Passed AREs (Thank you, Elif!)

Hi guys,

I just passed my PA section and finally done for AREs.

My only advice for you guys is, take the exam by the default order (PCM/PJM/CE-PA-PPD/PDD). Do not jump, do not jump, do not jump!

I am the experimental sample for this. I start ARE very early back in 2019, and the world famous COVID-19 start, and I could not took my exam until 2020 July. Since I have plenty of time and I was fared to lose my fresh memory, so I decided to took PA as my first exam instead of PCM/PJM. However, I failed 3 times for this damn section. I wasted the whole year on PA and I decided to move on. I made my second mistakes because I decided to take PPD/PDD because PPD is based on PA. After another 7 months study, I took PPD & PDD sections and I failed on both. And I rescheduled again for both, only passed PPD on Feb, 2022, this is my first passed section. At that time I felt so great, and I thought I could pass PDD&PA, however I failed on these two in March and April.

After talking to Elif Bayram, I took her advice (I had a facetime with her and got a lot of suggestions and supports!) and came back to PCM/PJM/CE, and I study for 2 months, passed these three at the first time in July, Aguest and Sep. Then I retook PDD and PA and passed in a roll.

So far, I failed 1 time on PPD, 3 times on PDD, 4 times on PA. I think I would fail less if I took the exams in a ARE community recommand order. So do not jump, do not jump, do not jump!!!!!!!!!

PCM/PJM/CE: I do not have more advices for you guys, I read the AHPP 2 times, and all the contracts 10 times and I passed at the first try. Using Blackspactacles Prep Exam only.

PPD/PDD: I highly recommend you read Elif's post, including everything you need. I copy the post below:

https://are5community.ncarb.org/hc/en-us/community/posts/360039404033-Passed-PPD-PDD-and-DONE-with-AREs-

I did exactly what she said. I read MEEB 3 times, Building construction _ principles, materials, and systems 3 times. Sun, wind and light 2 times and heating, cooling, lighting sustainable design 2 times. Elif's questions and blackspectacles exams are so valuable.

I use Amber book's video to help me understand the MEEB Mechanical and Acoustic part. I should say it is a must.

PA: my PPD knowledge helped me a lot for this section.

Elif's questions are a must for you to locate the related materials to be familiar with.

If you can reach 70% Blackspactacles's mockup exam, you should be able to pass.

I am on the way for my CSE test, and hope my post will help you guys.

Thank you!

Elif Bayram December 20, 2022 01:39

I am so happy for you Yutong! Congratulations!!! Your dedication to this process and tenacity were amazing! I feel honored to get to know people like you. You are a true inspiration!

Also, thanks so much for mentioning my name, I highly appreciate it and I am more than happy to help.

Enjoy the upcoming holidays and I am sure CSE will be done in no time! Congratulations!!!

Bryn Young December 20, 2022 18:13

Amazing!! Congratulations Yutong! What an incredible accomplishment. Best of luck as you begin your CSE journey. Are you part of the CSE Facebook group? It's an excellent space for resources. I also have a few free downloads for the CSE to help with studying if you are interested. If you have any questions about the CSE, definitely reach out!

Congratulations again!

- Bryn

P.S. you can find more resources designed to help emerging professionals become licensed architects here.

Sarah Al-Tekreeti December 29, 2022 12:11

Congrats!! Wondering, did you read the entire AHPP book or just focused on sections of it? If so which chapters did you focus on for PcM/PjM/CE? Did you follow Wiley plan on studying the numbered pages in their chart out of each chapter or Pluralsight’s with reading whole chapters?

YUTONG XIE December 29, 2022 16:05

Hi Sarah,

I read the entire book two times and chapter 10-17 another 3 times. Actually PcM and PjM are more related to AHPP, while CE is more related to A201.Construction Documents experience will be super helpful for CE. I dont know Wiley plan at all...Though I benefit a lot from Emily's post and questions. I admit AHPP is a little bit long and boring, however when you finish it once, you will have a comprehensive frame for these 3 tests, and you will be used to this long time reading mode, which is of great importance for your PPD/PDD (at least 4 books you need to ready entirely...).

My schedule is at least daily 3 hours reading of 2 months for these 3 tests.

Feel free to let me know if you need more details.

Sarah Al-Tekreeti January 04, 2023 20:33

Thanks for your help Yutong!

Passed AREs (Thank you, Elif!)

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