Practice Management
(PcM) | 2023 – Comprehensive Study Package

Practice Management (PcM) is an exam that tests your ability to operate and successfully run an architectural firm.  It’s not based on your own experiences, but on multipliers, staffing, setting fees, and operations. For most candidates, this material is so new to them that they don’t know where to start.  Expect to get scenario-based questions on the management of an Architecture practice, including professional ethics, fiduciary responsibilities, and legal issues and regulations.  This exam is 3-1/2 hours of you demonstrating all of your leadership skills to show that you understand how to properly own, operate, and manage a practice.  Luckily, we’ve got you covered.

We have put together the coolest, most comprehensive study package available, anywhere.  Plus, we’ve priced it well below the competition.  Our PcM study package includes all you’ll need to prepare for this tough division.  We read all 1200 pages of the Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice so you don’t have to!  Save time and money by not needing any other supplemental materials.

The package starts with a study guide that perfectly follows the structure of the actual NCARB exam and is written in clear language.  The Audio Companion (like an audiobook) is presented alongside the guide so you can listen and follow along at the same time from anywhere.  Our audio commentary shares examples of how we apply these concepts in real life as memorable stories.  The 3 Case Study Guide prepares you for the actual case studies with project documents that look/work the same.  Plus, we include hundreds of digital flashcards that mirror the sections of the exam, plus a timed exam simulator that gives you instant feedback and scoring so you’ll know when you’re ready to sit for the test.

Our study packages were reviewed and approved by NCARB, so you’ve found the exact package you need to pass!

Your membership allows you to access this from anywhere, on any device, through our beautiful online course portal.  PLUS:  it comes with our PASS GUARANTEE (single or 12-month subscriptions) so we’re with you until you pass!

Please note that ALL of our products are DIGITAL and available for INSTANT access. You will not receive books or hard copies of the material.  This lets us avoid printing and shipping costs and keep our prices low.  Plus you can use these on any of your devices.  We’ve designed everything so you can print out the materials for your own personal use, or use them on your laptop, phone or tablet.

Single Exam Division

3 MONTHS

$49/month
  • for 3 months
  • One Time Payment of $147
  • Renew at $99/mo
    or $49/mo exam simulator only
  • Hundreds of Exam Simulator Questions
    240 Flashcards
  • Compare to Black Spectacles at $249/month

ALL 6
Ultimate Whole Enchilada

12 MONTHS

$59/month
  • Regularly $119/mo
    That’s like getting 6 Months Free!
  • One Time Payment or 4 Easy Payments
  • Get 24/7 access to all 6 Study Packages for a FULL YEAR!
  • INCLUDES UNLIMITED PASS GUARANTEE
  • Compare to Black Spectacles at $2490
  • Downloadable Audio + Flashcards
  • Pause Your Subscription Anytime
    Extend If Needed

Platinum Coaching

12 MONTHS
MOST POPULAR!

$109/month
  • Regularly $249/mo
    That’s like getting 6 Months Free!
  • One Time Payment or 4 Easy Payments
  • Get 24/7 access to all 6 Study Packages + Coaching for a FULL YEAR!
  • INCLUDES PLATINUM PASS GUARANTEE
  • Compare to Black Spectacles at $3290
  • Downloadable Audio + Flashcards
  • Pause Your Subscription Anytime
    Extend If Needed
  • + Finish In A Year
  • + Live Coaching by 2 Architects
  • + Daily Study Plan
  • + Two Weekly Live Zoom Calls
  • + Get All Your Questions Answered
  • + Free One-on-One Coaching Session ($100 value!)
  • + Highest Pass Rates!

The Only Package You Need!

Hey, we know you’re busy, so you don’t have time to drill extra content that won’t be on the ARE anyway.

Our package outlines follow the exact NCARB Test Specification so you’re being strategic with your valuable study time.

Each of our study packages are made up of interconnected parts that work together to boost your mindset and get you thinking like an Architect.  Plus, with hundreds of pages, flashcards, exam simulator questions, and charts in each exam package, you’ll have enough material to give you clarity and understanding for even the most complex topics.  Don’t waste money buying additional packages; this is the only one you need!

Beauty + Brains with a Twist!

As Architects, we’re visual thinkers and communicators, so your study package needs to work the way your brain works.

With colorful graphics, detailed diagrams, and clear navigation, each study package is meticulously crafted for a beautiful online design experience.

You’ll relate to the information since it is designed for the way you think. Each concept will help you connect the dots between the information and putting it into practice!

Think Like An Architect!

Most candidates do not fail because of the content. They fail due to mindset.

These exams are not about cramming and memorizing a bunch of codes. You’re being tested on your professional judgment. Most people fail due to overthinking, second-guessing, misreading, mistrusting, and wasting test time.

Each of the study packages are designed around boosting your ability to make judgments. This curbs the overthinking and second-guessing and lets you get to the heart of what the questions are asking. The end of each section includes a “Mindset Matters” tool to build that judgment and get you thinking like an Architect!

What Our Candidates Are Saying…

NATASHA H.

Hialeah, Florida

First test finally down! I passed PcM yesterday!! I can’t believe I was putting it off for so long! I was dreading all of the accounting terms and legal stuff and your guides just made it so easy. I love how it’s organized and formatted. But the audio was what really saved me. I could hear your voices in my head as I was taking the test saying, “Don’t overthink, just look at the clues…” I listened to those on my commute and it was perfect. Ok, on to PjM!

HEIDI J.

Paramus, New Jersey

I’m embarrassed to tell you I took PcM on my own three times before joining the coaching group. I didn’t realize how much I was changing answers and second guessing myself. As you said, “the content wasn’t my issue” it was my own anxiety and overthinking getting in the way. Once I fixed my mindset, trusting the questions and using the materials was easy. Doing CE next and more motivated than ever!

MELANIE B.

Anchorage, Alaska

Omigosh I am SOOOO excited for this new resource to help me with my remaining 3 exams. You have a fantastic product. I followed all your coaching, but finished PcM assuming I failed (again) but that LIKELY PASS came up and I was shocked!! It worked! Focusing on reading the questions and following the clues as you taught us really saved me on exam day. Doing PjM and CE next as you suggested.

Everything You Need to Know

About the Architect Exam Prep Study Package

  • Architect Exam Prep: Meet David & Eric!
  • Architect Exam Prep: How to Use This Study Package
  • Architect Exam Prep: Copyright & Usage Architect Exam Prep: Terms + Conditions

About the Architect Registration Exam® (ARE 5.0)

  • About the Architect Registration Exam (ARE 5.0)®
  • Understanding What’s In the ARE 5.0 In What Order Should I Take the Exams?
  • Scheduling (or Rescheduling) Your Exam ARE 5.0 Exams Overview
  • Preparing for Your Exam
  • Taking Your Exam
  • Day of Exam Checklist
  • Study Tips
  • Exam Taking Tips

PcM Course Introduction
PcM Time Management
PcM Quick Access

Intro to Module 1

Section 1.1 – Practice Resources
A. Determining Staffing Needs
B. Hiring and Managing Staff
C. Structuring the Team

Section 1.2 – Work Regulations
A. Laws Pertaining to Running a Practice
B. Reducing the Risk of Claims

Section 1.3 – Ethics
A. Getting Ethical

Section 1.4 – Determining the Standard of Care
A. What is the Standard of Care?
B. Errors and Omissions
C. Dealing with Unknown Conditions

How to Prepare!
Mindset Matters!
Audio Commentary Module 1

Intro to Module 2

Section 2.1 – Finances
A. Firm Finances
B. Firm Business

Section 2.2 – Legal Risks
A. Legal Issues in Projects
B. Legal Issues with Clients
C. Legal Issues in Contracts

Section 2.3 – Strategies
A. Protecting Yourself in Negotiations
B. Protecting Intellectual Property

How to Prepare!
Mindset Matters!
Audio Commentary Module 2

Intro to Module 3

Section 3.1 – Analyzing & Responding to Requests
A. Determining Scope of Services
B. Conflicts
C. Generating a Fee Proposal

Section 3.2 – Contracts and Project Delivery
A. Contract Types
B. The Owner / Architect Agreement
C. Project Delivery Options

Section 3.3Selecting the Right Projects 
A. Looking at Projects

How to Prepare!
Mindset Matters!
Audio Commentary Module 3

Intro to Module 4

Section 4.1 – Structure
A. Business Structures
B. Evidence-Based Design

Section 4.2 – Approach
A. Project Approaches

How to Prepare!
Mindset Matters!
Audio Commentary Module 4

_

So, What’s in Each Study Package?

  • Detailed Study Guide

    • Over 200 Pages
    • Over 50 Diagrams
    • Sections based on NCARB’s PcM Exam Guide
    • Written in clear language with fun graphics
    • Formatted for printing too

  • Audio Companion

    • Over 20 hours of high-quality audio
    • Embedded into Study Guide
    • Listen anywhere (working out, commuting, shopping)
    • Adjust speed as desired
    • Reinforces the lessons
    • Stream or Download

  • Audio Commentary

    • Hear from David and Eric
    • Listen anywhere (working out, commuting, shopping)
    • Adjust speed as desired
    • Real-world stories to anchor the topics in your mind

  • 3 Case Study Guide

    • 3 Case Studies
    • 105 Questions
    • Mimics the actual exam

  • Digital Flashcards

    • Over 240 Flashcards
    • Study anywhere
    • Bookmark your favorites
    • Digital & Printable Versions

  • Exam Simulator

    • Over 300 questions
    • Take timed or untimed
    • Take with feedback or without
    • Mimics the actual exam
    • Apply your knowledge

Practice Management (PcM)

Pass Rates

Architect Exam Prep 76%
Other Test Prep Providers 71%
National Average 51%

Highest Pass Rates in the Industry!

Our unique mindset approach works.

By explaining the reasons why things work the way they do, you’ll focus less on memorizing, and more on gaining clarity and understanding.

Remember: you’ve been living and breathing Architecture for years and understand the topics. Instead, let’s fix your mindset so you can pass.

Why are they so much higher?

Simply put, it’s our approach to teaching.  Rather than forcing you to drill and memorize a bunch of boring videos, we teach you how to get into the right mindset to think like an Architect.  Our mindset approach teaches you to improve your judgment so you can properly interpret the questions and pick up the clues.

People in our Platinum Coaching program report even higher pass rates, and show a 95% improvement rate (based on their scores prior to starting coaching)!

Our critically acclaimed ARE Study Packages are sold through memberships that come in monthly, and 6 or 12-month plans. Simply choose how much time you need. The more time you get, the bigger the discount!

You can access the study packages through our website from anywhere! If you need more help, you can add on coaching to help keep you on track so you know exactly what to study every day.

Our All Access Subscription gets you access to all six study packages for all of the ARE exams. Simply choose a monthly, 6, or 12-month term.

The All Access + Platinum Coaching includes all six study packages PLUS our live coaching.

If you only need a single exam, we even sell a 2-month single-division package!

Each study package includes: a study guide, audio companion, audio commentary, case study guide, flashcards, and unlimited exam simulator.

Many people are really good at staying disciplined and studying every day on their own. They like doing it all themselves and don’t need coaching.

Others like the structure that our Platinum Coaching provides with the daily study plans, the coaching videos, the live Zoom calls, and the ability to ask two licensed architects questions every single day. Remember that every successful person in history had a coach or mentor to help them along the way.

Plus, you can always start out on your own and add coaching later to your subscription.

PLATINUM COACHING: Helps you finish in a year!

Get through all of your exams in a year!

We developed our Platinum Coaching when it was clear that ARE5.0 was causing candidates to overthink and second-guess these questions. Using a mentorship approach, we coach you to take an exam every two months and support you along every step.

You can add on Platinum Coaching to any subscription for as little $45/month more. That gets you the daily study plans, the coaching videos, the live Zoom calls, access to our Slack workspace, and support from two licensed architects with over 30 years of experience each. Stop taking this on all by yourself!

Add Coaching to any Subscription for as little as $45/month more