I’m pulling out all my PPI flashcards over the next few weeks. In preparing for the Building Design and Construction Systems (BDCS) exam, I am concerned about the broad topic selection. Add to that I think my experience with methods and materials is not adequate to consider this an easy exam. I am particularly concerned. Someone who took this in 3.1 told me this is an easy exam. I am thinking differently.
For some reason with the MEP exam (Building Systems), where I may have even less experience, I am not so worried. When I review that material, I will answer some questions I’ve had for some time regarding plumbing, HVAC and electricity. I expect to learn things I’m not familiar with. Because I’m more interested in those topics I think my retention for that exam will be good. (Good for my career too!)
Essentially I am wary of topics uncommon to my architectural experience. For example, I don’t know what the numbers and letters on a rebar identify. It’s hard to discern if anything I do at work over the time leading up to the exam will assist. If I’m spending my days estimating, then maybe as I decipher the prices of elements in the hot water system diagram I may retain some knowledge of the hot water system. But I can’t count much on gaining additional experience that will greatly improve my preparation.
I’m going to be looking at all of my flashcards. I’ve read ARE Forum posts that say construction document and programming, planning material have shown up on the old Methods and Materials exam. I will be looking at all cards to review old material and start new material (Structural Systems and Building Systems). Hopefully the one fact at a time nature of flashcards will encourage me to study during my commute and quick breaks during the day. I plan to approach my studies by reviewing content pertaining to my 3 remaining exams before taking one.
Also I will be rescheduling BDCS. I have decided I do not have enough time over the next three weeks to practise the three vignettes in BDCS and cover the material as I have planned. I learned this the hard way from Schematic Design.
PPI
Sketchbook Project