PPD Pass - Second Try
I passed PPD on my second try this week.
I know all the study materials have been noted here from different people so I will not repeat those but I just wanted to share my own experience.
Things I read (I studies for PDD and PPD together and that helped me as well):
Ballast PPD section/ PPI Practice Exam (just going through this one after finishing the book without timing and just answering questions one by one, the explanations in the responses are really helpful; I took note of them)
Building Construction Illustrated (for me it was super helpful resource, I did not read the whole thing but I went through important sections; specially the MEP part and all the material section, since it has visuals, it sticks to mind better)
IBC and ADA ( going through important sections like for IBC, section 3,4,5,6,10 and knowing where to find things, for ADA going through imagery of the ADA requirements for RAMPs, Corridors, Parking, etc..) with these, you basically have to be able to find information but I would recommend knowing more. Important numbers for ADA requirements, and for IBC, construction types, occupancies and important occupant load factors, and things like that. These will help you answer related questions faster.
Practice exams: (important to go through the responses provided, some times they provide links to further studying some content, I would read the content in those links as well)
WeARE
Designer Hacks (the 25 question quizzes are really helpful, just taking one 25 question everyday keeps your mind fresh and up to date even if they are repetitive for the most part, you will see new questions as well)
Elif (really helpful questions and a good mock exam)
Black Spectacles (visually, the closest to NCARB exams, the great thing is that they have case studies in their mock exams which is definitely helpful. The responses are great source of review since they explain every answer even if it is not the correct answer)
At the end, going through youtube videos for areas I felt like I need to know more, such as different heating and cooling systems and their diagrams. Also going through free videos of mock exams of black spectacle and answering questions myself before hearing their response. (the videos are also helpful closer to the exam. They help to fill in the gaps and weak spots.
I hope this was helpful. I just recommend going into exam with confidence and trying to understand the question and what it is looking for. Being calm and strategic during the exam will help you remain focused. Do not stress over complicated question. Make a guess and move on.
I wish a smooth ride through this journey for everyone!
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Christopher Kono Hi Christopher, in my opinion, it was helpful a lot. Design Hack and WEARE are good sources but they seem to be on the easier side of things. They are great to keep to memory fresh and learn as much details as possible. But I feel like Elif's questions are a little bit more difficult and need more thinking therefore, closer to actual exam. And that is what makes them useful specially for PPD and PDD. For me it was pretty understandable. I am not sure about your experience. But of course each person has to find the best package that works for them.
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Congrats on the Pass!
If anyone else is looking for PPD study references, I made a YouTube video covering all of the study materials I used in order to pass the exam in two months. Check it out here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOl17gIUWCM
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