Hi everyone! I could use some advice or maybe just even words of encouragement. I used black spectacles to pass for first 4 exams (PcM, PjM, CE, and PA) fairly quickly. I have now begun studying for PPD and I am just not feeling like I am retaining as much information from the older video and study guide format that PPD and PDD have. Any advice?
@mlapointe First off - Congratulations on passing your first 4 exams!! That is a HUGE accomplishment and you have been a ton of progress on your ARE journey!
We understand that the older content can be more difficult to navigate, which is why our team is actively working on updating course material for PPD and PDD! The new videos will align with the learning and visual standards you’ve seen in the other divisions (with even better 2D and 3D graphics)! You can expect to see PPD updated in the next few months, with PDD to follow later in 2026.
In the meantime, rest assured that the older PPD and PDD videos are still relevant and in alignment with NCARB objectives for the ARE 5.0. Using the other study materials in the Black Spectacles suite (quizzes, flashcards, practice exams, virtual workshop) is highly encouraged to help solidify the content in your mind, as well as practice applying it to the ARE.
We are also getting ready to launch our newest study material, Real-World Practice, in early December. This will be another great tool for you to use and consolidate your knowledge in the most difficult topics in PPD and PDD.
Best of luck!
Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Product Coordinator
Black Spectacles