Learn more about ARE 5.0 exam prep here: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing.

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 evaluating insulation assemblies for code compliance, selecting specification type based on performance goals, writing specifications with proprietary product alternates, choosing elevator controls for residential mid-rise and specifying durable, low-maintenance materials for schools.

Timestamps:

5:30 - Question No. 1

14:07 - Question No. 2

26:57 - Question No. 3

34:02 - Question No. 4

36:57 - Question No. 5

See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast

Save 10% on CSE Exam Prep here: https://www.blackspectacles.com/cse-pricing.

In this episode of CSE Live, Black Spectacles hosts a mock exam on the California Supplemental Exam focused on Schematic Design & Discretionary Approval!

Timestamps:

4:12 - Question No. 1

7:53 - Question No. 2

11:11 - Question No. 3

16:34 - Question No. 4

19:38 - Question No. 5

See previous episodes or register for the next CSE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast/cse-live

Learn more about ARE 5.0 exam prep here: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing.

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 evaluating weather delays and contractor time extensions, calculating liquidated damages from construction delays, resolving conflicts in construction documents and execution, addressing hazardous materials found during excavation and managing submittal responsibilities and delay claims.

Timestamps:

5:37 - Question No. 1

13:44 - Question No. 2

29:42 - Question No. 3

38:20 - Question No. 4

54:17 - Question No. 5

See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast

Save 10% on CSE Exam Prep here: https://www.blackspectacles.com/cse-pricing.

In this episode of CSE Live, Black Spectacles breaks down some of the most important and commonly misunderstood sections of the California Supplemental Exam (CSE). Learn what you need to know about the Architects Practice Act, California Building Code, and essential contract fundamentals (like B101 and A201), plus how these topics appear in real-world architecture scenarios.

Timestamps:

4:51 - Contract Development and Project Planning

6:16 - Schematic Design and Discretionary Approvals

20:51 - Construction Documents and Permitting

22:48 - Project Bidding and Construction

24:07 - Live Q&A

See previous episodes or register for the next CSE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast/cse-live

Learn more about ARE 5.0 exam prep here: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing.

Save 10% on CSE exam prep here: https://www.blackspectacles.com/cse-pricing.

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 determining required survey types for zoning compliance, identifying structural updates from demolition scope, evaluating diagrams against programmatic client requirements, addressing zoning and scope changes in multifamily projects and choosing foundations for sloped and sensitive sites.

Timestamps:

04:55 - Question No. 1

9:17 - Question No. 2

17:45 - Question No. 3

21:50 - Question No. 4

28:50 - Question No. 5

See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast

Save 10% on CSE Exam Prep here: https://www.blackspectacles.com/cse-pricing.

In this episode of CSE Live, Black Spectacles breaks down what’s on the CSE, the key content areas covered on the exam, and proven study strategies to help you prepare effectively.

Timestamps:

5:34 - What's on the CSE?

10:43 - Key Content Areas on the CSE

16:25 - Smart Study Strategies to Pass the CSE on Your First Try

23:25 - Live Q&A

See previous episodes or register for the next CSE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast/cse-live

Learn more about ARE 5.0 exam prep here: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing.

Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock for ARE Live 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 assessing criteria required to tracking labor overages against work plan budget, calculating billable rates using net multiplier, selecting proper change documentation method, identifying required consultants for project type and coordinating submittals for upcoming construction phase.

Timestamps:

05:04 - Question No. 1

9:58 - Question No. 2

16:01 - Question No. 3

20:48 - Question No. 4

35:00 - Question No. 5

See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast

Learn more about CSE Exam Prep here: https://www.blackspectacles.com/cse-exam-prep.

On this episode of CSE Live, Black Spectacles hosts a discussion on how to become a licensed architect in California including each step you need to take to become a licensed architect, how to pass the ARE 5.0 and the additional steps needed for licensure in California.

Timestamps:

4:19 - How to become a licensed architect

7:05 - How to pass the ARE 5.0

12:40 - New California Supplemental Exam Course from Black Spectacles

16:10 - Additional steps needed for licensure in California

27:06 - Live Q&A

See previous episodes or register for the next CSE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast/cse-live

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 evaluating site topography and its impact on design decisions, incorporating stormwater management and grading in site planning, integrating structural systems based on program and form, evaluating structural systems relative to spatial requirements & function and applying code and program requirements to unit layouts.

Timestamps:

04:25 - Question No. 1

9:24 - Question No. 2

13:33 - Question No. 3

20:44 - Question No. 4

27:59 - 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 here: https://www.blackspectacles.com/pricing.

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 disclosing conflicts of interest in public advocacy, calculating not-to-exceed fees with contingency, choosing fee structures for different project phases, identifying non-billable vs. billable work tasks and determining utilization rate from weekly timesheets.

Timestamps:

3:50 - Question No. 1

7:58 - Question No. 2

16:48 - Question No. 3

32:14 - Question No. 4

37:48 - Question No. 5

See previous episodes or register for the next ARE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast