CE = 4th Fail
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What resources are you utilizing the most? Are you working with the test source material such as the AIA contracts and documents? The A201 and G series documents are vital for this exam and knowing them goes a long way in preparing for the test.
The paid resource that assisted me the most is the Desk Crits book that simplifies all contract and CA procedures/information and puts it into a digestible format.
Are your scaled scores close to passing?
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Humans are machines for putting things in categories, whether they cleanly belong to a category or not. Many people assume that CE is a “pro practice” division, but as you know from your past CE attempts, it’s fully one-third technical content. If you haven’t yet studied for PA, PPD, and PDD, you might finish up with CE at the same time that you take those exams.
Michael Ermann, Amber Book creator -
Finally received my test report. Per ABs calculator, I missed the passing threshold by 1 question. Per Elif’s calculator, I missed the passing threshold by 1-2 questions. I did well on the construction observation and administrative procedures & protocols sections. I need to work on the preconstruction activities and project closeout & evaluation sections.
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BByrd1,
I share your frustration. Just like you, I have passed PCM & PJM, but I have failed CE twice, scoring a 501 on my 1st attempt and a 525 on my 2nd attempt. I wouldn't say we are not cut out for architecture, but we are not well versed in construction- architecture school, and even entry level architectural careers, do not provide much on site experience. I am about to begin studying for PA and then most likely onto PPD & PDD before returning to CE. I recommend the same for you.
If your last attempt was scored higher than a 540, maybe give it one more shot. Otherwise, on to the next exam and swing back later.
Best of luck!
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Hi Ket,
The scaled score passing threshold is 550 for every exam, and NCARB has stated that a score in the neighborhood of 450 is 6-8 questions from passing. A score around 500 is "a few" questions from passing (likely 3-4, though it will vary a bit more depending on exam form cut score).
The way the test is written, 50% of all examinees score within 4 questions either side of the cut score - the test is meant to measure "minimum" knowledge to practice as a licensed architect early-career, so most people are scoring close to the threshold. About 25% of tests pass by 1-4 questions over the cut score question, another 6% pass exactly, and 19% don't pass by 1-4 questions.
So, if you don't pass, and your scaled score on your score report is a 500 or better, generally, it's a good idea to review what you know, and plan to test again in 2 months when your eligibility reopens - and you should spend more time reviewing what you already understand than you should spend on learning new topics, since it'll be more efficient to pick up a bit more knowledge in many areas you're already familiar with than it will be to learn a new topic from the ground up.
Best,
Ralph, the Amber Book Team
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