Failed twice, can you offer your advice on prepraing for CE?
Here is where I am:
- Passed all other divisions with 1 attempt
- Have been doing construction administration at work for half of a year
- Have studied the contract documents in detail
- Have finished Amberbook courses
- Thought I knew what the questions were asking, and why the answers I chose were correct
The flashcards and paid 3rd-party prep questions I studied didn't seem to help much, since lots of real exam questions seem to have come from real-life examples that require lots of interpretation (and frankly, intuition). It is frustrating that most study materials and the exam itself take hundreds of dollars. Can someone give advice on what to study, or what prep questions to take that are the closest to the real exam?
-
Hi, is not common passing all divisions but failin CE. A recommendation that I received when failing one exam is the next time I take it respond same answers , A mistake some people do when failing exams is changing a lot of answers from previous attempts, the correct way is not tu change the answers only you are 100% was wrong because of new information you have studied. What other study material? Since you need only have CE I would recommend Black Spectacles for only 1 month, if you want a cheaper option try Elif questions just to keep the momentum and correct if you find new information.
-
I would review your score report, and see what content area you're falling short in. Is it Preconstruction, is it Project Closeout? Use it to understand where you're falling short on the exam, and where you're strongest. Play up to those strengths and bolster up the weak areas for your retake.
Using the NCARB Practice Exams is your best resource to simulate the actual exams. What is your scaled score on the front of your score report? If it's 500+ then you're not far off from passing, a difference of a few answers could swing you into passing range.
-
Im actually in the same exact boat right now. Passed all the other exams easily and am now going on my third CE attempt next week. I have Doon amber book, and black spectacles, and read the primary materials and i keep failing by 1ish question every time. I hope third times the charm? I have no advice but just know you arent alone!
-
Hi Yuchen Song & Holly Fiore,
First off - congratulations on passing 5 exams so far!!! I understand how frustrating it must be to have this obstacle in your way, but know that you are not alone. Many architects have misses along the way and each of our journeys (especially throughout the ARE) are unique. I personally struggled with PPD and could not understand why the other divisions worked in my favor, but that one took extra time and effort. It comes down to so many different factors but regardless, the process only makes us stronger in the end. You are both SO close to the finish line and I know you will get there soon.
I'm sorry to hear that you've both been struggling with CE. It is a tricky division, as it has a mix of both contractual and technical content. I personally had a difficult time grasping the material, as I had very little construction experience at the time. Once I was able to become experienced in the construction phase with a couple of different project types, I was able to put my knowledge to practice. It was a fine balance, however, as I consistently reminded myself that real life does not always align with the answer NCARB is looking for on the ARE.
The good news is that you both have taken (and PASSED!) the other divisions, which has given you more knowledge and experience than you've ever had before. Draw upon this and you will be in great shape.
Third time's a charm, and I do believe that you both will pass CE this next attempt!
Best of luck -
Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Black Spectacles
ARE Community -
I started a YouTube channel to help architects and contractors understand the procedures of construction administration. So much of this exam has to do with actual experience in the field but in order to understand what to do in the field you must learn the language of construction.
Read the AIA 201 contract and understand its terminology. It will help you pass that exam. I only have 4 videos on YouTube but it might help you.
Keep studying, you are so close!
susan scarlet macaw
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
5 comments