When it comes to exam prep materials for the Architect Registration Exam (ARE), two popular options are The Amber Book and Black Spectacles. But what exactly are these resources and how do they compare when it comes to helping you pass the ARE?
This comprehensive guide examines the key features, pros and cons of The Amber Book and Black Spectacles to help you determine which is the better fit for your exam prep needs.
Feature | The Amber Book | Black Spectacles |
Format | Printed guide | Online digital access |
Content Depth | High-level overview | In-depth video lessons |
Practice Exams | None included | Multiple full-length exams |
Cost | Around $100 | $1000+ for bundles |
Mobility | Not accessible on-the-go | Fully mobile accessible |
Teaching Style | Informational summaries | Instructor-led video lectures |
Exam Insights | Direct from ARE developers | Third-party provider |
The Amber Book is a renowned exam prep guide published by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). It provides a detailed overview of ARE 5.0, the latest version of the licensing exam.
The printed Amber Book contains information on all six divisions of the ARE 5.0 – Programming & Analysis, Project Planning & Design, Project Development & Documentation, Construction & Evaluation, Practice Management and Project Management.
It outlines the format, sections, time limits and content areas that will be covered in each division. The Amber Book also shares important exam policies and provides guidance on how to develop an effective study plan.
Aside from the general exam breakdowns, the guide contains critical study aids:
Many consider The Amber Book an ARE prep essential because it offers insight straight from the source – the folks who actually develop the exam at NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards).
Black Spectacles is an online exam prep provider that offers a range of study materials and courses for the ARE. Their most popular offering is the Black Spectacles Ultimate Bundle.
This bundle includes:
In addition to the Ultimate Bundle, Black Spectacles offers supplemental prep courses for each ARE division individually.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each prep resource, let’s compare some of the key differences:
Format
Depth of Content
Practice Exams
Cost
Accessibility
Teaching Style
Based on these main differences, what are the major pros and cons of The Amber Book versus Black Spectacles?
The Amber Book Pros
The Amber Book Cons
Black Spectacles Pros
Black Spectacles Cons
So when it comes down to deciding between The Amber Book or Black Spectacles for your ARE prep, here are some key factors to consider:
The full-length simulated exams are invaluable for building exam-day endurance and evaluating your readiness.
At around $100, it provides a budget-friendly overview of key ARE content.
You can access the video lessons and digital materials from anywhere with mobile compatibility.
The charts and tables help present complex processes in easily digestible ways.
With customized study plans, scheduled lessons and progress analytics, you stay focused.
Coming directly from the developers, it provides the most accurate, up-to-date info on what to expect.
Rather than choosing one single prep option, many architects use The Amber Book in conjunction with a supplemental resource like Black Spectacles.
This gives you the high-level overview and key details from The Amber Book plus the thorough instruction, practice tests and study discipline from a video course.
The combined approach is great if you have the budget for it because you get the unique benefits of both resources. Just be mindful that The Amber Book’s content overlaps heavily with any reputable prep course, so you may experience repetition.
But using both together can provide reinforcement as you study and gives you multiple perspectives on the material. Having a layered, well-rounded study plan is wise for such a challenging licensure exam.
Also Read: Comparison Between Master Books And A Beka.
For most architects, yes. At around $100, it provides authoritative exam insights directly from the ARE developers at a very affordable price point. The charts, glossary and division summaries offer valuable guidance as you create your custom study plan. It works well combined with other prep materials.
Some popular alternatives to Black Spectacles for video-based ARE prep include Kaplan AEC Education, ArchiteG?, Architect Exam Prep and Brightwood Architecture. They offer a mix of on-demand video courses, study guides, flashcards and practice exams. Compare pricing and free trials first.
The guide is called The Amber Book because historically the cover has always been amber in color. The amber hue was likely selected to represent knowledge, clarity and warmth in passing on wisdom that will help aspiring architects succeed.
The current edition of The Amber Book (ARE 5.0) costs around $99 for the printed softcover guide. This pricing has remained consistent over many editions. Some architectural firms will cover the cost of The Amber Book for employees pursuing licensure.
Whichever route you take, be sure to leave ample time for thorough study, seek out additional references beyond any one prep guide when needed, and don’t underestimate the value of full practice exams. With smart preparation utilizing the wealth of ARE resources now available, you’ll be on your way to earning your license.
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