Updated Feb 24, 2026 PDD Exam Dumps – PDF Questions and Testing Engine [Q11-Q28]

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Updated Feb 24, 2026 PDD Exam Dumps – PDF Questions and Testing Engine

New (2026) NCARB PDD Exam Dumps

Q11. Temporary shoring of a masonry wall should remain in place until what point?

Mortar joints are struck

Lateral bracing connections are complete

Horizontal reinforcing is installed

Foundations are backfilled

Q12. Which of the following have natural resins that resist termite attack? (Check the two that apply)

Douglas fir

Red cedar

Cypress

Hemlock

Southern yellow pine

Oak

Q13. Which of the following documents would the architect need in order to prepare the specifications?

Legal survey, engineering drawings, and door schedule

Legal survey, geotechnical report, and traffic management plan

Geotechnical report, building sections, and room finish schedule

Architectural floor plans, room finish schedule, and traffic management plan

Q14. 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.

Q15. The building permit plan review for a small, two-story residential project with a crawlspace issues the following comment to the architect:
“No under floor access shown in plans. Please locate and note locations of under floor access.” Site conditions will not allow access to the crawlspace from the exterior.
What drawing will the architect need to update to satisfy the reviewer’s comment?

Second Floor Framing Plan

Main Floor Framing Plan

Foundation Plan

Q16. An architect is designing a new poured-in-place concrete residential tower with individual condo units. The drawings specify exposed cantilevered concrete balconies with glass guardrail parapets. The exterior wall specifications have already been developed and established. They are now coordinating the specification requirements for construction of the balconies in the project manual.
Which items are required to be specified as part of the balcony scope? (Check the four that apply)

Drainage

Floor finish coating

Furnishings

Door types

Guardrail anchoring

Glazing system

In NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD, balconies are considered part of the building envelope and exterior assembly, requiring coordination between structural, architectural, and sometimes MEP elements. The project manual’s specification sections for balconies should include all components integral to the balcony’s construction and performance – not unrelated furnishings or general door types unless they are directly part of the balcony system.
Reasoning for each selection:
A). Drainage – REQUIRED:
Balconies must include drainage provisions to prevent standing water, freeze-thaw damage, and leakage into units. This is part of Division 07 (Thermal and Moisture Protection) in the CSI MasterFormat and directly tied to durability and code requirements.
B). Floor finish coating – REQUIRED:
The balcony surface finish must be specified for slip resistance, durability, weather resistance, and integration with waterproofing membranes. This is usually in Division 09 (Finishes) but referenced in Division 07 for waterproof coatings.
E). Guardrail anchoring – REQUIRED:
Structural anchorage details for the glass guardrail parapets must be specified to meet IBC load requirements (200 lb concentrated load per IBC 1607.8) and to ensure safety. This falls under Division 05 (Metals) or Division 05/08 integration.
F). Glazing system – REQUIRED:
Glass guardrails involve tempered or laminated safety glazing per IBC Chapter 24 and must be specified, including thickness, type, finish, and installation method.
Why the others are excluded:
C). Furnishings – NOT REQUIRED: Balconies may have furniture, but these are FF&E, not part of the construction scope in the balcony specification.
D). Door types – NOT REQUIRED: Doors leading to balconies are part of the exterior wall fenestration package, not the balcony construction section.
NCARB PDD References:
ARE 5.0 Handbook – PDD Section: Integration of building systems and detailing of assemblies CSI MasterFormat Divisions 05, 07, 08, 09 for balcony scope items IBC 2018 Sections 1607.8, 1015 for guardrail design

Q17.

Refer to the exhibit.
Using metal stud framing, how many screws per stud are needed to connect the header if each screw is rated at 440 pounds for shear and 215 pounds for tension?

Q18. Which of the following methods of mortar joint finishing has the greatest weatherability?

Weathered

Extruded

Raked

Concave

Q19. Which of the following documents should be coordinated in the design of a barrier-free building entrance?

Door schedule, vertical elevations, and structural plans

Hardware schedule, electrical drawings, and sprinkler drawings

Vertical elevations, hardware schedule, and electrical drawings

Door schedule, hardware schedule, and alarm system design

Q20. The design of a 10-story residential building features a curtain wall system on all four elevations. Due to diurnal temperature swings in the area, the curtain wall will need a thermal break to prevent the transfer of heat into the building.
Click on the thermal break in the pressure-plate mullion detail.

Q21. Option 1 is the originally designed connection detail for a banner hanging system of steel tube beams and threaded rods in a high atrium space. The threaded rod connections to the structure are fabricated as part of the structure. The remaining members are field fabricated. The weights of beam and banner are identical at each level. Option 2 has been proposed to alleviate constructability issues. The structural ramifications must be evaluated before this change can be approved.
Click on the nut in option 2 that will realize a greater load due to the proposed change.

Q22. 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

Q23. 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

Q24. Which document is the most appropriate location for specifying the finish material for casework?

Construction Drawings

Outline Specifications

Project Manual – Division 06

General Conditions

Q25. 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.

Q26. Which of the following is most appropriate to coordinate ceiling-mounted HVAC diffusers?

Reflected ceiling plan

Structural framing plan

Floor finish plan

Roof plan

Q27.

Refer to the exhibit.
The exterior cast-in-place concrete wall of a heated building is insulated with polyurethane slabs.
The concrete will be warmest in the winter if the insulation is applied as shown in which of the following?

Q28. 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

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	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.
Topic 3	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 4	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 5	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.