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

Save 30% on CSE Exam Prep: https://www.blackspectacles.com/cse-pricing?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cse_live_podcast

In this episode of CSE Live, Black Spectacles hosts a mock exam on the California Supplemental Exam focused on Contract Development, Project Planning, Construction Documents, Permitting, Project Bidding & Construction.

Timestamps:

3:09 - Question No. 1

5:45- Question No. 2

7:51 - Question No. 3

9:45 - Question No. 4

11:19 - Question No. 5

See previous episodes of CSE Live at https://www.blackspectacles.com/podcast/cse-live

Save 30% on 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 demonstrating firm qualifications in response to RFPs, structuring fees based on risk and services, navigating copyright and ownership of design documents, identifying appropriate additional services for scheduling issues and managing reuse and licensing of construction documents.

Timestamps:

4:53 - Question No. 1

13:52 - Question No. 2

21:30 - Question No. 3

29:09 - Question No. 4

41:14 - Question No. 5

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

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