PA Fail
Hello
I would first like to thank all of you for your posts that have guided me and helped me a lot while preparing for the ARE tests. A first advise is to take the time to read posts on this blog, to get a better understanding of what to study and where to find the appropriate study material. S. Barber was a great reference, so make sure to check his posts.
As a quick intro about my background, I have a bachelor in architecture and 3.5 years post graduation, my experience is mostly in SD, DD and CD with some on-site experience
That's the sequence that I am going for: PCM (pass). PJM (pass). CE (pass). PA (fail) . PDD. PPD
Quick notes about the exam:
- I had quite some time to study for this exam so I was able to read most of the material recommended by previous test takers. This test was tricky because there was more study material than any of the previous exams i have done
- Topics in the exam:
. there were a lot of soil questions (types, cohesion, for which use...)
. occupancy groups (mostly in case studies)
. solar orientation - where to place the building on site depending on site features and climate
. topography
. landscape/building restoration, preservation..
. programming/ adjacency diagram
. net area
. building density/ FAR
. environmental site assessment (ESA phase 1 and 2)
. brownfield
. water management
. construction phasing
. several questions about ADA standards (slope, ramp size, path width, landing dimensions, turning radius)
STUDY MATERIAL
Check out the NCARB website to know more about the format of each exam and the ARE 5.0 community online.
1. Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th edition (AHPP)
To know which chapter to study for what follow this: http://narmourwright.com/wp/index.php/wiley-publishing/ - this book is worth skimming through for PA but is not enough
2. Site Planning and Design Handbook - Chapters 1.2.3.4.7.8.9.app A - i think most important ones: chapters 3.7.9.app A: brownfield, ESA, soils
3. Ballast book - If you buy it make sure you have the Revised version (yellow logo to the top right of the cover page) Good resource for PA
4. Problem seeking - p.96-125 - in specific building efficiency gross vs net p 110
5. Building Codes Illustrated (Ching) - Chapters 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.10.18 - This was helpful as a general knowledge but i didn't get any questions about it
6. If you prefer starting with a general overview lecture for each exam: Black Spectacles lectures - they’re good but not necessary. just gives as an overview of what's coming
7. For practice tests: Designer Hacks they’re good but not so great - a lot of the questions asked are not in the exams so it’s a lot of extra info. but it can be good practice
8. Brightwood book - I never read the book but the practice tests are great
Hope this helps.
Any tips/advise on how to approach this exam the next time i take is highly appreciated!
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I felt very good after the test and got a surprise on the test result, failed. This is second time I failed; very sad, and I don't know where to go from here. this community is helpful, but NCARB system is not since you never know what you did wrong.
Not discouraging, but feel like it is testing my patience, and it is draining out.
Good luck to all!
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Hoa,
I failed 3 times. The first two times I was not fully prepared. Too much going on and reviewing the wrong study material. I reviewed solely the AEP, which was wrong. I found this forum and was helpful. I will take it in a few months. After I take the PPD & PDD.
I agree. It is a little discouraging and testing the patience. The test covers such a broad category you wonder what you know and don't know.
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Failed 5 times, studied every resource given in the handbook as well as a lot of googling & tube. I throughly went through everything listed in that handbook, took it for the 5th time, felt pretty good about most of my answers and yet another fail. I don't know what else to do except maybe take a year off and come back to it. A true feeling of hopelessness is on the horizon:(
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