architect54

Perhaps Structures is a Journey like IDP

architect54 — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:30:07 +0000

My journey to conquer the structures exam is very challenging for me. July, I decided to not write about it and when I do write, I’ll write after I have completed some action. This way what I write will be more accurate. More so than me saying I’m doing or going to do something, then I can’t seem to get thru it or understand it. As far as July was concerned I took a step back from the structures exam. This exam had and has me flustered. It was sunny, so I said screw it. I got five years in total, what’s another month? In short my architectural license remains my primary focus.

IDP 2.0

If you are in the process of completing the Intern Development Program (IDP), and won’t be completed early next year, then make sure to read NCARB’s August 2010 IDP e-News. I took a brief look at this and a lot is changing. Take your time going over this e-News. There is a lot there.

I also took a brief look at The Little Guide to IDP 2.0 Experience Areas & Categories (pdf file). My first thought was, “At least they’re trying.” Again this has a lot of changes that may or may not affect you. Take your time and read up on this when you have a chance. My second thought was, “Praise the Lord, I’m finished with this.”

NCARB Six-Month Rule Deadline Extension

architect54 — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:30:35 +0000

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has extended the six-month rule deadline! NCARB has an official Twitter thread which reads “the deadline for the Six-Month Rule has been extended to Fri, July 2, 2010 at 6pm EDT“. Also check NCARB’s official website.

Use this opportunity! Submit.

The deadline is Friday, July 2, 6:00 pm EASTERN time! So for me on the east coast in New York that’s 6pm. For some of you on the west coast (pacific time) in California that’s Friday, July 2 at 3pm. Whatever you do, don’t wait to the last minute. Submit your outstanding experience that is older than 6 months.

Submit to the 6 Month Rule

architect54 — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:00:28 +0000

Submit your work experience older than 6 months to your former or current supervisors before the 6 month rule takes effect. This is important to anyone planning on taking the architectural registration exam.

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has established the 6 month rule to the Intern Development Program (IDP) regarding experience. Essentially you have to report every 6 months of experience. There is a 2 month grace period to submit a 6 month working period, but explaining that right now muddles the simple July 1st deadline. Visit NCARB for a full description of the 6 month rule. The 6 month reporting rule takes effect July 1st, 2010. This Thursday. Tomorrow night at midnight.

In order to avoid losing prior experience time beyond 6 months fill out your experience periods on e-EVR (electronic experience verification report) and submit them to the appropriate supervisor before July 1st. The key is to click the “SUBMIT” button.

Once you click submit and get confirmation either from email or by talking to your former supervisor that they received the experience verification request, you can have the supervisor approve that experience period after July 1st when the demand on the e-EVR will have decreased.

Take care of this. Don’t wait. Submit.

PPI Facebook Promotion

architect54 — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:55:23 +0000

Thank you for helping PPI reach 100 Facebook fans. As promised they posted a promo code on their Facebook page. Below is their post:

Thank you for helping PPI exceed our goal of 100 Facebook fans.

Use Promo Code ARFB6 at http://www.ppi2pass.com/ to save 20% on all PPI ARE prep materials.
Don’t forget, Promo Codes can be used to enroll in Passing Zones which start next Tuesday, July 6th. Orders must be placed by June 29, 2010 (midnight, PDT). Promo Codes are not valid on iTunes

Facebook, PPI, and a Promo

architect54 — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 19:58:37 +0000

There are about 3 reasons people visit architect54.com. They are taking the architectural registration exam, they will be soon taking the architectural exam, or they want a promotion code for a discount off of the Ballast books. The last reason being one of the most popular.

Well why should I disappoint? PPI is building their Facebook fan base and have offered a 20% discount promo code, if I can help get 100 people to become their fans. So let’s do that.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/PPI.ARE right now
and become a fan!

Help PPI reach 100 Facebook fans and get 20% Off PPI ARE review materials. The challenge is to get 100 people to join PPI ARE Prep on Facebook by Monday, June 28th. If we reach the goal, PPI will post a Promo Code here on Monday for 20% off all of their ARE exam prep materials.

So visit http://www.facebook.com/PPI.ARE and make yourself a fan! Let’s get that promo code posted! If you’re a Ballast user already, think of someone out there that doesn’t have their books yet. Let’s become fans and grab this promo code. A 20% promo is much better than what’s posted now.

Less Than Half is Good

architect54 — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:30:22 +0000

My progress has improved. I’m meeting under half of my study goals. That’s actually good.

It takes me quite some time to work out a problem. I’m not quick. I learned breaks help me somewhat. Sometimes a break extends too long, but getting up from the desk after 2 or 3 questions seems to help my flow. I’m very slow completing questions.

I’m using R. E. Shaeffer’s Elementary Structures for Architects and Builders. It has a lot of sample problems and answers. If you need help like I do, this is a good supplement to your additional resources. Check out this textbook from a library before purchasing it. It is a listed NCARB resource for the Structural Systems architectural registration exam.