PCM Pass; Second Try

Passed Practice Management on my second try. Study materials primarily included Ballast ARE guide and Black Spectacles (BS).

First try- Did not study enough. Didnt take it seriously enough. Studied light then crammed the week of the exam. Had the jitters as I was unfamiliar with the exam center/actual feeling of sitting for the exam.

Second try- Read the entire Ballast Review Guide on Practice Management. Followed the Black Spectacles Study Guide exactly (schedule for 3 weeks leading up to exam). Finished the study guide schedule with about a week left, took all four BS practice exams, reviewed all flashcards, watched all ARE Live YouTube videos for PCM, read the whole B101, A101, and AIA Code of Ethics. Felt much more comfortable already having been to the exam center. Studied about 1 hour a day for a month leading up to the exam, 3-4 hours a day on weekends. I studied with a senior Architect at work during lunch break at least once a week.

I realized its only a test, its possible to pass, and you really only need to be "minimally competent." I am now very motivated and determined to take the other sections within the next year or two and am confident I can pass.

Bottom line is everyone studies and prepares differently but this worked for me on this exam. I hope this helps and comment with any questions.

PS Shoutout to Mike Newman from BS