Architect Registration Examination (ARE) Construction and Evaluation Syllabus

What is a submittal schedule and why is it important?

A list, prepared by the contractor and coordinated with the construction schedule, identifying which submittals are required and when they must be submitted and returned. It lets the architect allocate adequate review time and prevents delays.

What is an RFI (Request for Information) and when is it used?

A formal written request from the contractor to the architect seeking clarification or additional information about the contract documents (e.g., ambiguities, conflicts, or missing details). It documents the question and the response for the record.

If an RFI reveals a genuine conflict or error in the contract documents requiring a change, what instrument does the architect issue?

The architect responds with clarification; if the answer changes the work, it is formalized through a supplemental instruction (ASI) for no cost/time impact, or a change order/construction change directive if cost or time is affected.

What is the purpose of an architect's site visit (observation) during construction under AIA A201?

To become generally familiar with the progress and quality of the work and to determine, in general, if the work is proceeding in accordance with the contract documents—so the architect can keep the owner informed and certify payments.

What is the difference between "observation" and "inspection" in construction administration?

Observation is the architect's general, periodic review of progress and quality (not exhaustive). Inspection is a detailed, often continuous examination (e.g., by special inspectors or for substantial/final completion); architects observe rather than continuously inspect to limit liability.

What should a field report (site visit report) document?

Date, weather, who was present, work in progress, observed conformance/non-conformance, deficiencies noted, questions/RFIs, materials delivered, and any directions given—creating a contemporaneous record of conditions and the architect's observations.

What is the Application and Certificate for Payment process (AIA G702/G703)?

The contractor submits a payment application with a continuation sheet (schedule of values) showing work completed; the architect reviews and certifies the amount due, the owner pays. The architect's certification represents a professional judgment that work has progressed to the level indicated.

What is a schedule of values and how does it relate to progress payments?

A breakdown allocating the total contract sum among the various portions of the work. The contractor uses it to base monthly payment applications on the percentage of each line item completed; the architect uses it to evaluate the application.

What is retainage in progress payments?

A percentage (commonly 5–10%) withheld from each progress payment by the owner to ensure the contractor completes the work and corrects deficiencies; it is released at or near completion.

On what grounds may an architect withhold or nullify a certificate for payment?

Defective work not remedied, third-party claims/liens, failure to pay subcontractors, reasonable evidence the work can't be completed for the unpaid balance, damage to the owner or another contractor, or persistent failure to carry out the work per the contract documents.

What is a Change Order (CO) and what three things does it modify?

A written instrument signed by the owner, contractor, and architect that authorizes a change in the work. It can adjust the (1) contract sum, (2) contract time, and (3) scope of the work; all three parties must agree.

What is a Construction Change Directive (CCD) and how does it differ from a change order?

A CCD is signed by the owner and architect (not the contractor) directing a change in the work prior to agreement on cost/time. It is used when the parties cannot agree on terms, allowing work to proceed while the adjustment is determined later.

What is an Architect's Supplemental Instruction (ASI) and when is it appropriate?

A minor change in the work issued by the architect that is consistent with the contract documents and involves no change in contract sum or time. Signed only by the architect; no owner/contractor signature required.

Differentiate the three change instruments by who signs and cost/time impact: Change Order, CCD, ASI.

Change Order: owner+contractor+architect, agreed cost/time change. CCD: owner+architect, cost/time disputed/pending. ASI: architect only, no cost/time change (minor change consistent with documents).

What is the difference between Substantial Completion and Final Completion?

Substantial Completion is when the work is sufficiently complete that the owner can occupy/use it for its intended purpose. Final Completion is when all work, including punch list items, is fully finished per the contract documents.

List key legal/contractual consequences that are triggered by the date of Substantial Completion.

Owner takes occupancy; warranties typically begin; retainage may be reduced; responsibility for security, utilities, insurance, and maintenance shifts to the owner; and statutory/contractual limitation periods often start to run.

What is a punch list and when is it prepared?

A list, prepared at substantial completion, of incomplete or deficient items the contractor must finish or correct before final payment. The architect (with the contractor) inspects to verify each item is resolved before certifying final completion.

What documents/items must typically be submitted before Final Payment is certified?

Completed punch list, contractor's affidavit that debts are paid, release of liens/waivers, consent of surety, warranties and guarantees, operation/maintenance (O&M) manuals, as-built (record) drawings, and certificate of occupancy.

What is a certificate of occupancy and who issues it?

A document issued by the local building official (authority having jurisdiction) certifying that the building complies with applicable codes and is safe to occupy for its intended use. It is required before lawful occupancy.

Under AIA A201, what is the first required step (condition precedent) for resolving most disputes before litigation?

The claim must first be referred to the Initial Decision Maker (IDM)—by default the architect—who renders an initial decision; many disputes then proceed to mediation before binding dispute resolution (arbitration or litigation).

Compare mediation, arbitration, and litigation as dispute resolution methods.

Mediation: non-binding, a neutral facilitates a voluntary settlement. Arbitration: binding (usually), a neutral arbitrator renders an enforceable decision privately, faster than court. Litigation: binding public court process, formal, slower, and appealable.

Under AIA A201, what is the time limit for a contractor to submit a claim after the event giving rise to it?

Within 21 days after the occurrence of the event or after the claimant first recognizes the condition giving rise to the claim, whichever is later.

What is the difference between a claim and a change order?

A change order is a mutually agreed modification of contract sum/time/scope. A claim is a demand or assertion by one party seeking an adjustment (in payment, time, or other relief) that has not been agreed upon and may proceed to dispute resolution.

What is the architect's role as Initial Decision Maker (IDM) in claims?

To render an initial, impartial decision on claims between owner and contractor (approve, reject, request more data, or suggest compromise). The IDM decision is a condition precedent to mediation; the architect must act impartially though paid by the owner.

What three primary quality-control tools verify construction quality conforms to the documents?

Submittal review (shop drawings/samples), mock-ups and field samples, and testing & inspection (special inspections, material testing) by independent agencies—plus the architect's site observations.

What is a mock-up and what is its function in quality evaluation?

A full-scale sample assembly built (in place or off-site) to establish the standard of quality and appearance for materials and workmanship. Approved mock-ups become the benchmark against which the actual installed work is judged.

What is a special inspection and who performs it?

Code-required inspection of specific construction elements (e.g., structural welding, concrete, soils, fire-resistive assemblies) performed by qualified independent special inspectors, reporting to the building official to verify code compliance.

What is post-occupancy evaluation (POE) and why is it used in building performance assessment?

A systematic assessment of a building's performance after occupancy—measuring how well it meets user needs and design goals (energy, comfort, function, satisfaction). It informs corrective actions and provides lessons learned for future projects.

In building performance assessment, name common categories of performance measured.

Energy use/efficiency, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, acoustics, lighting/daylighting, water use, occupant satisfaction/functionality, and durability/maintenance—often benchmarked against codes, design targets, or rating systems (e.g., LEED).

What is the typical process for defect identification and remediation during the warranty/correction period?

Defect is identified (observation, owner report, POE) → documented and notice given to contractor → cause investigated → contractor corrects nonconforming work within the one-year correction period under A201 → corrected work re-inspected and verified.

Under AIA A201, what is the one-year correction period and how does it relate to warranty?

For one year after substantial completion, the contractor must correct nonconforming work discovered and reported. This correction period is a specific contractual obligation and is not a limitation on the broader warranty or the owner's other legal remedies.

What is the value of "lessons learned" and feedback integration at project closeout?

Capturing what worked and what failed (cost, schedule, quality, coordination, RFIs, change orders) and feeding it back into firm standards, details, specifications, and future estimating improves quality and reduces repeated errors—turning each project into organizational knowledge.