PPD failed 5 times
Hi to all
I have failed PPD 5 times already and am getting really frustrated. I am currently using Amber Book as my study source. I have watched all the videos, studied the flash cards and took the practice exams. I also took the NCARB practice Exams several times before test day. I used Black Spectacles and Amber Book together before but found Amber Book more useful as it helped me pass CE and PDD recently. I have already passed PJM, PCM,PDD and CE. What other resources am I missing in order to pass this division. Need help. Thank you in advance.
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Amber book does point you to read the relevant fema chapter (easily found by google). It also shows you an hour long video that covers many principals that are covered in that chapter.
If I remember the time penalties correctly, you would be going on at least 2 years of studying for this test? If I were you I would start from scratch and be very dedicated and cram on a short timeline. Give yourself say 2 months to redo all PA, PPD, and PDD amber book content. Take thorough notes, and then have a "chill" week of only review leading up to the exam.
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Hi!
What kind of scores are you seeing on your score reports? The 3-digit scaled score on the first page, especially - if you've passed PDD already, I'd be surprised if your most recent one is too far off. In any case, the pattern will tell a good bit about where you are.
Best,
Ralph, the Amber Book Team -
Hello @akimima23,
I received a “likely Pass” yesterday—this was my fourth attempt. In addition to Black Spectacles and Amber Book, I also practiced with Elif’s ARE questions and reviewed the relevant PPD chapters from all five NCARB-recommended books, plus Fundamentals of Building Construction and Simplified Engineering for Architects and Builders. My exam was very structural-heavy, and I was especially grateful for that last book—it’s where I finally understood shear and moment diagrams (thanks to Elif for recommending it in her bundles).
I probably went a bit deeper this time, and it took me two months to prepare, but it feels incredible to finally see “PASS” on the screen.
Good luck!
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Congratulations OKovalenko!!! I personally struggled with PPD, so I understand how relieved you must feel with this accomplishment! You definitely covered all your bases in terms of study materials, and I'm glad to hear that Black Spectacles was a part of your study journey :)
Kiara | Black Spectacles | Community
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Please don't give up and keep with it! You are so close! Don't over think, relax in the test and be confident with your answers...you know this stuff, you got it! I passed on my 5th attempt and I know how discouraging multiple fails are. I think for me not second guessing myself is how I passed. I had an hour and 22 minutes left when I hit submit and that was scary but I didn't want to change answers and I had to just be confident that I had most of them right, you just need most, not all....
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It is not always about the resources. It is about how you use them. Passive listening to lectures is not enough. Take notes in your own words, as if you are explaining the material to your future self who has forgotten it. Take frequent quizzes and practice exams, and focus on active recall. I learned this the hard way after failing six exams, then passing four exams in one week, including two in a single day. I have documented my struggles and lessons learned on the Arniko Academy Blog.
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Akimima:
I am an ARE mentor. I hold study sessions each Tuesday 4:30p-5:30p PST west coast time zone on Zoom. Let me know if you want to join.
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