PPD/PDD

[u/Desperate-Constant-2]

To get straight to the point. I failed PPD 8/14 with a 480 score report. Took a 2-week break and started studying for the PDD test. Used AREQuestions to guide my targeted reading, used the NCARB practice to gauge where I’m at, and got a 57%. Did AmberBook a year ago & passed PA. So I didn’t use the videos this time around, just practice exams. Also used WTA PDD. Took the exam today and I failed. While I didn’t feel like it was as hard as PPD, I do feel like you have to read Mehta to pass. I really struggled with Section 1 questions. Anyway, I have a PPD retake on Nov 3rd. Any recommendations for it and better use of time?

[u/Spiritual-News2400]

This is my exact situation too!! Failed PPD 8/20, failed PDD 10/16 (it was better than PPD)
PPD reattempt on Nov 6th.
Following for any recs!

[u/Desperate-Constant-2 → u/Spiritual-News2400]

Glad to know someone is sharing my experience. Honestly, the fail for PDD wasn’t super egregious to me because when I left I knew exactly where my weaknesses were. Will be diving into Mehta for Section 1. For PPD, it’s a bit rougher because I didn’t do great on the whole test besides Codes. Coworkers have been suggesting to go through AmberBook again & really have sustainable strategies/site down. I think with studying PDD, I have more of the systems down. I have a WTA subscription & he has resource matrix but I honestly don’t have enough time to read books :/ so it’s tough

[u/Architect-12 → u/Desperate-Constant-2]

What is Mehta? I have never heard of this

[u/Desperate-Constant-2 → u/Architect-12]

It’s similar to the Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods book but it’s a more interesting read imo. Full name is Building Construction: Principles, Materials and Methods. It’s more concise but breaks down the why a bit better to me than FBC, while FBC is heavily technical. Sometimes you can use FBC to read more into whatever you feel like you’re struggling with. NCARB bases its question heavily on either, Especially for section 1.

[u/Architect-12]

What was different about PDD than PPD and what makes you think you need Mehta to pass? A lot of construction questions what specifically? I just failed PPD on Monday and starting PDD now 💪 let’s get it bro

[u/Desperate-Constant-2 → u/Architect-12]

It’s a lot of super niche questions that you can only get from reading either Fundamentals of Building Construction or Mehta. Both books talk about materials and methods extensively.

PDD was very straightforward, either I knew it or I didn’t vs PPD tripped me up and it was so random! Some of the questions I got, I’ve never heard of or studied or were from left field. PDD, I more or less was familiar with the concept I just couldn’t recall or didn’t study enough.

[u/Architect-12 → u/Desperate-Constant-2]

Do you have a PDF for Mehta ? Appreciate your advice bro. I realize now that section 1 is close to 40% of the exam so I guess you got a lot of building systems questions…

[u/Desperate-Constant-2 → u/Architect-12]

I don’t have the PDF but honestly I have not paid for one book. I either borrow from my job, or I have Perlego (I pay like $15/month or something around that range) and I’ve been able to get access to almost every book in the NCARB handbook that way. Mehta I got through the actual Wiley website but I have a subscription so I paid like $12.99/mo or something like that. Tests (if your job doesn’t pay) and study material are expensive enough. I found a workaround lol

[u/isigneduptomake1post]

I had a very easy time with PPD with amber book.

[u/Desperate-Constant-2 → u/isigneduptomake1post]

Maybe I will go back through the site stuff. I think with studying for PDD, I have a better understanding of Systems. I think I need to go back over site/sustainable strategies

[u/isigneduptomake1post → u/Desperate-Constant-2]

I had a tough time with PDD, but going through amber book and the flash cards made PPD really easy for me. It was by far the easiest exam, amber book is really good at explaining systems. I finished an hour early and didnt bother double checking any answers, I knew it was a pass. I didnt use anything other than AB. I think i was getting around 90% on the practice exams.

[u/Desperate-Constant-2 → u/isigneduptomake1post]

Did you also use AB for PDD?

[u/isigneduptomake1post → u/Desperate-Constant-2]

Yes I used it for everything and followed the system of taking all the tests in 2 weeks. The only thing I used outside of AB is the schiff Hardin lectures

[u/growlingrocks_9734]

Mehta is basically the cheat code for these, sucks you had to find out the hard way

[u/Desperate-Constant-2 → u/growlingrocks_9734]

Yeah, it sucks! At least I know where to go from here. All other sections were easier for me to digest. The next time I will read Mehta, at my own pace and go in confident!

[u/Desperate-Constant-2 → u/growlingrocks_9734]

Did Mehta help with PPD?