Another Amber Book success story
Chalk me up as another Amber Book believer! I passed all 6 exams within 2 weeks. Here was my experience in case it helps others:
Background:
I am a non-traditional architect, with a bachelors in interiors and a masters in historic preservation. I know getting licensed isn't for everyone, but as someone doing historical architect work w/o the MArch, I felt I needed it for career advancement. The Amber Book method was the perfect solution to bridge the gap in my education and experience. Overall it was engaging. It felt a little like I was in school again.
Schedule:
I took 3 months to study, and 2 weeks to take the exams. I studied an average of about 1.5-2 hrs/night. I did this while working full time, and I was also able to keep a decently healthy social life (even leaving town a few weekends). I took the exams in the following order, with 1-2 days of breathing room in between. This allowed for ample time to review the panic notes and flashcards specific to each exam.
PA, CE, PjM, PcM, PPD, PDD
Study Materials:
I used Amber Book solely. I took notes while watching all videos, and used my notes to review before each exam. I ended up not using the Amber Book workbook (except for the first one or two sections when Michael prompts you. He doesn't reference for the rest of the course). The only other source I used was the NCARB practice exam.
Expense:
Did the cost hurt a little? Yes. Highly recommend finding one of the group discount sources, which reduces the monthly cost to about $220. I ended up paying for 4 months.
Did the cost contribute to my motivation? 100%. Knowing the financial consequences of procrastinating did wonders for staying focused.
Online Proctoring:
In-person testing centers have severely limited availability right now. When you get half-way through the Amber Book course, you are supposed to schedule your exams. I was about 1.5 months in, so I went to schedule all 6 about 1.5 months out. And you guessed it - no in-person availability.
I've heard horror stories about prometric crashing when taken online, but I opted to give it a shot to stay on schedule. I took them all at work, in a private conference room with strong internet connection. I had our IT person install the program and remove all firewalls (you MUST do this). I heard the program crashes when scrolling fast through references and in the case study section. Practice slow scrolling - and use the search function instead.
I had zero issues/no crashes.
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Hi Josette.
Congratulations on passing all ARE exams in such a short time!! Your story is very informative and encouraging to me as I have a similar background to yours.
It is great that you used Amber Book only. Does Amber Book provide all the material/ sections in the referenced books by NCARB? I am thinking of signing up on Amber Book as my main study material, but I realize that the list of reference books on NCARB website is very long and it will be a small fortune if I try to get them all. It would be great if I can stick with one source ( Amber Book) Did you have any of the referenced books?
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Hi Motoko,
Thank you! Amber Book does not provide access to the reference books, and honestly - I never even looked at NCARB's list of books. Amber Book does a great job of prioritizing and reviewing information and high-level concepts needed to pass the exams, and then recommending further reading if you are still unclear on a topic or concept. If you decide to go with Amber Book, I would refrain from purchasing any supplemental material until you begin the course and find yourself stuck or wanting to know more.
Best of luck with whatever you decide! -
Hi Josette,
This is good advice.
It is true that it is very hard to get an in person test and if take test online you do risk getting disconnected.
So very good advice to disable all firewalls.
Did you take test on a Mac or Pc and does that make a difference?
You say there is an Amber book workbook.
Where can I get one?
Anyhow, great advice and you give great hope.
Thanks so much in advance,
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Hi Jonathan,
I took it on a PC laptop, and not sure if it matters? I've had friends experience crashes with both.
If you sign up for Amber Book, the workbook is included and you can request a physical copy shipped to you at no cost. I gave mine to a friend who was also using Amber Book.
Good luck!
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