Taking my first exam next week. Any last minute study recommendations?

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Derek Rakis

September 07, 2022 00:26

I have just over a week until I take my PA exam (and my first exam overall). I feel like I have exhausted much of the study material I have access to (Black Spectacles, Brightwood Book, NCARB Practice Exam) however I am still hovering right around the pass/fail mark for the practice exams I have taken recently. What study materials or resources would you recommend to help me sharpen up in this last week before my exam? Any recommendations are appreciated :)

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  Rebekka O'Melia September 08, 2022 16:14

  PA isn't an exam I'd recommend taking first, but it may work out ok.  CE and PjM are the 'easier' ones; after this exam, I'd take one of those.  I'd recommend studying Ballast and covering part of the PPD material too.  Do a at least 2 full length practice exams in the final days of studying.  Research any you get incorrect. Manage your time well during the exam, and do a case study first! Good luck!

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

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  Margaret Keasler September 09, 2022 00:32

  For most exams I only read the Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice and watched online videos. The book helped a lot. For PA i also looked at architect graphic standards and building code illustrated. I found the books online at a library and was able to rent it to study.  Also just be familiar with the general testing rules and format of the computer program. That helps settle nerves while starting the test. If you have to write numbers down on the whiteboard I recommend using the text box to type out the equation instead of trying to hand write it. The whiteboard is really bad for writing as it can lag.

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  Elif Bayram September 13, 2022 00:57 (Edited September 13, 2022 00:58)

  I would solve as many practice questions as possible at this final stretch. Like anything, you can get your hands on. This group and ARE Facebook group have great recommendations for useful practice exams. 

  PA has long and wordy questions, so try to manage your time wisely. Read the questions very carefully and make sure to weed out irrelevant information. Make sure to stay within the limits of the question when selecting an answer. Don't bring in the other correct knowledge from your brain library that is (relevant to the content but) irrelevant to the equation.

  I wish you the best of luck!

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  Heidi Rodriguez September 15, 2022 00:01

  It seems I may be too late to this post, but the Erik Walker practice exam was a complete must-have for PA!! I believe that thanks to that and Hyperfine, PA was one of the few exams I've passed on my first try! If you still have some time, do it. Best of luck!!!

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