DBIA Practice Test 2026 – 100 Questions
with Correct Answers & Explanations
Design-Build Certification Preparation |
Graded A+ Study Guide
Introduction
Prepare to pass the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Certification Exam
with this A+ graded practice test, fully updated for 2026. This comprehensive
study guide is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence needed to
successfully pass the DBIA exam and earn your Designated Design-Build
Professional™ credential.
What determines how team members are organized, when parties engage, and the sequence of
design and construction?
A. Procurement Method
B. Contracting Approach
C. Project Delivery System
D. Risk Allocation Plan
Correct Answer: C. Project Delivery System
Explanation: The delivery system defines structure, timing, responsibilities, and workflow
(DBB, CMAR, DB).
What defines how team members are selected?
A. Contracting Strategy
B. Procurement Method
C. Delivery Model
D. Payment Structure
, Correct Answer: B. Procurement Method
Explanation: Procurement methods include QBS, Best Value, Low Bid, and Sole Source.
Fixed Price and GMP are examples of:
A. Delivery Systems
B. Procurement Methods
C. Contracting Approaches
D. Organizational Structures
Correct Answer: C. Contracting Approaches
Explanation: These determine how parties are compensated and how financial risk is
allocated.
Which delivery system follows a linear and sequential process?
A. Design-Build
B. CMAR
C. Design-Bid-Build
D. IPD
Correct Answer: C. Design-Bid-Build
Explanation: In DBB, design is fully completed before construction bidding begins.
In Design-Bid-Build, the General Contractor is typically selected based on:
A. Qualifications
B. Best Value
C. Low Bid
D. Negotiated Fee
Correct Answer: C. Low Bid
Explanation: DBB traditionally awards construction contracts to the lowest responsive
bidder.
In CMAR, the Construction Manager is commonly selected using:
A. Low Price Only
B. Random Selection
C. QBS or Best Value
D. Sealed Bid
, Correct Answer: C. QBS or Best Value
Explanation: CMAR emphasizes qualifications and value rather than price alone.
In CMAR, the construction cost is typically established through:
A. Lump Sum Bid
B. Negotiated GMP
C. Unit Price Only
D. Post-Construction Audit
Correct Answer: B. Negotiated GMP
Explanation: The Guaranteed Maximum Price establishes a cost ceiling.
Who assumes the primary cost risk under a GMP contract?
A. Owner
B. Architect
C. Construction Manager
D. Surety
Correct Answer: C. Construction Manager
Explanation: The CM is responsible for costs exceeding the GMP.
Which delivery method provides a single point of responsibility to the owner?
A. DBB
B. Multiple Prime
C. Design-Build
D. CM Agency
Correct Answer: C. Design-Build
Explanation: The owner contracts with one entity for both design and construction.
In Design-Build, the designer and contractor:
A. Have separate contracts with the owner
B. Have no contractual relationship
C. Have a direct contractual relationship
D. Compete against each other
with Correct Answers & Explanations
Design-Build Certification Preparation |
Graded A+ Study Guide
Introduction
Prepare to pass the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Certification Exam
with this A+ graded practice test, fully updated for 2026. This comprehensive
study guide is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence needed to
successfully pass the DBIA exam and earn your Designated Design-Build
Professional™ credential.
What determines how team members are organized, when parties engage, and the sequence of
design and construction?
A. Procurement Method
B. Contracting Approach
C. Project Delivery System
D. Risk Allocation Plan
Correct Answer: C. Project Delivery System
Explanation: The delivery system defines structure, timing, responsibilities, and workflow
(DBB, CMAR, DB).
What defines how team members are selected?
A. Contracting Strategy
B. Procurement Method
C. Delivery Model
D. Payment Structure
, Correct Answer: B. Procurement Method
Explanation: Procurement methods include QBS, Best Value, Low Bid, and Sole Source.
Fixed Price and GMP are examples of:
A. Delivery Systems
B. Procurement Methods
C. Contracting Approaches
D. Organizational Structures
Correct Answer: C. Contracting Approaches
Explanation: These determine how parties are compensated and how financial risk is
allocated.
Which delivery system follows a linear and sequential process?
A. Design-Build
B. CMAR
C. Design-Bid-Build
D. IPD
Correct Answer: C. Design-Bid-Build
Explanation: In DBB, design is fully completed before construction bidding begins.
In Design-Bid-Build, the General Contractor is typically selected based on:
A. Qualifications
B. Best Value
C. Low Bid
D. Negotiated Fee
Correct Answer: C. Low Bid
Explanation: DBB traditionally awards construction contracts to the lowest responsive
bidder.
In CMAR, the Construction Manager is commonly selected using:
A. Low Price Only
B. Random Selection
C. QBS or Best Value
D. Sealed Bid
, Correct Answer: C. QBS or Best Value
Explanation: CMAR emphasizes qualifications and value rather than price alone.
In CMAR, the construction cost is typically established through:
A. Lump Sum Bid
B. Negotiated GMP
C. Unit Price Only
D. Post-Construction Audit
Correct Answer: B. Negotiated GMP
Explanation: The Guaranteed Maximum Price establishes a cost ceiling.
Who assumes the primary cost risk under a GMP contract?
A. Owner
B. Architect
C. Construction Manager
D. Surety
Correct Answer: C. Construction Manager
Explanation: The CM is responsible for costs exceeding the GMP.
Which delivery method provides a single point of responsibility to the owner?
A. DBB
B. Multiple Prime
C. Design-Build
D. CM Agency
Correct Answer: C. Design-Build
Explanation: The owner contracts with one entity for both design and construction.
In Design-Build, the designer and contractor:
A. Have separate contracts with the owner
B. Have no contractual relationship
C. Have a direct contractual relationship
D. Compete against each other
