AICM Certified Construction Procurement
Specialist CCPS Exam
**Question 1.** Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of procurement
planning in construction projects?
A) To select the lowest‑priced subcontractor
B) To define project requirements, scope, and specifications before tendering
C) To negotiate contract terms after bids are received
D) To finalize the construction schedule
Answer: B
Explanation: Procurement planning establishes the project’s needs, scope, and technical
specifications, forming the basis for accurate tender documents and supplier selection.
**Question 2.** In a Design‑Bid‑Build delivery method, the procurement function is typically
initiated at which stage?
A) During design development
B) After construction is complete
C) Immediately after the owner issues the project brief
D) Prior to the owner’s approval of the design
Answer: A
Explanation: In Design‑Bid‑Build, the design is completed first; procurement (tendering) begins
once the complete design documents are available.
**Question 3.** Which market analysis technique is most useful for assessing the capacity of
local subcontractors to handle a large‑scale project?
A) SWOT analysis of the owner
B) Supplier capability survey
C) Monte Carlo simulation of material prices
, AICM Certified Construction Procurement
Specialist CCPS Exam
D) Earned value analysis
Answer: B
Explanation: A supplier capability survey gathers data on subcontractors’ resources, experience,
and workload, directly indicating market capacity.
**Question 4.** When should a construction owner consider sole sourcing rather than
competitive bidding?
A) When multiple qualified suppliers exist
B) When the item is a standard commodity
C) When the product is proprietary or has only one qualified source
D) When the project schedule is flexible
Answer: C
Explanation: Sole sourcing is justified when only one supplier can meet technical or proprietary
requirements, limiting competition.
**Question 5.** An RFP differs from an RFQ primarily because it:
A) Requests price quotes for a defined quantity of items
B) Seeks detailed technical proposals and solutions, not just price
C) Is used only for material procurement
D) Requires bidders to submit only a single page
Answer: B
Explanation: A Request for Proposal (RFP) asks vendors to propose technical approaches and
solutions, whereas a Request for Quote (RFQ) focuses on price for defined items.
, AICM Certified Construction Procurement
Specialist CCPS Exam
**Question 6.** Which evaluation criterion is most appropriate for a design‑build contract?
A) Lowest bid price alone
B) Contractor’s past performance, technical solution, and price
C) Owner’s internal cost estimates only
D) Number of subcontractors the bidder employs
Answer: B
Explanation: Design‑build evaluation balances price with the bidder’s ability to deliver an
integrated design and construction solution.
**Question 7.** In contract negotiation, the “win‑win” principle primarily aims to:
A) Force the other party to accept your terms
B) Achieve a mutually beneficial agreement that satisfies both parties’ interests
C) Minimize the owner’s cost at any expense
D) Ensure the contractor bears all project risks
Answer: B
Explanation: “Win‑win” negotiation seeks solutions where both parties gain value, promoting
long‑term relationships and project success.
**Question 8.** Which contract type places the greatest risk of cost overruns on the
contractor?
A) Fixed‑price (Lump Sum)
B) Cost‑plus with guaranteed maximum price (GMP)
C) Unit price contract
, AICM Certified Construction Procurement
Specialist CCPS Exam
D) Time‑and‑materials contract
Answer: D
Explanation: In a time‑and‑materials contract, the owner reimburses actual labor and material
costs, leaving the contractor exposed to cost escalation.
**Question 9.** A liquidated damages clause is most appropriate when:
A) The parties want to penalize the contractor for any minor delay
B) Actual damages are difficult to quantify, but a pre‑agreed amount can compensate the owner
for delay
C) The owner wishes to increase the contract price mid‑project
D) The contractor is required to provide a performance bond
Answer: B
Explanation: Liquidated damages provide a predetermined sum to compensate for breach (e.g.,
delay) when actual damages are hard to prove.
**Question 10.** Which of the following is a key function of a change order in construction
contract administration?
A) To terminate the contract early
B) To formally document modifications to scope, price, or schedule
C) To convert a fixed‑price contract into a cost‑plus contract
D) To assign liability for all future claims
Answer: B
Explanation: Change orders capture agreed changes to the original contract, ensuring clear
record of adjustments to scope, cost, or schedule.
Specialist CCPS Exam
**Question 1.** Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of procurement
planning in construction projects?
A) To select the lowest‑priced subcontractor
B) To define project requirements, scope, and specifications before tendering
C) To negotiate contract terms after bids are received
D) To finalize the construction schedule
Answer: B
Explanation: Procurement planning establishes the project’s needs, scope, and technical
specifications, forming the basis for accurate tender documents and supplier selection.
**Question 2.** In a Design‑Bid‑Build delivery method, the procurement function is typically
initiated at which stage?
A) During design development
B) After construction is complete
C) Immediately after the owner issues the project brief
D) Prior to the owner’s approval of the design
Answer: A
Explanation: In Design‑Bid‑Build, the design is completed first; procurement (tendering) begins
once the complete design documents are available.
**Question 3.** Which market analysis technique is most useful for assessing the capacity of
local subcontractors to handle a large‑scale project?
A) SWOT analysis of the owner
B) Supplier capability survey
C) Monte Carlo simulation of material prices
, AICM Certified Construction Procurement
Specialist CCPS Exam
D) Earned value analysis
Answer: B
Explanation: A supplier capability survey gathers data on subcontractors’ resources, experience,
and workload, directly indicating market capacity.
**Question 4.** When should a construction owner consider sole sourcing rather than
competitive bidding?
A) When multiple qualified suppliers exist
B) When the item is a standard commodity
C) When the product is proprietary or has only one qualified source
D) When the project schedule is flexible
Answer: C
Explanation: Sole sourcing is justified when only one supplier can meet technical or proprietary
requirements, limiting competition.
**Question 5.** An RFP differs from an RFQ primarily because it:
A) Requests price quotes for a defined quantity of items
B) Seeks detailed technical proposals and solutions, not just price
C) Is used only for material procurement
D) Requires bidders to submit only a single page
Answer: B
Explanation: A Request for Proposal (RFP) asks vendors to propose technical approaches and
solutions, whereas a Request for Quote (RFQ) focuses on price for defined items.
, AICM Certified Construction Procurement
Specialist CCPS Exam
**Question 6.** Which evaluation criterion is most appropriate for a design‑build contract?
A) Lowest bid price alone
B) Contractor’s past performance, technical solution, and price
C) Owner’s internal cost estimates only
D) Number of subcontractors the bidder employs
Answer: B
Explanation: Design‑build evaluation balances price with the bidder’s ability to deliver an
integrated design and construction solution.
**Question 7.** In contract negotiation, the “win‑win” principle primarily aims to:
A) Force the other party to accept your terms
B) Achieve a mutually beneficial agreement that satisfies both parties’ interests
C) Minimize the owner’s cost at any expense
D) Ensure the contractor bears all project risks
Answer: B
Explanation: “Win‑win” negotiation seeks solutions where both parties gain value, promoting
long‑term relationships and project success.
**Question 8.** Which contract type places the greatest risk of cost overruns on the
contractor?
A) Fixed‑price (Lump Sum)
B) Cost‑plus with guaranteed maximum price (GMP)
C) Unit price contract
, AICM Certified Construction Procurement
Specialist CCPS Exam
D) Time‑and‑materials contract
Answer: D
Explanation: In a time‑and‑materials contract, the owner reimburses actual labor and material
costs, leaving the contractor exposed to cost escalation.
**Question 9.** A liquidated damages clause is most appropriate when:
A) The parties want to penalize the contractor for any minor delay
B) Actual damages are difficult to quantify, but a pre‑agreed amount can compensate the owner
for delay
C) The owner wishes to increase the contract price mid‑project
D) The contractor is required to provide a performance bond
Answer: B
Explanation: Liquidated damages provide a predetermined sum to compensate for breach (e.g.,
delay) when actual damages are hard to prove.
**Question 10.** Which of the following is a key function of a change order in construction
contract administration?
A) To terminate the contract early
B) To formally document modifications to scope, price, or schedule
C) To convert a fixed‑price contract into a cost‑plus contract
D) To assign liability for all future claims
Answer: B
Explanation: Change orders capture agreed changes to the original contract, ensuring clear
record of adjustments to scope, cost, or schedule.
