Sunday, November 8, 2026 · Customer reviews of US businesses
The Fair Hearing score
Excellent
213 reviews
Black SpectaclesSelect a line to read only those reviews.
Honesty, pricing, process and quality scores appear once 5 customers have rated them.
Black Spectacles is where architects come to learn how to accomplish their next big thing. We're the only learning platform created entirely for architects. That means we know this industry inside and out, and so do our instructors. Our simple, easy-to-digest and in-depth video tutorials are taught by architects and designers who work on world-class projects. Whether it's getting licensed or learning new software to keep your skills current, everyone at Black Spectacles is committed to helping you get there.
Black Spectacles (blackspectacles.com) has 213 customer reviews on The Fair Hearing, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Showing 165 reviews with 5 stars · Clear filters
I'd recommend the Black Spectacles ARE exam prep system to anyone who is looking for a study system to prepare for the ARE
By mahmoud K.
Response from Black Spectacles· Jan 28, 2020
Thank you for your review, we appreciate it! Best, Monica
I'd recommend the Black Spectacles ARE exam prep system to anyone who is looking for a study system to prepare for the ARE. I used all the available tools and passed my 2 remaining exams on my first attempt after going through everything that was available.
By Wendy A.
Response from Black Spectacles· Jan 15, 2020
Way to go Wendy! That's a great accomplishment! Thank you so much for your review. Best, Monica
Four months of studying using Black Spectacles and reference materials; less that three months from first to last exam; and all exams were passed on the first try. I give thanks to God for helping me retain the information studied after being out of Architecture for seven years and to Black Spectacles for an excellent curriculum!!
By Ralph E.
Response from Black Spectacles· Jan 15, 2020
That's great, Ralph! Congratulations on passing your exams, it is truly an accomplishment. Glad we could help you along the way! Best, Monica
The best source currently available that will take you across the line.
By miguel R.
Response from Black Spectacles· Jan 6, 2020
Thank you, Miguel! We appreciate your review!
The perfect resources for getting me through the AREs.
By Heidi
Response from Black Spectacles· Jan 2, 2020
Thank you for your review, Heidi!
Black Spectacles practice exams are a great resource for studying. Though it is definately not the cheapest, it is worth it (just keep actually using it and taking practice exams). The formatting is so similar to the test that it can help you familiarize yourself with all of the tools, resources, and types of questions. It also helps with test anxiety as the real test looks so similar to what you have been studying.
By Tiffany M.
Response from Black Spectacles· Dec 26, 2019
Thank you for your review! -Monica
Black spectacles gave me the extra push I needed to complete the ARE! I began the process feeling relatively comfortable reviewing the primary resources NCARB suggests on my own. I actually started with PA last march (2018) then, took PPD & PDD last fall, and CE in the spring of 2019- passing each on my first attempt... I then failed my first attempt of PCM earlier this year and when I returned to my studies in August I invested in to black spectacles product for the additional preparation, which worked! I passed PCM in October and passed PJM Dec 02. I am thrilled to be on the other side of this process. Knowing what I know now, personally I would recommend using the videos in the early stages of preparation for the exams you feel least comfortable with, based on your experience. If you do not 100% feel comfortable with a topic that is being discussed in the videos, do some research on it on your own. Delve into some primary material suggested in the ARE handbook, and spend a few days becoming an expert at it, and then move on. Use the practice exams in the weeks leading up to your actual test to gauge your pace and overall understanding of what types of questions may be asked. Seams like an average in the high 70s- low 80’s between the 3 practice tests means you have a good shot at a pass on the actual test day. Most importantly, spend most time on reviewing the exams than taking them. That’s where I really learned the most from this product. Find your weaknesses, work at that, and good luck.
By Christopher F.
Response from Black Spectacles· Dec 16, 2019
Thanks for the review, Christopher! This is great advice and very thoughtful. Studying can be more overwhelming than taking the exam itself, so it's helpful to share experiences to find what works best for each individual. Congratulations on passing your exams, what a great feeling! -Monica
If you are pursuing architectural licensure this is an excellent way of doing so!!!!!! The exam simulation is an excellent and valuable resource for matching the actual intensity of the exam itself. I highly recommend black spectacles if you want to successfully complete the architectural license exams.
By Quinn B.
Response from Black Spectacles· Dec 11, 2019
Thank you so much for your review, Quinn! -Monica
