Finished PDD and done! Passed all 6 exams in 2 weeks on 1st try!

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Robert Ward

February 10, 2023 04:15

Hi, I will write a longer more detailed post with all kinds of useful info later.  The short version is Amber Book is all you need. 

Week 1:  PCM, PJM, CE, PA, rest day, PPD

Week 2: review and then PDD

Looking back I think you would want 2 rest days between CE - PA and 2 rest days between PA -PPD.  I had to compress the time frame for work related reasons.  It all worked out, but the pace was exhausting.

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  Sarah Al-Tekreeti February 10, 2023 04:20

  Wow congratulations well deserved!!! How long did you study for each exam and all exams in general? Is Amber book all what you used?

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  Robert Ward February 10, 2023 04:29

  Thanks:)

  For each exam just reviewed the flashcards on the way to exam.

  in total 4 months: 2 of building code illustrated, and 2 of amber book

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  Brad McFarlane February 10, 2023 19:06

  Robert, 

  What was your schedule like over the last 4 months? Do you work? How did you compensate for that? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

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  Rebekka O'Melia February 14, 2023 15:56

  Robert, 

  Congrats on passing!  I've been seeing your posts in this community for 4 months, so I'd guess you studied for 4 months at least (?).  I really hate when folks post things like this and everyone thinks they can study for 2 weeks and pass all the exams and the product you used is the *magic bullet*.  And many folks don't mention how they failed other versions of the exam previously, and/or they have 20 years of experience in the field, have a photographic memory, etc.  There really aren't any shortcuts.

  Please clarify!  Also note, that if you were incentivized to post this on behalf of amber books, it's illegal and unethical. 

  Congrats on passing!!  

  Rebekka O'Melia, R.A., NCARB, B. Arch, M. Ed, NOMA, Step UP ARE 5.0 Courses

   

   

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  Robert Ward February 14, 2023 16:59

  Rebekka and others,

  Have a look at this post for the full explanation: https://are5community.ncarb.org/hc/en-us/community/posts/12414008216983-Finished-PDD-and-done-Passed-all-6-exams-in-2-weeks-on-1st-try-Part-2-

  TL;DR - I had a lot of soft skills coming in, there are no magic bullets, but Amber Book is a highly effective program

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  Robert Ward April 02, 2024 02:51

  The exam may seem intimidating, but it can be done.  I was not the typical candidate and others may not be able to replicate the unique conditions of my study.  Proof of passing all 6 in 2 weeks in image below:

  

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  Apple Prasopphakdi April 02, 2024 11:16 (Edited April 02, 2024 11:20)

  Congrats! 

  I have worked in the field for almost 10 years. I studied mostly on Amber Book for 4 months with having a full time job and a family. I literally had no life in that 4 months. I took PDD as my first exam yesterday and I think I might fail based on my performance. I do not think studying mainly on Amber Book is effective, at least, for the PDD. The exam was so difficult and I cannot even apply most of the things I have learned. I would recommend reviewing Fundamental of Building Construction and Architectural Graphic Standards and doing a lot,  A LOT of practice tests.

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