PDF (New 2026) Actual NCARB PDD Exam Questions [Q25-Q44]

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PDF (New 2026) Actual NCARB PDD Exam Questions

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NCARB PDD Exam Syllabus Topics:

Topic	Details
Topic 1	Construction Documentation: This section of the exam measures skills of Project Architects and addresses the creation and management of project documentation. Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge of documenting building design and site features, preparing detailed architectural drawings, and applying industry standards to produce a coordinated set of construction documents. The section also includes understanding how project changes impact documentation and how to communicate these updates effectively to both the design team and the client.:
Topic 2	Codes & Regulations: This section of the exam measures skills of Building Code Specialists and examines how codes and regulations apply at a detailed level during documentation. Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge of compliance with the International Building Code (IBC) as well as other specialty regulations, as well as how to interpret and apply these standards to ensure design and documentation meet legal and safety requirements.
Topic 3	Project Manual & Specifications: This section of the exam measures the skills of Specifications Writers and emphasizes the importance of developing documentation that goes beyond drawings. Candidates must understand how to identify and prioritize elements needed to prepare, maintain, and refine both the project manual and project specifications. It also assesses the ability to align and coordinate these specifications with the construction documents to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Topic 4	Construction Cost: This section of the exam measures the skills of Construction Managers and focuses on the financial side of project execution. It evaluates the ability to analyze construction cost estimates to confirm that they align with project design intent and budgetary constraints. Although this is the smallest section, it is critical for ensuring projects remain feasible and economically viable.
Topic 5	Integration of Building Materials & Systems: This section of the exam measures the skills of Architectural Designers and focuses on the ability to resolve and integrate various building systems into cohesive project goals. It covers analyzing architectural systems and technologies, determining the size of structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and incorporating specialty systems such as acoustics, lighting, security, and communications. It also evaluates the ability to detail how multiple building systems work together and to coordinate across disciplines to achieve a unified design.

QUESTION 25
An architect is coordinating the mechanical and structural systems in a building with exposed ceilings. The HVAC ducts are interfering with a large concrete beam in the open office area.

Relocate the beam to accommodate the ductwork

Shift the HVAC ducts below the beam

Request the mechanical engineer to reroute the ductwork

Increase the ceiling height

QUESTION 26
In winter conditions, when the outdoor air is below freezing and the indoor humidity is maintained at 40 percent relative humidity for 24 hours a day, ice forms on the exterior surface of the stone facing.
Which of the following elements is missing from the building wall section?

Vapor barrier

Wall insulation

Air space

Rain screen

QUESTION 27
Where is the proper place to put a vapor barrier in a cold climate?

On the exterior between the metal siding and the sheathing

In the cavity of the framing space

On the exterior between the framing and the sheathing

On the interior between the gypsum wallboard and the framing

QUESTION 28

Refer to the exhibit.
The construction method shown in the detail should be used to prevent cracking in which of the following situations?

Structural steel frame buildings with plaster ceilings

Concrete frame buildings with drywall suspended ceilings

Concrete flat slab buildings with exposed slab ceilings

Exposed structural steel frame with no partitions to the structure

QUESTION 29
For the same moment, a glue-laminated beam would require a section modulus of what proportion relative to a sawn timber beam? (Assume F# of the glue-laminated beam is 2,400 psi and F# of the sawn lumber beam equals 1,200 psi.)

The same

1/2

3/4

QUESTION 30
Which of the following is an advantage of using a glycol-cooled air conditioning unit for a computer room?

It allows for a greater distance from the computer room to the outside unit.

Glycol is cheaper than water for cooling.

It reduces the amount of heat exhausted from the computer room.

Glycol units are a sustainable cooling solution.

QUESTION 31
A wall separating a distillery and a taproom must meet which of the following requirements based on a flammable liquid presence?

1-hour fire barrier

2-hour fire wall

1-hour smoke partition

3-hour fire barrier

QUESTION 32
Which document is the most appropriate location for specifying the finish material for casework?

Construction Drawings

Outline Specifications

Project Manual – Division 06

General Conditions

QUESTION 33
Fire and smoke control requirements for air ducts include which of the following? Check the three that apply.

Smoke damper

Balancing damper

Smoke barrier

Fire damper

Variable-volume smoke controls

Air-handler shut-down sensors

QUESTION 34
A family-owned apple farm in the Upper Midwest is taking advantage of a change in the local zoning code that added a new Agri-Tourism class in the existing farm zone. This allows the Owner to build a new facility on their existing site. The building will be open to the public and include a brewery, distillery, tap room, and market. The architect is ready to submit the drawings to the Owner for the 50% construction documents review.
To accommodate a compressed construction schedule, the Owner will be utilizing a design-build process. The Contractor has submitted the Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) shop drawings to the Architect for review, due to the lead time on this critical path item. Once construction begins, farming operations must be able to continue uninterrupted.
Key project information includes:
* Brewing and distilling will operate year-round.
* Brewery will initially include four fermenting tanks. Owner has requested space for at least two additional tanks. Potential expansion will be based on future sales.
* Distillery will produce 16% alcohol, which is classified as a flammable liquid. Fire separations are required.
* Tap Room is designed with seating for 300 people, not including exterior patio seating. It will have views to the working orchards and the historic buildings on site.
* Tap Room is scheduled to be open from August through November. Owner would like options to extend operating dates based on popularity.
* The Market area will feature local farm products and is not conditioned.
* Entire building will be fully sprinklered.
* Selected building materials are low-maintenance, as requested by the Owner, for durability and to reflect the nature of a working farm.
* Mechanical and electrical systems will be hung from the building structure. These loads are included in PEMB shop drawings.
* Public water and sewer is not available at the Project Site.
* Occupancy sensors are included to reduce utility costs and achieve energy conservation requirements.
The following resources are available for your reference:
* Architectural Drawings, including plans, elevations, sections, and schedules
* Consultant Drawings, including structural, HVAC, power distribution, and plumbing
* PEMB Shop Drawings
* Design and Construction Schedule
* Specification Excerpts, showing relevant spec sections
* IBC and ADA Excerpts, showing relevant code and accessibility sections
* After reviewing the documents, the architect discovers a coordination issue in the corridor.
The owner wants to add a small storage closet with dimensions of 4′-0″ L x 4′-0″ W in the Laundry Room along column line 1. The closet will have access from the corridor only.
Which of the following documents require revision due to this addition? Check the three that apply.

A101

A102

A103

Building Systems Narrative

Initial Cost Estimate

Specification Excerpts

Understanding the Context
The addition of a 4′-0″ x 4′-0″ storage closet accessible from the corridor is a design scope modification. Even though this might appear minor, in the context of a Design-Build project delivery method, any change in the scope or spatial layout directly impacts the contract documents. Since the delivery model combines design and construction responsibilities under a single entity, accuracy and clarity in the Owner-Contractor Agreements (AIA A101, A102, or A103) is critical.
Why A101, A102, and A103 Require Revisions
* A101 – Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor (Stipulated Sum):This document defines the scope, cost, and responsibilities of the contractor. Adding a storage closet may alter construction cost, schedule, or scope, which must be formally revised and incorporated via an amendment or change order.
* A102 – Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor (Cost of the Work Plus a Fee with GMP):Similar to A101, but applies to projects with a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP).
The addition of new work, even small, may affect the GMP or contingency usage. Therefore, it also requires formal documentation of the scope change.
* A103 – Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor (Cost of the Work Plus a Fee without a GMP):Again, even though no GMP is involved, changes to project scope must be documented for cost tracking and accountability.
According to NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Handbook – Section: Project Manual and Contract Documents:
“The architect must evaluate how any proposed revisions to the work affect the project’s scope, schedule, and budget. These revisions must be incorporated into the contract documents and may require issuing an amendment or modification to the contract.” Furthermore, under Objective 4.2 – Evaluate and address changes in scope of work and scope creep, ARE candidates are expected to know when and how revisions impact contract documents.
In design-build delivery, all these contract forms must reflect any changes, even minor ones, because the contractor holds responsibility for both design and construction execution. Failure to reflect the change may lead to contractual disputes or unaccounted costs.
Why Other Options Do Not Apply
* D. Building Systems Narrative:This narrative typically outlines the design intent and basis for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. A minor storage closet accessed from a corridor would not alter system layout or equipment sizing, and thus doesn’t necessitate a revision to this document.
* E. Initial Cost Estimate:While the estimate may eventually need updating during cost reconciliation, the question specifically asks which documents require revision. The initial estimate is a schematic- level document that doesn’t necessarily need to be revised for such a minor addition.
* F. Specification Excerpts:Unless the closet introduces new materials (e.g., special finishes, fire- resistive construction, unique fixtures), the specifications remain unchanged. The closet is likely using standard finishes already defined elsewhere in the spec.
Key PDD Content Areas Referenced
* Section: Construction Documentation – Identifying how changes affect working drawings and specifications.
* Section: Contracts and Project Manual – Understanding the impact of scope changes on contract documents.
* Objective 4.2 – Evaluate and address changes in scope of work and scope creep.
* Objective 1.2 – Interpret contract documents to determine if revisions affect project scope, schedule, or budget.

QUESTION 35
For which of the following reasons is sheet piling used? (Check the three that apply)

A grade beam needs support.

Raked shoring should be created.

A pile cap needs support.

An excessive slope on the sides of the excavation would be required.

The soil surrounding an excavation site will not support itself during or after the digging.

The excavation adjoins a property line and the adjacent property cannot be disturbed.

QUESTION 36
What is the most destructive factor affecting the durability of mortar joints?

Wind loading

Location of control joints

Efflorescence

Expansion of moisture by freezing

QUESTION 37
A construction detail for a window sill shows metal flashing terminating behind the exterior cladding. Which principle is being demonstrated?

Air barrier continuity

Structural redundancy

Thermal bridging

Water management

QUESTION 38
A family-owned apple farm in the Upper Midwest is taking advantage of a change in the local zoning code that added a new Agri-Tourism class in the existing farm zone. This allows the Owner to build a new facility on their existing site. The building will be open to the public and include a brewery, distillery, tap room, and market. The architect is ready to submit the drawings to the Owner for the 50% construction documents review.
To accommodate a compressed construction schedule, the Owner will be utilizing a design-build process. The Contractor has submitted the Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) shop drawings to the Architect for review, due to the lead time on this critical path item. Once construction begins, farming operations must be able to continue uninterrupted.
Key project information includes:
* Brewing and distilling will operate year-round.
* Brewery will initially include four fermenting tanks. Owner has requested space for at least two additional tanks. Potential expansion will be based on future sales.
* Distillery will produce 16% alcohol, which is classified as a flammable liquid. Fire separations are required.
* Tap Room is designed with seating for 300 people, not including exterior patio seating. It will have views to the working orchards and the historic buildings on site.
* Tap Room is scheduled to be open from August through November. Owner would like options to extend operating dates based on popularity.
* The Market area will feature local farm products and is not conditioned.
* Entire building will be fully sprinklered.
* Selected building materials are low-maintenance, as requested by the Owner, for durability and to reflect the nature of a working farm.
* Mechanical and electrical systems will be hung from the building structure. These loads are included in PEMB shop drawings.
* Public water and sewer is not available at the Project Site.
* Occupancy sensors are included to reduce utility costs and achieve energy conservation requirements.
The following resources are available for your reference:
* Architectural Drawings, including plans, elevations, sections, and schedules
* Consultant Drawings, including structural, HVAC, power distribution, and plumbing
* PEMB Shop Drawings
* Design and Construction Schedule
* Specification Excerpts, showing relevant spec sections
* IBC and ADA Excerpts, showing relevant code and accessibility sections
* After reviewing the documents, the architect discovers a coordination issue in the corridor.
The owner has revised the pro forma and directed the architect to add two additional Type B units to the design. A code review for the project indicates that the building occupancy is R-2.
What should the architect do to meet the owner’s required revisions?

Change the 2nd Floor Unit 1BR-SW into two studios and change the 10th Floor Unit 2BR-E to two 1- bedroom units.

Change the 10th Floor Unit 2BR-E to two 1-bedroom units and change the 7th Floor Unit 2BR-E to two
1-bedroom units.

Change the 5th Floor Unit 2BR-E to two 1-bedroom units and change the 2nd Floor Laundry to a 1- bedroom unit.

QUESTION 39
A family-owned apple farm in the Upper Midwest is taking advantage of a change in the local zoning code that added a new Agri-Tourism class in the existing farm zone. This allows the Owner to build a new facility on their existing site. The building will be open to the public and include a brewery, distillery, tap room, and market. The architect is ready to submit the drawings to the Owner for the 50% construction documents review.
To accommodate a compressed construction schedule, the Owner will be utilizing a design-build process. The Contractor has submitted the Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) shop drawings to the Architect for review, due to the lead time on this critical path item. Once construction begins, farming operations must be able to continue uninterrupted.
Key project information includes:
Brewing and distilling will operate year-round.
Brewery will initially include four fermenting tanks. Owner has requested space for at least two additional tanks. Potential expansion will be based on future sales.
Distillery will produce 16% alcohol, which is classified as a flammable liquid. Fire separations are required.
Tap Room is designed with seating for 300 people, not including exterior patio seating. It will have views to the working orchards and the historic buildings on site.
Tap Room is scheduled to be open from August through November. Owner would like options to extend operating dates based on popularity.
The Market area will feature local farm products and is not conditioned.
Entire building will be fully sprinklered.
Selected building materials are low-maintenance, as requested by the Owner, for durability and to reflect the nature of a working farm.
Mechanical and electrical systems will be hung from the building structure. These loads are included in PEMB shop drawings.
Public water and sewer is not available at the Project Site.
Occupancy sensors are included to reduce utility costs and achieve energy conservation requirements.
The following resources are available for your reference:
Architectural Drawings, including plans, elevations, sections, and schedules Consultant Drawings, including structural, HVAC, power distribution, and plumbing PEMB Shop Drawings Design and Construction Schedule Specification Excerpts, showing relevant spec sections IBC and ADA Excerpts, showing relevant code and accessibility sections After reviewing the documents, the architect discovers a coordination issue in the corridor.
The architect is preparing the project manual.
What section should be included?

006113 Performance and Payment Bond

012300 Alternates

015000 Temporary Utilities

019113 General Commissioning Requirements

Understanding the Context
When preparing the Project Manual in the Project Development & Documentation (PDD) section of the ARE 5.0 exam, you need to determine which specification sections are essential based on project requirements and conditions. The Project Manual organizes administrative and technical specifications into divisions, each serving a specific purpose.
In this case, because construction will occur while farming operations continue uninterrupted-and public water and sewer services are unavailable on site-temporary utilities (such as water, power, and possibly sanitation) are a critical component that must be clearly addressed in the Project Manual. These provisions ensure the contractor understands how to support construction without disrupting farm operations and without relying on permanent utilities.
Why “015000 Temporary Utilities” is Required
Section 01 50 00 – Temporary Utilities (often numbered 015000) is part of Division 01: General Requirements in the Project Manual. It specifies requirements for establishing and maintaining temporary utility services (like water, electric, lighting, heating, cooling, toilets) during construction. It helps ensure the design and construction team address logistical needs amid the distinctive site conditions-namely the absence of public utilities and the necessity of continuous farm operations.
As noted in a design and construction manual resource:
“Section 01 51 00 – Temporary Utilities. This section is generally included in all projects; however, it must be carefully written so as to be applicable to the specific project conditions.” This directly supports inclusion of Temporary Utilities in the Project Manual for this project scenario.
Why Other Options Are Not Appropriate
* A. 006113 Performance and Payment BondThese forms pertain to contract security and bonding requirements, which would be located in Division 00 (Procurement and Contracting Requirements), not Division 01. The question focuses on which section should be included in the Project Manual being prepared at this phase; the key imperative here is the temporary utility needs, not bonds.
* B. 012300 AlternatesAlternates allow multiple pricing options for different project scopes, but there is no indication that alternate options (e.g., alternate spaces or functions) are being used in this design.
There’s no mention of bidding alternates.
* D. 019113 General Commissioning RequirementsCommissioning provisions (often related to MEP system verification and performance) would only be required if commissioning is part of the project deliverables. The project brief doesn’t indicate commissioning deliverables-only that mechanical and electrical systems are supported by the PEMB, and the focus here is continuity of operations and utilities during construction, not commissioning.

QUESTION 40
The client requests to limit daylighting in a second-story bedroom located in the northeast corner of a new house, especially in the mornings. The architect is considering options for the windows in terms of quantity, size, type, and location, and notes that emergency escape and rescue openings must provide a minimum clear opening of 5.7 square feet.

Three 2′ x 2′ awning windows on the east wall

One 4′ x 4′ fixed window on the north wall

Two 3′ x 2′ casement windows on the east wall

One 3′ x 5′ double-hung window on the north wall

QUESTION 41
A family-owned apple farm in the Upper Midwest is taking advantage of a change in the local zoning code that added a new Agri-Tourism class in the existing farm zone. This allows the Owner to build a new facility on their existing site. The building will be open to the public and include a brewery, distillery, tap room, and market. The architect is ready to submit the drawings to the Owner for the 50% construction documents review.
To accommodate a compressed construction schedule, the Owner will be utilizing a design-build process. The Contractor has submitted the Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) shop drawings to the Architect for review, due to the lead time on this critical path item. Once construction begins, farming operations must be able to continue uninterrupted.
Key project information includes:
* Brewing and distilling will operate year-round.
* Brewery will initially include four fermenting tanks. Owner has requested space for at least two additional tanks. Potential expansion will be based on future sales.
* Distillery will produce 16% alcohol, which is classified as a flammable liquid. Fire separations are required.
* Tap Room is designed with seating for 300 people, not including exterior patio seating. It will have views to the working orchards and the historic buildings on site.
* Tap Room is scheduled to be open from August through November. Owner would like options to extend operating dates based on popularity.
* The Market area will feature local farm products and is not conditioned.
* Entire building will be fully sprinklered.
* Selected building materials are low-maintenance, as requested by the Owner, for durability and to reflect the nature of a working farm.
* Mechanical and electrical systems will be hung from the building structure. These loads are included in PEMB shop drawings.
* Public water and sewer is not available at the Project Site.
* Occupancy sensors are included to reduce utility costs and achieve energy conservation requirements.
The following resources are available for your reference:
* Architectural Drawings, including plans, elevations, sections, and schedules
* Consultant Drawings, including structural, HVAC, power distribution, and plumbing
* PEMB Shop Drawings
* Design and Construction Schedule
* Specification Excerpts, showing relevant spec sections
* IBC and ADA Excerpts, showing relevant code and accessibility sections
* After reviewing the documents, the architect discovers a coordination issue in the corridor.
The client wants to add rooftop access for residents. Roof access features include:
Adding a vegetated roof system
Installing an elevated paver patio system
Limiting access to 50 residents at any time
What should the architect do to accommodate this revision? Check the four that apply.

Revise exterior elevations

Provide an exterior exit stair

Provide additional roof details

Consult structural engineer

Consult elevator manufacturer

Contact civil engineer

Interpreting the Scenario
The owner is requesting rooftop access for residents, featuring a vegetated (green) roof, an elevated paver patio, and occupancy limited to 50 people. These revisions introduce new design requirements triggered by building codes (means of egress, structural loads, architectural representation) and coordination challenges across disciplines.
Why Each Selected Option is Required
* Revise Exterior Elevations
* The addition of a rooftop terrace and vegetated roof changes the building’s exterior appearance- its massing, parapets, materials, and possibly guardrail heights. These design changes must be reflected in the architectural drawings used for permit issuance and construction.
* Provide an Exterior Exit Stair
* Under the International Building Code (IBC) and general egress requirements, an occupied rooftop (used by people for recreation or amenities) must be safely accessible and egressed.
Occupied roofs require a stairway-an exterior exit stair-rather than just a hatch or ladder ICC+6NYC+6The Building Code Forum+6NYC+4lapeyrestair.com+4NYC+4. This ensures the rooftop can serve as a legal means of egress.
* Provide Additional Roof Details
* Adding a vegetated roof system and a paver patio involves multiple layers (waterproofing, root barrier, drainage, structural substrate, pavers, possibly amenity loading, edge details, guardrails).
The project manual and construction documents must include these specific details to ensure proper assembly and water protection.
* Consult Structural Engineer
* Vegetated roofs and paver patios introduce significant dead loads (soil, plants, saturated weight) and live loads (maintenance personnel, occupants). The structure must be verified to support these loads. Per green roof design standards, structural capacity must be evaluated early in the design process NYC. Consulting the structural engineer ensures safety and code compliance.
Why Other Options Do Not Apply
* E. Consult elevator manufacturer
* There’s no indication that elevator access is required or available. Current code triggers elevator access only in specific scenarios (e.g., occupant loads exceeding certain thresholds combined with accessibility requirements). This project doesn’t suggest such a need.
* F. Contact civil engineer
* The rooftop change pertains to architectural detailing, structural capacity, and life safety-not site-wide civil issues like grading, stormwater, or utilities. While the vegetated roof may affect overall stormwater management, primary concerns still fall under architectural and structural domains. Typical ARE scope categories engage the geotech/environmental or landscape professional-not necessarily the civil engineer-unless broader site infrastructure is impacted.

QUESTION 42
Which of the following best explains the function of Division 01 in the specifications?

Describes specific materials and installation

Details bidding and contract forms

Establishes general administrative requirements

Identifies drawing scales and symbols

QUESTION 43
Which of the following metals is best suited for embedments in concrete or masonry?

Stainless steel

Bronze

Aluminum

Cast iron

QUESTION 44
A family-owned apple farm in the Upper Midwest is taking advantage of a change in the local zoning code that added a new Agri-Tourism class in the existing farm zone. This allows the Owner to build a new facility on their existing site. The building will be open to the public and include a brewery, distillery, tap room, and market. The architect is ready to submit the drawings to the Owner for the 50% construction documents review.
To accommodate a compressed construction schedule, the Owner will be utilizing a design-build process. The Contractor has submitted the Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) shop drawings to the Architect for review, due to the lead time on this critical path item. Once construction begins, farming operations must be able to continue uninterrupted.
Key project information includes:
* Brewing and distilling will operate year-round.
* Brewery will initially include four fermenting tanks. Owner has requested space for at least two additional tanks. Potential expansion will be based on future sales.
* Distillery will produce 16% alcohol, which is classified as a flammable liquid. Fire separations are required.
* Tap Room is designed with seating for 300 people, not including exterior patio seating. It will have views to the working orchards and the historic buildings on site.
* Tap Room is scheduled to be open from August through November. Owner would like options to extend operating dates based on popularity.
* The Market area will feature local farm products and is not conditioned.
* Entire building will be fully sprinklered.
* Selected building materials are low-maintenance, as requested by the Owner, for durability and to reflect the nature of a working farm.
* Mechanical and electrical systems will be hung from the building structure. These loads are included in PEMB shop drawings.
* Public water and sewer is not available at the Project Site.
* Occupancy sensors are included to reduce utility costs and achieve energy conservation requirements.
The following resources are available for your reference:
* Architectural Drawings, including plans, elevations, sections, and schedules
* Consultant Drawings, including structural, HVAC, power distribution, and plumbing
* PEMB Shop Drawings
* Design and Construction Schedule
* Specification Excerpts, showing relevant spec sections
* IBC and ADA Excerpts, showing relevant code and accessibility sections
* After reviewing the documents, the architect discovers a coordination issue in the corridor.

Refer to the exhibit.
Which hardware set should be specified for door number 27?

Hardware set 1.0

Hardware set 2.0

Hardware set 3.0

Hardware set 4.0

Updated Apr-2026 Pass PDD Exam – Real Practice Test Questions: https://www.actualcollection.com/PDD-exam-questions.html

NCARB PDD Exam Syllabus Topics:

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