Passed PDD - How I did it – ARE 5.0 Community

Five tests down, recently passed PDD last week. Passed CE and PPD earlier this year, and gearing up to retake PA for the fourth time. My suggestions thus far: you have to really know the content. For example, you have to know the components of a mechanical system (evaporator, condenser, expansion tank, etc). You need to know how drawing sets are organized and labeled. You need to know who is doing what on a project and their responsibilities. Know thermal control layers and how to calculate their resistance and conductance (U- & R-Values).

I used Amberbook and their the 40 minutes of Competence. I highly recommend studying for all six exams at once and taking them within a few days of each other.

Building Construction Illustrated and Building Codes Illustrated by Francis Ching have been excellent resources.

YouTube has been an invaluable resource as well.

I recommend practicing taking the exam in real time as many times are you can. This enables you to practice how to control your emotions and anxiety throughout the exam, and as well as pace yourself. Remember to take deep breaths during the exam to center yourself and keep you focused.

It's a tough exam but as my wise peer, who is now an RA, once said "they are not impossible". Glad I passed and now have one left to go.

Good luck everyone!

Kaylahwesley17 September 23, 2026 14:17

How long did you study for it? I studied off and on for 6 months on PPD but failed with a 480-score report. Really only did good in Codes & Regulations. Everything other section was mid or low 50s. I am having a tough time with structural questions and a bit of MEP. The other systems I think I will get down, it's not hard to remember or understand sprinklers, smoke detectors, acoustics, thermal etc. But I find it hard to retain MEP/structural. I read the ASC sections, read FEMA, went through AmberBook/Black Spectacles videos and now going through Hyperfine assignments. Did you read a ton of MEEB? I cannot for the life of me seem to retain any information I have read from that book. How did you study for PPD? Any suggestions will help.

Also, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Ralph Hale September 23, 2026 15:18

Rashidahgs,

Congratulations!!! Shoot us an email if you'd like any tips for PA - as your peer has noted, they're not impossible - but there are some tips and tricks that can help around the edges. We're so glad we could help you along your journey to licensure.

Best,
Ralph, the Amber Book Team

Passed PDD - How I did it

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