Project-Management ARE 5.0 Project Management (PjM) Exam Questions and Answers

According to the baseline schedule in the exhibit, Construction Documents (CDs) were initially scheduled from March to July of Year 2 (5 months). Here are the project delays:

Owner kickoff delay: shifted the entire timeline by 1 month → CD starts April Year 2

January Year 2 change: +2 weeks

May and July changes: +3 weeks each (6 weeks total)

Rebid due to low response: +1 month

= Total added to CDs: ~2.5 months

April to July = 4 months

2.5 months = mid-to-late September → factoring rebid delay leads to November

During schematic design, the architect provides a preliminary opinion of probable construction cost (OPCC) based on conceptual design. This estimate is less detailed but important for budgeting and feasibility analysis. It helps the owner make informed decisions about project scope and design direction early in the process. Detailed quantity takeoffs and vendor pricing occur later in the design development or construction documents phases. Verifying bids and approving final budgets are responsibilities tied to later stages. The ARE 5.0 PjM exam highlights early-stage cost estimating as a critical tool for scope control and project feasibility.

The "Bidding Documents" typically include the Bidding Requirements section—marked as “A” in the diagram. This includes the Invitation to Bid, Instructions to Bidders, Information Available to Bidders, Bid Forms and Attachments, and Bid Security Forms. These documents provide the necessary guidance and requirements for potential contractors preparing their bids.

According to the AIA and CSI standards, Bidding Documents are composed of Bidding Requirements, Proposed Contract Forms, and the proposed Contract Documents (including drawings and specifications).

Substantial completion means the project or a portion of it is sufficiently complete in accordance with the contract documents so that the owner can occupy or use the space for its intended purpose. Punch list work typically remains. It triggers warranty periods and changes in risk responsibility. ARE 5.0 PjM requires understanding of contract milestones.

The most effective way to ensure that specific fixtures are not overlooked by bidders is to clearly indicate them directly in the construction drawings. This makes the requirement highly visible and enforceable, as drawings are primary references for pricing and execution.

While specifications are important, drawings are usually the first point of reference for contractors during the bidding and construction phases.

Including the light fixture directly in the drawings removes ambiguity and reinforces the requirement.

The punch list is valid only for work deemed substantially complete. Since the floor is damaged, substantial completion cannot yet be certified, but the architect can and should prepare a punch list for other non-affected areas. Meanwhile, the replacement flooring constitutes a change in scope, requiring a change order. The contractor, being responsible for the damage, will need to correct the work per the General Conditions (A201).

Incorrect choices:

A. The contractor revises the schedule, not the architect.

B. The owner assesses liquidated damages, not the architect directly.

C. No additional services have been performed yet.

E. Final payment withholding applies after project closeout, not now.

At 80% CD, the primary QC goals are coordination and constructability. Key actions include:

Peer reviews (B) by another qualified professional to verify technical adequacy.

Coordination among disciplines (F) to catch conflicts—especially in high-impact systems like HVAC and structural.

Consultant collaboration (C) helps preempt site clashes (e.g., ducts passing through beams).

Incorrect options:

A. Third-party CM reviews may help later, but internal coordination is more urgent at 80%.

D. Owner reviews are typically not technical.

E. Code officials generally review permit sets, not draft CDs.

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.

Although safety is primarily the contractor’s responsibility (per AIA A201), the architect has an ethical and limited contractual obligation to report unsafe site conditions observed during site visits. The correct action is to document the issue in writing and notify the contractor, while copying the owner. Directing the contractor’s crew is outside the architect's authority.

K–12 schools typically require comprehensive MEPFP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection) engineering services due to their complex needs—such as HVAC systems, lighting, life safety, and code compliance. Other options may not require the full suite of these services at the proposal stage, particularly a master plan or focused seismic upgrades.

Professional Liability Insurance (Errors and Omissions Insurance) covers architects against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in their professional services. General Liability covers bodily injury/property damage; builder’s risk covers construction site damage; workers’ compensation covers employee injuries. ARE 5.0 PjM includes knowledge of professional risk management.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation:

Step 1: Calculate area in square feet:

60 ft × 270 ft = 16,200 sq ft

Step 2: Convert to square yards:

16,200 sq ft ÷ 9 = 1,800 sq yd

Step 3: Calculate base cost:

1,800 sq yd × $13.25 = $23,850

Step 4: Add 15% markup:

$23,850 × 1.15 = $27,427.50

Step 5: Divide total cost by 60 parking spaces:

$27,427.50 ÷ 60 = $457.13 → Approx. $457 per space

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation:

If the owner's food service consultant made an error and the architect is asked to revise the design to address it, that request falls outside the architect’s basic services and is considered an Additional Service. Per AIA B101, the architect should submit a formal request for additional services, outlining the scope and cost of the requested changes.

The Owner-Architect Agreement (AIA B101) is the primary contract outlining the architect’s scope, deliverables, compensation, and responsibilities. It establishes the legal framework for services. General Conditions cover construction contract provisions; bid proposals are contractor documents; construction documents are design deliverables. ARE 5.0 PjM requires knowledge of these agreements to manage scope and responsibilities.

Shop drawings are prepared by contractors or suppliers to show fabrication and installation details. The architect reviews them to ensure compliance with design intent and contract documents but does not prepare or distribute them. Any changes found during review may require owner approval or change orders. ARE 5.0 PjM covers architect’s review responsibilities in construction administration.

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 achange 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 shouldfirst address the issue of compensationfor this added scope and extended time. This ensures that the consultants are compensated fairly before additional work proceeds.

Option Ais 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.

References 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

Programming is the pre-design phase where user needs, space requirements, equipment, and furniture needs are assessed. This information is critical to developing an appropriate design later during schematic and design development phases.

During project closeout, the architect conducts final inspections, prepares punch lists, and issues certificates of substantial completion to mark the transition of responsibility. Payroll and maintenance are owner or contractor roles. Warranty repairs may involve the architect as a liaison but are typically contractor responsibilities. ARE 5.0 PjM includes closeout procedures in the construction administration phase.

Per AIA B101-2017 § 6.1, the "Cost of the Work" includes items designed or specified by the architect in the construction contract. FF&E and owner-provided landscape features (like plants, art, and loose furniture) are typically excluded, as these may be contracted separately by the owner or coordinated outside basic architectural services.

Verified Answer

According to AIA Document B101 §6.7, if the lowest bona fide bid or negotiated proposal exceeds the budget, the architect is required to make reasonable modifications to bring the cost in line with the budget — at no additional compensation — provided the architect’s cost estimate was based on current market conditions.

* This clause ensures the architect takes responsibility for staying within budget expectations.

* Reference: AIA B101-2017 §6.7

* NCARB ARE 5.0 Handbook – PjM Content Area 2: Cost Estimating and Budgeting