8-Week pdd/ppd study plan

This was the study schedule I set up for myself when I was preparing for PDD and PPD. At the time of my exam I had about 4 years of experience, almost entirely in single family residential, with a few commercial and multi-family projects. I thought I was strong on ADA, sustainability, mechanical systems and wood construction. I thought I was weak on steel, concrete, IBC and structural systems outside of wood framing. This plan accounts for that. There is lots of additional information throughout this site, but this plan was my guide for getting through my final two exams.

Tester Background

4 years experience doing mostly residential with a few small commercial and multifamily projects. 3+2 testing method, taking both for first time.

Strengths

ADA, wood construction, sustainability, general structures, general mechanical systems

Weaknesses

IBC, steel and concrete construction, electrical, lateral and seismic forces.

Planned study time

6-7 nights a week for 2-3 hours each. No additional time on weekends.

5-week pdd study plan

I am currently working in this plan as I coach a few soon-to-be architects through PDD. This is designed specifically for one person, but feel free to follow along with us. The person using this plan has 12 years of experience doing mostly residential work and high-performance envelopes. They are strong on sustainability, contracts and specifications, weak on electrical, mechanical and structural formulas. They are taking PDD for the second time and it's their last remaining exam. They were 4/4 prior to PDD. Tons of resources here including free ARE 5.0 Study Plans.

Tester Background

12 years experience mostly residential with a focus on sustainability and high-performance building envelope. 2+3 testing method with 4 passes and one fail on PDD.

Strengths

Contracts and specifications, building envelopes, wood construction.

Weaknesses

Calculation questions, structures and structural formulas, IBC especially fire separation, mechanical systems for large buildings.

Planned study time

Two days per week for 2-3 hours plus 4-5 nights a week for 1 hour. 2-3 hours each Saturday and Sunday