Passed All 5.0 Divisions 1st Try

I found out yesterday that I passed my last exam! I thought I would share what I studied generally speaking to help out the next person.

It took me about a year and a half to complete all divisions with a three week break in December of no studying because I wanted to relax over Christmas and take my kid to Disney World. I typically studied 3 months for each exam.

Here's my list of what helped.

1. Professional Practice Handbook = This is what I started with each exam. The following link on what to read was really helpful. I read the whole chapter from the handbook, not just the pages specified from this website. https://sganwdesign.com/wiley-publishing/ 

2. PPI = ARE 5.0 Review Manual = This is what I would read second studying for each exam. 

3. PPI Online = ppi2pass.com = I bought a 3 month pass each exam. For the money, it was well worth it. The first thing I did after reading the professional practice and ARE 5.0 review manual was watch all the videos for the exam I was taking. Then, I started taking quizzes 20 questions at a time usually, on the different sections that PPI broke each exam into. They give you a schedule to study by based on the date you scheduled your exam which was helpful. I used it as a rough guide and supplemented with other materials listed below. I also used their practice exams online, but found I liked the printed flashcards to change up my studying routine a little bit. 

4. Michael Hanahan Professional Practice Lecture = Listened to in the car during my commute to work. https://www.perkinscoie.com/en/professionals/michael-j-hanahan.html

5. Read Contracts = Review the ones that the Michael Hanahan Lectures cover and anything else you are unclear about. www.aiacontracts.com

6. Building Codes Illustrated = Must read. Read thru at least once cover to cover.

7. Architects Studio Companion = I read the entire book thru once.

8. Amber Book = I used this a little. Out of what I watched, I found the mechanical systems lecture the most benefit. I actually took notes on that lecture.

9. Create your own flashcards based on quiz/practice exam question topics. I had a mini stash of flashcards that I studied in addition to the PPI printed flashcards. Writing things down on an index card also helped me retain the knowledge better I think. Google is your friend.

I studied typically 6 days a week. 30 minutes at lunch most days and 45 minutes to 1.5 hrs at night. Weekends I would log in a good 1.5 to 2 hrs each day.

Here's the order I took them in: Practice Management, Project Management, Construction Evaluation, Programming & Analysis, Project Planning, Project Development.

The hardest part I think for me was getting started and creating a study routine. I hope this helps and good luck!