What do I do next…?

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Wannabearchitect

January 11, 2026 21:54

I just failed my second attempt at PcM. My first exam fail was only by a couple questions. This time I felt confident going in but I saw the preliminary results saying fail. I just don’t know what else I need to do to pass. I would get 90% or more on the Amberbook practice exam and NCARB practice exam, then over 60% on the Walking ARE exams by Erik. But I failed… again. I felt like this exam had questions which I had never seen in any of the practice exams and topics which I had never covered. I’m disappointed to say the least and just not sure what I should do next. However, this is not a sob story. I don’t want to give up and want to pass but just have no idea what else I need to study in order to pass. I’m wondering if I should try again for the third time or just move onto a different exam… I have done PjM before but failed that one. I’m also only an entry level designer at my job, so working a lot with design and construction documents. So maybe I should try the more technical exams? My study resources are Amberbooks. I need help arch community!!

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  Rajan K. January 12, 2026 23:18

  I believe you may be using the practice exams ineffectively. Rather than treating them solely as a measure of readiness, they should be used as a learning tool. After taking a practice exam, take the time to thoroughly review your mistakes and understand why the correct answers are correct before attempting another exam.

  Since it appears you have stronger experience with the design-focused content, it may be beneficial to prepare for PA, PPD, and PDD concurrently. While bundling these exams may initially feel overwhelming, you will likely find that there is significant overlap in the study materials, making this approach more efficient than it seems.

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  Professor Hanlon January 16, 2026 23:39

  Wannabe:

  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.

   

  Professor Umber Hanlon

  Master Architect Distinction

  Gradiom

  www.gradiom.io

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  Wannabearchitect January 17, 2026 02:39

  Thank you Rajan K. I will do that and give those exams a try.

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  Wannabearchitect January 17, 2026 02:40

  Hello, Professor Hanlon. I am interested, please let me know where I can sign up.

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  Professor Hanlon January 17, 2026 03:13

  You can join the session here:

  Join Zoom Meeting
  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81034817161?pwd=wacJZne7MoWN127vq6MMAZE2bk1Ctp.1

  Professor Umber Hanlon

  Master Architect Distinction

  Gradiom

  www.gradiom.io

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  NikitaMcConnell January 19, 2026 19:06

  Hello, Professor Hanlon. Would love to join as well!

  Can I use the above link for 1/20 session?

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  Professor Hanlon January 20, 2026 00:56

  Nikita

  Yes you may join with the Zoom link each Tuesday 4:30p-5:30p PST west coast time zone.

   

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  archasma February 19, 2026 16:31

  Please can I join ?

  thanks,

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  Dannympoto April 20, 2026 19:39

  Hello professor, I like to join the session as well. Thanks

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  Professor Hanlon April 21, 2026 00:55

  Hello everyone. Please join each Wednesday 7:45p-8:45p. Have you questions ready or simply listen to the discussions.
  You can join the session here:

  Join Zoom Meeting
  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81034817161?pwd=wacJZne7MoWN127vq6MMAZE2bk1Ctp.1

  Professor Umber Hanlon
  Master Architect Distinction
  Gradiom
  www.gradiom.io

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  danaaustinbass July 14, 2026 18:01

  For each practice exam, I highly recommend reviewing each question to understand the correct answer, and retaking that particular exam until you get 100%. While reviewing the exam, try to master understanding of each question before moving onto the next question in your review. Have you considered printing the PcM NARCB Practice Exam PDF and reviewing a printed version? Sometimes having something printed rather than on a screen can help! Good luck!

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