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 |
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!
Knowing the material and being ready to perform on exam day are different. Amber Book California Supplemental ...Read More
On June 3, Amber Book hosted AI in Architectural Practice: What Works, What Doesn't, and What's Next with Jaco...Read More
NCARB updated its online proctoring requirements on June 1, 2026 — here's what changed and what to do about it...Read More
