Passed PDD and CSE recently

Hi all,

I passed all ARE exams about two months ago and just finish the CSE the other night. I would like to come back here to this community to have a few words and hope it would help anyone of you.

English is my second language. I failed PcM twice 3 years ago when I first testing the water with these ARE exams and I thought I would never passed these exams or if yes, maybe when I am in my 50s. Felt like the world closes the door on me as it took extra steps for me to even get to this point with the education evaluation process.

Without thinking much of passing, I took a stab at it and  tried again last December (2023) and passed my first ARE exam ever. I studied like crazy after that and end up passing all of them plus the California one recently. Up until this point, every weekend did not feel the same or all exciting and all the nights after work studying hard felt endless and exhausted.

I needed this community when I failed my PDD on first try and this one gave me strength to get back on track.

I cried when I finished my CSE walking to my car alone at night (9:30 pm) in an almost empty parking lot. I know this only important to me just like everyone else knows this.

If I can do it, so do you. just the matter of trying and don't give up. You got this!

My study recommendations are these.

The Amber book to start out, then venture to other if you need to. Black Spectacles or ARE Preps are both good.
Get really good with Egress/IBC and ADA. Volunteer or ask to do them at work if you have a chance and that is the best way to learn.
Read the Bldg Cons. Illustrated book, Fundamental Bldg Cons. book if you feel like Construction is not your strength. There were times when I thought if this is overkilled, it was not. Really get to know anything that you are afraid off seeing on the test.

Read those typical AIA contracts several times until you understand their language. This was extra hard for me as I mentioned above.

We all have that periods of time when things are not going well and seems to lose track but don't give up, instead give it some more effort next time.

Good luck, everyone!!