PPD - Additional Resources and encouragement?
Hey all. Yesterday I failed PPD for the 4th time. I felt that the resources I'm studying do not correlate with the test. For example - I had no plumbing questions, no shear/moment diagrams, only 1 electrical question, and very few questions on HVAC or structural spanning/systems. No material questions. I spent a lot of time this go-round to understand concepts, cost and implications of each system.
To be honest, I am having a hard time even trying to understand WHAT the test was even on. I just looked back to the ARE handbook, and those "sample" questions do not correlate at all to what my test was like yesterday (and in past exams).
My resources so far have been ASC, Graphic Standards, FEMA, Building Codes and Construction Illustrated, Hyperfine, Amberbooks, Elif's questions, Jenny's notes, Black Spectacles, probably a few others I can't think of.
I know people have recommended MEEB, but I'm having a hard time with the sheer size of that book and if it may be too detailed for PPD.
I felt pretty confident with environmental and site concerns but perhaps I need to brush up there and will look at Site Planning & Design.
Just looking for some encouragement as well. I'm extremely frustrated and bummed, and even a little embarrassed, that I'm having such a hard time. Thanks!
-
I feel your pain. I have my PPD retake scheduled for next week (3rd attempt and it's the only exam I have left). I have been using MEEB to study for the retake, but I agree it's a lot to absorb. I also read Heating, Cooling, and Lighting (HCL) because it was another recommendation for PPD. I feel like Heating, Cooling, and Lighting has quite a bit of helpful information and I really like the diagrams.
My strategy for studying this go around is to take Elif's quizzes and write down the topic for any question I miss, then I find that topic in MEEB, HCL, internet searches, etc. and really study it and make sure I understand the concept. This strategy keeps me from feeling like I have to read all of MEEB and just helps me focus in on the areas I am missing on the practice questions. I am also using Hyperfine.
Good luck - hope this helps!
-
Hi Lindsay,
Without getting into too many details, which are the sections you are failing? Have you passed any of the sections consistently through out the 4 exams you took?
At this point you should not be concerned on what source you use to study but more into feeling confident you understand concepts and you know how to apply them.
It is a very difficult exam, but believe me, you are closer to become a licensed professional with each failure.
I second Emily's strategy. Don't attemp to read MEEB, just refer to it to expand knowledge on answers you get wrong on Elif's questions.
-
Hi Lindsay and Emily, looks like we are in the same pattern of failing. Did you pass yet? I am starting once again after 5 fail, reorganizing and changing study techniques. I hv read all those sources too. If you want to email to see if we can help.
suchitra.van@gmail.com -
Hi Suchitra! I did pass PPD in April. I honestly feel like the most useful tool was taking Elif's quizzes then studying the information that I was getting wrong in the quiz. For example, if one of her quizzes had a question about the refrigeration cycle and I answered incorrectly, I would open up every resource I had and would study the refrigeration cycle, sketch it, take notes, do some internet searches on it, etc. I feel like that really helped me focus in on the gaps in my knowledge. I also learned that just reading the material wasn't enough since I am a tactile learner so I would highlight and take tons of notes and draw my own sketches and diagrams. I also started reading the material aloud because that forced me to slow down and really focus on the content. Is there one content area of your exam that you are failing more than others?
-
hi Emily,
thanks, I dance around codes and cost estimating and receive level 3. In all other sections, I receive level 2 but failed Bldg integration 1/2 times but also passed other times.
my best score was during my first try and had not read any books except Ballast and some previous 4.0 study books., passed the big three sections then.
-
I failed a 5th time over the summer. When I look at my score reports, I have passed each section between all 5 attempts, which is just funny to me.
I'm going to try again in December, but I think this time I'll be focusing heavily on practice quizzes. Has anyone used the ppi2pass resource?
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
7 comments