Latest PDD Exam Real Tests Free Updated Today [Q12-Q36]

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Latest PDD Exam Real Tests Free Updated Today

PDD Real Exam Question Answers Updated [Apr 17, 2026]

NCARB PDD Exam Syllabus Topics:

Topic	Details
Topic 1	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 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	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	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 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.

NEW QUESTION 12
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 requests that the metal panel skin be changed to EIFS.
Which of the following architectural sheets require changes to the notes and/or details? Check the three that apply.

A-00

A-02

A-03

A-04

A-06

A-07

NEW QUESTION 13
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

NEW QUESTION 14
During drawing review, a discrepancy is found between the drawings and room 101 on the finish schedule.
Click in the cell on the room finish schedule that does not match the drawings.

NEW QUESTION 15
Which species of wood is often used as a substitute for more costly species because of its hardness, grain pattern, and ability to take paint and stain well?

Poplar

Red oak

Cypress

Redwood

NEW QUESTION 16

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

NEW QUESTION 17
Specifications and details for repointing deteriorated masonry joints in historic soft-brick buildings should result in which one of the following?

The duplication of original mortar strength

An increased mortar strength over the original mortar

A bond between the existing masonry and the new mortar that is stronger than the brick

Deeper joint profiles

Understanding the Problem
This question is about historic masonry restoration – specifically, repointing deteriorated mortar joints in soft-brick buildings.
Historic bricks, especially those made before the early 20th century, are often much softer and more porous than modern high-fired bricks. The mortar originally used was also softer, usually lime-based, which allowed for thermal movement, moisture permeability, and protection of the brick units.
Why the Correct Answer is “Duplication of Original Mortar Strength”
* Best practice in preservation (as outlined in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties) is to match the original mortar in strength, composition, permeability, and appearance.
* A mortar stronger than the original can cause the softer brick to crack or spall under thermal or moisture stresses, because the brick will end up being the weaker link and take the damage.
* Duplication ensures that the new mortar works compatibly with the old masonry system – allowing for similar vapor transmission and structural flexibility.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
* B. Increased mortar strength over the original mortar – This is harmful in historic soft-brick construction. Stronger cement-based mortars can trap moisture in the brick, leading to freeze-thaw damage and spalling.
* C. A bond stronger than the brick – This would cause the brick to fail first when stress occurs, which is undesirable in preservation work.
* D. Deeper joint profiles – Deeply raking out joints unnecessarily can damage surrounding brick edges and change the visual proportions; repointing depth should only be enough to remove deteriorated mortar (typically 2-2.5 times the joint width).
NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Study Guide References:
* Content Area: Integration of Building Materials & Systems – Historic Preservation Techniques
* Key Resources:
* The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation & Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings
* National Park Service Preservation Brief 2: “Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings”
* Building Construction Illustrated – Masonry Restoration
* Key Preservation Principle: “New mortar should match the historic mortar in composition, strength, and vapor permeability.”

NEW QUESTION 18
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

NEW QUESTION 19
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.
Which modification is required?

Add exit sign at door number 15.

Relocate supply and return air diffusers.

Add access panel for shut-off valves.

NEW QUESTION 20
In the design of a barrier-free access route, door locksets should be equipped with which one of the following?

Grip handles with thumbpieces

Knurled knobs

Lever handles

Panic devices

NEW QUESTION 21
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

NEW QUESTION 22
In which of the following locations in concrete masonry should a control joint be placed?

At the first course of masonry walls

At each corner of the foundation wall

At changes in wall height

In the center of window openings

NEW QUESTION 23
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

NEW QUESTION 24
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

NEW QUESTION 25
Owners of a busy two-story theater complex want to renovate. The new renovations include increasing the second floor lobby and doubling the number of second floor movie screens. The owner favors the use of escalators. Movies are scheduled to start simultaneously every three hours. The theater currently has a pair of
24-inch-wide parallel escalators, one of which goes up and the other down.
Which of the following should be proposed to accommodate the increased traffic to the second floor?

Increase the existing escalator speeds to 130 fpm

Install a new elevator in the lobby

Install a new escalator that reverses direction

Extend balustrades at escalator landings

NEW QUESTION 26

Refer to the exhibit.
An architect is developing an electrical diagram to show equipment configuration and flow of electricity for a residential project. The project is integrating on-site wind generation where the utility company does not allow net metering.
Which diagram meets the project requirements?

Diagram A

Diagram B

Diagram C

NEW QUESTION 27
The architect has completed 60% of the construction documents. The owner wants to establish the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) at this point before 100% of the construction documents are complete. Several flooring finish items are still undetermined.
What should be included in the project manual to make sure the contractor has a cost to cover all finishes?

Contingency of 10% added to the overall construction cost

Schedule of flooring unit prices to be completed by the contractor

Allowance of $30/sq. yd. for floor finishes

Alternate to change broadloom carpet to carpet tile

NEW QUESTION 28
Which of the following documents defines the responsibilities and duties of the contractor during construction?

A101

A201

B101

G702

NEW QUESTION 29
An architect is rehabilitating a historic federal landmark that requires repairs to a garden wall. The existing brick appears to be in good condition; the mortar shows significant signs of deterioration.
Which strategy should the architect propose to repair the damaged wall?

Carefully remove all mortar and repoint all joints to achieve a uniform appearance.

Completely remove deteriorated mortar with electric saws prior to repointing.

Remove loose mortar by hand raking the joints prior to repointing.

NEW QUESTION 30
During an analysis of an existing sanitary sewer crossing a proposed building site, it was determined that the outflow invert at one manhole was 120 feet and the inflow invert at the next manhole, which is 200 feet downstream, was 117 feet.
What is the percentage of slope between the two manholes?

1.5%

NEW QUESTION 31

Refer to the exhibit.
During spring rains, the foundation walls around the basement space, as illustrated, experience an increase in lateral pressures.
Which one of the following is also a major concern?

Moisture absorption of the concrete foundation wall

Increased weight on the footings

Vertical upward pressure on the basement floor

Differential lateral pressure on total building structure

NEW QUESTION 32
An architect is designing a sub-surface drainage system that outfalls into a site retention pond. The recommended shape, size, and slope of the drainage lines need to be determined for primarily which of the following purposes?

To minimize the desired flow

To maximize the desired flow

To obtain the desired velocity

To increase the desired velocity

NEW QUESTION 33
Which document is the most appropriate location for specifying the finish material for casework?

Construction Drawings

Outline Specifications

Project Manual – Division 06

General Conditions

NEW QUESTION 34
Which system would most impact the structural loads in a vegetated roof design?

Fire suppression system

HVAC duct routing

Green roofing assemblies

Lightning protection system

NEW QUESTION 35
Which elevator type is the most appropriate choice for a 15-story high-rise residential condominium where speed and noise are considerations?

Holed hydraulic

Hole-less hydraulic

Geared traction

Gearless traction

NEW QUESTION 36
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