Found out this morning that I passed PPD. I did the 3-2 transition like many folks who are testing right now have done. I took PDD the last day I was eligible for a free retake, didn't have time to study at all, and amazingly passed it. This made me overly confident about knocking out PPD without putting in as much study time, which was a mistake. 5 weeks wasn't enough time for me to absorb ALL of the information that is covered on this exam--I took this test without feeling totally prepared and ended up with minor deficiencies in two categories. The next time around I took 7 weeks to study and went deeper into the source materials, taking the time to really absorb information that I'd previously skimmed. It might have been overkill but I knew I had to be really prepared to face a wide range of content.
The PPD exam is a strange gumbo of many different types of questions, ranging from the ridiculously simple (calculating slope) to vague, situational scenarios (pick the best answer) to ones requiring a high level of interpretation (what is this oddly depicted diagram showing me). In order to take this test with confidence, you need to be familiar with heating and cooling systems--both passive and active strategies, general structural concepts, code and zoning analysis, especially for mixed occupancies, and general site planning concepts. Other things you need to know: the principles of electricity, lighting fixture types and how to perform lighting calculations, when different cost estimating methods are used, how to interpret sun charts, general acoustics concepts and acoustical material properties, stormwater management, direct/indirect natural lighting, space planning/bubble diagramming, common reasons for structural failures in high seismic/wind areas (FEMA is great for this), and general building enclosures concepts/means of detailing exterior assemblies to prevent water intrusion. Maybe 7-8 structural questions for those who are concerned about that area, and NO calculations this time around. There were a couple WTF questions, for those you just have to chuckle and move on.
Your best strategy for studying for PPD is to reach far and wide, digging deeper into the areas where you feel weak. For me this was HVAC, and to some degree code analysis because I haven't had to do much of this in my job. I strongly recommend using direct sources (MEEB, Design with Climate, Building Codes Illustrated, Fundamentals of Building Construction, The Architect's Studio Companion) because they cut out the 'extraneous' info and they will ultimately be good references in the rest of your architectural career. YouTube videos for principles of refrigeration, electricity, structures. Check out your local library--mine had lots of good resources. You don't need to spend tons of money buying exam bundles to pass this test.
You do have to be nimble during this exam -- lag time is real (what a great t-shirt idea). I always take the case studies first to get them out of the way, then I take my break. Try to answer the questions as quickly as possible, don't spend a ton of time on any one question because time is very much an issue on the 5.0 exams. Do spend time with the practice exam (don't forget there is a rotate tool if you right click your mouse!) and do get familiar with zooming in and out of the PDF's with ease. It sounds silly but half the battle is understanding the ridiculous interface and being comfortable with it. The 5.0 tests are much more visual/ graphical in nature, which might be great for some candidates and less so for others.
Good luck to everyone, you can do this, and you will be stronger for having accomplished your goals!!! And a big thank you Coach for this excellent forum! It has been a great resource.