Failed PPD, taking PDD in a month - Study material advice
After passing CDs (from 4.0), PA, PJM & PCM on the first try, I took my PPD on Tuesday and failed. I had studied for it for about 6 weeks using mainly Black Spectacle materials which consists of Videos, Flash Cards & Practice exams. I actually signed up for Black spectacle coaching program/study group and tried sticking to their suggested study plan which unfortunately didn't work for me. After my exam, I thought I should've used other study materials as well like at least ASC. I had a hard time wrapping my head around all MEP systems and few days before my exam noticed ASC is probably the best resource for that so skimmed through relevant parts where it compares different systems.
Anyways, I'm planning on taking PDD next in about 5-6 weeks and having a hard time finding the right study materials I should be focusing on. I personally prefer to focus on as little study materials as possible as I get overwhelmed when I look at 10 different study materials suggested in the forum which are each 500+ pages. I just don't think I can EVER go through all that within 5-6 weeks while working full time (I'm not a fast reader). Any help would be TRULY appreciated, I just want to make sure I know which books/resources are the absolute best & most useful for this exam along with what I'll study from Black Spec and hoping someone here can help me out. I really appreciate your help in advance!!
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It doesn't sound like you would want to buy ARE 5.0 Ballast review manual at this point but the chapters on metal standard construction, concrete standard construction and masonry standard construction were pretty important for PDD. If you feel like you are good on your IBC standards, then I would simply buy Ching's building Construction illustrated.
ISBN-13: 978-1118458341ISBN-10: 1118458346Review all the chapters and details regarding those three building types and any part of a building design that requires flashing to prevent moisture damage (weeps, headers, parapets, expansion joints).I didn't get any questions regarding seismic but my friend said he did, and said to review Chapter 5 of FEMA, which is a short guide to seismic construction.If you do black spectacles, and run through the Ching's illustrated book, that may be plenty if you want to limit your sources. If you are feeling like you want a few more things to review, I suggest the FEMA, and then review galvanic action tables online for metal detailing.I also posted a longer post about the whole PDD exam here:And I posted about study materials for PPD here: -
One of the keys to passing these exams is looking at variety of study sources, especially for PPD and PDD. I personally would find it difficult to pass either just by looking at Black Spectacles. As you mentioned ASC is great for PPD, it just sounds like you didn't give it enough time before your exam. I would read through the entire book in addition to the following which I used to pass both exams:
Hyperfine (highly recommend. Affordable, efficient, and everything he goes over is relevant)
Designer Hacks practice exams
Ballast Practice Exam
Building Construction Illustrated
Building Codes Illustrated
Architect's Studio Companion
NCARB handbooks for 4.0 + 5.0
Black Spectacles lectures and practice exams
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I found the Black Spectacles videos to be way too general and not very helpful for the exams. I do like their practice exams, however. I found the Amber videos to be much more helpful but, of course, another expense. Watching videos is a better way of absorbing the information than reading textbooks for me so I justified the investment. This is not an inexpensive journey!! I, too, have PPD and PDD left. Good luck to you!
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