Case Study and Construction Documentation section
Hi, everyone
After several attempts at the PDD, I’ve realized that my weaker areas are the Case Study and Construction Documentation section. I guess that many of the Case Study questions are heavily tied to Construction Documentation topics.
I’m looking for study materials / practice exams—especially ones that offer strong case study practice. I’ve already worked through the practice exams from Black Spectacles and Ballast. Do you have any recommendations for other resources or practice exams that focus on case studies?
I’d also really appreciate any tips or study resources that can help strengthen Construction Documentation section.
Thank you!
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Hi gyohaia,
I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling with PDD. It is a very challenging exam with so much content involved. You are definitely not alone!
I'm glad to hear that you've been utilizing the Black Spectacles practice exams, as those are a great way to simulate the real thing. When approaching the case studies, try try to develop some strategies that work for you (and practice these out when doing a practice exam) - use the 'search' function to locate key words within the references, highlight key terms in a prompt/scenario, strikethrough items that may be irrelevant, utilize the whiteboard to keep track of your notes as you navigate the scenario and references. Remember that case study items are worth the same as discrete items; so while they may feel like they are weighted heavier, they are not.
Have you checked out our Virtual Workshops? These weekly, interactive sessions focus on the most difficult ARE topics, structured similarly to a case study. Members are able to collaborate with peers and registered architect coaches to tackle challenging questions, while navigating a scenario and references (such as the 2021 IBC). It is a great way to not just get practice on approach case studies, but also hear perspectives and advice from other test-takers.
As for construction documentation, I found that Building Construction Illustrated and Architectural Graphic Standards were helpful to visualizing details and how various components come together. I'd also recommend that you try to find some opportunities at work to get some hands-on experience with this topic - whether it's assembling a construction documentation yourself, developing construction details, or even picking up redlines.
Hope this helps! Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to help you along your ARE journey.
Best,
Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Black Spectacles
ARE Community
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