by AREkiller » Tue Feb 13, 2018 1:13 pm
Dont get too bummed about the exam, I have failed it twice and so did a couple other guys I know that are also taking the 5.0, its a very difficult test. I have been studying for this and PDD as one exam basically, as they are very similar. As for study methods:
- Building Con and Codes Illustrated, read both cover to cover, I have recognized material straight from the book on the exam.
- Brightwood, Great overview on every topic and has quizzes at the end of each section. You can also get access to 700 questions online with the book
- Ballast 4.0 or 5.0 they are basically the same exact book, feel like i wasted my money on the 5.0 version. Also covers every topic and great for a foundation of your studying materials
- MEEB is an absolute must, it literally covers every topic on the exam from lighting to acoustics to hvac. It has tons of information, way more than you ultimately will need but I have been skimming through and marking the relevant stuff
- I also bought Architectural Acoustics, David Egan. This book has a lot of good info as well but you could probably get by without it. I have been getting a ton of acoustics related questions and I wanted to ensure I have it covered for my next take.
- I would use Jennys notes more as a review after your done doing your own notes or studying. Its a good way to check that you covered everything.
-I would pass on the solar, wind light book. Me and a couple friends bought it expecting it to help alot and we were all disappointed. It is way too specific and gets into all kinds of charts and graphs. I didnt find much of the information helpful, and what was useful is also in the other books I mentioned.
- Case studies, I would be very familiar with what sections in the IBC contain certain information. The loading time for turning the pages can really wast a lot of time if your flipping back and forth because you dont know what section has egress info or occupancy requirements etc. If you know where to find certain things quickly, you will save a lot of valuable time. I would also start with the case study as well, as it is time consuming and on my first take, I started running out of time and rushing in order to finish at the end. Some of the questions will require the time and you definitely dont want to be pressing/rushing.
On my PPD fails, I got a ton of lighting, acoustics, structural concepts, and site planning/solar questions. Study those topics and know t them inside and out. A decent amount of HVAC related stuff but not as much as I would have liked, as it is an area I am confident in. As I said, its a very tough exam but hopefully 3rd time is a charm for me.