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Black Spectacles® prep course: PPD (Approved by NCARB)

PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2018 9:55 am
by Rcantone80
So PPD is my final exam as I passed PDD in March. I have had the unfortunate experience of taking PPD a few more times than I prefer. I do have many years of experience and I have studied the list of materials below:

Designer Hacks_Quizzes
Designer Hacks_Practice Exam
Amber Videos - with about 75 pages of notes
Amber Book
Architects Studio Companion
MEEB - with my 100 pages of notes
Building Construction Illustrated
Building Codes Illustrated
Sun, Wind & Light
IBC 2012
ARE Coach (obviously)
NCARB ARE 5.0 Community

I also utilized the PPI & Brightwood materials on my first attempt only. Knowing that I am spreading myself way too thin trying to get thru these resources, I contacted NCARB and asked for a suggestion to get thru Section 4. Section 4 is the biggest section and the section I have yet to pass. I asked not to be simply directed to join the NCARB Community, as I have and read every PDD / PPD Thread. So, they said join the NCARB Community (of course) BUT did recommend Black Spectacles prep course: Project Planning & Design because it is now an "Approved" resource per NCARB. Has anyone had any good luck with this Prep Course?

Sorry for such a long thread for a quick question. However, I just wanted to address what I have read so far as I am not looking for the easy way. Amber Videos was great for PDD but not enough for PPD. I am hoping perhaps this Black Spectacles Prep could do for me for PPD what the Amber Videos did for PDD. Section 6 of this exam is my race against the clock, unfortunately I fail that section every time too. Thanks and hope to hear some positive feedback!!

Re: Black Spectacles® prep course: PPD (Approved by NCARB)

PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 3:27 pm
by jozborn23
I to have just a few tests left, I used Black Spectacles as a primary study source for PPD and failed. I am now using Matrix books for my second PPD attempt.

Re: Black Spectacles® prep course: PPD (Approved by NCARB)

PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2018 6:52 am
by Rcantone80
Jozborn23 - Thanks for your response! Did you use that whole Black Spectacles PPD Prep Series that was Approved by NCARB specifically?

I never used Black Spectacles so I am new to them. I did use Amber Videos for PDD and I thought they were great for that but not enough for PPD. I have to start preparing again for this one so I am just trying to figure out if this is a worthy investment or not.

Re: Black Spectacles® prep course: PPD (Approved by NCARB)

PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2018 10:15 am
by enearchitecture
Hey Jozborn23, what is Matrix Books. I have not heard of that before.

Re: Black Spectacles® prep course: PPD (Approved by NCARB)

PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2018 1:33 pm
by Coach
enearchitecture wrote:Hey Jozborn23, what is Matrix Books. I have not heard of that before.

It's in Guidelines.