FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Datum?

A high-yield study companion for the ARE 5.0 — concept units, the commonly-confused traps, original diagrams, and active-recall flashcards. It’s a gap-check tool to use alongside your main course and the official NCARB materials.

Is it affiliated with NCARB?

No. Datum is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NCARB. ARE® and ARE® 5.0 are NCARB trademarks.

Is it free?

Yes. During the public beta, every published unit and the core study tools are free. We plan to start with optional supporter contributions, then test which convenience tools and curated downloads people might actually want in Datum Pro. No Pro package or price has been decided.

How is it different from Black Spectacles or Amber Book?

Those are full video courses. Datum is the opposite end: a fast, high-yield gap-check you use with them — active recall and original diagrams instead of hours of video.

Do I need an account?

No. Your progress stays on this device. Use the “Your data” page to back it up, restore it, or move it to another device.

Does it work offline?

Yes. Install it (Add to Home Screen) or save a division for offline study — no connection needed once it’s cached.

I think something here is wrong. What do I do?

Tell us. Every unit has a “Tell us” link at the foot, and there’s a form on the feedback page. Datum is an educational aid, so check anything exam-critical against current official sources — and when you find an error here, reporting it is the fastest way it gets fixed.