DBIA DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTING
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAM
2026–2027 EDITION
Complete Practice Exam | Questions & Answers | Study Guide
COVERS ALL HIGH-YIELD TOPICS
Contract Law | DB Process | Risk Allocation | Case Law | Insurance &
Bonding
SECTION I: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Instructions: Select the SINGLE BEST answer for each question. Each question is worth
1 point. Time allocation: approximately 1.5 minutes per question.
Question 1
Which of the following BEST describes the fundamental basis of a valid contract under general
contract law principles, as applied in Design-Build project delivery?
A. A signed document witnessed by a notary public
B. Mutual offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity, and authority
C. A written agreement mandated by the Statute of Frauds
D. An RFP issued by a public sector owner
Question 2
,In the Trident v. Austin (2003) case involving a NAVFAC project, which legal doctrine was found
applicable when a party's $5.2 million price was used in a bid but the project was awarded to
another party?
A. Promissory Estoppel
B. Spearin Doctrine
C. Statute of Frauds
D. Economic Loss Doctrine
Question 3
A subcontractor submits a bid that is relied upon by a design-builder during an RFP proposal.
The design-builder is awarded the project, but the subcontractor refuses to honor the bid price.
Which legal theory MOST likely protects the design-builder?
A. Statute of Frauds
B. Common Law Precedent
C. Promissory Estoppel
D. Quantum Meruit
Question 4
During a Design-Build project, an owner-furnished specification fails to accurately represent
subsurface conditions. The contractor encounters materially different site conditions. Under the
Spearin Doctrine, what is the owner's primary obligation?
A. The contractor bears all risk because it should have performed independent site
investigation
, B. The owner impliedly warrants that plans and specs are accurate and suitable for their
intended purpose
C. The contractor must submit a formal Differing Site Conditions claim within 30 days or
waive rights
D. The owner may invoke the Exculpatory clause to shift risk to the contractor
Question 5
A design-builder completes additional work due to an owner's direction but receives no formal
change order. The owner denies entitlement. Which BEST describes this situation under
construction law?
A. Constructive Acceleration
B. Constructive Change
C. Differing Site Condition
D. Promissory Estoppel
Question 6
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a type of Constructive Change in Design-
Build contracting?
A. Defective specifications under Spearin
B. Breach of implied duties of good faith and cooperation
C. Owner's proper exercise of differing site conditions clause
D. Constructive acceleration
, Question 7
In the context of Design-Build contract structures, which of the following is a characteristic
UNIQUE to Cost Plus/GMP contracts compared to Lump Sum contracts?
A. Single price regardless of actual cost
B. No transparency into price components
C. Owner has broad audit rights and ability to be involved in subcontractor procurement
D. Limited audit rights with undisclosed contingencies
Question 8
Under the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) process, at what approximate level of design
completion is the commercial proposal typically developed in Phase 2?
A. 10%–20%
B. 20%–30%
C. 40%–60%
D. 70%–90%
Question 9
Which DBIA document number is the Standard Form of Teaming Agreement between a Design-
Builder and a Teaming Party?
A. DBIA 300
B. DBIA 500
C. DBIA 580
D. DBIA 600
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAM
2026–2027 EDITION
Complete Practice Exam | Questions & Answers | Study Guide
COVERS ALL HIGH-YIELD TOPICS
Contract Law | DB Process | Risk Allocation | Case Law | Insurance &
Bonding
SECTION I: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Instructions: Select the SINGLE BEST answer for each question. Each question is worth
1 point. Time allocation: approximately 1.5 minutes per question.
Question 1
Which of the following BEST describes the fundamental basis of a valid contract under general
contract law principles, as applied in Design-Build project delivery?
A. A signed document witnessed by a notary public
B. Mutual offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity, and authority
C. A written agreement mandated by the Statute of Frauds
D. An RFP issued by a public sector owner
Question 2
,In the Trident v. Austin (2003) case involving a NAVFAC project, which legal doctrine was found
applicable when a party's $5.2 million price was used in a bid but the project was awarded to
another party?
A. Promissory Estoppel
B. Spearin Doctrine
C. Statute of Frauds
D. Economic Loss Doctrine
Question 3
A subcontractor submits a bid that is relied upon by a design-builder during an RFP proposal.
The design-builder is awarded the project, but the subcontractor refuses to honor the bid price.
Which legal theory MOST likely protects the design-builder?
A. Statute of Frauds
B. Common Law Precedent
C. Promissory Estoppel
D. Quantum Meruit
Question 4
During a Design-Build project, an owner-furnished specification fails to accurately represent
subsurface conditions. The contractor encounters materially different site conditions. Under the
Spearin Doctrine, what is the owner's primary obligation?
A. The contractor bears all risk because it should have performed independent site
investigation
, B. The owner impliedly warrants that plans and specs are accurate and suitable for their
intended purpose
C. The contractor must submit a formal Differing Site Conditions claim within 30 days or
waive rights
D. The owner may invoke the Exculpatory clause to shift risk to the contractor
Question 5
A design-builder completes additional work due to an owner's direction but receives no formal
change order. The owner denies entitlement. Which BEST describes this situation under
construction law?
A. Constructive Acceleration
B. Constructive Change
C. Differing Site Condition
D. Promissory Estoppel
Question 6
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a type of Constructive Change in Design-
Build contracting?
A. Defective specifications under Spearin
B. Breach of implied duties of good faith and cooperation
C. Owner's proper exercise of differing site conditions clause
D. Constructive acceleration
, Question 7
In the context of Design-Build contract structures, which of the following is a characteristic
UNIQUE to Cost Plus/GMP contracts compared to Lump Sum contracts?
A. Single price regardless of actual cost
B. No transparency into price components
C. Owner has broad audit rights and ability to be involved in subcontractor procurement
D. Limited audit rights with undisclosed contingencies
Question 8
Under the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) process, at what approximate level of design
completion is the commercial proposal typically developed in Phase 2?
A. 10%–20%
B. 20%–30%
C. 40%–60%
D. 70%–90%
Question 9
Which DBIA document number is the Standard Form of Teaming Agreement between a Design-
Builder and a Teaming Party?
A. DBIA 300
B. DBIA 500
C. DBIA 580
D. DBIA 600
