# \#help **URL:** https://community.blackspectacles.com/tag/help/25.md [Latest](https://community.blackspectacles.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.blackspectacles.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.blackspectacles.com/tags.md) --- ## [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… --- ## [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… --- ## [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!!! --- ## [How to practically use brown sheets in the new millennium?](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/how-to-practically-use-brown-sheets-in-the-new-millennium/6207)
**Author:** [@kinney.bresheena](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kinney.bresheena)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 5:13pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/how-to-practically-use-brown-sheets-in-the-new-millennium/6207 "2026-08-15T17:13:44Z")
PA Quiz Break 13 - features a question that suggests the use of a drawing tool I am learning for the first time called a brownsheet? On page 206 of the Problem Seeking Book, there is an example of it? Apparently from… --- ## [The Impact of Project Delivery](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/the-impact-of-project-delivery/7867)
**Author:** [@rolandojoseph77](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/rolandojoseph77)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2026, 8:34pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/the-impact-of-project-delivery/7867 "2026-08-11T20:34:03Z")
Can you explain why Bridging is a variant of Design-Build, when in DB there is no bidding, but in Bridging, the owner uses the plans to solicit bids? --- ## [Architect evaluation for exam scores / subscriptions](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/architect-evaluation-for-exam-scores-subscriptions/7864)
**Author:** [@christopherbwatkins92](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/christopherbwatkins92)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 10:28pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/architect-evaluation-for-exam-scores-subscriptions/7864 "2026-06-30T22:28:36Z")
I recently failed my PA exam and received an email to connect with a licensed architect to walk through my score card. I had signed up for a meeting with each of the two available architects twice each and all 4 times, t… --- ## [Welcome to the PDD Community! \[ START HERE \]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-pdd-community-start-here/6752)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 10:23pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-pdd-community-start-here/6752 "2026-06-30T22:23:11Z")
Have a PDD question? Don’t forget to tag one or more of the below ARE Coaches to get a prompt response from a registered architect, who is an expert in PDD content areas! Project Development & Documentation @coachmar… --- ## [Preconstruction phase](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/preconstruction-phase/7843)
**Author:** [@emekhail](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/emekhail)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2026, 5:53pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/preconstruction-phase/7843 "2026-06-09T17:53:00Z")
A contractor is preparing a bid for a public library project. They are seeking clarification on the requirements of the foundation drainage system shown in the contract documents, and the bid is due on Friday. What is th… --- ## [Field reports and installation procedures](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/field-reports-and-installation-procedures/7765)
**Author:** [@estring](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/estring)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/field-reports-and-installation-procedures/7765 "2026-05-26T16:26:43Z")
Should installation procedures/techniques be included in the architects field report? I am having a hard time understanding why one of these statements should not be included in an architect’s field report but the other… --- ## [Welcome to the PcM Community! \[ START HERE \]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-pcm-community-start-here/6748)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2026, 10:37pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-pcm-community-start-here/6748 "2026-05-22T22:37:40Z")
Have a PcM question? Don’t forget to tag one or more of the below ARE Coaches to get a prompt response from a registered architect, who is an expert in PcM content areas! Practice Management @coachphilipcolwell @coac… --- ## [CE Flashcards Section 1 - Cost Plus Pricing Definition](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ce-flashcards-section-1-cost-plus-pricing-definition/7818)
**Author:** [@knyckchau](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/knyckchau)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2026, 8:23pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ce-flashcards-section-1-cost-plus-pricing-definition/7818 "2026-05-20T20:23:58Z")
Working through CE material, and one of the flashcards lists Cost-Plus (T&M) as affecting: Quality of the work Likelihood of claims brought by the contractor Frequency of change orders After cross-checking AH… --- ## [Welcome to the CE Community! \[ START HERE \]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-ce-community-start-here/6753)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2026, 5:23pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-ce-community-start-here/6753 "2026-05-01T17:23:06Z")
Have a CE question? Don’t forget to tag one or more of the below ARE Coaches to get a prompt response from a registered architect, who is an expert in CE content areas! Construction & Evaluation @coachfelipeguerrero @… --- ## [Welcome to the PjM Community! \[ START HERE \]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-pjm-community-start-here/6749)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2026, 6:03pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-pjm-community-start-here/6749 "2026-04-30T18:03:06Z")
Have a PjM question? Don’t forget to tag one or more of the below ARE Coaches to get a prompt response from a registered architect, who is an expert in PjM content areas! Project Management @coachpierceallston @coach… --- ## [Calculation Mistake? - HVAC Basics - Heat Transfer Calculations (VIDEO)](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/calculation-mistake-hvac-basics-heat-transfer-calculations-video/7731)
**Author:** [@mariavirginia.portillo](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/mariavirginia.portillo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2026, 8:35pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/calculation-mistake-hvac-basics-heat-transfer-calculations-video/7731 "2026-02-25T20:35:15Z")
Good morning, I am currently working through the new PPD videos and watching the HVAC Basics – Heat Transfer Calculations lesson. While following along with the U-factor for walls example, I noticed that when I calculat… --- ## [How can I ask one of the BS leaders a particular question? Is there a chat or email option?](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/how-can-i-ask-one-of-the-bs-leaders-a-particular-question-is-there-a-chat-or-email-option/7714)
**Author:** [@cezary.pruszkowski](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/cezary.pruszkowski)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2026, 6:18pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/how-can-i-ask-one-of-the-bs-leaders-a-particular-question-is-there-a-chat-or-email-option/7714 "2026-02-04T18:18:08Z")
How can I ask one of the BS leaders a particular question? Is there a chat or email option? --- ## [PCM Exam 2 - Case Study 2 Question 1](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pcm-exam-2-case-study-2-question-1/7684)
**Author:** [@william.manzanilla](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/william.manzanilla)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2026, 11:21pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pcm-exam-2-case-study-2-question-1/7684 "2026-01-21T23:21:40Z")
Hello, can someone from BS let me know if there is a graphic issue with the last page of the RFP and RFP Supplement for Case Study 2? The graphic is a bit hard to understand, as if there was a part of the graphic missin… --- ## [Advice for retaking PJM exam I failed](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/advice-for-retaking-pjm-exam-i-failed/7680)
**Author:** [@dgonz482](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/dgonz482)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2026, 4:23pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/advice-for-retaking-pjm-exam-i-failed/7680 "2026-01-09T16:23:27Z")
Hello. 2 weeks ago I took the PJM exam and got a 491 (failed). It told me I scored: Content Area 1: Resource Management 42% Content Area 2: Project Work Planning 64% Content Area 3: Contracts 68% Content Area 4: Proj… --- ## [What to do when architects notice unsafe construction site condition?](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/what-to-do-when-architects-notice-unsafe-construction-site-condition/6848)
**Author:** [@zhaoxuan.yang](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/zhaoxuan.yang)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2025, 3:03am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/what-to-do-when-architects-notice-unsafe-construction-site-condition/6848 "2025-12-23T03:03:06Z")
Hi, I am confused about how much an architect should “intervene” in documenting unsafe construction conditions. What I learnt from quizzes and exams on Black Spectacles is that the architect should not document those in … --- ## [Expiration date for withdrawal of bids](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/expiration-date-for-withdrawal-of-bids/7586)
**Author:** [@xinruizhang](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/xinruizhang)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2025, 8:30pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/expiration-date-for-withdrawal-of-bids/7586 "2025-12-10T20:30:05Z")
A701 6.2 mentions “expiration of the time for withdrawal of bids”. Can someone explain this date further? Google says it is the bidding due date, or “date and time designated for receipt of Bids” in A701. Are those the s… --- ## [I am new here- Help!](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/i-am-new-here-help/7584)
**Author:** [@sevanb](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sevanb)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2025, 7:15pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/i-am-new-here-help/7584 "2025-12-02T19:15:16Z")
I just posted somewhere else about a few issues navigating here, can someone help? --- ## [Exam practice questions for ppd &pdd](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam-practice-questions-for-ppd-pdd/7561)
**Author:** [@philo\_let](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/philo_let)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2025, 1:01am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam-practice-questions-for-ppd-pdd/7561 "2025-11-28T01:01:37Z")
Ok…I recently used practice forms for ppd and pdd. I felt codes related questions are not my strengths. Do we need memorize those fire rating hours between different occupancies? For the case studies, some questions tha… --- ## [PL sheet](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pl-sheet/7524)
**Author:** [@ielhakam65](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/ielhakam65)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2025, 5:25pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pl-sheet/7524 "2025-11-25T17:25:13Z")
where on the PL to find the account receival number. text so small to see on the PL. --- ## [PA practice exam question](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-practice-exam-question/7553)
**Author:** [@sayukismf](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sayukismf)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 3:12pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-practice-exam-question/7553 "2025-11-11T15:12:08Z")
A historic 19th-century structure is being rehabilitated to function as a hotel. An erroneous attempt at restoring the structure in the 1930s added architectural elements that are inconsistent with the style of the origi… --- ## [Project contracts vs contract forms](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/project-contracts-vs-contract-forms/7522)
**Author:** [@mish.anni](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/mish.anni)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2025, 3:41pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/project-contracts-vs-contract-forms/7522 "2025-10-28T15:41:48Z")
Specifications - Part 1 lists contract forms and project contracts as part of the contract documents. I thought contract forms include project contracts, and contract forms, along with specs, drawings, and addenda, const… --- ## [ARE Live: Project Development & Documentation](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-project-development-documentation/1977)
**Author:** [@monicafitzpatrick](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/monicafitzpatrick)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2025, 5:40pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-project-development-documentation/1977 "2025-10-22T17:40:02Z")
Join Black Spectacles and architect Mike Newman for our Project Development & Documentation mock exam. \[Register Here\] We will cover PDD knowledge and skills relating to building materials, building systems, detailin… --- ## [Welcome to the PPD Community! \[ START HERE \]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-ppd-community-start-here/6751)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2025, 4:19pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-ppd-community-start-here/6751 "2025-10-21T16:19:40Z")
Have a PPD question? Don’t forget to tag one or more of the below ARE Coaches to get a prompt response from a registered architect, who is an expert in PPD content areas! Project Planning & Design @coachcandaceseda @… --- ## [Essential ANSI 117.1 to know for PA Exam](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/essential-ansi-117-1-to-know-for-pa-exam/7510)
**Author:** [@aidenjh](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/aidenjh)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2025, 6:06pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/essential-ansi-117-1-to-know-for-pa-exam/7510 "2025-09-26T18:06:04Z")
There is a lot of material in the ANSI 117.1 section. Has anyone made a best guess as to what parts of this section of code we should have memorized for the PA exam? --- ## [Practice Exam for CE](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/practice-exam-for-ce/7516)
**Author:** [@jnkvoels](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/jnkvoels)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2025, 12:03pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/practice-exam-for-ce/7516 "2025-09-26T12:03:55Z")
This question on the BS practice exam does not reference WHERE we should be choosing the answer from, are these sections from Master Spec? IF so, where can we get a copy of that to study? I have not found it anywhere o… --- ## [Welcome to the PA Community! \[ START HERE \]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-pa-community-start-here/6750)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2025, 4:22pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-pa-community-start-here/6750 "2025-09-25T16:22:29Z")
Have a PA question? Don’t forget to tag one or more of the below ARE Coaches to get a prompt response from a registered architect, who is an expert in PA content areas! Programming & Analysis @coachjoeyandrada @coach… --- ## [Question regarding response must be issued as addenda whether requestion is accepted or rejected](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/question-regarding-response-must-be-issued-as-addenda-whether-requestion-is-accepted-or-rejected/7489)
**Author:** [@theresaninh69](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/theresaninh69)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2025, 6:48pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/question-regarding-response-must-be-issued-as-addenda-whether-requestion-is-accepted-or-rejected/7489 "2025-09-24T18:48:18Z")
\[ screenshot removed \] My first question is, when an architect does not reject the substitution and still needs to issue the addenda, does the construction document change? How does this work? By the end of bidding, if … [Next page](https://community.blackspectacles.com/tag/help/25.md?match_all_tags=true&page=1&tags%5B%5D=help)