# Latest **URL:** https://community.blackspectacles.com/latest.md [Latest](https://community.blackspectacles.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.blackspectacles.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.blackspectacles.com/tags.md) --- ## [PDD | Utilizing IBC as a Reference \[Exercise A\]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pdd-utilizing-ibc-as-a-reference-exercise-a/7604)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2026, 8:18pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pdd-utilizing-ibc-as-a-reference-exercise-a/7604 "2026-09-23T20:18:22Z")
This thread is part of Real-World Practice, our self-paced, case study feature that helps you apply your knowledge in realistic scenarios using references, layered questions, and targeted takeaways. View the exercise he… --- ## [ARE Live: PPD Practice Exam September 2026](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-ppd-practice-exam-september-2026/7923)
**Author:** [@patrickfinnigan](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/patrickfinnigan)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2026, 5:47pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-ppd-practice-exam-september-2026/7923 "2026-09-23T17:47:12Z")
Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock on Wednesday, September 23rd at noon CT for a deep dive into the Project Planning & Design division with a mock practice exam on this episode of ARE Live! Click here to… --- ## [CE | Understanding Key Elements of Bidding \[Exercise A\]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ce-understanding-key-elements-of-bidding-exercise-a/7600)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2026, 3:31am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ce-understanding-key-elements-of-bidding-exercise-a/7600 "2026-09-23T03:31:21Z")
This thread is part of Real-World Practice, our self-paced, case study feature that helps you apply your knowledge in realistic scenarios using references, layered questions, and targeted takeaways. View the exercise he… --- ## [Pa preservation ex a needs to add site plan](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-preservation-ex-a-needs-to-add-site-plan/7922)
**Author:** [@James.D.Hawkins](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/James.D.Hawkins)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2026, 12:42am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-preservation-ex-a-needs-to-add-site-plan/7922 "2026-09-22T00:42:53Z")
Continuing the discussion from Excersise a historical pa ral world needs to add site plan for problems 9 and 10: --- ## [Excersise a historical pa ral world needs to add site plan for problems 9 and 10](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/excersise-a-historical-pa-ral-world-needs-to-add-site-plan-for-problems-9-and-10/7921)
**Author:** [@James.D.Hawkins](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/James.D.Hawkins)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2026, 12:39am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/excersise-a-historical-pa-ral-world-needs-to-add-site-plan-for-problems-9-and-10/7921 "2026-09-22T00:39:37Z")
--- ## [Real-World Practice - In Progress Applying IBC and Local Codes During Development \[Exercise B\]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/real-world-practice-in-progress-applying-ibc-and-local-codes-during-development-exercise-b/7920)
**Author:** [@kinney.bresheena](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kinney.bresheena)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2026, 7:57pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/real-world-practice-in-progress-applying-ibc-and-local-codes-during-development-exercise-b/7920 "2026-09-20T19:57:37Z")
In the base scenario, the question indicates that the facility has no memory care. Could you make the language more IBC-based and refer to the evacuation capabilities of the people living there? I am familiar with the te… --- ## [A133 or C133](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/a133-or-c133/7919)
**Author:** [@Richard.C.Cameron](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/Richard.C.Cameron)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2026, 8:44pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/a133-or-c133/7919 "2026-09-19T20:44:06Z")
I was reviewing the video, Contracts by Delivery Method, in PjM and working along with the PjM workbook. The video at 03:57 says the contract between Owner/CMc is C133 and the workbook says A133.I was thinking this may b… --- ## [Real life zoning 2 the answer does not meet the 170,000 sf per client it is short](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/real-life-zoning-2-the-answer-does-not-meet-the-170-000-sf-per-client-it-is-short/7918)
**Author:** [@James.D.Hawkins](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/James.D.Hawkins)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2026, 8:06pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/real-life-zoning-2-the-answer-does-not-meet-the-170-000-sf-per-client-it-is-short/7918 "2026-09-19T20:06:03Z")
--- ## [PPD | Determining Occupancy, Building Massing, and Construction Types \[Exercise B\]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-determining-occupancy-building-massing-and-construction-types-exercise-b/7615)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2026, 1:05am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-determining-occupancy-building-massing-and-construction-types-exercise-b/7615 "2026-09-18T01:05:08Z")
This thread is part of Real-World Practice, our self-paced, case study feature that helps you apply your knowledge in realistic scenarios using references, layered questions, and targeted takeaways. View the exercise he… --- ## [Cost plus fee NOT a common architectural fee structure](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/cost-plus-fee-not-a-common-architectural-fee-structure/7202)
**Author:** [@avatarlucas](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/avatarlucas)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 11:39am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/cost-plus-fee-not-a-common-architectural-fee-structure/7202 "2026-09-17T11:39:52Z")
In practice exam 2, I was asked a question about typical architectural service fee options and I was surprised to read that Cost-Plus-Fee is " a common fee structure used by contractors, but not by architects" and was he… --- ## [AHPP Backgrounder - Key Financial Performance Indicators (Metrics) p.417](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ahpp-backgrounder-key-financial-performance-indicators-metrics-p-417/7917)
**Author:** [@Citrillion](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/Citrillion)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 8:15pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ahpp-backgrounder-key-financial-performance-indicators-metrics-p-417/7917 "2026-09-16T20:15:09Z")
@kiaragalicinao @coachchrishopstock What is the relationship between the example numbers in the Key Financial Performance Indicators (Metrics) Backgrounder on pg. 417 and Table 7.2 (Sample Profit Loss Statement in the M… --- ## [PA | Applying IBC and Local Codes During Development \[Exercise B\]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-applying-ibc-and-local-codes-during-development-exercise-b/7624)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 1:41am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-applying-ibc-and-local-codes-during-development-exercise-b/7624 "2026-09-16T01:41:11Z")
This thread is part of Real-World Practice, our self-paced, case study feature that helps you apply your knowledge in realistic scenarios using references, layered questions, and targeted takeaways. View the exercise he… --- ## [Day 6 flash cards study guided 30 days plan](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/day-6-flash-cards-study-guided-30-days-plan/7914)
**Author:** [@marmaaar12](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/marmaaar12)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 1:33am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/day-6-flash-cards-study-guided-30-days-plan/7914 "2026-09-15T01:33:43Z")
privately funded project, is this description correct? --- ## [Question on how to fill out the CE workbook](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/question-on-how-to-fill-out-the-ce-workbook/7916)
**Author:** [@golnoosh.abdolahzadeh](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/golnoosh.abdolahzadeh)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 1:28am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/question-on-how-to-fill-out-the-ce-workbook/7916 "2026-09-15T01:28:01Z")
Hi. I have just started working on the CE exam. I downloaded CE\_Workbook from Day 1. How am I supposed to fill it out? Should I watch the videos for the whole month and fill it out gradually as I go? Is there any guidebo… --- ## [Soil Density and void relationship](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/soil-density-and-void-relationship/6108)
**Author:** [@RITIKAKAPOOR1311](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/RITIKAKAPOOR1311)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2026, 2:00am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/soil-density-and-void-relationship/6108 "2026-09-13T02:00:42Z")
There is a question in the quiz wanting us to judge how is the void ratio based on density given in psf. Are we supposed to learn all this by heart? There was no table or chart given for reference. --- ## [Programming and planning at suburban area question](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/programming-and-planning-at-suburban-area-question/7915)
**Author:** [@Raya.Alavi](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/Raya.Alavi)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2026, 8:58pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/programming-and-planning-at-suburban-area-question/7915 "2026-09-12T20:58:28Z")
There is a note in the question that the site is in “suburban” area! So why shadow case by adjacent building is a correct answer? Also, why “easement” is more better answer than “location of new building”? The sequenc… --- ## [Critical path method, good or bad for large, complex projects?](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/critical-path-method-good-or-bad-for-large-complex-projects/7913)
**Author:** [@alypen19](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/alypen19)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 10:42pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/critical-path-method-good-or-bad-for-large-complex-projects/7913 "2026-09-09T22:42:21Z")
A question in the PJM Section 2 Quiz asks what the benefits are of using CPM to schedule a project, and one of the incorrect options I selected was that it is good for large scale, complex projects. When I search this on… --- ## [PcM | Risk Management, Legal Structures, and Contracts \[Exercise A\]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pcm-risk-management-legal-structures-and-contracts-exercise-a/7635)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 9:51pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pcm-risk-management-legal-structures-and-contracts-exercise-a/7635 "2026-09-09T21:51:29Z")
This thread is part of Real-World Practice, our self-paced, case study feature that helps you apply your knowledge in realistic scenarios using references, layered questions, and targeted takeaways. View the exercise he… --- ## [Need referral code](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/need-referral-code/7912)
**Author:** [@sdhl333](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sdhl333)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2026, 5:40pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/need-referral-code/7912 "2026-08-30T17:40:20Z")
Hi! I’m taking my last ARE exam PPD, and I’m subscribing today. Would anyone be willing to share a referral code? Thank you, I looked for any discounts now, but I couldn’t find anything. Thank you!!! --- ## [Practice Test 2- Q 63](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/practice-test-2-q-63/7911)
**Author:** [@charmigajjar62](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/charmigajjar62)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2026, 8:00pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/practice-test-2-q-63/7911 "2026-08-29T20:00:49Z")
@coachgarricbaker Acc to third field report dated 04/28 the action item lists " GC to provide revised schedule" If that is the case, why is the correct answer to question 63 case study not option c “inform owner that s… --- ## [Practice Test 2 -Case study Question 66](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/practice-test-2-case-study-question-66/7910)
**Author:** [@charmigajjar62](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/charmigajjar62)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2026, 7:53pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/practice-test-2-case-study-question-66/7910 "2026-08-29T19:53:33Z")
@coachgarricbaker Can someone please explain why do we take a difference of 2 weeks for this case study question? --- ## [PDD | Selected Rated Assemblies Based on Building Type, Site, & Life Safety \[Exercise A\]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pdd-selected-rated-assemblies-based-on-building-type-site-life-safety-exercise-a/7602)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2026, 6:08pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pdd-selected-rated-assemblies-based-on-building-type-site-life-safety-exercise-a/7602 "2026-08-29T18:08:04Z")
This thread is part of Real-World Practice, our self-paced, case study feature that helps you apply your knowledge in realistic scenarios using references, layered questions, and targeted takeaways. View the exercise he… --- ## [PcM | Evaluating a Firm's Financial Metrics \[Exercise B\]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pcm-evaluating-a-firms-financial-metrics-exercise-b/7638)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 5:02pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pcm-evaluating-a-firms-financial-metrics-exercise-b/7638 "2026-08-27T17:02:41Z")
This thread is part of Real-World Practice, our self-paced, case study feature that helps you apply your knowledge in realistic scenarios using references, layered questions, and targeted takeaways. View the exercise he… --- ## [PcM | Evaluating a Firm's Financial Metrics \[Exercise A\]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pcm-evaluating-a-firms-financial-metrics-exercise-a/7639)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 4:53pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pcm-evaluating-a-firms-financial-metrics-exercise-a/7639 "2026-08-27T16:53:15Z")
This thread is part of Real-World Practice, our self-paced, case study feature that helps you apply your knowledge in realistic scenarios using references, layered questions, and targeted takeaways. View the exercise he… --- ## [Understanding the General Conditions of the Construction Contract \[Exercise B\] Q9](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/understanding-the-general-conditions-of-the-construction-contract-exercise-b-q9/7906)
**Author:** [@knyckchau](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/knyckchau)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 4:49pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/understanding-the-general-conditions-of-the-construction-contract-exercise-b-q9/7906 "2026-08-27T16:49:59Z")
Two issues with the keyed answer (Owner pays per §3.7.4): The 10,000 sf was the GC’s own field measurement. A Type I differing condition requires the actual condition to differ from the Contract Documents, but no docum… --- ## [PjM | Understanding the General Conditions of the Construction Contract \[Exercise B\]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pjm-understanding-the-general-conditions-of-the-construction-contract-exercise-b/7630)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 4:48pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pjm-understanding-the-general-conditions-of-the-construction-contract-exercise-b/7630 "2026-08-27T16:48:32Z")
This thread is part of Real-World Practice, our self-paced, case study feature that helps you apply your knowledge in realistic scenarios using references, layered questions, and targeted takeaways. View the exercise he… --- ## [Failed the CE exam](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/failed-the-ce-exam/7905)
**Author:** [@jimmy](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/jimmy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 4:41pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/failed-the-ce-exam/7905 "2026-08-27T16:41:13Z")
Good morning, I took my CE exam yesterday for the first time and I was surprised I failed. I took the black spectacles practice exams and pass the NCARB practice exam and passed it. I don’t know what happened. I spent ab… --- ## [PDD Practice Exam 1, Question 12 - ID#63842](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pdd-practice-exam-1-question-12-id-63842/7892)
**Author:** [@ema.markovska](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/ema.markovska)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 4:32pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pdd-practice-exam-1-question-12-id-63842/7892 "2026-08-27T16:32:39Z")
I’m confused by the correct answer to this question. Based on the Construction Documents Standards Part 2 video, I understood that the correct answer should be the ConDoc system, but none of the answer choices include Co… --- ## [Important concepts from IBC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/important-concepts-from-ibc/7909)
**Author:** [@kdpachon](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kdpachon)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2026, 9:58pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/important-concepts-from-ibc/7909 "2026-08-26T21:58:02Z")
Any suggestions on what concepts are important to understand and memorize from the IBC specific to objective 2.2? Since I have seen some questions on the practice exams that specifically test you about your knowledge on … --- ## [CE Section 3 Quiz, Question 8 Fire Sprinkler Photo (65039)](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ce-section-3-quiz-question-8-fire-sprinkler-photo-65039/7904)
**Author:** [@neftalihernandezjr](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/neftalihernandezjr)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2026, 5:33pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ce-section-3-quiz-question-8-fire-sprinkler-photo-65039/7904 "2026-08-17T17:33:53Z")
The photo and question, along with the answer provided is rather confusing. For one, the bottom right sprinkler in the ceiling does not appear to be installed. Could be a photo angle issue but still seems like a potentia… [Next page](https://community.blackspectacles.com/latest.md?page=1)