PDD fail 2nd try

May 01, 2022 14:41

I recently took PDD for the second time and failed although my score did get better it barely got better and I studied very thoroughly. Any tips on how to approach and study for this exam better? I failed the first 2 sections and surprisingly code section as well. Any tips on how to improve on these. I think I was close but not sure what I'm missing here.

Any tips to know on how construction methods works, and properties of materials and installation? I've used numerous ncarb books and black spectacles, as well as other books as well and contracts. Some books I've even read before and another cover to cover which did help but not enough apparently.

It's kind of ironic cause I have the most experience in construction documents but I seem to keep failing that section even if its barely failing, any tips on how to study for this? The first section as well detailing, and construction techniques how can you study well for that?

Also don't just mention amber book cause I've used that before as well and its great and helps but more feedback than just amber book that didn't work the first time around.

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6 comments

Mingjing Yang May 15, 2022 19:55

Fundamentals of Building Construction, MEEB.
These two books are really helpful for me to pass ppd and pdd. I didn’t use other materials.
Also, time management is very important. Try to have at least one and half hour for the case studies.
Good luck!

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rebekkak May 16, 2022 16:25

I'd read the important chapters of the IBC entirely to get a broad overview of the code. What books have you read? I'd read Ballast a 2nd time too. Read BCI and ASC. I would also do 2 hrs a day of practice exams for a period of 2 weeks before you retake the exam. Review all questions you aren't 100% sure of and research all the questions you got wrong.

Hope this helps & keep studying!

Rebekka O'Melia, Registered Architect, NCARB, B. Arch, M. Ed, Step UP, Step UP ARE 5.0 Courses

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Sergio Eduardo Claure May 20, 2022 01:16

I've read the mehta book front to back. And have been using a variety of books and study material, where I put a lot of time into it, understanding the concepts.

I will try to do what you mentioned thanks.

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rebekkak May 24, 2022 16:38 (Edited May 24, 2022 17:20)

Good luck! What's the mehta book? You cannot go wrong reading Ballast, BCI & the IBC.

Rebekka O'Melia, Registered Architect, NCARB, B. Arch, M. Ed, Step UP, Step UP ARE 5.0 Courses

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Tony Young June 03, 2022 14:55

Sergio,

Hang in there man, I hear your frustration. I used the Metha book as my main source but I supplentmented with other source material. So if I was studying vapor barriers I watched videos , I read Graphic Standards etc to fill in the gaps.

For me personally even when I've read books cover to cover I was least prepared. It takes me looking and different sources not just reading but videos, flashcards, or even making my own questions. Walking outside and looking at a structure and calling out the components. I literally sat on the balcony and looked at other structures and tried to make sense of how they were constructed. Bringing real life to words on a page makes it stick in your head. Good luck hang in there

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Sergio Eduardo Claure June 05, 2022 15:21

Ok good to know same here a bit, yeah I'll do that study from different sources.

Yes I've been doing that as well, look at structures and call components and details out. It helps to do that to understand construction and structures better.

Thanks

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