PPD Retake. Harder than PDD?
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First of all, congratulations on passing the PDD! That's a tough one, so well done!
I’ve taken the PPD three times before passing, with two 517 scores. The first attempt was very close to the PDD, with a lot of technical questions. The second was more like the PA, focusing heavily on programming, site study, and eco-related questions. The third attempt was a mix of the first and second. Since the PPD covers a wide range, from SD to CD, you can encounter a lot of random questions. I wouldn’t recommend considering it an easier version of the PDD.
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PPD: random facts about materials & systems mixed in with code & programming. it's like a bridge between PA and PDD.
PDD: can you read a drawing set? Ok, you're good.
PPD has the lowest pass rate of all exams, and the highest passing score threshold. So PPD is the harder test. This was also my experience. I felt really uneasy during my PPD exam, whereas I blazed through PDD. As far as study tips, it would help to know what you've already been studying.
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Congratulations on your PDD pass, Garrett4!!!
I had a very similar experience. I studied for PPD and PDD together and scheduled them about a month apart. I took PPD first and did not pass, which was devastating. I did not feel confident during that exam and some questions really threw me for a loop. I debated on rescheduling PDD because I assumed I would not pass that either, but decided to keep it on the books and take the risk. To my surprise, I passed PDD! It was not necessarily "easier" but I definitely felt like the content was more straightforward and focused. I retook PPD as soon as I was eligible (60 days after my first attempt) and passed! I truly think that sometimes you are just unlucky and hit with a difficult set of questions. However, I also believe that having studied for and taken PPD and PDD once before did help me get that final PPD pass. Sometimes you just need that small boost of a few more correct answers in your overall score.
It sounds like you are in great shape and will have no problem passing PPD this next round.
You are so close to the finish line! You got this!
Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Black Spectacles
ARE Community -
Congratulations on PDD, Garrett4!
According to NCARB by Numbers data, PPD is the hardest exam because, with 50%, it has the lowest pass rate. It was 47% before. So clearly a very tough exam to pass. I think what makes it more complicated is that it is at the intersection of PA & PDD exams. This is why some test takers say their exam was PA-like and others say it was more PDD-like. Another reason in my opinon is because PPD encompasses the SD, DD and partly CD phases of the project where we need to make all decisions regarding the systems while making sure that, they meet all the criteria and requirement that was carried from programming and site analysis process and can also be transferred (all the design and technical decisions) properly to the CD and CA phases. It requires a lot of non-linear/vertical thinking.
On the other hand, PDD is much more direct and IMO easier than PPD because if you study well, you can pass this exam with fewer surprises. PPD is not like that. You should be prepared for anything and everything, which makes it unpredictable even when you think you are prepared adequately.
I would recommend dedicating these two exams their own time to study because PPD and PDD deal with similar issues on different scales. Re-study your notes and maybe include some of the books you didn't study before for the next time to cover more bases. Also, solve all PA, PPD, and PDD questions you can find for your retake.
Wishing you the best of luck! Hope you pass it!
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Hi Garrett4,
Congrats on passing PDD, which is a big milestone on your licensure path.
And I agree mostly with Elif. Most likely you already have a good understanding about building system, structure, and construction details. However, based on my personal experience and whatever I heard from others, sustainability is a huge chapter that most people might mostly ignore or they think they are already prepared for that topic. I will be hosting a group session online tomorrow to talk about certain critical topics of PPD. Feel free to make a booking on study together at https://www.arebooster.com/booking and best of luck on your next exam.
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