This exam was easier for me than PPD, I got a lot of questions on project issues and types I have experience in. Know details— waterproofing for proper drainage, vapor barriers and so forth. Know how to read building sections and what is supposed to be in them, where. I had few structures questions, they were straightforward diagrams, not complicated calcs, similar to on PPD. Know specs, what goes where. This exam like PPD, builds on what you’ve already learned for the other ones.
My primary study materials for PDD were the NCARB recommended books, which I skimmed through entirely. I fully read BCI (construction) and Olin’s. As with PPD I kept going back to review what they wanted me to know, in the ARE Handbook and
Graphic Standards— details
Building Codes Illustrated
Building Construction Illustrated
MEEB
Olin’s Construction Principles, Materials and Methods
2015 IBC
I did not read the ASCE structures
I supplemented with Ballast question and answers for 4.0 SS, BDCS, BS and CDs. I also went through my old NALSA 4.0 flash cards for these divisions in my spare time. I didn’t get through them all but they were useful. I also used Hyperfine study questions, which helped me think through things for the questions.
Time management was hard for me in this one but I at least remembered to press the break button this time. I also didn’t skip/mark any questions this time. I ran out of time on the 2nd case study and had to skim/gut response answer about 10 questions in less than 5 minutes. Give yourself at least 90 minutes for the case studies if you can but also remember they’re not worth more than any other question, and they have more resource material to dig through quickly.
On to try again in PPD, last one (plus CA Supplemental...)