Just passed PPD (2nd attempt), used Amber books
Hello everyone!
I just passed PPD on the second attempt. I took it in 2019 and then stopped testing during the pandemic because I just couldn't focus with everything going on.
I went through Amber books course in 2019 (very half heartedly). This time around, I was more focused, and hearing it the second time really helped it sink in. The flashcards and practice tests really helped. I also read a lot of articles from buildingscience.com and studied Jenny's notes right before.
I found the exam EASY. Like I KNEW the content. I had 30 minutes left in the test. Did it all without a break.
On to PDD (last one)!!!
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Hi Anthea,
Congrats on passing PPD!!! I recently passed PDD and CE and am taking PPD and PA in about a month. I also have been using Amber Book (on my second time through it as well) and found it to be an extremely helpful resource. Between the visual nature of the animated videos and streamlined and relatable content it has been great. I also found the Black Spectacles practice exams to be a great tool but do not find their lecture series as helpful.
I am curious to see if there were particular portions of the Amber Book series that you felt prepared you the most for PPD?
I also highly recommend the Schiff Harden lectures available on YouTube for your PDD studies. The B101 and A201 lecture recordings in particular for those tricky pro-practice questions.
Thanks,
Dan
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Hello Dan. I have listened to Schiff Hardin, I will be sure to relisten to them for PDD. I found any content related to solar orientation and daylighting helpful. Thermal concepts related to the movement of air through an assembly and the placement of a vapor barrier important. Also, the positioning of a building on a site relative to topography, trees (deciduous and evergreen), water etc. basic structural concepts (shear/ moment diagrams, resultants) , simple codes questions. I find that the flashcards and practice tests for each section are invaluable. If you have watched all the videos, focus on those and just skim through heating, cooling, daylighting and MEEB. I found the in-depth articles on building science.com about thermal bridging, air infiltration and vapor barriers helped me own the concepts. It felt easy. But I have been studying for ages (at a leisurely pace.) Hope this helps.
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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 and sample study schedule I used in order to pass the exam in two months. Check it out here and be sure to Subscribe so you don't miss out on any future videos! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOl17gIUWCM
Devina | Exam Coach
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