PDD Fail
That was the most insane of all the tests I've taken. My test cut out at least 8 times. My calculator stopped working twice. It took me from 8:45am till 4 pm to finish the test. The online proctor took 30 minutes to reconnect one of the 8 times.
Also about 20% of the content i studied was relevant. Amber Book, Hyper Fine, Elif. I have no idea what to study at this point. This is exactly what happened with PPD.
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Sorry to hear this, Cristopher. It sounds like it was a miserable testing experience. I don't understand why this is still an issue...?? But it is absolutely not fair that you had to deal with it. I am sorry.
I am not sure if you had the chance to read my post about how to pass the PDD exam, but I will drop the link here if you haven't. https://arequestions.com/how-to-pass-pdd/ Hope it helps. Please don't let this one incident define the whole process for you. Try to focus on the content areas that you felt you were missing the knowledge. I mention a couple of great books that helped me the most with PDD in my post above. For the great majority (like 90%) of the candidates, I feel like passing these exams mostly depends on reading the books that NCARB gives in the Handbook. Most of the time, many of us end up reading the same book more than once (thanks to retakes). So I would say go back to books and try to focus on the content again. Then come back doing all the quizzes you have, and hopefully, you will have a better testing experience and pass it next time. I am sure you will. Also, please remember, I took this exam three times too:)) So don't give up!
Good luck!
Elif
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Is it not possible for you to test in person? Seems like it would eliminate some of your issues. You will always have content that is pulled from other areas. Sometimes you know the answer, sometime you don't. As you progress through your ARE journey, you should be able to answer more and more of these. Try not to get sidetracked with PC/calc issues, its about how well you answer the questions, not how you deal with the technology.
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Your post made me feel like i was reading about my own exam experience! 7 hour ordeal and I feel like neither Amber, Hyperfine or Elif's Q's helped me prepare for the exam. I'm starting to study for my retake using the same resources but adding in Mehta's book and Architects Studio Companion. Good luck! You've got this!
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Check out the ARE tab to see notes on different building systems formatted graphically on 8.5x11 sheets
Architecture Exam Notes - Arc Infographics
Test taking was one of my biggest weaknesses but after taking and failing the architecture exams a few times, my perspective on the subject changed. I learned that everyone needs to find their approach to digesting the information, and I found that the best way for me is an organized and graphical representation of the material.
While studying for PPD and PDD, I created detailed diagrammatic notes on the contents of the exam using multiple sources including, but not limited to, Amber book, David Doucette's ARE Prep, Building Construction Illustrated, Building Code Illustrated, Architect's Studio Companion, Heating, Cooling, Lighting, Plumbing, Electricity, Acoustics and more.
To digest and organize the information, I found that graphically translating the material would connect the information both visually and mentally. My memory no longer needed to shuffle all the information coming through, but instead was able to construct the connections between each concept.
My classmates found my notes extremely beneficial once some knowledge was already established regarding the content of the exam. It helped teach, double check, and reinforce their knowledge on multiple subjects as they studied through the months, and was a well-rounded resource to review prior to taking the exam. I spent months organizing and reorganizing these notes, not only for my benefit, but for those who are in the same boat, trying to obtain their architecture license.
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So sorry to hear. Don't give up! You can do it!
I made a YouTube video about all of the resources I studied in order to pass the exam in two months. Check it out here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXHFKlN-Bx4&t=16s and feel free to subscribe to my channel so you don't miss out on any future videos.
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