Virtual Workshops Are Evolving: Introducing a New Self-Paced Study Experience - Real-World Practice!
Please see the link below to learn how Virtual Workshops are changing to give you the same depth of learning with added flexibility!
What are Virtual Workshops
We put together a curriculum called Virtual Workshops, to get you live, weekly, in-depth exercises accompanied by a Q&A session lead by a practicing architect.
Virtual Workshops are included with an ARE 5.0 Expert subscription.
Virtual Workshop will occur on Sundays at 2pm CST (unless otherwise stated on the dashboard).
For the first portion of the workshop you’ll partake in an immersive exercise covering 1 of 4 common topics ARE candidates struggle most with in that division and collaborate with peers on the solution. Then you will have time for Q&A with full access to a licensed architect the entire time.
You'll have the opportunity to learn the trickier topics with an instructor walking through each question and concept while you collaborate with peers who are also currently studying for the same exam.
FAQ
How We Did It
We convened our ARE Committee, a group of highly qualified architects who continuously evaluate the topics candidates struggle with the most. They then created world class exercises for you to hone your skills in these problem areas. If that wasn’t good enough, we doubled down and thought, “let’s put Expert members in front of a licensed architect in a live setting, every week, to review these concepts and hammer them home.”
For 2 hours every Sunday, you'll have access to a licensed architect who will guide you through these curated, in-depth exercises, and then a live Q&A.
How It Works
Virtual Workshops run in a 4-week cycle, with no start or end date. Once your Expert subscription starts, you can hop into the cycle, and in 4 weeks you’ll cover all the topics.
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. Each Virtual Workshop is independent and does not build off one another, so you can truly join at any time.
And remember, with your Black Spectacles subscription, you get access to content for all six divisions, so you can switch over to a different exam’s workshops at any time.
Preview Virtual Workshop exercises
Work through exercises from Virtual Workshops along with our coaches in the following ARE Live episodes:
Virtual Workshop Tools
RSVP - Plan on attending this workshop? Click the blue RSVP button to let us know. This button turns into the ‘launch workshop’ button at or near the time the Workshop starts.
FAQ
Q: What if I miss a Virtual Workshop, are there recordings available?
A: Virtual Workshops are now available on the dashboard within 24 hours of the original live workshop until the following Sunday at midnight. To locate and access a replay:
Log In to Your Account: Start by logging into your Black Spectacles account.
Navigate to Virtual Workshops: On your dashboard, click on Virtual Workshops in the left-hand navigation menu.
Select Division: Choose the division relevant to your workshop.
Find the Replay: Click the WATCH button next to the "Replay the Latest Workshop" option to start viewing the recording. Recordings of additional Virtual Workshops are not available by request. The recording of the last Virtual Workshop will be available to view from your dashboard until the following Sunday at midnight.
Q: Are the presentations and exercises available to download?
A: No. You are not permitted to download any paid Black Spectacles Virtual Workshop materials. These are not available if you are viewing the recorded Virtual Workshop.
Q: How long do you recommend attending Virtual Workshops before being ready to take an exam?
A: We recommend completing 4 Virtual Workshops, consecutively, to complete a cycle of all 4 topics. If you attend for a second cycle, you’ll review the same topics but with a different exercise.
Each Virtual Workshop is independent and does not build off one another, so you can truly join at any time.
Q: Can I attend multiple Virtual Workshops on the same day?
A: No. All Workshops are held live on Sunday at 2pm CT. Expert members have the ability to attend one Workshop each week during these times for the exam of their choice. You will get access to content for all six divisions with your subscription, so you can switch over to a different exam’s workshops from week to week but cannot attend 2 meetings on the same day.
Q: What if the "Replay the Latest Workshop" option isn't visible?
A: If the replay option isn’t appearing, ensure at least 24 hours have passed since the live session to allow time for processing. Double-check you’ve selected the appropriate division where the workshop occurred, or check your email for a specific replay link if applicable. If a workshop was rescheduled, the replay will be available 24 hours after the rescheduled workshop time.
Q: What system requirements are needed for the Virtual Workshops?
A: Before your first Virtual Workshop, ensure you’re setup for success with the following:
Strong internet connection - 5 Mbps and above
Computer with the most updated version of your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
Working computer microphone
Pencil and paper
Zoom installed on your computer and have tested ability to use Zoom on this device
Plan to be ready to join the meeting 5 minutes before start time.
To join the meeting, you must RSVP ahead of time and then click the Launch button in your Dashboard. The Launch button will become clickable at the start of the Workshop.Allow pop-ups for Black Spectacles if you are not directed to Zoom after clicking Launch Workshop.