NCARB Construction and Evaluation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During construction, the owner requests a significant design change that increases the contract sum. What document should be used?
- Change Order (Correct answer)
- Architect's Supplemental Instruction
- RFI Response
- Field Order
Correct answer: Change Order
A Change Order is required when a change affects contract sum or time, and it must be agreed upon and signed by all three parties.
Question 2: What is the contractor's primary obligation upon discovering a concealed condition that differs materially from the contract documents?
- Notify the architect promptly before disturbing the condition (Correct answer)
- Proceed with corrective work immediately
- Notify the building department
- Submit a change order request without stopping work
Correct answer: Notify the architect promptly before disturbing the condition
AIA A201 requires the contractor to promptly notify the architect of differing site conditions before proceeding so the architect can investigate and direct the response.
Question 3: Which insurance is the contractor typically required to carry to protect against bodily injury and property damage claims from third parties?
- Commercial General Liability (Correct answer)
- Builder's Risk
- Professional Liability
- Workers' Compensation
Correct answer: Commercial General Liability
Commercial General Liability insurance protects against third-party claims for bodily injury and property damage arising from construction operations.
Question 4: What is the function of a Construction Change Directive (CCD)?
- To direct a change in the work when owner and contractor have not yet agreed on the adjustment (Correct answer)
- To document a completed and agreed-upon change
- To request pricing from the contractor
- To log field observations by the architect
Correct answer: To direct a change in the work when owner and contractor have not yet agreed on the adjustment
A CCD allows the owner and architect to direct a change even without contractor agreement, with cost and time to be determined later.
Question 5: A project's Certificate of Occupancy is issued by which authority?
- The local building department (Correct answer)
- The architect
- The owner
- The general contractor
Correct answer: The local building department
The Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the local jurisdiction's building department after inspections confirm the building complies with applicable codes.
Question 6: What does 'substantial completion' mean in practical terms for the architect's role?
- The architect issues a Certificate of Substantial Completion and the contractor's punch list obligations begin (Correct answer)
- The architect's contract ends
- All warranty periods expire
- The architect certifies final payment
Correct answer: The architect issues a Certificate of Substantial Completion and the contractor's punch list obligations begin
Upon substantial completion, the architect issues the certificate, the contractor's one-year correction period starts, and the punch list is formalized.
NCARB Construction and Evaluation 3
During construction, the owner requests a significant design change that increases the contract sum.
What document should be used?