Passed and Done!

I scheduled my PDD exam for December 31st and finally passed. This one was the toughest for me, even more than PPD. I had to take multiple attempts to get it done, but going into this attempt I had a feeling I would pass.

Here are the things I did differently on this attempt that I believe finally got me through:

• Used AI tools (ChatGPT and Gemini) to unpack and understand various concepts. Every time I came across something unclear, I would prompt and re-prompt until I was conceptually crystal clear. Then I had ChatGPT create a quiz to test my knowledge. Gemini was especially helpful for the relevant Google links it provides alongside its answers.

• Did around 600+ practice questions. Prior to the exam, I completed four full-length timed exams (three Black Spectacles exams and the NCARB PDD practice exam). After each exam, I took every topic behind the questions I got wrong and ran it through ChatGPT/Gemini until I had a solid grasp.

• Reviewed three to four full construction document sets of mid-sized, ground-up construction projects. I practiced reading and understanding drawings, referencing between sheets, and quickly analyzing a portion of the project across plans, sections, elevations, and schedules.

• Went through Caroline Joseph’s CE notes. These notes are a great crash course on contracts, project delivery types, and other important information relevant to the PDD exam.

• Didn’t do any additional reading. I went through all of my handwritten notes from previous attempts (which were created from various study resources). Most of the new learning for this attempt came from the first two bullet points. In addition to the full-length practice exams, I also redid Elif’s PDD quizzes, since they pack a ton of information you’re required to recall while answering the questions.

• During the exam, I did the case studies first. On my previous attempts, I was mentally burned out by the time I got to the case studies, and I think I was making avoidable mistakes even when I understood what the questions were asking. I also found it much easier to parse the resources with a fresh mind. If you take this approach, keep an eye on the clock and set a hard stop so you leave enough time for the remaining questions.

I believe these strategies were the difference that helped me get across the finish line. I passed the first four exams on my first attempt, but it took multiple attempts to pass PPD and PDD. In hindsight, I’m glad I didn’t put my life on pause for these exams. During this time I got married, we had kids, I moved jobs and homes, and I got promoted. The ideal scenario is to get these exams done in a straight line with only a few hiccups. But if you find yourself in the doom loop with PPD/PDD, make sure you keep living your life on a parallel track!