Getting Most Difficult Versions of Exams
Does anyone feel like they consistently get the most difficult version of the exams? PCM is the second division I took after CE (I was 2 questions away from passing that one) and my goodness, I wanted to cry the entire way through. I felt blindsided, yet again. I passed 6 out of 7 practice exams for PCM (BS, NCARB, and Amberbook) so I walked in feeling pretty confident for the actual exam. I didn’t bother looking at the provisional results because I knew very well I failed. If anyone shares the same sentiments or has advice, I’m all ears.
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I had exactly same feeling today after taking PCM third time. I felt like this exam is unnecessarily making twisted and complex for making people falling on the trap.......even questions were asking the topic unheard of. so, you are not the only one who has the demoralizing while taking exam. :)
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Update: Fortunately, I passed PcM on the first try. As I mentioned in my recent comment, getting to the root of the questions is vital. Read all of the applicable contracts, consider investing in Black Spectacles, Amberbook, and thoroughly read AHPP. Lastly, take lots of practice exams to help you figure out where you fall short and to get into the test taking mindset. You all got this.
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Same here, I failed the first time i took PcM, 3 Questions short and that was due to bad time management and NCARB server breakdown. But studied for two months did the practice exams passed it, but when I went to retaking the real exam, OMG the questions were very tough. I got really upset and didn't even want to see the provisional results. so now waiting for my score :( maybe another fail.
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Congratulations on your PcM pass, dpstfl! I'm sorry to hear about that the difficulties and stress you experienced while taking the exam, but so happy that it was a positive outcome. Don't be discouraged, as your experience and feelings were totally normal. I never felt fully confident while taking an exam and it can be hard to determine what the outcome might be in that moment. Sometimes you just have to trust yourself and roll with it!
I'm glad that you found the Black Spectacles practice exams helpful during your study process. I hope they continue to help you prepare for future divisions!
Good luck on the rest of your ARE journey!
Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Black Spectacles
ARE Community -
Examinations often serve as gateways to professional advancement, validating the depth of one's expertise and readiness for new challenges. Yet, they can evoke intense emotions, especially when the results are not as expected.
My sentiments exactly. I understand that this may not be the appropriate forum for this discussion, but I felt compelled to share my experience. I recently undertook the CE examination and received a provisional failure, (yesterday). This outcome was deeply disheartening, particularly because several questions seemed convoluted and complex, reflecting the observations made by others about the nature of these queries.
The examination was inundated with numerous questions, many of which were indirect and not straightforward. Despite my extensive experience, spanning over four decades, during which I have designed and detailed numerous buildings across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, I found myself grappling with the structure and phrasing of the questions.
As I prepare for the Practice Management test, I carry forward the lessons learned, ready to face the next challenge with renewed determination and a more strategic approach to testing. I am now considering seeking help to practice and refine my approach to comprehensive testing.
It has been a long time for me, and now since I am retired I have the time.
Good Luck everyone
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I had the same experience with my test Friday and on top of that, my exam froze with 1m and 30sec left and crashed. The testing center showed the exam as complete but didnt get my provisional results because of the crash. That being said, im pretty sure I failed. There were some I had to blind guess on because Ncarb and black spectacle didnt address the topic at all and none of my math was coming out to any of the options available despite multiple attempts. They made each problem have so many steps and so much information you dont even know where your error was. So its not just you! Im currently trying to figure out the best way to prep for those problems for the next time, assuming that I failed like I felt like I did. I dont get lucky when I blind guess. If anyone finds any good resources to prep better for those complex questions, let me know!
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Hey jksenn4, I just replied to your comment on another thread
Fingers crossed that you actually did PASS!!! However, if it was an unsuccessful attempt, please reach out to me at kiaragalicinao@blackspectacles.com so that we can get you set up for a one-on-one consultation with a registered architect. We want to help you overcome this obstacle and develop a game plan for future exams. We'll review your score report, discuss study strategies and test-taking tips, and provide some additional resources.
Best
Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Black Spectacles
ARE Community -
Hi,
I took the PcM exam last week and I'm in the same boat. The exam felt extremely hard and tricky. I thought I was doing pretty well in the practice tests but walking out of the real exam felt disappointing. I feel I need to learn the technique of understanding the questioning differently.
dpstfl are you able to share which resources you used for the PcM. It would be helpful to study a different way maybe.
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payalptl01 I am sorry you had a similar experience. Did you check your provisional results or did you chose not to look?
As for the resources I used Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice (use the Wiley charts to know exactly which chapters to read), Black Spectacles (all of practice exams, videos, flashcards, quizzes), Amberbook (Professional Practice videos and practice exams), read and take notes on the AIA Contracts (B101, A101, A201, C401 and review the other contracts for Design-Build, IPD, CmC, CmA).
Take at least 5-6 practice exams and thoroughly review the questions you got wrong. Black Spectacles provides you with the source of all the answers once you complete the exam. Good luck!
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I just got out and likely failed. The frustrating thing for me was in the case studies almost every question was a different variation of the question before. I don't feel like I did very good on that whole chunk of the exam. Any suggestions on what to study when staffing a project? Taking into consideration experience, not so much utilization rate.
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