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Pass the ARE Guarantee requirements

How to apply for a seat credit

FAQ

Pass your next division or we’ll pay for your next exam.

We’re putting our money where our mouth is. After intensive research and analysis of metrics from existing users, we know if you use our Expert subscription to the fullest, you will pass the ARE.
If you don’t, we’ll call NCARB and give you a seat credit for your next exam because we still have faith in you.

*Always input your scheduled exam date into your Dashboard. This is the starting point to manage and track your Guarantee eligibility.

If you have an ARE 5.0 Expert subscription, failed your exam and met the requirements, click here to start the claim process.

You must be logged in while visiting the above link (https://blackspectacles.com/guarantee)

Q: How many Pass the ARE Guarantee seat credits can I apply for while subscribed to Expert?

A: While there is not a limit on how many claims you can make, our system will automatically approve or deny your claim based on the completion of Guarantee requirements and that it all lines up within the 60 days before your registered exam date. Keep in mind that you can only attend one Virtual Workshop per week with a required attendance and active participation in a minimum of 3 per division for the Guarantee.

Q: I have Expert, do I need to score an 80% on the first try to meet the Guarantee requirements?

A: No, you do not need to achieve an 80% on the first try to qualify for the Guarantee. Our automated system will only check that you've scored an 80% within the 60 days before your scheduled exam for that division.

Q: When should I schedule my test/purchase an Expert subscription to be eligible for the Guarantee?

A: We require that you take under 60 days to prepare for your exam with our learning tools in order to qualify for our Pass the ARE Guarantee.
If you're purchasing a monthly subscription, you can take up to 60 days from your scheduled exam date to study, according to the requirements. If you are a 12-month subscription holder, just don't start studying more than 60 days out for a single division. If you do, just refresh yourself and rewatch all of the previously viewed videos and reset any previously mastered flashcards.

Q: I'm a firm member who's company pays for my access through a group account, can I request a seat credit if I fail an exam?

A: The Pass the ARE Guarantee free seat credit is only available to individual subscription holders. Our requirements are in place to set members up for the best chance to pass by studying all of our learning tools within 60 days before an exam. If you're a firm member, you can still follow the above requirements to help manage your study plan for your next exam.
If you're a firm administrator and want to learn more about our Guarantee for your firm, click here to learn more or contact your account manager.

Q: How long do I need to hold an Expert subscription for?

A: Individual Expert members must have an active Expert subscription for a minimum of one month.

Q: The requirements state that I must study the specified content within the 60 days before my exam date. What if I started studying for this exam, with Black Spectacles a few months ago?

A: If you've previously watched videos or mastered flashcards in your Dashboard from more than 60 days before your next exam date, you should clear the previously logged progress for all viewed Videos and mastered Flashcards.
If you don't take this step, you will not meet the Guarantee requirements in the chance that you fail your exam.