Passed PA yesterday, PDD or PPD next?
Super grateful that I've now passed PCM, PJM, CE, and now PA. Curious if people have reasons for doing PDD or PPD next? Thanks!
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Its all sequential, PA is akin to schematic design, PPD to design developmennt, PDD to construction documents. They all build on each other, like math, if you skip algebra, you may do good in geometry, but you will struggle with trig and calculus. They all build on each other and the epiphany is these aren't 6 exams, its one big exam taken in 6 parts. You will still see contract and owner/arch/sub questions all through ppd and pdd. The only exception I made is CE bc its mostly the contracts you studied for pcm-pjm and I have years of experience and construction knowledge.
PPD is the logical progression and a LOT of PA content regarding site planning, zoning, codes and Ada will show up on ppd. Pdd, not so much, that really requires building and cd production knowledge as welll as more in depth knowledge of specs. Pdd requires a level of knowledge and detail a step beyond. Pdd really asks the question, can you read a set of drawings....not plans, an ENTIRE set of drawings? They will give you a set of 14 drawings and the answer is in the keynote of a detail, structural or lighting drawing.
Study structures (wood, masonry, steel, concrete, spans, foundations, etc), fire ratings, sprinkler types, mortar types, concrete types....all the types, acoustics, plumbing, electrical, seismic, galvanic action, drainage, hvac systems....etc etc
The subject matter is so vast, I would say give yourself some time. You can study wood framing endlessly and still come across a term image or detail you never saw before. Depending on how much work experience you have, these are the hardest to study for, imo (I passed the 1st 4 exams on my first try in 3 months, failed and retook these 2).
Also, I heard a lot of ppl say "study for both and take them both in a week, 2 days apart, in a day..."
Do not do that.... maybe this advice worked before but, not for the exam today. These are VASTLY different exams and that logic had me blindsided and unprepared for pdd. Im choosing my words carefully in these ncarb streets, but there are "things" I studied for weeks to get down for pdd that NEVER showed up in ppd, either time, and vice versa. Then when prepping for PDD, I spent so much time studying PPD "things" that never showed up in the exams.
Study the content subjects for both...then give each exam at least 30-60 days each of the focused dedication it deserves. If you walk into ppd, thinking its the same as pdd, you are setting yourself up to for a rough afternoon. Remember, there are multiple questions and different versions of the exam so ignore the ppl who passed on first try or been failing for 2 yrs. Focus on understanding the content. Your experience will be your own.
Give yourself time. Of the 6, these are not the exams to rush. If you dont feel ready a week out, haven't gotten to the practice exams, family matters or life happens, use your free reschedule. Heck, the reschedule fee is worth it. I got a 522 and a 517, so i failed by like 2 or 3 questions and the subjects or terms I wasnt familiar with were in videos and chapters cued open on my desktop I didnt get to yet. Literally, another week, another weekend, another practice exam.. another day, I would have passed.
Your best form of study is the practice exam. Do a 1-3 month subscription jus for as many practice exams as you can access. The biggest mistake I made for the first couple exams was waiting till the last week. Do them 3-4 weeks out because the practice exams will give you another 2-3 weeks worth of study material you need, in the areas you need it.
Keep it consistent, keep studying daily, never miss a day, you already did the rest, you can do these two, you got this
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Thank you so much for the in-depth reply! I really appreciate you highlighting the separation between the two exams, as most people have been telling me to study for them together and take them together. Looks like PPD is the next one and I'll be sure to give them both the time they deserve.
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