When you sign in to learn.blackspectacles.com, your dashboard becomes your home base for everything you need to prep for the ARE.

This guide will help walk you through what you’re seeing and what to do first.

There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to start. Your dashboard is flexible by design — you can always switch divisions, change study modes, or revisit tools later. The goal right now is simple: start building momentum.

Your dashboard experience is organized by division, so your first move is to decide what you’re studying for right now - then click Launch Course.

Tip: If you’re not sure which division to start with, read our blog: https://www.blackspectacles.com/blog/what-order-to-take-the-are-5.0

You will then have the option to select the study mode that fits your leaning style.

Black Spectacles offers two ways to study, depending on how structured you want your experience to be:

Best if you want a clear plan and daily direction.

Best if you want full control over your study path.

You can still mix both approaches—many candidates use Guided Study for structure and Flexible Study for extra practice.

*Guided study process is available with a Pro or Expert subscription.

https://help.blackspectacles.com/en/articles/10606668-guided-study-process

Your dashboard is built around a few core study tools. Most candidates don’t use every tool every day, instead, they rotate between them based on what they’re learning and where they need reinforcement.

Here’s what each one does:

Video Lectures break down all major exam topics with clear explanations from experienced, practicing architects. Each video includes searchable transcripts, making it easy to review exactly what you need — fast.

Quizzes help you move knowledge from short-term learning into exam-ready recall. After completing a quiz, you’ll see detailed explanations for every answer — right or wrong.

Flashcards are ideal for repetition and retention, especially in short study blocks.

They allow candidates to memorize relevant content, words, and objectives with each card showing you what objective to review for further explanation.

Our Practice Exams are designed to mimic the actual ARE experience. We offer 3 full length forms of Practice Exams for each division of the ARE plus a 4th form that randomizes questions from all 3 forms.

Every answer, right or wrong, comes with a detailed explanation and source reference so every question becomes a chance to strengthen recall, deepen understanding, and walk into exam day with confidence.

Practice Exams also help you build stamina and pacing, so exam day feels familiar instead of stressful.

Available to Expert members, each exercise mirrors the complexity of real-world architectural situations, helping you apply your knowledge in context — just like you will on the ARE and in practice.

You’ll focus on the toughest topics where candidates struggle most, with guided feedback and explanations that reinforce your understanding and retention.

If you’re using Flexible Study, this is one way to ease in. If you’re using Guided Study, we’ll show you exactly what to do each day inside your dashboard.

A simple example to get started:

Do one thing consistently:

Learn → quiz → review → repeat

Most people don’t struggle because the content is hard, they struggle because life is busy.

Use this simple strategy:

When you don’t feel like studying:

That small win keeps your momentum alive.

Early study is about exposure and familiarity. Accuracy and speed come later.

We are here to support you throughout your journey.

Join us over in the Black Spectacles Community for all things ARE! Post your questions, share your story, help others.

Check out our ARE Live library for hundreds of podcasts on various ARE topics. This free monthly podcast delves into all things ARE: challenging exam problems, effective study strategies, and industry trends.

Q: Where do I find flashcards?

A: Flashcards appear inside your dashboard, and depending on your study mode they may be listed as a separate tool or included as part of your guided tasks.

Q: Do I need to follow the Guided Study Plan exactly?

A: No. You can skip ahead as your schedule allows or switch to Flexible study to study all tools at your own pace.

Q: Should I take a practice exam right away?

A: If you want a baseline, yes, but don’t over-interpret the score. Use it to identify what to focus on next.

Q: Can I study on my phone?

A: Yes. Black Spectacles offers a mobile app with access to videos, flashcards, quizzes, and will sync your progress. Expert members can also download video lectures for offline viewing no matter where you are.

Q: I feel overwhelmed — am I behind already?

A: Not at all. Everyone feels this way at the beginning. Focus on one division, one topic, and one study session at a time. Momentum builds faster than you think.

Download video lectures for offline viewing*, review flashcards, and take quizzes on the go.

*Offline mode is available exclusively to Expert members.

If you get stuck, we’ve got you.