Support
Questions, refunds, account help. Email support@sectionnotes.com and you'll get a real response within 48 hours, Monday–Saturday.
Frequently asked
What is SectionNotes Datum?
A study tool for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE 5.0). Instead of drilling you on flashcards or watching pre-recorded lectures, Datum works through problems with you — asking the same questions the exam asks, then reasoning through why each answer is or isn't defensible. Built by a practicing architecture professional who's an ARE candidate himself.
How is this different from Black Spectacles or Amber Book?
Those are excellent and many candidates use them. Black Spectacles teaches through video lectures. Amber Book pairs video with flashcards and scheduling. Datum is different in kind: it's a reasoning engine. You bring a question — yours or ours — and the app works through it with you. Many candidates use Datum alongside video-based tools, not instead of.
Which ARE divisions does Datum cover?
All six divisions of ARE 5.0: PcM, PjM, PA, PPD, PDD, CE. Content depth varies by division; the question bank is actively expanding.
How current is the content?
Question bank and content are aligned with the current NCARB Handbook for ARE 5.0 and are reviewed whenever NCARB updates. If you spot something outdated, email support@sectionnotes.com — accurate content is the product, so corrections are taken seriously and reflected quickly.
What do Free, Pro, and Pro+ include?
Free — PcM division access so you can try the engine.
Pro — $29/month or $199/year. Full study experience across all six ARE divisions for an individual candidate.
Pro+ — $49/month or $399/year. Everything in Pro plus AI coaching, the physical Command Cards deck, and the Redline digital book.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. Self-serve from your account settings. No forms, no phone call, no “are you sure” maze. Access continues through the end of your current billing period, and your progress is preserved if you come back later.
What's your refund policy?
Full refund within 30 days of any charge — monthly, annual, or renewal — no questions asked. Email support@sectionnotes.com and the refund is processed the same business day. Full policy below.
Does my progress save across devices?
Yes. Your account syncs across phone, tablet, and desktop. Sign in with the same email.
What happens if I fail an exam division?
You keep studying. Your Datum account doesn't change. If you pass the exam using Datum and want to share that with us, we'd love to hear it — other candidates benefit from knowing what worked.
Do you offer firm or group licenses?
Yes. Email support@sectionnotes.com with how many candidates, which divisions, and your timeline. You'll get pricing and setup instructions within 48 hours.
How do I reset my password?
Use the Sign in page and select “Email me a magic link.” If your email isn't arriving, check spam, then email support.
How do I update my payment method?
From your account settings, click “Manage billing.” This opens your Stripe customer portal where you can update card details, download invoices, or cancel.
Refund Policy
We offer a 30-day, no-questions-asked refund on any charge — first payment, renewal, upgrade, or annual. If you're not getting value from Datum, you shouldn't be paying for Datum.
How to request a refund:
Email support@sectionnotes.com from the address on your account. State that you'd like a refund. That's it.
What happens:
- Refund is issued the same business day.
- Funds typically appear on your original payment method within 3–5 business days depending on your bank.
- Your account stays active through the end of the billing period you paid for.
- Your progress is preserved — if you come back later, it's waiting for you.
Outside 30 days:
After 30 days, refunds aren't automatic, but we review honest cases. If your card was charged for a renewal you didn't want and you email us promptly, we'll make it right. Email support@sectionnotes.com.
Pro+ physical Command Cards:
Once shipped, the physical product is non-refundable. Digital access follows the standard 30-day rule.
Chargebacks:
If you have a billing concern, email us first. We answer fast and we'd rather refund you directly than let Stripe and your bank handle it. Chargebacks cost us more than the refund and they don't help you get the issue resolved any faster.
Still need help?
Email support@sectionnotes.com. First response within 48 hours, Monday–Saturday. Most issues resolved within 5 business days.
ARE® and ARE 5.0® are registered trademarks of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). SectionNotes is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NCARB.