PA Fail - retake in 60 days or move to PPD & PDD

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Adam D'Elia
Hello All, As indicated, I did not pass PA. Felt like I had a rough time with the case studies after being a day or two removed from the exam which may have been my ultimate downfall. My results were; three sections at level 3 and one section at level 1., for whatever that is worth...I also felt about 20% of what I studied was on the exam. My question is simple and would like to hear others perspectives and experience. Retake PA in 60 days? Or Start studying and schedule PPD & PDD about a week or so apart in approximately 45-60 days? Some context. I’ve gotten credit from 4.0 and “passed” CE. I’ve passed both Project and Practice Management 5.0. I’ve watched all of Amber, most likely will give it a second run through. Design Hackers, and Ballast notes and diagrams/dwgs from Marina. I know there is no right or wrong but I suppose my fear would be PPD and PDD would be way overwhelming. I hear the materials overlap a lot therefor me I’d study for both at the same time. Thank you.
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    Julie Foley

    Hey Adam. It's never easy seeing those four letters on a score report. I think you're best step forward would be to keep studying. Shift to PPD (slightly more overlap with PA) & PDD and come back to PA when you're ready. But don't stop. That would be your biggest fail.

    Yes, I highly suggest Amberbooks. Check YouTube for Designer Masterclass, EPA, Space Planning, this Old House. Heck, just YouTube topics from the objectives list and watch more videos. Black spectacles. and Amberbooks both have free videos. 

    Look into Elif's AREquestions for all three of these technical exams. She has a great website with practice quizzes and exams; it's a one time purchase. PPI2pass is an approved study source - also great online quizzes and practice exams - they're a subscription.

    Best of luck! Keep going!

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    Adam D'Elia

    Great feedback thank you! I will look into this other resources.

    Just to clarify do yo I think it is advantageous to study for both PPD and PDD while taking them a week or so apart - or take a good two months or so for studying each PPD and PDD exam. Basically from what I read there is a ton of overlap just PDD is a bit more
    “Specific”. Thank you again greatly appreciate it!

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    Christopher Kono

    The PA exam was bs. My exam had about 10% of what I was supposed to study for. There must be a wild variation in the test questions. It was unbelievable 

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    Rebekka O'Melia

    Sorry to hear about your fail Adam!  :(

    PA and PPD have overlapping material.  That being said, PPD is the most difficult exam, so I recommend taking it last.  

    I recommend reading Problem Seeking, Site Building & Design Handbook, the National Park Service Historic Properties website, Sun, Wind & Light, and the Ballast sections for both PA & PPD before your retake.

    I don't recommend taking PPD and PDD a week apart after failing PA.  But I'd start with PDD out of those 2, and study for at least 2 months.  It may be a better strategy to just continue studying for PA until you pass it.  It's a tough exam!!

    Good luck & keep studying!

    Rebekka O'Melia, B.Arch, M. Ed, Registered Architect, NCARB,  Step Up ARE Prep

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    Franklyn Roth

    Christopher - totally agree with you. 10% - No FAR, no efficiency, no setbacks, seems like many questions were pulled in from other divisions, so maybe it's not the first test to take, although that is the first step - Programming.

    With that said, my plan is to move on to PPD, take that exam, and plan on a 60-day PA retake. My feeling is you will be better prepared for the PA then, or PPD, PDD then the PA retake. Best to get those three passes in since it appears there is substantial content overlap. 

    Best of luck to all and keep moving it forward. 

     

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    Tony Young

    Sorry to hear you didn't pass, as far as should you move to other exam, I say it's a personal choice. For me and my experience, i do better just studying for a retake of the exam instead of going to a new test. Although there is overlap between PA and PPD they are still stand alone test. For me if I fail an exam if i study for the retake i still have fresh in my mind what things i struggled with as I study for the retake. With that information, as you read the study material you will began to see how you may have chosen the wrong answer choice. Again, this is just personal experience and may or may not work for you.

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    Gang Chen (Edited )

    PA is a hard division. If I were you, I’d move to PPD & PDD and then come back to PA later.

    Gang Chen, Author, Architect, LEED AP BD+C (GreenExamEducation.com)

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    Franklyn Roth

    Thank you for your comments and that validation. PPD + PDD seems like the route to take. Spectacles from what I have read also has a very good exam simulator to help prepare. 

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    Kawai Yam

    Adam I am pretty much on the same path with you. I am on here every day.

    https://discord.gg/8FJKfQ77XQ 

    feel free to stop by and say hi, and ask questions. we all have to keep each other motivated, and just get this s*** done ASAP ! WE CAN DO IT!

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