CCM Professional Practice and Ethics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CM discovers that a subcontractor has falsified daily reports to conceal a schedule delay. What is the CM's primary ethical obligation?
- Confront the subcontractor privately and allow them to self-correct
- Report the falsification to the owner and document the incident formally (Correct answer)
- Ignore it if the project recovers on schedule
- Notify only the general contractor and let them handle it
Correct answer: Report the falsification to the owner and document the incident formally
The CM's fiduciary duty to the owner requires full transparency about falsified records affecting project status.
Question 2: Under the CMAA Code of Ethics, which behavior best demonstrates the duty of 'loyalty' to a client?
- Disclosing all relevant project information, even when unfavorable to the CM's position (Correct answer)
- Recommending only contractors the CM has worked with before
- Prioritizing the CM's professional reputation over client concerns
- Keeping confidential information only when it benefits the project
Correct answer: Disclosing all relevant project information, even when unfavorable to the CM's position
Loyalty requires full disclosure of all material information to the client regardless of how it reflects on the CM.
Question 3: A CM firm is asked to review the work of another CM firm on a disputed project. What ethical principle should guide this engagement?
- Avoid criticizing fellow professionals under any circumstances
- Provide an objective, factual assessment based on professional standards (Correct answer)
- Align findings with whichever party is paying the review fee
- Decline the engagement to avoid professional controversy
Correct answer: Provide an objective, factual assessment based on professional standards
Professional objectivity requires honest, evidence-based assessment even when reviewing a peer's work.
Question 4: Which scenario most clearly violates the principle of 'conflict of interest' as defined by CMAA standards?
- A CM discloses a prior relationship with a bidder and recuses from evaluation
- A CM accepts a consulting role with a supplier bidding on the project without disclosure (Correct answer)
- A CM hires a former colleague who is fully qualified for a project role
- A CM recommends a product they have personally used and found effective
Correct answer: A CM accepts a consulting role with a supplier bidding on the project without disclosure
Accepting an undisclosed financial relationship with a project bidder is a direct conflict of interest.
Question 5: A CM is pressured by an owner to certify a payment application for work that has not been completed to the required standard. The CM should:
- Certify the payment to maintain the client relationship
- Certify a partial amount reflecting only completed, conforming work (Correct answer)
- Resign from the project immediately
- Request the contractor correct deficiencies before any certification
Correct answer: Certify a partial amount reflecting only completed, conforming work
The CM must certify only work that conforms to contract requirements, protecting the owner's financial interests objectively.
Question 6: Which document serves as the primary standard of professional conduct for Certified Construction Managers in the United States?
- AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
- CMAA Standards of Practice and Code of Professional Ethics (Correct answer)
- ASCE Code of Ethics
- AGC Professional Conduct Guidelines
Correct answer: CMAA Standards of Practice and Code of Professional Ethics
The CMAA Standards of Practice and Code of Professional Ethics govern the conduct of Certified Construction Managers.
Question 7: A CM learns that a design specification contains an error that will cause cost overruns but was not noticed during the CM's own review. Ethically, the CM should:
- Remain silent to avoid liability for missing the error during review
- Disclose the error to the owner and design team immediately (Correct answer)
- Instruct the contractor to build per spec and document the potential overrun
- Seek legal counsel before informing any party
Correct answer: Disclose the error to the owner and design team immediately
Transparency requires the CM to promptly disclose known errors to all affected parties to minimize harm.
CCM Professional Practice and Ethics 2
A CM discovers that a subcontractor has falsified daily reports to conceal a schedule delay.
What is the CM's primary ethical obligation?