PPD 2nd Fail - Passed All other divisions
Not awfully far from passing. Got 477 on my first try, didn't study much or complete the syllabus. 2nd try I was confident but still got a fail but a 505 score. I passed PDD on first try and passed all other divisions. 2nd try exam felt difficult. I have been using Amber books, Ballast practice exam and Practice questions, NCARB test, Elif questions and black spectacles tests. Please suggest on how can I improve my score and more helpful resources.
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Are you using any of the primary resources in the ARE reference matrix? HCL, BCI, AGS, MEEB, BCI, etc? The exams cite these sources for topics and items that appear on the exams, so it helps to become familiar with the direct source material vs getting it secondhand from additional resources.
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I'm so sorry to hear about your struggles with PPD bdandona! I also had to retake PPD, so I understand how challenging and frustrating it is. You are definitely scoring well and trending in the right direction, so don't give up! With your most recent attempt, you were just a few questions away from passing.
It's great to hear that you've been doing well on practice exams, as they are great for simulating exam day and giving you practice with the types of questions you can encounter. However, it's important that you analyze your practice exam results beyond the score itself, and use them as a study tool moving forward. Understanding the underlying concepts within the question and answer choices, rather than focusing just on if it was correct or incorrect, really helps to strengthen your cohesive knowledge on a topic. One answer may be incorrect in a practice exam, but that could actually be the correct answer on the real thing based on the scenario provided. In other words, don't simply memorize correct and incorrect answers in order to get a high practice exam score - focus on thoroughly understanding the concepts and related topics as a whole so that you can confidently apply that knowledge to the real exam.
If you haven't already met with one of our licensed architect consultants to discuss your score report and develop a game plan for your retake, please email me kiaragalicinao@blackspectacles.com and I will help you get a meeting set up!
Best of luck!
Kiara | Black Spectacles | Community
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I'd suggest reading Architect's Studio Companion and Ballast. I'd also suggest reading ch 3,4,5 & 6 of the IBC. And also improve your test-taking abilities. Do the case studies first, and skip odd questions or questions you don't know.
I don't think your reporting of the specific score # is correct. NCARB gives a range on the score report, which can be interesting, but I don't think it's actually helpful... They have various forms of each exam, and their passing scores varies.
Keep studying - you are definitely almost there!
Rebekka
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