Are Live

Simulate your Construction & Evaluation exam day experience with a mock case study! Whether you’re studying for CE or just need some extra guidance with case studies, you won’t want to miss this episode of ARE Live. Case studies on the ARE represent real-world architectural projects that require you to synthesize multiple pieces of information. These exam questions can take some practice, so we’ve developed an original 6-question Mock Exam from a set of construction administration documents. In this study session, Coach Garric Baker gives in-depth explanations for these never-before-seen Practice Exam questions. He’ll show you how to navigate case studies on the ARE, provide some valuable test-taking strategies, and cover how to put together a Change Order. You can find the Mock Exam link in our ARE Community: https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-construction-evaluation-case-study/4488/16 If your ARE test prep is benefiting from learning with a licensed architect in real-time, we encourage you to

What do Practice Management, Project Management, and Construction and Evaluation have in common? Math! In this episode of ARE Live, we review key objectives around math as it relates to the ARE 5.0. Using a Mock Exam, Virtual Workshop Instructor Haley Pugh will discuss a handful of questions from PcM, PjM, and CE to guide you through some classic math that you’ll need to master in order to pass the ARE. We’ll cover topics such as firm financials, updating cost of work estimates, and reviewing applications for payment. Our experts also share top tips for navigating NCARB’s whiteboard and calculator on your next exam. No matter which division you’re studying for, this episode is sure to help you brush up on your ARE math skills - so grab your calculators and follow along! You can find the Mock Exam in our ARE Community: https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-math-mock-exam/4424 Are you ready to take your studies beyond ARE Live? See which Black Spectacles Membership is right for you and start studying

Want to brighten up your ARE test prep? In this episode of ARE Live, a top podcast for aspiring architects, we review a Programming & Analysis Mock Exam with a focus on sun, wind, and light in honor of the summer solstice. We’re joined by special guest Omar Al-Hassawi to cover sun path diagrams, microclimate, how to design with the sun in mind for daylighting and passive heating, and more. With detailed explanations for five practice questions, this episode will help prepare you for any weather-related questions you may see on your PA exam. Don’t forget to complete the Mock Exam in our ARE Community before pressing play and get one step closer to passing the ARE 5.0: https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-pa-mock-exam-sun-wind-light/4364 If you’re benefitting from following along in real-time with a licensed architect, we encourage you to try out Virtual Workshops, available with our Expert Membership: https://go.blackspectacles.com/pricing/individual

In this episode of ARE Live, a top podcast for architects, we’re bringing you a 3-in-1 Mock Exam! There are topics that span across multiple divisions of the ARE and one of those key concepts is site selection. If you’re studying for Project Planning and Design, Project Development and Documentation, or Programming and Analysis you won’t want to skip this episode, where we revisit five ARE 5.0 Practice Exam questions all about site selection with an expert architect. We’ll discuss how to locate a building on a site taking topography, zoning regulations, and microclimate into consideration. We’ll also cover environmental impact studies, stormwater runoff, and more. These sample ARE 5.0 Practice Exam questions will help prepare you for PPD, PDD, and PA so that you can go into exam day with confidence in your ability to select a site based on criteria and zoning. Don’t forget to take the Mock Exam ahead of time to follow along and check your answers: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PPYRHMG Ready to master the ARE

Becoming a licensed architect is no small task. We know the licensure process can be overwhelming, so in this episode of ARE Live we’re giving you the ultimate guide to getting licensed. We’ll share the key steps you need to complete in order to become a licensed architect, with expert advice from NCARB’s Vice President of Examination, Jared Zurn. We’ll cover ARE study strategies, understanding licensure requirements by state, navigating the AXP and the upcoming migration to PSI test administration. Add this step-by-step guide to your ARE 5.0 prep and start hitting those milestones! If you’re feeling empowered to take your ARE 5.0 prep to the next level, check out our Black Spectacles memberships: https://go.blackspectacles.com/pricing/individual

What’s better than prepping for one division? Prepping for three! Previously, we’ve focused our attention on one division during ARE Live, but as there are multiple objectives that span several divisions, we’re strengthening your ARE acumen by approaching broader objectives and not just divisions. In this ARE Live, we’re covering structural design which crops up on Project Planning and Design, Project Development and Documentation, and Programming and Analysis. We work with an expert in the field who will share their strategies on how to best understand structures as they appear on the exam and in practical application. Equipping you with the mastery of structures as an objective, it’ll put you further ahead when it comes time to prep for each of these divisions. Are you looking for a study partner to work on structures with? Head to our ARE Community to find other ARE candidates who can add to your study routine. Psst, we also have experts who can answer any clarifying questions you have about structures spe

We’re back to review another Construction and Evaluation (CE) Mock Exam with… drumroll, please… April Drake! Black Spectacles’ Construction and Evaluation materials have recently been refreshed with new Video Lectures (starring your host April Drake), Lecture Slides, Study Guides, and Quizzes. Don’t miss this episode of ARE Live where we’ll talk through a handful of CE mock exam questions modeled after our ARE 5.0 Practice Exams. We’ll cover CE material related to the bidding and negotiation processes, support of the construction process, and evaluation of completed projects. Get a taste of our NCARB-approved ARE 5.0 Practice Exams in this episode. We’ll be breaking down each answer with in-depth explanations, so be sure to answer the practice exam questions ahead of time to follow along: https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-construction-evaluation-mock-exam-22/3960 Ready to get licensed with the help of Black Spectacles Practice Exams? Start studying with a Black Spectacles Membership today: http

On today's ARE Live broadcast, Thursday, January 20, 2022 at noon CT, we’ll run through an exercise from one of our Virtual Workshops with Instructor Marissa Yee. She’ll review a few Project Development & Documentation practice questions focused on the integration and documentation of building systems, material selection, and material assemblies into a project. This is a great opportunity to see how hands-on and in-depth our Virtual Workshops are, so don’t miss it. Be sure to answer the exercise questions in advance so you can review your answers live with Marissa! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2QMRZHG

On today's ARE Live episode, a panel of female architects will join us to discuss the unique challenges women face in the architecture field. Our guest speakers will share stories of how they've overcome various obstacles in their careers, as well as action items for everyone in the field to foster a more inclusive and equitable space. Join the conversation on our ARE Community: https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-women-in-architecture/3765

On this ARE Live broadcast on Thursday, November 11 at noon CT, Mike Newman will be back to work through a Project Management Mock Exam! We’ll review five questions that cover PjM knowledge and skills related to project delivery methods, code analysis, billable hours, and more. Be sure to go through the mock exam in advance so you can review your answers live with Mike! https://blackspectacles.typeform.com/to/oe4JFWEs

In this ARE Live episode on October 21, 2021, Mike Newman covers some of the most important concepts of Project Planning & Design with a mock exam. Be sure to go through the mock exam in advance so you can review your answers live with Mike! https://blackspectacles.typeform.com/to/lfmqSrHE

In our upcoming ARE Live episode on September 16, we’ll be hosting a panel discussion on ARE Testing Tips for ESL (English as a Second Language) Candidates. We'll have a few guest speakers join us to share their experiences with the licensure process as non-native English speakers, as well as their top testing tips on how to overcome a language barrier on the ARE.

At our next ARE Live broadcast on Thursday, August 12 at noon CT, we’ll run through an exercise from one of our Virtual Workshops with Instructor Jori Colarusso. She’ll review a Construction & Evaluation exercise and discuss issues related to the bidding process, including project delivery methods and contractor selection. This is a great opportunity to see how hands-on and in-depth our Virtual Workshops are, so don’t miss it. Be sure to answer the exercise questions in advance so you can review your answers live with Jori! https://blackspectacles.typeform.com/to/ZcJ83zuw

At this ARE Live broadcast on July 22, 2021, we’ll review some of the most important concepts of Programming & Analysis, and share some extra practice exam questions as we review a mock exam with Mike Newman. We’ll go through about five questions that cover PA knowledge and skills related to researching and evaluating client requirements, building code and zoning regulations, and site data. Be sure to go through the mock exam ahead of time so you can review your answers live with Mike! https://blackspectacles.typeform.com/to/qwWfOgu7

At this ARE Live broadcast on June 17, 2021, we’ll be hosting a panel discussion on ARE testing order and strategy. We’ll talk with licensed architects who will share their strategies behind the order in which they took their exams, and how to best prepare.

At our next ARE Live broadcast on May 20, 2021, we’ll run through an exercise from one of our Virtual Workshops with instructor Darion Ziegler. She’ll go through a Project Management exercise and discuss issues related to office standards, development of project teams, and overall project control of client, fee and risk management. This is a great opportunity to see how hands-on and in-depth our Virtual Workshops are, so don’t miss it! To get the full benefit, go through the problems ahead of time so you can analyze your answers live with Darion! https://blackspectacles.typeform.com/to/YFkMCT5d

At our next ARE Live broadcast on April 15, 2021, we’ll review some of the most important concepts of Practice Management, and share some extra practice exam questions as we review a mock exam with Mike Newman. We’ll go through about five questions that cover PcM knowledge and skills related to pre-contract tasks including negotiation, human resource management, and consultant development. Be sure to go through the mock exam ahead of time so you can review your answers live with Mike! https://blackspectacles.typeform.com/to/mFgNch0g

At our next ARE Live broadcast on March 18, 2021, we’ll be hosting a panel discussion on the new ARE format which went live on December 14th of last year. We’ll talk with people who have taken the ARE from home via online proctoring. They’ll share their experience with this new exam delivery method and tell you everything you need to know to successfully take the exam remotely.

At our next ARE Live broadcast on February 25, 2021, we will run through an exercise from one of our Virtual Workshops with Mark Bailey. He’ll go through PDD’s "Selecting Rated Assemblies Based on Building Type, Site & Life Safety" exercise. This is a great opportunity to see how hands-on and in-depth our Virtual Workshops are, so don’t miss it! To get the full benefit, go through the problems ahead of time so you can analyze your answers live with Mark! https://blackspectacles.typeform.com/to/G0SlPWha

Review some of the most important concepts with Construction & Evaluation, and get some extra practice exam questions as we review a mock exam with Mike Newman. We’ll go through about five questions that cover CE knowledge and skills related to bidding and negotiation processes, support of the construction process, and evaluation of completed projects. Be sure to go through the mock exam ahead of time so you can review your answers live with Mike! https://blackspectacles.typeform.com/to/FwAWNytG