CCM Certified Contract Manager Questions and Answers

This statement is false. While FIDIC Contracts provide standardized contractual frameworks, procurement processes vary widely depending on local laws, employer requirements, contract editions, and project specifics. Definitions, timelines, and procurement steps may differ between models and jurisdictions, making the procurement process not universally identical.

The FIDIC contracts are adaptable tools, not rigid procurement procedures, so users must tailor procurement to local and project needs.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Options A and B are correct: Both the Red and Yellow Books require the Engineer to certify payments before the Employer pays the Contractor.

Option C (Silver Book) typically places the risk on the Contractor and often provides for payment without Engineer certification, reflecting the turnkey nature of the contract.

Sub-Clause 13.8 of the FIDIC Silver Book (1999) allows the Particular Conditions to specify a formula or indices for adjusting the Contract Price for rises and falls in labour and Goods costs. The method set forth may not fully compensate for actual cost changes — it can be lower than the real fluctuations — reflecting practical and commercial considerations.

Option B is correct because the contract permits this flexibility.

Option A is incorrect; full compensation is not guaranteed.

Option C is incorrect; the adjustment can cover materials and labour but may extend beyond.

Option D is incorrect; adjustments can be calculated from different dates as specified.

Under the FIDIC Red Book 1999, the Performance Certificate marks the end of the Contractor’s obligations under the contract (Sub-Clause 11.9). The Engineer must issue this certificate once the Defects Notification Period has ended, all Contractor's Documents are submitted, and all works including defect rectification have been completed and tested.

Option C is correct because the Engineer is required to issue the Performance Certificate within 28 days after these conditions are met.

Option D is correct as the certificate is conditional upon fulfilling specific contract requirements (e.g., completion of works, submission of documents).

Option A is incorrect because acceptance of works usually happens earlier (e.g., taking-over certificate); the Performance Certificate represents completion of all contractual obligations, not just acceptance.

Option B is incorrect as the Performance Certificate confirms contractual completion but does not necessarily imply full mutual performance beyond contract terms.

Under the FIDIC Red Book (1999), the Tender Documents typically include:

The Bill of Quantities (Option B), which provides detailed quantities for priced items and forms a basis for tender pricing.

The Specifications (Option E), which define the technical requirements for the Works.

The Schedule of Guarantees (Option A) is usually provided later, during contract formation, not as part of tender documents.

Employer’s Requirements (Option C) are more commonly referenced in design-build contracts such as the Yellow Book, not the Red Book which is traditionally a design-bid-build contract.

Schedule of Baselines (Option D) is not a standard tender document in FIDIC Red Book contracts.

Option A provides the clearest and most unambiguous notice because:

It explicitly references the relevant Sub-Clause (8.1) that governs Commencement Date notification.

It uses precise language “I hereby give notice” indicating formal notification.

It clearly states the Commencement Date with a specific date (17 April 2023).

Options B and C are less formal or ambiguous and do not refer to the proper contract clause, which could lead to disputes. Option D incorrectly refers to the Time for Completion start rather than the Commencement Date specifically.

Clear and formal notices help prevent contractual disputes by explicitly identifying the contractual clause and key date.

Local procurement laws, regulations, and internal governance rules often apply in addition to or alongside FIDIC contract provisions. Employers, whether public or private, must comply with applicable national or sector-specific rules, which may affect procurement procedures, documentation, and contract award processes.

Option C is correct because procurement requirements depend on local legal systems, the nature of the Employer, and applicable governance.

Option A is incorrect as FIDIC contracts provide contractual frameworks but do not override local legal obligations.

Option B is incorrect because many Employers have procurement policies.

Option D is incorrect since private entities may also be subject to procurement laws or internal policies.

Under Sub-Clause 8.3 of the FIDIC Red and Yellow Books 2017, the revised programme must reflect:

The planned sequence and timing of works including recognized holidays (Option A) to ensure realistic scheduling.

The actual progress to date, delays, and impacts on subsequent activities (Option B) so that stakeholders can manage resources and risks effectively.

Option C (remedial work) is typically not part of the main programme but may be in a separate defect rectification schedule.

Option D is too narrow; the programme should include all activities, not only undelivered materials.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option D is NOT correct. The DAAB does not act as a witness or provide support during arbitration. Its role is to avoid and adjudicate disputes early during the project lifecycle impartially and fairly, but it does not serve as witness support in arbitration proceedings.

Y is not correct. The Contractor’s obligation to commence works depends on the Commencement Date notification as per the contract. If the Employer requests commencement on the 14th day after signing, and the contract allows or the Engineer has not yet notified otherwise, the Contractor should comply unless formally instructed otherwise.

Delaying work beyond the contractual or Employer’s instruction without valid cause may be considered breach of contract and could lead to claims against the Contractor.

In FIDIC contracts (2017 editions), meetings such as progress or management meetings are key tools for communication and coordination among parties. The contract provisions and practical use reflect flexibility regarding who can request or call for such meetings.

Option Ais correct: Both the Contractor and the Engineer can request or call meetings as needed to discuss project progress, issues, or coordination. This promotes proactive communication.

Option Bisincorrect(and therefore included in the answer): It is not only the Engineer who can call meetings. The Contractor can also request meetings.

Option Cis generally correct: Subcontractors may attend meetings only with the Engineer’s approval or if invited. This controls confidentiality and relevance of discussions.

Option Disincorrect: Only the Employer calling meetings is not correct. The Employer may do so but is not the only party authorized.

Option Eis correct: The Engineer typically keeps records (minutes) of progress meetings to document discussions, decisions, and agreed actions. This is essential for contract administration.

Hence, theincorrectstatements areBandD.

The Commencement Date is a critical contractual milestone that triggers contractual obligations including the start of time for completion. For clarity and enforceability, it must be specified clearly in contract documents forming part of the formal contract. The Contract Agreement (Option B) and the Particular Conditions (Option C) are the standard places to unambiguously specify the Commencement Date.

Minutes of meetings (Option A) or emails (Option D), while useful for informal communication, do not have the legal certainty or binding contractual effect unless expressly incorporated into the contract documents. Therefore, specifying the Commencement Date solely in meeting minutes or emails is not advised for clarity and risk mitigation.

This statement is true. The Silver Book (EPC/Turnkey contracts) usually involves lump-sum payment, but if part payment is based on quantity or work done, this must be explicitly provided for in the Particular Conditions to avoid ambiguity.

Such provisions ensure clarity on payment terms in line with project specifics.

Option D is correct because contract drafting should strategically allocate risks between parties based on who can best manage them and the Employer’s budget for risk and reward. Understanding risk appetite is key to tailoring FIDIC contracts appropriately.

Option A is exaggerated; while amendments can introduce issues, careful drafting can preserve benefits of standardization.

Option B is partly true but mixing arrangements is complex and not always straightforward.

Option C is incorrect; the Employer usually chooses the contract form.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

The Employer must provide detailed notice to the Contractor regarding intended changes material to financial arrangements, enabling transparency and allowing the Contractor to assess impacts and prepare claims or adjustments accordingly.

This obligation supports fair risk allocation and project control.

The statement is false. Under FIDIC 2017 editions, the referral of a dispute to the DAAB does not automatically suspend the Parties’ contractual obligations. The works and contract performance generally continue while the dispute is adjudicated, unless otherwise agreed or ordered.

Suspension of obligations can disrupt project progress and is not encouraged by FIDIC procedures, which emphasize dispute resolution without delaying the work.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option B is correct: A Variation is a formal change to the Works instructed by the Engineer via a Notice (Sub-Clause 3.5). This includes changes to design or execution such as slopes on a road.

Option A is a proposal, not yet a Variation. Positive interest does not constitute a Variation.

Option C is partially correct but depends on formal instruction after proposal acceptance; the question specifies the Engineer instructs the Variation, but since it was a request for proposal first, the Variation instruction comes later. Without explicit instruction, this is not yet a Variation.

Option D is invalid as verbal instruction plus a Notice denying cost claims does not constitute a proper Variation.