Completed PPD + PDD + DONE
I cannot believe I am finally done with the exams! It feels unreal and astonishing and while I know this chapter is coming to an end I truly cannot thank The Amber Book enough for all that they do. The videos, practice tests, animations and honestly just the way material is presented and discussed is what got me here. Thank you to Young Architect for putting me on to them and Hyperfine as well whos study material I used as a method for testing my knowledge.
For all those starting out, I truly recommend, doing the Amber Book Course, I took the first 3 exams (PCM, PJM + CE) at a rate of one per month of studying, I decided to take the last three (PA, PPD + PDD) all back to back, and while I only passed one of the three (PA) in that sitting I was able to reschedule for 2 months later and pass the last 2 (PPD + PDD) back to back the next time around! I totally wished I had just gone and did all 6 at once, imagine even if I had passed the first three in one week I would have only spent two months studying and been halfway done. These exams have so much overlap you are doing yourself a disservice by studying one at a time over a series of 6- 8 months. Take the course like you mean it, then take the exams and you will see even if you fail 2-3 you will have gotten 2-3 tests done within a week!
Good luck to you all, remember this is a community, share with one another and help one another, we all are going through it, we might as well do it together!
-
Hi Daniel, in addition to the Amber Book and Hyperfine practice, do you recommend any other specific books?
I have failed PPD twice and PDD once. I haven't done Amber book, but used Hyperfine last go around and felt it was helpful. I'll just have to dig in more to the questions, but want to get a sense if Amber Book series will be enough to supplement the other books.
Appreciate any feedback, thanks!
-
Check out the ARE tab to see notes on different building systems formatted graphically on 8.5x11 sheets
Architecture Exam Notes - Arc Infographics
Test taking was one of my biggest weaknesses but after taking and failing the architecture exams a few times, my perspective on the subject changed. I learned that everyone needs to find their approach to digesting the information, and I found that the best way for me is an organized and graphical representation of the material.
While studying for PPD and PDD, I created detailed diagrammatic notes on the contents of the exam using multiple sources including, but not limited to, Amber book, David Doucette's ARE Prep, Building Construction Illustrated, Building Code Illustrated, Architect's Studio Companion, Heating, Cooling, Lighting, Plumbing, Electricity, Acoustics and more.
To digest and organize the information, I found that graphically translating the material would connect the information both visually and mentally. My memory no longer needed to shuffle all the information coming through, but instead was able to construct the connections between each concept.
My classmates found my notes extremely beneficial once some knowledge was already established regarding the content of the exam. It helped teach, double check, and reinforce their knowledge on multiple subjects as they studied through the months, and was a well-rounded resource to review prior to taking the exam. I spent months organizing and reorganizing these notes, not only for my benefit, but for those who are in the same boat, trying to obtain their architecture license.
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
2 comments