I’ve been seeking out advice, in preparing for my next architect registration exam, Structural Systems. I spoke to an engineer recently, who recollected on the professional engineering exam and he gave me some advice. I’m covering what was said in two posts. This is post 2 of 2.
“Treat it like a Reconnaissance Mission.”
“Treat it [the exam] like a reconnaissance mission.” I was dying with laughter when he said this. It seemed relevent to the architectural registration exam (ARE). The first time you take one of these professional exams is really honestly the only single sure fire way to know what’s on that exam. True, you can get help from study guides (Ballast) or the AREforum. But you’ll never know exactly 100 percent what’s on an exam until you take it.
So prepare as much as you can, and treat the exam like a stealth recon mission. When you finish the exam write down every question/topic/detail you remember. Not to share! For you to study and rely on, if you need to later. You’re going for the win, but you may meet this opponent again in the playoffs. Remember everything you can to improve yourself. Remember exam information is not to be shared in any way!
Recon missions are not just about what you learn during the mission, or deduce after the mission. They’re about executing effectively what you’ve researched before the mission. That means, Study! Don’t take an exam to learn about material. Take it with the intent to pass.
I’ve always thought the professional engineering exam is more difficult than the ARE. So when this reconnaissance idea was mentioned I laughed and said so. The engineer looked at me and ever slightly shook his head no, while continuing to speak. As if to say that’s not likely. I took his judgement to heart.
I hope these tips help inform your actions. They’ve helped me sit back, relax a bit and be less concerned about exam results. My concern should be about the process leading up to the exam. That’s what I have the most control over. Good luck and keep studying!
PPI