamps: 04:30 - Question No. 1 16:46 - Question No. 2 22:48 - Question No. 3 30:44 - Question No. 4 36:39 - Question No. 5 See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast
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