The national passing rate for PPD in 2018 was 46%, which is not only appalling but lower than previous years for 5.0. Historically the passing rate increases over a few years after they implement a new generation of ARE, but not for this exam. This is an abysmal failure on the part of NCARB and they have to adjust the exam or partner with 3rd parties to create better (and NOT more expensive) study material.
I'm retaking PPD this week (2nd try) and fully expect to fail again due to how difficult I found it last time, and just not knowing how to study for this because it is so all over the map. I think a big part of passing is getting the exam that more closely matches your set of knowledge, and remaining calm but focused so you can filter all the unnecessary information in the question and distill what is being asked.
In terms of studying, I'm burnt from working 50+ hours a week, studying last time and then for PDD (passed). I just can't read Fundamentals of Building Construction or MEEB anymore and I've done all I can with Ambrose Structures. So I've been re-taking all the sample problems from Ballast 4.0 BS, BDCS, SPD, as well as re-reviewing FEMA for Earthquakes chpt.4/5 and Ching's BCI (codes). I have also spent a lot of time browsing IBC sections online that I don't usually deal with at work since my case studies on PPD last time were building types I have not and will never work on. The next few days I'll spend a bit of time again on the Hyperfine PPD study questions. Good luck to us all, unless you went to MIT, then you're a shoe-in (100% passing rate
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