NCARB Project-Management Practice Exam Questions & Answers

When an owner requests a significant change during the design development phase---such as changing an amenity space from a business center to a private restaurant---this constitutes a change in scope. Such changes often require additional design work, engineering effort, and potentially extended schedules.

The mechanical engineer has indicated the schedule must be extended by four weeks due to this scope change. To maintain project momentum and avoid delays, the architecture firm should first address the issue of compensation for this added scope and extended time. This ensures that the consultants are compensated fairly before additional work proceeds.

Option A is the correct first step: The architect should request the owner to approve an adjustment to compensation reflecting the additional scope and time required.

Option B (approving design loads) is premature before addressing scope and compensation changes.

Option C (receiving owner's written approval of the schedule change) is important but generally follows agreement on compensation and scope adjustment.

Option D (changing the C401 agreement to reflect schedule extension) might be required eventually but the initial and most critical step is securing compensation approval from the owner before contract modifications.

This aligns with standard project management practices and AIA contract guidelines that emphasize properly managing changes in scope, compensation, and schedule to avoid disputes and maintain project control.

Reference from ARE 5.0 Project Management (PjM) division:

AIA Document C401 (Architect-Consultant Agreement) --- managing scope changes, compensation adjustments, and schedule modifications

Project Management best practices for scope, schedule, and compensation control

NCARB ARE 5.0 PjM study materials on change management during design phases

Contract administration guidance on coordinating owner-consultant agreements when scope changes occur

The AIA A201 and B101 clearly state that the architect is the one who certifies substantial completion. The architect must inspect the work and include a list of incomplete or corrective work (a 'punch list') as part of the Certificate of Substantial Completion.

The building inspector may issue a certificate of occupancy, but the architect is responsible for certifying substantial completion.

AIA A201-2017 9.8.4

AIA G704 Certificate of Substantial Completion

NCARB ARE 5.0 Handbook -- Construction & Closeout Tasks

According to AIA B101, Section 4.2 (Additional Services), changes required by the enactment or revision of codes, laws, or regulations after the preparation of construction documents are considered Additional Services. The architect is entitled to additional compensation for the time and work required to revise the documents accordingly.

AIA B101 -- Article 4.2.3

NCARB ARE 5.0 Handbook -- Architect's services and contractual responsibilities

The Critical Path Method (CPM) identifies the longest sequence of dependent tasks that determine the minimum project duration. It highlights critical activities where delays affect the overall schedule. Gantt charts and bar charts are visual scheduling tools but do not calculate critical paths. Flowcharts map processes. CPM is essential in ARE 5.0 PjM for schedule analysis.

There are three phases with design submissions:

SD 30%

DD 60%

CD 90%

Adding 1 extra week for review to each of those phases results in 3 additional weeks total.

Original end of Bidding/Negotiation = October 4 Add 3 weeks = October 25

Coordinating review time with consultants is a best practice and should be reflected in planning deliverables.

AIA Best Practices on project scheduling

Per AIA A201 General Conditions, the owner is responsible for obtaining and paying for permits and licenses necessary for the project unless otherwise stated. The contractor typically assists by providing necessary information and submitting documents required by local authorities but the ultimate responsibility lies with the owner. The architect facilitates compliance by producing code-compliant documents but does not directly secure permits. This responsibility division is a key concept in ARE 5.0 PjM relating to roles and obligations defined in contract documents.

The Notice to Proceed is a formal document issued by the owner or architect authorizing the contractor to begin work on the project and establishing the contract start date. Purchase orders are for procurement; change orders modify contracts; certificates of substantial completion recognize project milestones. ARE 5.0 PjM tests knowledge of construction administration documents.