Amber Book and Black Spectacles are likely the largest two ARE 5.0 course prep providers. Search “Black Spectacles reviews” or “Amber Book reviews” to see what others are saying, and see below for a head-to-head comparison.
| Amber Book ARE 5.0 | Black Spectacles ARE 5.0 |
Full Course | Covers all six exam divisions | Covers all six exam divisions |
Efficient | High yield (many extra questions right on the exam per hour of studying) | The lawyers won’t let me say |
Cost | Comparable | |
Book | 375-page illustrated hard copy workbook mailed to you (also available to you as a pdf) | No book |
Course Instruction Format | Animated video instruction: Amber Book has spent $1 million on animations to make the content stickier and more fun | Powerpoint instruction |
Example Free Course Content | Click here | Click here |
Practice Exams | Practice exams for all six divisions | Practice exams for all six divisions |
Digital Flashcards | Digital flashcards for all six divisions | Digital flashcards for all six divisions |
Do the practice exams look like the real ARE 5.0 exams graphically? | Somewhat | Yes |
Firm Licenses | Amber Book offers firm licenses … 100% of the year’s fee is refunded if the firm is not thrilled, no questions asked and no fine print. Click here. | Black Spectacles offers firm licenses that lock you in. No guarantee or refund is offered. Click here . |
Content Updated Regularly | Yes | Yes |
Free-for-everyone Live Study Sessions | Weekly 40 Minutes of Competence sessions. Sign up here or just show up with hundreds of others every Thursday evening 6 p.m. ET at this Zoom link | Monthly ARE Live sessions. Sign up here . |
Fun? | Way more than you’d think | The lawyers won’t let me say |
Guarantee for Individual Enrollees? | If you are not satisfied with the course, we offer a money-back guarantee, please contact about our policy at info@amberbook.com. | If you upgrade to the individual “Expert” membership and you fail, Black Spectacles will pay for your retake if you meet the following requirements: Attend 3 Virtual Workshops within 60 days before your exam date. Watch 100% of Video Lectures and Practical Application videos within 60 days before your exam date. Master 100% of the Flashcards within 60 days before your exam date. Secure 80% or better on a Practice Exam within 60 days before your exam date. You must be an Expert subscriber with an individual membership*. Report all pass/fails in your Black Spectacles Dashboard along with scheduled exam dates. Make your claim within 30 days of the exam date of the failed division. Submit NCARB ARE® Score Report for proof of fail within 30-day claim |
Post a “Black Spectacles vs. Amber Book” question on the NCARB community forum or ARE Facebook Group and see what others tell you. Or search online or in those groups for others who have asked the same question to find Black Spectacles reviews and Amber Book reviews. Happy studying and good luck.
Can’t wait for you to pass the ARE so you can celebrate with the loved ones you’ve ignored while studying!
While on a 14-month military deployment, Captain Chad Pentecost hatched an ambitious plan: pass all six ARE ex...Read More
When considering the right continuing education (CE) provider, you're faced with a dilemma — choosing free ver...Read More
This year’s World Architecture Day (WAD) theme, “Empowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design,...Read More
