You’ve put it off long enough! It’s time to get serious and create goals to help you pass the California Supplemental Exam. Yes, You!

In this episode, I discuss how you can set concrete goals to pass the CSE. It’s time you get motivated and take the Exam!

Distinguishing Between Goals and Practices/Habits

Don’t get overwhelmed by too many goals

Prioritizing Goals

High Achievers

Reviewing and Adjusting Goals

Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

Establishing Momentum

Setting a Deadline

Should Goals Be Public or Private

Maintaining Focus

Dealing With Fear

Reviewing and Assessing Your Goals

Celebrate Achieving Your Goals

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A battle between giants! The California Building Code goes head to head with the California Building Standards Code. The fans are on their feet. Who shall prevail?

In this episode, I put the California Building Code and the California Building Standards Code head to head in a battle royale to see who will come out as victor. I also discuss the recent website redesign, my goals for content creation, and the recent guest posts from the new series, “Success Stories.”

The first round in this battle is  to understand the California Building Code. This is the code we use most of the time as architects. It contains topics such as occupancy type, construction type, building or floor area, building height, exits and egress, building separation and shaft enclosures, fire protection, fire extinguishing systems, accessibility requirements, engineering requirements. and structural provisions. This is the primary code the local plan checker will be referencing when reviewing our plans for compliance.

The California Building Standards Code is Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. It consists of 12 parts including;

Once you understand these two codes, it’s easy to see that the California Building Standards Code is giant, when compared to the California Building Code. The California Building Code is only one part of the California Building Standards Code. A simple, but important distinction.

CSEprep.com has a fresh new look with a more modern and cleaner design! One of the main reasons for the redesign is to put more of an emphasis on the podcast + blog page. You can now see 30 posts per page and each post has a feature box with a picture about the theme of the post. This makes the posts more visually interesting which will attract more readers and result in more comments from candidates and other viewers. Also be sure to check out the new Podcast Archive page.

I’ve had a busy April. I’ve put out 6 pieces of content this month. I’ve put out two video tips, Desperation or Determination and Application and Certificate For Payment and also started a new series “Success Stories.”

I’ve also started a new series for guest posts on the CSE Blog called “Success Stories” in which candidates share their preparation and exam taking experience with others. I published Alberto’s “My Heart Sank To My Stomach”, Becca’s “I Completely Panicked At The Beginning. I Started To Hyperventilate.” and Joe’s “I’m Sorry, but the Testing Center Cannot Provide You With Your Score”. These are wonderful stories so please check them out and leave a comment at the bottom of the articles to show your appreciation to the authors for taking the time to write their stories.

There are no enforcement actions to discuss this week as CAB has not released a new newsletter since last fall.

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You’ve spent weeks preparing, maybe even months. You’re on a roll. But have you taken time to think about and plan the few days just before the Exam?

I discuss a game plan for the 3 Days before taking your Exam and suggest what you should do each day. Day 3 is the “Not Learn Anything New Day”, Day 2 is the “You Are Prepared Day”, Day 1 is the “Distance” Day, and Day 0 is “Exam Day”.

I discuss the value of mental mindset, establishing a positive internal dialogue, building your confidence in the days leading up to taking your Exam.

I also discuss on Day 2 to listen to/watch;

This episode will help you focus and prepare in the final days before your Exam.

Another Success Story

Rick sends in his email about recently passing the Exam. He titles his email “I’m 50 and I Passed” and gives some great advice for those candidates getting ready to take the Exam.

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Passing the California Supplemental Exam is a major accomplishment. Us mere mortals require years of studying and practice before we even begin to conjure up the confidence to “sit” for the exam. But Rosannah did it at 23 years old. Wow.

I am so proud to interview the youngest licensed architect in California, Rosannah, who recently passed the California Supplemental Exam at only 23 years old.

It was even her second attempt, so she was able to squeeze in two attempts and pass at 23, simply incredible. Her story is so inspiring and motivating that this has to be one of my favorite all time podcasts I have ever recorded. I hope this episode will give you greater confidence and inspire you to schedule your exam today!

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Out of state candidates often email me  with questions and concerns about feeling at a disadvantage when preparing for the Exam. Well, California is not as different as you might think. Yup, I just said that.

I believe this feeling comes about because out of state candidates may feel they “aren’t as familiar with California laws, rules, and regulations” as candidates working in California. So today, I’m very excited to share Victoria’s email, an out of state candidate who recently passed the Exam. Her email is SO insightful and full of great nuggets of information including to preparing for the exam, the importance of making a study plan, relaxing before the exam, establishing confidence and more. I read her email then give my thoughts on her insights. This is a MUST listen to episode if you are struggling to begin your studies or having trouble focusing on the material.

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