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This is a free 5 Week PDD Study Plan (ARE 5.0 Project Development and Documentation) exam. I will update this page and create a PDF of the study plan when I get a chance. In the meantime, feel free to download the PDD Study Plan Excel file. Includes a partial MEEB reading guide.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND DOCUMENTATION

5 Week PDD Study Plan

Legend and Links
KEY

MEEB-21 = READ Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings Chapter 21
HF-15 = COMPLETE Hyperfine PDD/PPD Study Course Assignment #15
Q20 = STUDY 20 questions from any online or book quizzes to which you have access

Week 1

PLUMBING / STORMWATER / ELECTRICAL

M: Structures – Think about Structural Formulas you want to learn – HF1/15
T: Plumb/Storm – B – BCI-11 – HF21/46 – Q15
W: Plumb/Storm – MEEB-20/21 – HF35 – Q5
R: Electrical – BCI-11 – HF30/31 – Q15
F: Electrical – Watch YouTube
S: Electrical – MEEB-25/26 – HF14/37 – Q20
Su: Electrical – MEEB-26/27 – HF28 – Q20

Important Topics:
  • Lighting
  • Electrical Distribution
Week 2

STRUCTURES / MECHANICAL

M: Structures – ASC – HF26 – Q5
T: Structures – HF24/33/39 – Q15
W: Mechanical – MEEB-7 – HF20/13 – Q5
R: Mechanical – MEEB-8 – HF29 – Q15
F: Mechanical – MEEB-8 – YouTube
S: Mechanical – MEEB-9/10 – ASC – HF26 – Q20
Su: Mechanical – MEEB-9/10 – ASC – HF5 – Q20

Important Topics:
  • Spans and Structural Systems
  • Heat Movement Fundamentals
  • HVAC Systems

A note on quizzes: I find it helpful to practice answering questions and thinking about the answers. The ARE tests you as much on your test-taking ability as it does on your knowledge of these topics. So don’t forget to practice taking tests. I also used quizzes as open-book research items. It’s more important to know the answer than getting a high score on a practice quiz. Looking up the answer to a difficult question is a great way to retain information. AGS is great for this research.

Week 3

STRUCTURES

M: B-11/12 – BCI-2 – HF15 – Q5
T: B-10/24/25 – AGS-3 – HF32 – Q15
W: b-10/24/25 – ASC – HF38 – Q5
R: Q15
F: Watch YouTube
S: HF10/40/47 – Q20
Su: HF18/52 – Q20

Important Topics:
  • Concrete Slabs and Columns
  • Steel Beams and Columns
  • Lateral Support & Steel
  • Steel Details
Week 4

CONSTRUCTION

M: HF6 – Q5
T: HF22 – Q15
W: HF42 – Q5
R: HF53 – Q15
F: Watch YouTube
S: HF4/36 – Q20
Su: HF7/17/45/55 – Q20

Important Topics:
  • Roof Assemblies and Parapets (Insulation & Flashing Locations)
  • Floor Assemblies (Concrete & Steel Floors, Plenums)
  • Curtain Walls (Thermal Breaks, Double Skin Facades, Sustainable Strategies)
  • Wall Assemblies for Fire and STC

A note on structures and construction: These topics are closely related, so when you study one you are likely using knowledge from both topics. There is not always a clear line between when you are studying structures and when you are studying construction, because they both depend so heavily on each other.

Week 5

CONSTRUCTION / CODE

M: Construction – HF54 – Q5
T: Construction – Q15
W: Construction – Q5
R: Environment – HF50/51 – Q15
F: Environment – HF19 – Q20
S: IBC – HF8/16/41/56 – Q20
Su: IBC – HF2/23/25/48 – Q20

Important Topics:
  • Misc. Systems: Fire Protection/Elevators
  • Acoustics
  • Revisit Lighting
  • Flashing (at windows, doors, masonry walls and foundations)
Week 5.5

code

M: IBC – HF9/34/49
T: IBC
W: TEST DAY

Important Topics:
  • Egress
  • Corridors, Doors, Distances, Occupancy Groups
  • Fire Separation Code Reqs and Wall Ratings
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