Episode 64: What’s Really the Big Deal About Substantial Completion Anyway? [Podcast]
Issuing the Certificate of Substantial Completion is an important milestone in the contract administration process. It's important to know the significance. Podcast Episode 064. I discuss the importance of Substantial Completion and take a look at the A201 General Conditions, Article 9.8 and how it impacts on certain milestones. This is an important concept for preparing for the California Supplemental Exam as well as our education in becoming a responsible and competent architect. Click to Listen Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes [...]
Episode 63: Give Yourself a Raise to 73? Here’s What the Owner Pays For [Podcast]
There is talk about a new cut score of 73 but it is only a rumor, and we know what rumors can lead to, don't we? Podcast Episode 063. I released CSE Video Tip #9 and in it, i discussed this rumored 73 cut score. A representative from CAB contacted me with a concern about misleading candidates and wanted to make it clear that the historical pass rate of the Exam in no way factors in to how the Exam is administered by CAB. I amended my video at the request of CAB. Click to Listen Here's What the Owner [...]
Episode 62: Top 5 CSE Podcast Episodes and PocketCasts [Podcast]
I have been wanting to record this episode for quite awhile because I frequently receive questions from candidates asking where they should begin listening to the CSE podcast. Podcast Episode 062. All of the content from episode 1 to episode 41 is based on the individual Knowledge Statements. If you have purchased the Ultimate Whole Enchilada, then you already have better information than what is contained in those podcast episodes. So there is no reason to listen to episodes prior to episode 42. Episode was a transition for me and the CSE podcast as it really opened my eyes to [...]
Episode 61: Why 70% is Good Enough [Podcast]
It appears 70% is the minimum score required to pass the California Supplemental Exam. It's important to realize sometimes, good enough is...well, good enough. Podcast Episode 061. I discuss the 70% minimum score required to pass the California Supplemental Exam. Although, you will need to satisfy minimums in each of the five Categories, the minimum overall score is 70%. You don't need to know everything about CEQA or the Architects Practice Act, to name a few, you just need to know the most important elements and how to apply them to the Exam. This is not a test about memorization or a [...]
Episode 60: Clearing Up Confusion Between a Law and a Contract, Insurance Requirements [Podcast]
I discuss, in a very simplified way, the differences between law, code, regulations, and an act. Simply put, a law is a rule enacted by a legislative body that forms the basis of both federal and state law. Podcast Episode 060. Individuals and businesses must abide by both federal and state law or deal with consequences of "breaking the law." A code is essentially a collection or body of laws, rules, and regulations that governments adopt (federal, state, and local levels). California Law consist of 29 Codes including the Health and Safety Code. A regulation is a law or rule [...]
Episode 59: Procedure For Handling Nonconforming Work & My Data Backup Plan [Podcast]
This topic is a great example of the actual practice in the real world being different than the ideal world. In this episode I refer to two AIA documents, the B201, Article 2.6.2 Evaluations of the Work and A201, Article 12.3 Acceptance of Nonconforming Work. Podcast Episode 059. In the real world, when we, as the Architect, notice something not correct about the work in the field, oftentimes we notify the General Contractor of the nonconforming work and request they correct it. However, this is not the proper procedure according to the AIA documents or for purposes of the Exam. [...]
Exam Security, an Apology, and the Ultimate 12 Week Study Plan
I have not devoted an episode to discussing Exam Security before, mainly because I hadn't really thought about the importance of stating the obvious. Until I was contacted by the California Architects Board... Podcast Episode 058. I received a call from the California Architects Board last week in regards to the Video Tip I released last week about immediate results (CAB has indicated that ALL candidates should be getting immediate results). In speaking with the woman from CAB, she also wanted to caution me about giving advice to candidates (who didn't pass) about writing everything down about the Exam once you [...]
Episode 57: On Top of the World (almost)! 5 Items to Gauge If You Are REALLY Determined to Pass [Podcast]
Last week, I was able to guide 3 newbies all the way to the top of Mt. Whitney 14,505', the tallest peak in the lower 48. Podcast Episode 057. I also discuss the 5 Items that you can use to gauge how determined you REALLY are in passing the Exam. The 5 items are; Begin with the end in mind - the importance of scheduling your Exam date Gather all of your study materials - I'm partial to the Ultimate Whole Enchilada ;) Commit to making studying a priority Create a Study Plan - 10 hours a week Develop a Positive [...]
Episode 56: 80 Hours on a Long and Windy Road to the CSE….and Mt. Whitney [Podcast]
80 Hours is the road to the CSE, and it's a windy road. Learning to drive, negotiate obstacles, and plan ahead is a key ingredient in achieving success. Podcast Episode 056. I explain why I believe you should put at least 80 hours into your study preparation. With about 1.5 to 2 hours per day, 10 hours a week, you can be ready to take the Exam in 2-3 months. I also explain the similarities between 80 hours of preparing for the CSE and the 80 hours involved in my upcoming trip to Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 [...]
Episode 55: Terri Is 5500 and You Will Be Soon Too! [Podcast]
Becoming 5500 is something we are all striving for in the process. If you're getting ready to take the Exam, you are one step closer to reaching 5500. Podcast Episode 055. The CSEprep Forum is launched! This fantastic resource has grown out of CSE Mastermind and is available as a FREE BONUS to candidates who have purchased the Ultimate Whole Enchilada or attended a LIVE! Seminar. I also discuss the benefits associated with interacting with your peers during this process. Caroline was one of my CSE Mastermind students and she sends in her success story and also gives some VERY [...]
Episode 54: How I Passed the CSE On My First Try! [Podcast]
Passing the California Supplemental Exam is an accomplishment in and of itself. But passing it on your first attempt is even more difficult, and some will argue, more rewarding (although my goal is to help you pass, no matter how long it takes). Podcast Episode 054. I am pleased to bring you a very special interview with Jody, a candidate who recently passed the Exam on her first try and we discuss her strategies and test taking tips. This is one of the most important podcasts I have recorded to date. This is a MUST listen to episode. Strategies that [...]
Episode 53: Asking For Help and a Sinking Building [Podcast]
Asking for help can be one of the most difficult things we do as human beings. Many like to think we can handles things ourselves, that we can do it with little or no help from others. I disagree. Podcast Episode 053. I discuss the benefits of asking those closest to you for help during the preparation part of the Exam including reaching out to family members to help you better focus during your studies. A new visitor center in Louisiana is sinking in the swamp, only 30 days before the scheduled opening. This is the kind of story that [...]