Black SpectaclesReviews of blackspectacles.com

I really am grateful for all this study program has to offer. The content on the practice exams they offer is truly amazing and the feedback on each wrong answer helps immensely. I have not found the video section as helpful for the divisions I've studied so far. Even with taking notes while watching and pausing, they are not broken down enough for me to understand some the information discussed. The flash cards are OK. I only have two real quarrels with this study program: 1. With the rather steep cost of the Pro Plan, users should also have access to a decent amount of the recommended reading material cited in the ARE5 Handbook. Some of these books are pricy with the added on cost of the courses. I wouldn't mind even older versions of the recommended readings. Candidates could take the readings with them on their phones or tablets and solidify the information further. Or if there is something that's hard to understand, a book might help break it down a bit more. 2. I've tried using the forums offered and was unable to get a response to my question about everyone's favorite topic "Billing Rates". I can say I've only asked that one question so far and didn't get a response so I didn't ask again. Lastly, I've read through some of the responses to candidates questions on the forums and found the professionals answering either do not know the answer to some of the questions or just have not responded to some people. I understand people are busy so I won't hold this against anyone and I hope for a better expirence in the future with other divisions. Thank you Black Spectacles for the vast amount of material you offer, and I hope to see some reading material available to users in the near future.

Any service can improve, naturally, though the information presented as organized and complete as Black Spectacles does lends to easy note-taking and a good complement to written study material. My recommended improvements surround the presenter's concision and apparent liveliness in the content. He wouldn't work on these videos if he didn't care about architecture, but the best educators are the most obviously vivacious.

I recently failed an exam and I really appreciated that Black Spectacles reached out and offered me a virtual session with a licensed architect to discuss how I can improve my study habits and ultimately pass the next few tests. Cat Heard was very knowledgeable and shared some great tips that have kept me motivated. I look forward to taking the next few exams, which is a different feeling as I have dreaded it in the past. It is a good feeling to know that they are also rooting for me and are here to help!

I use the same study process on all of my exams, and end with the Black Spectacles practice exams each time. Their exams are as close to the real thing in content and format as anything out there and really put me in the right mindset on test day. I've passed all my exams when doing this.

I probably couldn't have completed the process without Black Spectacles. I used BS for PA, PPD, PDD, and CE. The content at your fingertips with the expert membership is extremely thorough. I was on my phone constantly studying with the BS membership. I could pull it up anytime anywhere and get in some study time. The videos are interesting. I felt like I was back in school; but, learning virtually through the lectures with Mike. His sketches kept me engaged. The flash cards are helpful for recalling and learning new information. There are now quizzes available which was the one thing that I would say was missing. The practice exams are set up with the same format as the real exam. So, that helps with familiarity during exam day and you can focus on the question without being distracted by a new format. By using BS you are essentially practicing the software too. The workshops are a great way to test your knowledge and discuss concepts with other people. Also, the wksps help you feel like you are not alone. I learned so much by using the workshops, the practice exams, the lecture videos, and the quizzes. The program is amazing! I just wish they would also offer one on one coaching. They offer the online community but I really wanted a personal coach and I would have paid extra for one.

I'm very happy with this account - I really was looking for something easy to listen to since free time is typically in the car on the way to work or at the gym. I have found most of the content is a good review and I'm given more confidence in just scheduling the exam. I don't have any of the extra content, it is just the basic plan but I find that the course videos is plenty when paired with my work experience. My only complaint is cost- it takes about a month to get through all the videos with a full time + job, it certainly adds up. Not sure if this is anything on you end to consider but even if it was priced per exam it may ease up a bit...cuz the exams definitely add up too ha. It certainly has pushed me to testing -i was more ready than I thought. Thanks!!

I loved the lectures and exams. I didn't use the flash cards, but I always started my studying efforts with the lectures and a practice exam. I would highly recommend using this and reading the Ching books. I didn't need much else for all 6 tests. Good luck!

I had a really good experience with Black Spectacles. The videos made it easy to study on the go, I could just put in some ear buds and listen during my commute, working out, etc. I also found the practice exams to be super helpful. They were challenging, but gave a good preview of what the exam would be like. After completing a practice exam it lets you know which answer was right/wrong and why, super helpful! The subscriptions are a little expensive, but it was worth it as I was able to pass every test on the first try only using Black Spectacles.