Episode
059 - PA, PPD, and PDD: Know the Difference Before You Study
- Podcast
- Architect Exam Podcast
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1547
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
PA, PPD, and PDD share the same topics but test them from completely different perspectives. Understanding the difference between these three technical ARE exams before you start studying will save you serious time and frustration. In this episode, Layla breaks down what each exam actually covers, how they connect to each other, and why so many candidates study the wrong things for the wrong test. She walks through the "Define It, Design It, Document It" framework that shows how PA, PPD, and PDD follow the natural progression of a building project from pre-design through construction documents. Plus study strategies for the technical exams and a homework assignment to help you take this deeper. 📖 Key Topics Covered: Why candidates confuse PA, PPD, and PDD content The "Define It, Design It, Document It" framework How PA covers the pre-design and programming phase How PPD covers schematic design and system selection How PDD covers detailing, documentation, and specifications Where codes, site, and building systems overlap across all three The wall assembly test for sorting topics by exam Study strategies including exam sequencing and when to move on from PA ⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction (4:16) Why These Exams Are So Confusing (5:47) The Flip the Words Trick (7:01) One Project Three Phases (8:39) PA Programming and Analysis (11:44) PPD Project Planning and Design (13:59) PDD Project Development and Documentation (16:32) How They Flow Together (19:21) Study Strategy for the Technical Exams (22:55) Homework Assignment (24:05) Wrap Up 📝 Read the full blog post and grab free study notes: PA, PPD, and PDD: Know the Difference Before You Study 🎯 Download free study notes and the open book homework assignment: Free Study Notes and Homework 🎧 Companion episode: PcM, PjM, and C…