I took 5.0 PPD earlier today. Overall, the test felt very much like 4.0. There were less WTF questions but there were several that had confusing wording. There were a couple hotspot/drag-and-drop-type questions that I was uneasy/unclear about the 'tolerances'. The case studies seemed like a more appropriate way of testing knowledge than the vignettes. The lag time was STAGGERING--I didn't have any time issue, but there's a 3-10 second lag on every question and each of the references in the case study, which over 120 questions adds up to at least 10 minutes of staring at the screen wondering if the program is broken.
In terms of studying, I only have 4.0 materials. I started casually reading Ballast and Kaplan chapters on BS and SS about 6-8 weeks ago and buckled down about a month ago, studying 4-8 hours each Sat/Sun. and aiming for 1hr of reading every weekday. I also did the Amber Book, read MEEB cover to cover, Jenny's notes for BS, BCDS, and SS, and Ballast tests (I don't like the Kaplan ones), and some videos. I really didn't know what to study as there's not that much guidance and felt so overwhelmed by the amount of information but I felt like as long as I kept 'moving' I was chipping away at it. The night before I reviewed Jenny's PPP notes for a refresher. Even though my studying was kind of scattered, I did feel actually kind of prepared for the test, which was really broad in content. That said, if (when) I have to study for this again, I would spend more time with SS and planning material.
I'm taking PDD on Jan. 31--I've gathered that it's really similar to PPD and since I'm on a roll I might as well take a stab at it while it's cheaper, and maybe I'm lucky enough to pass at least 1...I'm really anxious to get my scores back and super bummed that's probably going to be in the early summer. I...kind of think...I passed...? But last time I felt this way I failed so we'll just have to wait and see.