SUCCESS STORIES

“I highly recommend purchasing the ultimate whole enchilada. The audios were uber portable for the gym and commuting to work. The study materials were easy to digest and I liked the hyperlinks for more information. This cost of this package is an investment in passage of the CSE and will build test taking confidence.”
– Michele Shirakura, Elk Grove, California

“Thank you, David, for putting together this study material & seminar. I just passed my exam today on my first try. And as icing on top, I get the ‘instant result’ feature that started just today! I used only the material provided as part of the Whole Enchilada and took the seminar. Between a full time job and a toddler to run after, I really don’t have much time to study. I don’t think I would have been able to take the exam at all if it weren’t for CSE prep. So thanks again, David!”
– Patricia Tjandrawinata, Pleasanton, California

“Hey David, Just wanted to say thank you for creating your study material, I received my CSE pass letter Saturday and outgoing in the mail today is my Application for my California License! Just wanted to say thanks again! Keep up the good work, I’ve recommended your material to all my former USC arch. school classmates going through the process right now.”
– William Denkinger, West Hollywood, California

“David, you will be blessed for prepping this material!!!! I passed thanks to your effort in prepping and distilling this stuff for all of us. Many thanks…. Going to have a big glass of wine for u. “
– Jelena Bajkovic, New York, New York

“Just a note to all that David Doucette’s Study Guide, and specially On Line Exam Simulator, etc. etc. is “The” Material” to purchase in order to pass the CSE. This guy is a natural teacher! I took a pilot webinar type program with him, and would like to tell all, he is a blessing for our community! I passed the last darn exam and am waiting for my License. Thanks Dave! Couldn’t have done it without you!”
– Al Majlessi, Los Angeles, California

“David, I just wanted to let you know that I took and passed the CSE last Monday in San Francisco. Thanks for you excellent study materials. It was a tough exam, and I spent a lot of time preparing for it, but used only your materials to do so. Best wishes!”
– Martin Sell, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

9″David, Your study materials are the best available. Thanks for filling this much needed void. I passed the exam this past Monday.”
– Keith Weibrecht, California

“David, I just passed the exam and had to say thank you! You have another satisfied and grateful customer! I was confident going in but it was harder than I expected. I was shaking the whole time but I think the last hour was because it was freezing in the test center. Sunday I leave for vacation. It will be a great celebration! “
– Jill Chambers, California

“I (finally) passed the CSE today! Thank you for all your support, guidance and wonderful study material, podcasts and encouraging words…all of us are beyond fortunate to have someone like you who is so dedicated to helping people pass this tough, tough exam. i’m still in disbelief and trying to let it all sink in… “
– arch722, ARE Forum

“Hi David, I’d like to Thank you for giving me a chance to carry out what seemed to be a dream and make it a reality. I passed the CSE and could not have done without your seminar, the ‘whole enchiladas’ and the ‘omces’ and of course all your supports. Thank you… Thank you… Thank you.. and I would definitely recommend your exam materials to anyone who is taking it…”
– Sue Mulia, Danville, California

“Hi David – I tested on December 3rd and just received my passing notice yesterday.  I moved away from California in 2005, and without your study guides I would have been completely lost in regards to all the various regulatory requirements that appear on the exam.  The guide was concise and to the point, and extremely helpful especially when paired with the podcasts and online sample exams.  Just wanted to say thanks!”
– Ana Arnn, Brooklyn, New York

“Even as a licensed architect in Arizona for nearly 30 years, the prospect of taking the CSE seemed daunting. David’s seminar greatly aided in organizing and understanding the myriad of challenges involved in the California entitlement process. Six months of studying coupled with David’s seminar and study materials facilitated my passing the exam on my first attempt. I highly recommend David’s seminar to everyone.”
– Gerald J Gagnepain, Scottsdale, Arizona

“Hi David –  I just received my pass letter on the CSE I would like to thank you for the material  that you have put together it was tremendously useful and a big reason for my success! I passed on the first attempt and the main reason is David’s study method, I started with that and got the bones of my study plan in order. The audio was a great help for me due to time constraints and work schedule. I did towards the end use other material as well but again it was only an enhancement to what I had already started. Thank you David and to those colleagues who may have the slightest hesitation in purchasing the material DON’T! Best of luck to all….”
– Hormoz Ziaebrahimi

“David: I want to extend my deepest gratitude to you for your help in studying for and taking the CSE. I am happy to let you know that because of your study materials, I have passed the CSE on the first try. I am confident that I would have not passed without the concise and educational format that you have prepared in your study materials.Please feel that you had a direct hand in helping me achieve this most important goal. I hope that we will keep in touch, and if you need anything from me please feel free to get a hold of me. Thank You.”
– Edward SantaCruz

“David, Thanks for helping me through the CSE exam.  After a few attempts I actually passed the CSE and I am now awaiting the license.   A minor miracle! I believe what made a difference for me with your study program from all the other study programs available for the exam was the personal contact I felt with you,  first through our emails and secondly by way of the Podcasts.  You brought a down to earth feeling about the material  making it comprehensible and relevant.  The items in your study material highlighted the essential body of knowledge which one needs to know for the exam.  That you are able to select this information out of such a large volume of reference material is quite impressive.  The on-line exam is an excellent training and practice tool which allows one to accurately process the exam questions based on the knowledge from the study information.   But again, overall, what made me feel confident during the exam was having had the opportunity to get to know you.  The direct communication with and from you was the tipping point!  Thanks!”
– Rod Blouin, Associate AIA, San Rafael, Alabama

“David! I passed my CSE.  Thanks for everything!  Your exam simulacrum was worth every penny.”
– Michael Tom, Milpitas, California

“Hi David, Just wanted to let you know that I passed the CSE!  Third time is the charm, I guess. I want to thank you for your guidance given at the seminar that I had taken from you and your study guide that helped me to stay on track with the 55 knowlege statements req. by the CAB – (easy to loose sight of ).  I then purchased the audio guide (listened to this for almost a year – on and off while running, gym time, or sitting in the back yard).  Studied the pertinent material CAB recommends & what they are asking of me in the 55 knowledge statements.  Purchased the test simulator 30 days out and went through all of the tests a couple of times and scored high.  – All of this gave me the confidence needed to get in there and give it my best shot – again. I passed! Thanks so much!”
– Stanley Anderson, Hermosa Beach, California

“Hi David: I am just about to tell you that I AM THE LICENSED ARCHITECT!!!! I got the “congratulations”letter this month! 7 years fighting with your great great help(seminar + simulator + prompt answering my questions), you are definitely the person I want to thank you in my life. Your job & your passion did make an impact to many people including me! Never enough to say thank you & thank you.”
– John Wang, Milpitas, California

“Hi David,  I took the exam and just received word that I passed. Thank you for providing very useful information for studying for the test. Even though the ‘Ultimate Whole Enchilada’ doesn’t provide the exact answers for the test (which would be impossible), it provides the foundation for the critical thinking needed to answer the questions. It is this foundation that your mind sifts through to distill down to the right answer during the exam. It was very helpful to have each knowledge statement organized and explained in detail. It would have been time consuming and frustrating to try and research and organize so much information from so many resources. Your product does this and let’s us focus on what’s relevant for the test.”
– Shawn Sasse, San Francisco, California

“Third time was a charm. My study material consisted of David’s LA seminar, the online simulator, cseprep podcast, and pass x flash cards. David you do a wonderful job in getting candidates to focus their studying without getting into the “minutia!” Words can not describe what a great asset you have become to the architectural community. I appreciate that you continue to improve you material and provide a great forum for feedback and communication with podcast.  I recommend to all cse candidates.”
– Joseph, San Diego, CA

“David – Thanks again for assembling such an excellent set of study material for the CSE. The Enchilada was my compass while navigating through the test plan and I wish it existed before my first [failed] attempt. The tools you have made available truly allow candidates to see the forest through the trees. Your support in the days leading up to the exam and the congratulations you shared with me after my pass letter arrived will not be forgotten.”
– Brian P., Cambridge, Massachusetts

“Hi David- I recieved my letter from CAB this past weekend that I had passed the exam. I am a registered architect in other jurisdictions and this was a reciprocity situation.  I had not passed the first time as I used someone elses study material that did not properly prepare me for how the exam was set up.  I wanted to let you know that I was much more comfortable the 2nd time after using your study materials.  Thanks for taking the time to produce those study materials.  Having the audio was also very helpful as it allowed me to continually study while handling other tasks.”
– Richard Lavelle, Burnsville, Minnesota

“David’s CD/ audio are great, a very easy and convenient way to listen to it in the car! Thank’s to David’s simple study guide I pass the CSE exam, after failing 3x previously!”
– George George

“Hi David – I just wanted to let you know that I passed the exam.  Thanks so much for a great study guide.  Yours was the only one I used and I passed on the first try.  Thank you!”
– Jenifer Weskalnies

Great thanks to Dave’s study material that helped me to pass CSE at first try!
– Henryk M. AIA

“Hi David – Just wanted to drop you a note that I received my results yesterday.  I passed thanks to your study material!!!  Thanks for your dedication and hard work so that new candidates have a chance and help navigating the massive CSE test material.”
– Chris Anderson

“Hi David – You can add my name to your growing list of CSE candidates that with your help have successfully passed the supplemental boards. I received the long awaited letter from the state that I can add California as my fourth state as a licensed Architect. I am sending in my fees today and await the final step to be assigned a license number. Thanks for your great work to give a helpful and comprehensive structure to the large amount of law and regulation that are unique to the successful practice of architecture in the state of California. I would recommend your program to the young professionals fresh out of the battery of the ARE’s or older professionals like myself who are adding the state by reciprocity. Please know that your professionalism and good work to summarize and distill the large amount of information and material is greatly appreciated.”
– Paul Rupp

“David Doucette’s Whole Enchilada played a big part in helping me pass the California Supplemental Exam first time. A valuable resource for both preparation for the exam and for practice after passing. A MUST HAVE! Many thanks David”
–  Mark Williams, Newport Beach, CA 

“David Doucette’s ‘Whole Enchilada’ was an invaluable study aid in my preparation for the CSE. The audio files were particularly helpful, providing a succinct framework to organize my studies, and a thorough overview of the exam contents. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!”
– Christine Newpower

“OMG I can’t believe it.  I passed.  Just got my result today in the mail…was totally freaked out when opening the CAB envelope.  I am in disbelief as I write.  The letter was dated June 1, 2011, and it arrived here (Oakland) today, June 4. As for what I studied:  I read what people wrote on the forum, met up with a study group, reviewed PASSFLASH cards, read Archie Woo’s succinct reader, and attended David Doucette’s seminar in the Bay Area in Feb.  It was helpful to attend the day-long Doucette seminar and worth the price, since he is a good teacher and has so much knowledge of the CSE/process.  Check out his podcast and website as well.”
-Esther Tse 

“I bought your CSE Study Guide and Audio Companion in April ahead of taking the computer based CSE exam in March. Your study material was great. I had very limited time to study so your study guide really helped me to focus on the key points. Also, I drove from CO to CA to take the exam so I had a final few hours in the car that I really benefited from the audio companion. I highly recommend your study materials to anyone preparing for the CSE. I just received notification a few weeks ago that I passed the exam!”
– Gregg Behmer

“I recieved a letter of Congratulations from CAB this week. I took the computer based written exam April 27, so it took about 6 weeks to get the results. Thank you David for assemblying the study materials, they were very helpful and a great value as I see it. Best of success to you and other candidates for the CSE.”
– Scott

“Hi David – I while back I purchased your “whole enchilada” study guide, and took the CSE in March.  I just got the letter last week that I passed.  I just want to thank you for putting together such an informative, easy to understand and complete study guide.  After taking 11 tests over 7 years, I am soon to be an officially registered architect.  Thank you for helping me through the final push to achieve that goal.”
– Alex Solbes

“David, I am writing this email to you with extreme excitement and gratefulness. I passed the oral!!! I can’t believe I could make it without your teaching and help. Thank you so much! Your class and  study material were very valuable.  I still remember the first time I went to your class, I was so nervous and clueless. The method you taught us to prepare for the exam was just right. I will say your class worth every penny! Thank you for helping me accomplish my dream and I wish you and your family all the best!!”
– Song Tong, Irvine, CA

“David – your seminar and mock exam were great preparation tools for me. They helped me understand the format of the exam, the content to focus on, and introduced me to a group of people that became excellent study partners. I’m happy to say that I passed!”
– Kristen C. James, Lakewood, CA

“I wanted to take a moment to extol the virtues of David’s CSE prep seminar.  Having once failed the exam, I was looking for that edge I did not feel like I would possess without outside intervention.  David’s method differs from others in that he dissects the Knowledge Statements, teaching participants how to identify the information and then keying automatic response ideas to these topics.  Further, rather than giving practice questions and answers to practice, David only provided the questions, leaving the student to learn as he/she found out the answers. This method reinforced the topic identification process.  Although the exam itself was still quite challenging, I was able to discern the intent of the question and quickly formulate an applicable response, recalling the outline format that David provided.  Additionally, David teaches a methodology for formulating and pacing responses to which the panelists really responded.  My passing score is directly attributable to David’s diligent instruction. “
– Andrew Fastman, Los Angeles, CA

“David, the program you developed was just what I needed to get focused for the exam.  The real key was the Mock Exam Panels.  These really gave the practice necessary to prepare mentally for my presentation,as well as highlighting areas for additional study. With this program I was able to take the exam withgreater confidence and pass.  Thank you.”
– Steven Shofner, Santa Maria, CA

“David provides a very engaging, well-run seminar. His focus on answering practice questions out loud through mock panels was extremely helpful.  David does a terrific job of evaluating each participants responses, commenting on what’s working well and clearly identifying areas for improvement.  The multi-day format helped to gauge individual progress and to guide areas of study to focus on in the interim. The amount of knowledge required for taking the CSE is overwhelming to say the least.  The succinct study guide David provides along with the seminar does an excellent job of organizing the staggering volume of information laid out in the CSE test plan, and makes the process of studying a lot more manageable. Both the seminar and the study guide helped me a great deal in preparing for the exam. They gave me the confidence I needed on exam day to relax, focus on the intent of the questions, and pass on my first attempt.  I would enthusiastically recommend his seminar to anyone preparing for the CSE.”  
– Dave Intner, Ventura, CA 

David, Wanted to let you know that I passed the CSE. HUGE thanks to you. I am convinced that I did so in great part as a result of the study guidance you provided, but more importantly the oral presentation techniques you drilled intous. Your seminars were worth every penny.
– Michael Poloukhine, Pacific Palisades, CA

“I attended David Doucette’s CSE workshop to prepare for my exam in May.  I passed the exam and here are some of the reasons why I think the workshop was helpful:
1. His workbook gives you the simple and essential knowledge which saves you time researching for the material.
2. The questions in the workbook are  similar in spirit to those in the actual test.
3. I got 2 weekends of classes and mock panels.
4. He gives useful directions in delivering your oral answers.
5. He provides necessary critique to your oral answers so that you know how to improve yourself.
I recommend his workshop if you are willing to commit to study and use his workshop to hone in your skills.  David is a pretty nice guy and tell his students what they need to know.” 
– Alan Ho, Pasadena, CA

“I took David’s webinar in August to prepare for my September exam. Before the webinar, I was skeptical about the effectiveness of this remote learning method via phone and webcam, but decided to give it a try since I was living in New York City at the time and didn’t have any study buddies. After the first session, I felt so empowered by the test taking tips and became a lot more confident about the test. David doesn’t spoon feed you test materials that you can learn by yourself, but instead share with you tips on how to effectively study and confidently present test materials when asked by the comissioners. I also met another test taker from the webinar and started to study together with him via phones and emails.I later traveled to CA a week before my exam to take David’s mock exam panel where I was able to experience for myself being in the “hot seat” and also observe the do’s And don’ts from the other participants in the mock panels. With David’s seminar, mock panel, and studying 20+ hours weekly for 5 weeks, I was able to pass on the first try with less than 5 years of praticing experience. I highly recommend David’s webinar and mock panel because they really make you become more confident about the CSE, which lead to better studying and test taking experiences with less stress and more chance of success.”
-Vivian Ngo, New York City, NY

“I had taken the CSE a few times– I knew my stuff but I just couldn’t get over the hump. Then I took David’s webinar, and I passed! I appreciate the concise manner in which David took us through the material, but more important for me was his easy going demeanor– he made us feel comfortable listening to the questions, and he made us feel comfortable answering questions- this is key. It is not enough to just know the stuff, you need to know how to listen and how to respond– David’s method and advice emphasizes this and he allows one to view the exam as less of an intimidating experience than it actually is. Thank you David, you were instrumental in my passing result.” 
– Robert Champagne, Hong Kong   

“Whether you are an in-state or out-of-state candidate preparing for the California Supplemental Examination, David’s unique web-based seminar approach provides a comprehensive, accurate and convenient means of preparing for this exam. The study guide follows the California Architects Board Test Plan, clearly and concisely explaining what each knowledge area is asking the candidate to master. David’s review session gives candidates the opportunity to ask questions and clarify their understanding of the key issues. The mock panels are an excellent simulation of the test conditions, where the candidate must be prepared to answer questions out loud. David provides insightful critiques and tips to help the candidate organize their answers and present in a clear, and concise manner. I highly recommend David’s webinar and study materials to any candidate preparing for the CSE.”  
– Hilary Robie, LEED AP, Detroit, MI  

“When I first began to study for the California Oral, I struggled for months just trying to figure out how to attack this test.  This was compounded by the fact that I had significantly less experience, at three years, than most of the other test takers.  It wasn’t until I took David’s seminars that I truly understood what and where the important information was.  However, the most important asset that I got from David’s seminars was the ability to deliver the information confidently and with the technique that is necessary for the exam.  Thank you David for all of your help.  It is possible that I could have done this without you, but it would have been a great deal more difficult and substantially more daunting.” 
-Joe Spierer, Los Angeles, CA

“Having failed the CSE once before, David provided the keys to unlocking the mystery of the exam.  His system which includes mock oral exams are very helpful. Answering questions out loud, and getting a chance to hear others answers mock questions along with David’s comments and critique helped me identify the areas I needed to improve.  I passed the CSE exam with David and his tools and would highly recommend taking his seminar and mock exam.”  
 – Rick Birman, San Diego, CA

“I found out that the testimonials for Reside’s CSE seminar were spot on.  Davids’ comprehensive study guide  and exam mock panels were exactly what I needed to refine my oral skills and gain solid confidence.  I’m one of the older candidates and Davids seminar certainly taught this dog some new tricks.  Thanks David !”  
– Steven Richard, Apple Valley, CA

“The CSE is a big fat old grizzly bear of a task.  It may be tired and past it’s best days but it’s bigger than you and still more dangerous than it first appears.  If you’re looking for a prudent strategy for dealing with this beast, try this seminar. No single source can give you everything you need to pass this exam.  If you’re looking for perspective, a way to get your arms around it, this is a great place to start.  You will still need to do the work, but this will really help you to define the scope of the problem.  That’s really what it’s all about, isn’t it?  It worked for me.” 
-Don Barry, Detroit, MI 

“David’s seminar and mock panel helped me to pass the CSE at my first try. David not only summarizes a broad range of materials covered in the exam, but also teaches candidates the exam strategies. These strategies helped me to sort out my thoughts and expressed myself in a more organized way which is the key for oral exam. The mock questions give everyone opportunities to practice and to learn from other people. This really helps to understand the level required to pass CSE. I highly recommend David’s seminar and mock panel.” 
-Xiang Liu, Los Angeles, CA

“I had less than one month to prepare for the CSE and didn’t have access to a study group or partner.  David’s webinar not only gave me the opportunity to practice orally and discuss questions/topics with him and other participants, but it also provided me with an online study group. David has the most up-to-date and applicable study materials, which are crucial for the new 2009 test plan.  His insight and advice for each individual was very helpful, especially since this exam is nothing like the ARE.I would definitely recommend David’s seminars to anyone preparing for the CSE- it was my first try, and I passed!” 
– Lauren Moss, Aliso Viejo, CA

“I took David’s seminar and Mock Oral in preparation for my second attempt at the CSE. Along with a lot of studying and preparation, David’s seminar approach had a huge deal to do with my passing of the CSE (1/09).  The seminar helped to organize and concisely summarize the wide range of material that’s covered in the exam.  And possibly more important than that at the end of the seminar I was able to answer ambiguous questions in a thoughtful, concise, and confident manner.  I felt the latter to be the key to my passing the exam this time around. I highly recommend David’s seminar.” 
– Mariah Young, Santa Monica, CA

“David’s Webminar and Studay Guide really helped me a lot! I studied only the Study Guide during the last 4 weeks before the exam. The Guide is concise, and to the point. I didn’t have to fumble through all 10,000 pieces of information I piled together myself any more. David’s Webminar was also very helpful. I used all the answering techniques during the exam, helped myself organizing my thoughts and highlighted the key points commisioners need to pay attention to. I highly recommend David’s seminar, and mock panel. Thanks David!” 
– Fan Guo, Los Angeles, CA

“The mock oral exams are very helpful. I gained a lot of confidence by attending the mock oral exam. Answering the questions out loud through mock exam was extremely helpful. Also getting a chance to hear everyone else answer the questions reduced my fear and hesitation. David’s comments and critique helped me identify the areas of improvement. I passed my CSE exam the first time. I would highly recommend attending the mock exam.” 
– Monisha Adnani, Santa Barbara, CA

“I recommend David’s seminar and Mock Oral exam.  The use of his guide really helped me to dig into the test plan and understand the knowledge and ability statements.  This was further reinforced by the mock questions, together with his insightful critique and comments and helped enable me to pass the CSE the first time.” 
– Andrew Galambos, Los Angeles, CA 

“David’s webinar was definitely one of the big reasons why I passed the November CSE.  His manual and his guidance helped me to focus my limited time on the most important skills and topics.  He also taught me how to understand the anatomy of the questions, the kind of information that the panelists were looking for, and how to organize that information in a way that would keep me from blathering on like an idiot.  David was very professional, and he went the extra mile to answer my follow-up questions in detail.  The webinar format was convenient, and the semi-private setting was effective.  I would definitely recommend David’s classes to anyone preparing for orals.”  
– Mara Baum,  Berkeley, CA 

“I recommend David’s CSE webinar for anyone trying to pass the oral exam and is overwhelmed by the amount of material you’re expected to know. David has a good handle on what is REALLY necessary. I worked hard on the material for about month and that was enough to pass.”  
– Chris Anderson, Montecito, CA  

“David’s straight-forward, methodical approach was a breath of fresh air. His advice helped me organize my thinking, which is no doubt why I passed the orals on my first try. Other seminars I’d taken were so broad and vague as to be virtually useless, whereas David provided focus and confidence that I didnt find elsewhere. I recommend him to anyone looking to improve the effectiveness of their studies, and subsequently improve their chances of passing the exam.”  
– Diane Rogers, Albany, CA 

“David’s webinar and study guide were the two most important tools for my exam preparation.  I spent one month going through the study guide repeatedly, using it as the base for my studies.  And the information from the webinar on how to approach the exam helped more than I ever could have imagined.  I am absoultely convinved that I would not have passed the exam on my first try had I not taken David’s class.  It was worth every penny.  Thanks David!” 
– Steven Platt, Palm Desert, CA 

“His seminar works for me. It is very concise and precious.” 
– Kin Lee, Los Angeles, CA 

“The webinar and mock panel helped me develop a direct, concise approach to answering the exam questions. I enjoyed working with the group – it’s beneficial to listen to others respond to the questions.” 
-Walter Schacht, Seattle, WA

“David’s strategies really worked on my exam!! I am so glad that I took his seminar.” 
– Ken Nekui, Los Angeles, CA

“Hi David, Just wanted to share the news that I just passed my CSE! Your format and study materials were essential in organizing what I needed to learn and review, I spent a few weeks completely overwhelmed by random notes and tips from colleagues before discovering your study material. I had also purchased a few other guides that were more frustrating than useful, so I feel like I have a fair perspective. I announced the news to all my friends and have already recommended your materials to others, I know one friend immediately purchased your ‘whole enchilada’. Thanks for the good work.”
– Monica Plata

“Hi David, VERY HAPPY to share that I passed the exam today. It has been a very long process for me, and, determined to pass it did an online search and found you. Didn’t think twice and purchased the Ultimate Whole Enchilada. Best decision ever. Two months of VERY HARD studying but it is all over now. Thank you again for putting together such great material.”
– Luis Murillo, Manhattan Beach, California

“David, thank you for your study materials. I passed exam yesterday! I realized during the exam how much I have learned and in particular, how I became more careful when reading questions. I now know how I made wrong choices in the previous exam. All the best!”
– Uma Poskovic, Los Angeles, California

“David, thanks for putting together the whole enchilada package, I just took and passed the CSE this morning and the study materials you have put together helped fill in the gaps between schooling, experience and the ARE’s. I not only passed the exam, but gained a better understanding of what it takes to be an architect in California as well. I would definitely recommend the your materials in the future. Thanks again!”
– William Thompson, Orange, California

“Hi David,I’d like to thank you again for creating an outstanding wealth of study material for the CSE. Knowing that I could find everything I needed from one concise source was really helpful and allowed me to concentrate on the material without wondering if I should be looking somewhere else. The OMCES in particular was an awesome preparation tool, particularly in the last few days. Without sharing too much, I have to say that the way your questions were prepared was similar in many ways to what came up in the exam. They taught me, through trial and error, how to analyze the question first, and figure out what the question really is getting at before I dive into the list of possible answers. The audio companion quickly became my daily study… well… companion. Like a good, complex movie, each consecutive listen allowed me to hone in on new information. Each time I listened, I was able to pick up on some new details and nuances that I had previously missed. The repetition, repetition, repetition that you so often praise was key to understanding the vast array of knowledge packed into the study guide.

The CSE Prep Forum was a good source for more in depth information, and knowing that there is a community of poor souls out there that are struggling with this at the same time was comforting. I had the good luck to also have a great study group that met (almost) weekly, but this community was there 24/7 and I knew that they would understand the level of work and dedication that this exam requires. I’m really relieved to be able to put this whole intense experience behind me, but I definitely would recommend your material to anybody getting started with the CSE. It is a great roadmap that can take any candidate from the early discovery stages to being 100% ready to sit for the exam. Thanks again!”
– Noemie Hansen, San Francisco, California

“Thanks again David, I took the exam today and passed!!Could not have done it without your amazing study materials!It has been a long road and I am so incredibly happy to have completed this goal!”
– Amanda Behnke, San Diego, California

“Hi David, just passed today. Thanks for your help!!! Good stuff though the test was still a bitch. Thanks again.”
– John Simones, Redondo Beach, California

“Hi David,I took and passed the CSE today in Carson. Just wanted to thank you, like so many others already have, for the study material. I finished all 7 AREs and the CSE while working within 4 years of graduating from SCI Arc. The work experience and study material you provided were why I passed this test on the first try. I’m very thankful!”
– Stuart Lord, Los Angeles, California

“Hi David! Just wanted to let you know. I took in last Monday.I really appreciate all of your help and materials.”
– Jason Harm, Los Angeles, California

“David,I passed today! Thanks for the great body of study materials and thanks again for the motivation and caring. I wish you all the best in all your work.”
– Candace Vanderhoff, San Diego, California

“Hi David,I just want to let you know I passed the CSE last week, first try, using the Ultimate Whole Enchilada.With a wife, four kids and working 50-60 hours a week, I’ve been plucking away at the ARE for about seven years and finally took the plunge and passed the CSE with your help. What a relief.A little advice for the kids out there, get it done while your young! It just gets harder to do the longer you wait.They printed out my results as soon as I was done with a nice big PASSED on it. Yahoo!Thanks again for the great study material! Well worth the price of admission.”
– Richard Jaeger, Riverside, California

“David, a heart felt thanks for your help and comprehensive study aids! Was a bit traumatized by CSE October experience but this time the test was much more straightforward.
Good luck with your work. You had the most reliable, well thought out, and useful material that I came across.Thanks again!”
– Heidi Vincent, San Francisco, California

“Dear David, I have been meaning to write to you……I took my CSE test on Feb 5th and I PASSED!!! I want to thank you so much for all your help. I relied heavily on your material for studying. I really liked all the links you have provided, which was very convenient. Once again thank you for all your help.”
– Beny Jain, Fremont, California

“Hi David-I tested Mondayand passed!Many, many thanks to you and yourprograms!”
– Steve Shackelton, Encinata, California

“Hi Dave, I passed the CSE on the first try! I’ve been a practicing architect for about 10 years and I must say that using your study material made the difference. Originally when I reviewed Your Ultimate Whole Enchilada I thought I would need to spend a good amount of time camped out in my office reading through the material and studying the flash cards. This approach was what I used when studying for the ARE years ago.

I thought that the Audio Companion would be a secondary studying resource that would complement the reading but to my pleasant surprise, I ended up using it exclusively in the first phase of my study plan. When I started to listen to your knowledge statements I realized that the way you presented the material captured my interest, keeping it direct and informative while sprinkling in some fun statements made it much more interesting rather than someone just droning through the content. I wasn’t in an incredible rush to pass the test so I started about 6 months prior to my study date. On my way to and from work (which is about an hour each way) I listened to the Audio Companion. I did this for about 3 or 4 months about 3 or 4 days a week in my car. Not only did I find the content extremely interesting (I’m a coastal outdoorsy guy like yourself) but found the information very easy to remember because I had a genuine interest in learning more about the great State of California.

Once I was able to recite every word and understand every concept fully I switched over to OMCES. I was impressed to see how well the online testing program functioned. For about 2 months I took the OMCES every other night completing one or two tests each night, I continued to listen to the Audio Companion as usual in my car. Combining these two resources allowed me to easily score mid to high 90’s on OMCES.

Dave, thank you again for making this experience enjoyable and helping me enrich my knowledge further about California. I would highly recommend this study guide to anyone who is serious about passing this exam the first try.”
– Stephen Franey, RA, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“David,Good News. I passed the CSE today. Without your support, it should never have happened to me. Now I have Japanese architect license, Arizona license & California license. Trust your study materials and “repetition & repetition” are the key like you always say.

Thank you very much and “arigato gozaimashita.”
– Toshi Uzawa

“David -I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that I passed the CSE a couple weeks ago and am now officially licensed! Thank you so much for all of the effort that you put in to your seminars, study guide, audio companion, practice tests, and more – all of the components together were indispensible in giving me the confidence I needed going into the exam. I’ve highly recommended your study materials to many of my friends and co-workers who are currently in the process of finishing up their ARE’s, so expect to see a few more orders rolling in over the next few months. Thanks!”
– Ryan Whitacre

“Just add me to your growing list of success stories. ;)Thank you greatly for all of your help in the process. Your method and materials were extremely helpful in walking me through the vast information that we are responsible for, and especially in helping us think through the test structure. The OMCES system was a great confidence builder, and you are right in stating that the actual CSE material is considerably more difficult and demanding and confusing, which you prepared me for. But nonetheless I was able to go into the exam with a cautious optimism, better able to read through the ambiguities and difficulties, and successfully complete in the amount of time allotted.Again, David, I really do appreciate what you offer and attribute a great deal of my success on the test to your system.”
– Steve Schloeder, Phoenix, Arizona

“David! Just writing to thank you for your CSE Program. I passed (first try! whew!), and I’m putting my license to work here in Palm Springs. Wow, the CSE test was nothing short of hard (and, truth be known, I actually LOVE taking tests…..I know that sounds “sick”, but it really is true). Anyway, I couldn’t have passed without your help. CAB is lucky to have you out there teaching all this information to folks like me. It’s important stuff, and your teaching materials get the big ideas across.Anyway, David, thanks, again. Contact me, if you ever need a referral. I’m a fan of your whole process!”
– Robin Abrahams, Palm Springs, California

“Hi David,I wanted to let you know that I took the CSE exam yesterday morning for the first time and passed! I had a good experience with the whole process overall and learned a lot of stuff. Your material (Enchilada) really covers and organizes well what we need to know for this exam. I think that I listened to the audiotape while reading the guide book about 5 times. The OMCES were very useful to put me in the grove of the exam. I scored 100% on some of them! I have a little over 20 years experience and I am licensed in Quebec but worked in California for 15 years. I postponed this daunting task all that time. I am now done… thanks to your material this was a smooth process!Thank you David!”
– Lise Barriere

“David,I passed my exam back in December. THANKS! Wouldn’t have done it without you. The CSE Study Guide is a 1-stop shop for all the information needed to prepare and pass the CSE!”
– Eric Hastings, New Haven, Connecticut

“Hello David,I want to share the great news that I passed the California Supplemental Exam January 5 with the help of your study material and preparation support. This was my first time taking the CSE having five years of professional experience; two years graduate school and two and a half years teaching architecture. Thank you David for your ongoing commitment, organization and engagement with preparing candidates for the California Supplemental Exam. I passed and your work facilitated this.”
– Victoria McReynolds, Lubbock, Texas

“Hey David,I wanted to thank you for your help in studying for the CSE. I finally took the exam yesterday and passed! It was my first try at it. Again, thank you very much for your help.”
– Armen Kazanchyan

“Hi David, I wanted to let you know I passed my CSE this week and want to thank you for all that you do to help those of us trying to get over this last hurdle. I used your podcasts extensively as well as the online multiple choice exam simulator. Each are excellent tools for bringing focus to the large array of material laid out by the knowledge statements.My goal was to pass the test by the time I turned 50 and I only missed it by a couple of days. I now have two things to celebrate this week.Thanks again for all your help.”
– Vince Hoss, Keene, California

“Hi David,I Just passed the CSE todayand wanted to thank you for for all your help.
I never would of been able to pass without your study guide.I am glad to se a BAC alum is having such an impact in the field of architecture.”
– Stephen Sousa, Boston, Massachusetts

“Hey David!Just wanted to let you know that I passed the CSE yesterday morning, I’m so happy and so relieved!!! It was psychologically brutal and way harder than I thought it would be, so without your flashcards and Omces and webcasts I could not have done it, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!:) Thank you so much for all you do for us candidates!!!”
– Lucas Goettsche, Berkeley, California

“Hi David,I just wanted to take a minute and let you know that I took the CA Exam back in September (for the first time) and passed. Your study material was all that I used – the Omces was especially helpful.Thanks for everything – I wish you continued success.”
– Paul Sirek, Loiusville, Kentucky

“Hi David – Thanks for putting the Ultimate Whole Enchilada together! There really doesn’t seem to be much else out there so this is incredibly valuablematerial.One of the best moments of my life. And by the way, I PASSED!Thanks for helping!”
– Amy Newborn

“ Hi David,I just want to say thanks for your help in preparing me for the CSE. I just took the exam yesterday and PASSED! I received your ultimate study package as a gift for Christmas and studied non-stop between then and New Years. The audio was extremely helpful. I felt very confident going into the exam. You were right – repetition, repetition. Once I get my license in the mail I may be the youngest Architect in CA at 23!Many Thanks!”
– Rosannah Sandoval, San Francisco, California

“Passed my test this week, thanks in MAJOR part to you and your study materials! This is the first time I have spent $300+ on an item and still felt compelled to thank the person who sold it to me!​ LMAO! Thank you!”
– Mark Grexton, Sacramento, California

“David,I took the exam today & PASSED! Thanks for all your help. I’m a California architect so that’s what counts. Thanks again for the seminars & the whole enchilada!”
– Randy Yerzyk, Irvine, California

“Hello David,I took and passed the CSE (first attempt) on Wednesday. The study materials you prepared were instrumental in successfully readying me for the exam. I studied diligently for 50 hours over the past two weeks and that was sufficient. Thank you!”
– Mark Budzinski, Santa Ana, California

“Hi David, I passed the exam 9/7. Your study guide and sample questions were very useful for giving direction to my research. AND, I appreciate your advice to “schedule an exam date”. That generated a sense of importance that let me stay focused (or at least ramped up my focus)for the 7 weeks I gave myself.”
– Dave Barkelew, Los Angeles, California

“David,I took the CSE yesterday morning, and passed! Thank you for your high quality study material. It really helped me to focus in on the test plan and knowledge statements. I had taken this exam twice before under the old format and although I studied all the relevant topics and documents I didn’t follow the knowledge statements carefully. I really appreciated your podcast as well. Beside the fact that it’s a smart marketing move for your business it reminded me that I’m an aural learner. So I used your audio companion as a lecture series and took notes while listening. Thank you so much for helping me to pass and move past this challenge!”
– Matthew Baker, Los Angeles, California

“Hello David:I am thrilled to inform you that I passed the CSE yesterday and my application to CAB is in the mail today. Without hesitation, I have to credit your study materials, for putting all my eggs in your basket, preparing me sufficiently to get me through the CSE challenge to become a registered architect. I am one of those who did put the exam off for many, many years due to career and family. After having tried study materials from two other vendors, I found your format of study guide, together with your approach to understanding the intent underlying each test question, an excellent match for how and what I needed to learn. You are my recommended one-stop for study guide materials. I would like to thank you again for your well designed study tools that has enabled me to attain professional registration.”
– Roger Hay, Lafayette, California

“Hi David,I took the test and passed it a couple weeks ago. It was very difficult. I took about 2 extra weeks to study when I heard the fail rates were so high. Every question was a challenge. The first part, the project scenario, was tough as far as timing was concerned. I was finished about an hour early on the second part but I usually finished the ARE`s early too.Your study material really made the difference in helping me pass this exam. It was great to have such varied information and sources all gathered up in one package. I bought “the whole enchilada” and it worked for me.Thanks again and keep up the good work.”
– Damien Hannigan, San Francisco, California

“Hi David,Took your seminar at the end of September, I was the short guy who sat at the very back closest to the door.Completed the exam today and thanks to your help, I passed. Its really just persistence, and like you said, having the right mentality when taking the exam. I still work full-time, do my regular chores, see my girlfriend often, and still do my hobbies. Still made a few sacrifices however to allocate time to study, and it works out.I studied for 5 months, when I saw you at the seminar I’ve been studying for 2 ~ 3 months already at that point. Listened to your knowledge statements on my commute to and from work, and sometimes at work while working at the same time. Until yesterday night, I’ve listened to your entire knowledge statement as well as the aia document commentaries 5+ times. It boils down to simply putting your head down to study and spend as much time as you possibly can without loosing your life. Balance is so important, just so that your mind is in a better state when you’re taking the exam.I would like to express my deepest gratitude for you in putting together such an awesome study materials. I know you’ve probably heard this many many times, but I couldn’t have done it without you.I’ll spread the word about your study material to my friends and colleagues as it helped me tremendously in passing. Thank you for everything. Take care.”
– Ian Witarsa, Arcadia, California