Important Testing Strategy- PCM,PJM, and CE Pass

First of all, I just passed my third exam in 4 months on Friday. 

There are two takeaways I have from taking and passing these three exams (PCM,PJM and CE).

1. I understand why NCARB has a particular order they suggest taking the tests in... suggestively: PCM,PJM,PA,PPD,PDD,and CE. Each test will take previous knowledge and build upon it, and you may be expected to see items or concepts that were previously discussed. When I took CE on Friday, I can honestly say- despite passing, it was HARD. Likely because there were more details, construction methodologies and observation than I had studied for just this particular section. I CAN SEE WHY THEY SUGGEST YOU TAKE THIS LAST. You would have already studied these type of questions while studying for PPD and PDD and detail knowledge would be second nature.

2. HOWEVER, I still suggest taking PCM,PJM and CE in sequential order. I think there is much more overlap between these three sections than my previous comment.  If you wait to take CE last, you will have to re-study contracts language which you'd find in PCM and PJM. I believe these three exams can be essentially studied for all at once, and scheduled in a tight time frame.I would also say the CE section in the study books you probably are using, aren't going to cut it. If you're worried about details, start looking over some sections in PPD and PDD to become familiar with wall sections, foundations, waterproofing, etc. This will not hinder you to become familiar despite this exam not being "all about that".

If you're struggling to find a schedule that works for you, I suggest these three exams first to test the waters in this particularly frightening deep ocean that is the ARE.

Hope this helps.