Above all, there is no right or wrong way to do it. But aspiring architects typically choose the order by which they take the 6 exams per their overlapping and difficulty. The latter may be a bit more subjective and personal, but the former is quite evident once you start studying for the exams. We believe there is a substantial overlap in the study materials and resources between PcM, PjM and CE but also between PA and the 2 “beasts”. People usually start studying for the Pro-Practice Trifecta (PcM, PjM and CE) because there is a considerably smaller amount of study materials to read. We would not say these exams are necessarily easier than the other three, but the exams are shorter and there is less information to absorb. It is good to start with the shorter exams to gauge what an ARE 5.0 exam is all about.
Similarly, the experience will also teach you how to carefully (but quickly) read questions, how to choose the right answer and how to pace yourself. This will be useful once you get to the 100-question mammoths! Lastly, there is also a great amount of overlapping between PA and PP&D and the same can be said between PP&D and PD&D.