Code information to remember
Answered
Hello NCARB associates,
Can you, please, confirm what kind of information is best to know by heart for code and ADA related questions.
I know that candidates are required to remember basic ADA requirements.
But how about tables from IBC, specifically table 508.4 or table 601 ?
Would we be given these tables on the test if the question relates to that information, or are we supposed to remember those tables by heart?
I'm trying to understand what is important to really remember.
Thank you,
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Artem,
Heres what I would recommend memorizing, meaning, actually taking the time to convert to memory:
1) basic ADA ramp design
2) what each chapter of the code deals with - e.g. Chapter 10 is egress
3) know what the various use groups are - e.g. that a restaurant would be an Assembly Use, an office space would be a Business UseThat's it. All tables you will be given on the test. Just know how to use them only.
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Hey Artem,
I wouldn't recommend memorizing ADA or IBC. Case study questions that reference IBC or ADA will include excerpts from the documents. Understanding the general format, concepts, and how to navigate both IBC and ADA is more critical. If you focus on general concepts from the code and ADA, you will be fine. Don't worry about memorizing tables.
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Hi Artem,
This is a great question, thanks for asking. I disagree with the answers above based on my experience with 5.0 tests. Not all the ADA and code related questions comes with an excerpt unfortunately. I feel I failed PPD because I was weak on IBC so especially for PPD make sure that you have a great understanding of IBC as well as try to memorize typical occupancy types (not just only know a restaurant is Assembly but try to memorize it is A-2 occupancy), typical fire separation requirements, the context of construction types and combustible, non-combustible materials/methods. Also like everyone else said above, know which information, table is where. You have very limited time on the test, unlike real life you are forced to look up excerpts in 1-2 minutes (if you even have excerpts to your code related question) so memorization is the key to pass under given conditions. In my opinion people who argue otherwise have been using code heavily during their daily life, my job doesn't require that. We have code consultants on board so we only check basic stuff that is why I am weak on it.
As for ADA, during all of my exams so far I memorized ADA and used for couple multiple choice questions which were not case studies, there were no excerpts. I really don't understand how Nick above says you don't have to memorize where almost everyone in this forum who passed/failed tests says otherwise. I am genuinely curious why all this people who took the tests recommending otherwise if they were not required to memorize - sometimes even not that basic - ADA codes?
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