PASS PA IN ONE MONTH: What to Study for the ARE 5.0 Programming and Analysis Exam

[@NatHagob]

I used PPI2PASS which uses the 2nd Edition of Ballast, scored 70.5 on the practice exams and failed the ARE PA exam! Thanks for the suggested study materials. Hopefully I'll pass it the second time!

[@andrewbeer2146]

That's because ballast messes you up. I did the same thing studying with Ballast and failed my exam. Once I stopped using ballast I started passing. For me, it was causing me to overthink the questions.

[@piyarudeeprasopphakdi5496]

I used Amberbook as my main source and took PDD as my first exam but failed by a hair so I needed to restrategize my game plan and these videos are very helpful. While under the 60-day retake window, I decided to go with PA and will follow by PPD+PDD. I am using this guideline to study PA for a month and will be taking the exam in the next two weeks. I feel confident and ready for the exam following your advice.

[@Y.asmin12]

Good luck! I haven’t taken PDD, but I had heard that’s one of the most difficult tests.

[@samthelima]

These videos have been great! I tackled the PPD and PDD exams first, utilizing some of the more obscure resources that you mentioned (Karin Bell and the 11x17 colorful pdf). I passed both! Now on the PA!

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

Congrats! That's amazing! PPD and PDD are two of the most difficult exams, so you are definitely off to a great start. Keep it up!

[@JulianMAguilar]

how is it going

[@djimenez890]

Your videos are so helpful! I was able to pass PCM, PJ and CE in three months following your advice!

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

Omg! This makes me so happy! Congrats on passing!!!!

[@PhuongNguyen-mm2ye]

This is so helpful!! Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

You are so welcome! Glad you found it helpful! :)

[@djimenez890]

Your videos are so helpful! I followed your advice and was able to pass PCM, PJ, and CE in three months!!!

[@MrLisham06262001]

Thank you for sharing, your videos have been helping a lot!!

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

You are so welcome! I am so glad they are helpful!

[@braisonboykin8818]

Thanks for sharing this info! I studied for PjM and passed, but it took me a while and I felt that I needed a more structured plan for the rest of my exams. I found your videos and passed CE and PA pretty much by using your study plan! Ready to take on the next few exams 🙌🏾

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

Ahhhh! Sooooo happy to hear this! Glad I could help and keep up the good work!

[@cps900]

Concise and helpful. Thank you!

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lidiawest7719]

Love your videos - they are super helpful! Something to note - Sun, Wind, and Light's Favorite Design Strategies are in Part VI, not IV =)

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

Thanks for sharing!

[@guanxichen8870]

This is the comment I’m looking for! Thank you!

[@meritmore5808]

very helpful videos--laid out a path to passing that was doable

[@luisfelix9002]

Please, can you help with the Case Studies and which formulas or mathematical problems we need to focus on.

[@christopherbowen109]

Problem Seeking: An Architectural Programming Primer - This is listed on the ARE 5.0 Reference Matrix with an "*". Any recommendation on chapters to focus on?

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

I don't have any recommendations as I did not use it during my studies.

[@sabinacho2300]

Thank you for these helpful videos! Could you make something updated, as Brightwood does not sell their study guides anymore? Or recommend something in lieu of this book. Thanks!

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

The PPI study guide is a great replacement for Brightwood.

[@HwangSu22]

Thank you for this content from a USC Alumini!

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

Glad you enjoyed it! Fight On!

[@casiekowalski2662]

What do you think of Black Spectacles? Any feedback?

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

I only tried Black Spectacles for PPD and PDD. My experience with it was the video content did not go into enough detail so I was not able to pass. I would not rely on just Black Spectacles to pass any exam, you will definitely need supplemental materials. I have heard great things about their practice tests though!

[@TheRAMBOhimself]

Spent 2 months studying black Spectacles and took 3 practice exams- got around 56% on all. Ncarb practice - 56%. Found your study material 3 weeks before and have been cramming for my exam this Friday. Took the ballast practice exam and got 56% (assume it is harder). I will let you know how it goes but I am feeling like I have absorbed so much more from your guide than I did from black Spectacles.

[@TheRAMBOhimself]

Passed!

[@Neoyorchese]

good video. thanks

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

Glad you liked it!

[@ThomasPfister-md7tu]

how many hours total did you study for this one? the other sections?

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

My study routine was roughly the below: - flashcards (quizlet app) on my train ride commute to and from the office everyday (10-30min) - study about an hour during lunch breaks - 1-2 hours of studying everyday after work (except for fridays. I reserved this time to have fun bc balance is key!) the study time on the weekends would vary based on how behind I was on my "homework assignments"/ study calendar for the given week. - on weeks I was more on track it would be 2-4 hours for the entire weekend - I would always make sure to make time for fun events on the weekend but also find time to study a bit usually the last two weekends before my exam, I would be studying all day saturday and sunday (from about noon to dinner time). these were usually my focus weekends and I would block out other fun events during just these last two or even just the last week. - on the heavier weekends I would make sure to also do something I enjoy so it wouldn't feel like such a daunting task (like getting nice food/ coffee) - (I talk about this more on my videos on study strategies and motivation linked below) kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJuzhnqBmrCdpJYsi=7i0SFrG50USYnK_m The key for me was finding balance between studying and still having fun and spending time with friends. If your entire study experience is miserable, it will be more difficult to get through and find motivation to continue. Making a calendar of both studying times and what I was studying along with scheduling around fun events was key to keeping that balance. The above worked for me, but based on your lifestyle and priorities you will ultimately have to find what works for you.

[@M3Atelier-Initiative]

Good post!!! thkyou! I'm squeezing studying while working full time. Any tips on how to balance work and study?

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

Set clear boundaries for work, study, and free time so you don't feel overwhelmed. I picked certain days of the week where I would study during lunch and was very intentional about stopping work at certain hours so I could have enough time to study. Similarly, I would pick times of the week that were my reserved free time (typically Friday evenings). This free time was essential for me because I have serious FOMO and this was also a good time to destress and bring back work/study/life balance. Everyone's work and life commitments are different, so figure out a system that works best for you.

[@pgh2134arch]

Thanks for the information. So helpful and interesting... Do you have similar videos for the other ARE 5.0 topics exams?

[@dp.DesignProfessionals]

yes! check out my channel for videos covering all of the ARE 5.0 exams! I hope to post every week so be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any future videos!