Black Spectacles or Amber Book?
Hello I am currently studying for PcM and wanted to hear thoughts on choosing between black spectacles vs. Amber Book as one of my study resources. I have several other resources but would like to chose one of these options as well for a month. What are everyone's thoughts? I like how black spectacles has multiple practice exams but not know much else about it.
Thanks,
Timothy
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At my office we used Black specticles but I didn't really like it.
I am currently using the Architectural Handbook of Professional Practice and reading the selected sections.
I am also using the Young Architect courses, Designer Hacks questions, Ballast Exam questions, Hyperfine questions and going over my notes. I do this in all directions. Going to take the exam in two weeks.
Wish me luck and I wish you the best as well!
Keep motivated!
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Amber Book is more of a cramming crash course for ALL exams, so you may spend more time piecing together components that apply to PcM than actually benefitting from the information. Amber Book does provide one practice exam and a collection of PcM-specific virtual flashcards, but the flashcards are not all-inclusive and are more supplemental to the many hours of video that precede.
While I have not used Black Spectacles, I've heard good things from coworkers who've used it for singular exams. -
I have never used the amber book, but it should not be necessary for this exam. I used Black Specs for CE, PjM and PcM. I found it very helpful for these exams (and these exams only). Their practice exams even look like the real NCARB ARE. But it's quite $$$, so I would time it perfectly and just pay for 1 month.
I'd read AHPP the sections on the profession/firm management/practice management. And I'd study the B101 and A201.
Hope this helps.
Rebekka O'Melia, B.Arch, M. Ed, Registered Architect, NCARB, Step Up ARE Coaching
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Subtle, Rebeka ….Timothy, search “Black Spectacles versus Amber book” in the ARE Facebook group…there are 61 comments from people, many of which have used both. https://m.facebook.com/story/graphql_permalink/?graphql_id=UzpfSTEwNjk3MjI4NDE6Vks6MzU0OTE4ODM2NTE2MzkxNQ%3D%3D
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Nothing subtle about me at all Michael! I am NOT associated with any of the products he mentioned in this thread. You are! PERIOD.
As I mentioned, I've never used your product, Amber Book, so cannot comment on it. Black Spectacles practice exams are what I used for the exam he asked about - PcM. And I read books, particularly the PcM section of Ballast and practice management sections of AHPP. I think cross-training and reviewing the PjM practice exams would be helpful too.
Hope this helps Timothy!
Rebekka O'Melia, B.Arch, M. Ed, Registered Architect, NCARB, Step Up ARE Coaching
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