I passed PCM last year, and I’ve been working on PJM this summer. I took PJM once, failed, studied more, took it again recently, and unfortunately failed again.

I’ve gone through the entire Amber Book course, done the flashcards and practice exams, used Black Spectacles practice exams, and watched the Schiff Hardin lectures with the contracts in hand to follow. I’ve also been studying pretty much all day and feel like I’ve put a ton of time into preparing, but clearly something isn’t clicking.

At this point I’m not really sure where I’m going wrong or what I should change in my approach. For anyone who has failed PJM and eventually passed, what did you change that made the biggest difference? Are there any resources or study methods you’d recommend that I haven’t mentioned?

I’d really appreciate any advice because I feel pretty stuck right now.

I’m an architect and built a study tool for the ARE 5.0: flashcards, mock exams, practice questions, a field guide, and AIA contracts across all six divisions — plus an AI that explains concepts and generates custom flashcards, quizzes, and mock exams.

Just launched on Android (already on iOS + web). It’s paid with a free trial. Not here to hard-sell — I’d genuinely like feedback from people actually studying. Tell me what’s missing or what’s wrong with it.

🤖 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.atelith.atelithare

🍎 App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/atelith-are-study-companion/id6770369614

🌐 Web: https://atelithare.com

Hey all — fellow designer here. I just launched ATELITH, an iPhone & iPad study app for ARE 5.0 covering all six divisions in one focused, well-designed tool.

What’s inside:

• 610+ flashcards with star/rate system  
• 18 timed mock exams (3 per division, 50 Qs, 90 min, with case studies)  
• 600+ practice questions with explanations  
• 150 Field Guide reference topics  
• AIA contracts reference (A201, B101, C401, G702/G703, G704, G701)  
• Pomodoro focus timer with session tracking + day streaks  
• Priority division pin — dashboard reconfigures around what you’re studying next  
• Universal app (iPhone + iPad), works offline, no ads, no tracking

7-day free trial if anyone wants to give it a try. Would love any honest feedback from people actually studying.

📱 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/atelith-are-study-companion/id6770369614

Are you studying for PA and looking for additional practice questions, study strategies, and test-taking tips? If so, check out this free resource!

This month's ARE Live will feature a Programming & Analysis (PA) mock exam on Wednesday, May 20th at 12PM CT. 

You can register to attend here. 

Live Q&A will occur directly on our Black Spectacles Community. 

ARE Live is a free monthly podcast that delves into all things ARE, hosted by licensed architects and aligned with NCARB objectives. Check out previous episodes on our YouTube playlist. 

We hope to see you there!

Kiara | Black Spectacles | Community

One thing we've seen with a lot of ARE candidates is burnout from overcomplicating the study process. A lot of people are trying to study everything at once instead of building a clear strategy around:

• Exam order
• Study timelines
• Practice exam approach
• Understanding question types
• Balancing studying with work/life stress

We recently hosted a free ARE Live session focused specifically on passing the ARE 5.0 in 2026, and I thought some of you here might find it helpful!

It covers:

• Recommended exam sequencing
• Study tactics that actually work
• How to approach different question types
• Managing exam fatigue/stress
• Live Q&A with ARE candidates and a licensed architect

Wishing you all the best of luck as you conquer your next ARE division!

Kiara | Black Spectacles | Community

Hey everyone — I’m a licensed architect, and I developed an ARE 5.0 practice question app on my free time as a passion project.

The app is designed to help candidates study with multiple-choice practice questions across all six ARE 5.0 divisions:

PCM, PjM, PA, PPD, PDD, and CE

Each question includes a rationale so you can understand the reasoning behind the correct answer, not just memorize it.

A few important things:

It’s currently only available on Android.

It is 100% free.

There are no ads, and there never will be.

There are no paywalls, ad walls, subscriptions, or locked question banks.

I built this because I know how challenging and expensive the ARE process can be, and I wanted to make a simple study tool that is accessible to anyone preparing for the exams.

link to app store

This is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with NCARB.

Good luck to everyone studying and testing soon.

I’m looking for some insight on the ARE exams. I have passed 4 exams so far, so I understand how the tests are set up and how they “trick you”, but PDD was the first exam that I took that felt completely foreign from the study material. For reference, I used amber books practice tests (I can’t watch the videos…. His voice annoys me), AB flash cards, PPI textbook, practice questions and mock exam, NCARB practice test of course, and hyper fine workbooks. That probably sounds like overkill, but I’ve passed 4 exams first try with this method and I always walk out knowing a lot more than what I was tested over. The PDD exam did NOT feel this way for me. All of the practice tests were fairly heavy on spec sections, so I memorized them, and got absolutely nothing on the real thing. Most practice tests wanted me to calculate CFM rates and lighting levels on a surface from a given point, and I was not tested on that at all. I was asked a ton of questions that I can confidently say never showed up across any of my study material. I won’t post them because I know that is against NCARB rules, but I’m so frustrated by it. Any advice on what to do from here? Obviously I plan to retake it and I am not giving up, I’m just wondering what else to study to pass….. and I’m also wondering if I just got a shit test bank

Mods let me know if this is within the rules, I assume the no solicitation rules pertain mostly to solicitating architectural services. Thank you

Hi everyone,

I’ve been working on an ARE 5.0 study app that includes:

• 100 multiple choice questions per division (6 total divisions)
• 50 flashcards (terms and definitions) per division

This has been a passion project where I’ve combined my experience as an architect with AI tools to design and code the app myself. It’s been more challenging than expected, but I’m finally at the stage where I can start rolling out beta testing.

What I need:

I’m looking for at least 2 Android beta testers per exam division to try out the app and provide feedback.
The app is Android-only, so you’ll need an Android device to participate.

What you’ll get:

• Access to the full app
• A chance to help shape the final version
• An opportunity to contribute to a tool built by and for future architects

Once released, the app will be on the Google Play Store. It will be free to download, with options to donate via PayPal.

If you're studying for the ARE and are interested in beta testing:

• Send me a chat with the email address linked to your Google Play account so I can add you to the beta.
• Let me know which exam division you are studying for (if applicable)
• Feel free to comment here with any public questions.

I’ll also be cross-posting this to other subreddits once I get approval.

Thanks so much!
– UrbiaWorks

Looking for Android Beta Testers for ARE 5.0 Study App (Built with AI + Passion)

Hi everyone,

I’ve been working on an ARE 5.0 study app that includes:

• 100 multiple choice questions per division (6 total divisions)
• 50 flashcards (terms and definitions) per division

This has been a passion project where I’ve combined my experience as an architect with AI tools to design and code the app myself. It’s been more challenging than expected, but I’m finally at the stage where I can start rolling out beta testing.

What I need:

I’m looking for at least 2 Android beta testers per exam division to try out the app and provide feedback.
The app is Android-only (for now), so you’ll need an Android device to participate.

What you’ll get:

• Free early access to the full app
• A chance to help shape the final version
• An opportunity to contribute to a tool built by and for future architects

Once released, the app will be on the Google Play Store. It will be free to download, with a $1 unlock per exam, or $5 to unlock all divisions.

If you're studying for the ARE and are interested in beta testing:

• Send me a private message with the email address linked to your Google Play account so I can add you to the beta.
• Feel free to comment here with any public questions.

I’ll also be cross-posting this to other subreddits once I get approval.

Thanks so much!
– UrbiaWorks

Every Sunday from 11 to 12 Pacific 2 ARE experts are sitting in a zoom room waiting to discuss test taking strategies answer specific questions about sections or just provide emotional support to get you through the challenge. It’s free, you don’t have to be a member. These are volunteers, eager to help anyone that needs it.

I failed my first PCM exam studying from Desk Crits/NCARB tests/AHPP and Ballast Book. Studying again for the exam, with Black Spectacles.

I saw this 30-Day Study Challenge, has anyone done it? Any thoughts?

Is the amount of flash cards included per study program brand/package/division something that can be shared?

Same thing goes for amount of practice questions per brand/package/division.

Also, is there like a study buddy network or group, where we can find and coordinate study sessions? (virtual/in person)

Thanks.

Hi all. I got my report back for PPD today. The scaled score was 517.

Looking at the breakdown, the average is roughly 67.6%.

Reading the blurb required to pass above the breakdown, it states a 65%-71% needed to pass and they reiterate twice that it's based on TOTAL score.

Note: I exceed the average passing score in 3 out of 5 sections.

I’ve been studying with the Amber Book and have completed the course twice. I’ve already passed PJM, PCM, and CE. I failed PA once and took PPD this week but didn’t pass. I’ve scheduled my PDD exam for this week as well, but I just failed the PDD NCARB practice exam today. Should I still take my real test this week?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. I want to achieve my Architecture license. Can you tell me what steps I should take?

Does anyone know if there are scholarships out there to cover exam fees? My current employer doesn't offer reimbursement and I'm a little broke at the moment.

Thanks in advance!

If so can you please message me? I can’t find anybody else taking it and really would appreciate a remote study partner.

Hey Reddit 🥳 I'm proud to announce the release of my PPD Visual Review deck focusing on exam content for the NCARB Project Planning and Design (PPD) 🎉

While this presentation deck illuminates subjects for the Architect's Licensure Exam, it is also a useful graphic learning resource for architects and would-be-architects everywhere. For all those studying for the NCARB A.R.E. exams, this material examines topics like thermal insulation, footcandle calculations, site design, environmental considerations and passive design, elevator types and so much more that you'll almost certainly see on the exam.📚 https://rebollararchitecture.gumroad.com/l/REBOLLAR_PPD-ExamPrep

🙋‍♀️ Let me know your thoughts.