Fail PA
Hey Everyone,
I got my fail for PA. Totally stumped. I've also failed SD, PPP and SPD in the 4.0 tests. I've failed so many times that it is embarrassing. I feel like this test is a culmination of all three sections.....
It is beyond me where to go from here. I've studied and studied not to mention that I have 12 years of experience.
I studied the Ballast 5.0 Guide, Problem Solving, Codes Illustrated and completed the Amber book on Codes and Site.
Unfortunately most of my exam was programming and site orientation questions it seemed.
Any help for how to study for this? The Amber material was mostly code and site but no programming or orientation. I apparently am terrible at these tests.
Any methods or good practice exams out there? I really feel I am terrible at the test.
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I also find this test different, as trying what to study is tough (more difficult than CE, PJM, PCM). My strategy is to improve my results, and eventually will pass. I found the hyperfine weekly notes and practice exam to be helpful for me. Ballast I have read too many times, and it is a good start, but try not to focus too much time on it. Also looking into the facebook group and searching for PA gave me some additional thoughts on how to focus my study efforts. Dont give up! Just try to make some small adjustments here and there! These tests are never black and white answers, I believe is more difficult than the actual info..
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Sorry to hear this, I have failed a couple months ago on PA as well - which was my first exam, I did the Amber Videos and Erick Walker's PA mock exam, but didn't have any luck. I got Level 3's on all section except for Site Analysis & Programming which I got 2. I'm currently doing the Hyperfine assignments and hopefully it will help me out on my next try maybe your's as well. Did you got a lot of net/gross area calculation in regards to programming?
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Thanks everyone for the comments!
I do think this test is different than ce, pjm and pcm. I felt like I didn't have enough time and that the test was harder than the actual material. I think I need to actually practice the test a bit more. I will try out the hyperfine notes. thanks!
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I think I failed PA today.
It asked a lot of questions related to Historic and Environmental agencies and Codes that I did not come across when studying Black Spectacles / Plural Site web sites or Site Planning and Design Handbook / Problem Seeking books. Some of the questions were similar on the Black Spectacles Practice Tests, but I'm not sure where to study the information.
I love Programming and Analysis, so to fail this exam is frustrating. I knew that I was going to be short on time when I was only half way through. I tried to pick up the pace but I obviously took more time to answer them than was allotted. By the time I got to the Case Studies, I only had 20 min. left. I had to guess at many of them without having time to read the Reference Material.
The exams are not supposed to test your ability to recall information.
The "remember" base of the pyramid is not supposed to be required, but I had a lot of information on my test that I had never heard before, yet was supposed to remember. The Black Spectacles PA section had over 500 flash cards.
I am really frustrated, but at least I think I know what information I need to find, I just need help finding it.
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PA is my 4th division, other 3 pass in one try. I guess (optimistic) I was very close to passing PA..... level 2 on 1,2&3 and level 3 on 4. I guess was the net to gross, moreover many of those mentioned net to gross. Many many of bubble diagrams and burn time and IBC for sure. Taking again in 4 weeks, strengthening IBC and ADA.
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I just failed PA this afternoon as well, I had some really odd math calculations on the exam with some strange wording. Very few net-gross calculations. I will be curious to see the exam report.
I had about 1 hr 30min for the case studies , and about 20 min to review a few flagged questions at the end.
Some of the case studies seemed too simple, so maybe I was missing something.
I will retake the test again in 2 months.....
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I was so sure that I will pass because I understand all the questions.... but the calculator failed me, the center are not able to help me, the restarted my computer, imagine 1 min for a question, I lost many questions there. And when it came to case study, very long numbers calculation. And exhibits of hundred pages does not load, I basically have to use my memory to answer. Fresh from the center, second fail after studying 60 days of all the material...
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