DBIA EXAM 2
DESIGN-BUILD INSTITUTE OF AMERICA CERTIFICATION
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE (2026/2027 EDITION)
100 Multiple-Choice Questions - Complete Practice Exam (2 hours, 72% passing)
Independent-Study Disclaimer
This practice exam is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the
Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) or any other organization. It is provided for educational and
self-assessment purposes only and is not a substitute for DBIA's official courses, certification requirements, or
published blueprint. Standards and practices are subject to change; always consult current DBIA materials and
resources.
, Section 1: Guiding Principles - Design-Build Fundamentals, Philosophy,
Core Concepts (8%) - 8 questions
Q1: Which of the following best defines design-build project delivery?
A. The owner contracts separately with the architect and the contractor
B. A single contract between the owner and one entity that is responsible for both design and construction
[CORRECT]
C. A delivery method where the owner selects a construction manager to advise during design
D. A method where the owner completes the design in-house then bids construction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Design-build is a single-contract method in which one entity provides both design and
construction under one agreement. The other options describe design-bid-build or construction manager at
risk.
Q2: The philosophy that there is a technique, method, or process that is more effective at delivering a particular
outcome than any other is referred to as:
A. Integrated project delivery
B. Best practice [CORRECT]
C. Qualifications-based selection
D. Progressive design-build
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Best practice reflects the belief that a specific method or process can outperform others for a
given outcome. The other terms name specific delivery or procurement methods.
Q3: Which delivery method is the traditional, most common alternative to design-build in the public sector?
A. Construction Manager at Risk
B. Progressive design-build
C. Public-private partnership
D. Design-Bid-Build [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Design-bid-build is the traditional method in which the owner contracts design and construction
separately and sequentially. CMAR, progressive DB, and P3 are alternative integrated methods.
Q4: What is the role of the Integrated Project Leader in a design-build project?
A. To design the complete construction documents
B. To lead the project team, manage team dynamics, and coordinate integrated delivery [CORRECT]
C. To obtain all permits and approvals
D. To finance the project on behalf of the owner
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Integrated Project Leader leads and coordinates the team and manages team dynamics to
achieve integration. Designing, permitting, and financing are specific functions, not the leader's core role.
DBIA Exam 2 - Design-Build Certification (2026/2027) Page 2
, Q5: In design-build, the owner's contract is with:
A. A single design-build entity that holds the designer and builder together [CORRECT]
B. Only the design firm
C. Only the general contractor
D. Separate architects and subcontractors
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The owner holds one contract with a single design-build entity. The entity typically teams with the
designer and builders under its own agreements.
Q6: Which statement best reflects the core philosophy of design-build?
A. Design and construction should be separate to maximize competition
B. Integration of design and construction under a single entity improves project outcomes [CORRECT]
C. The owner should manage both design and construction directly
D. Construction should be completed before design begins
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Design-build's core philosophy is that integrating design and construction under one entity
improves coordination, reduces risk, and enhances outcomes. The other statements oppose this philosophy.
Q7: A distinguishing characteristic of design-build compared with design-bid-build is that it:
A. Requires multiple prime contracts
B. Provides a single point of responsibility to the owner [CORRECT]
C. Eliminates all project risk
D. Prevents early cost input from the builder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Design-build provides the owner a single point of responsibility. Multiple prime contracts and
separate design are characteristic of other methods, and design-build allows early builder input.
Q8: Which of the following is a key benefit commonly associated with design-build delivery?
A. Slower project delivery and more change orders
B. Improved collaboration and a single point of responsibility [CORRECT]
C. Complete separation of design and construction
D. Higher administrative burden for the owner
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Design-build delivers benefits including improved collaboration and a single point of
responsibility. It typically speeds delivery and reduces change orders rather than increasing them.
Section 2: Foundations of Design-Build Done Right - Best Practices, Team
Integration, Collaborative Culture (8%) - 8 questions
DBIA Exam 2 - Design-Build Certification (2026/2027) Page 3
DESIGN-BUILD INSTITUTE OF AMERICA CERTIFICATION
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE (2026/2027 EDITION)
100 Multiple-Choice Questions - Complete Practice Exam (2 hours, 72% passing)
Independent-Study Disclaimer
This practice exam is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the
Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) or any other organization. It is provided for educational and
self-assessment purposes only and is not a substitute for DBIA's official courses, certification requirements, or
published blueprint. Standards and practices are subject to change; always consult current DBIA materials and
resources.
, Section 1: Guiding Principles - Design-Build Fundamentals, Philosophy,
Core Concepts (8%) - 8 questions
Q1: Which of the following best defines design-build project delivery?
A. The owner contracts separately with the architect and the contractor
B. A single contract between the owner and one entity that is responsible for both design and construction
[CORRECT]
C. A delivery method where the owner selects a construction manager to advise during design
D. A method where the owner completes the design in-house then bids construction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Design-build is a single-contract method in which one entity provides both design and
construction under one agreement. The other options describe design-bid-build or construction manager at
risk.
Q2: The philosophy that there is a technique, method, or process that is more effective at delivering a particular
outcome than any other is referred to as:
A. Integrated project delivery
B. Best practice [CORRECT]
C. Qualifications-based selection
D. Progressive design-build
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Best practice reflects the belief that a specific method or process can outperform others for a
given outcome. The other terms name specific delivery or procurement methods.
Q3: Which delivery method is the traditional, most common alternative to design-build in the public sector?
A. Construction Manager at Risk
B. Progressive design-build
C. Public-private partnership
D. Design-Bid-Build [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Design-bid-build is the traditional method in which the owner contracts design and construction
separately and sequentially. CMAR, progressive DB, and P3 are alternative integrated methods.
Q4: What is the role of the Integrated Project Leader in a design-build project?
A. To design the complete construction documents
B. To lead the project team, manage team dynamics, and coordinate integrated delivery [CORRECT]
C. To obtain all permits and approvals
D. To finance the project on behalf of the owner
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Integrated Project Leader leads and coordinates the team and manages team dynamics to
achieve integration. Designing, permitting, and financing are specific functions, not the leader's core role.
DBIA Exam 2 - Design-Build Certification (2026/2027) Page 2
, Q5: In design-build, the owner's contract is with:
A. A single design-build entity that holds the designer and builder together [CORRECT]
B. Only the design firm
C. Only the general contractor
D. Separate architects and subcontractors
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The owner holds one contract with a single design-build entity. The entity typically teams with the
designer and builders under its own agreements.
Q6: Which statement best reflects the core philosophy of design-build?
A. Design and construction should be separate to maximize competition
B. Integration of design and construction under a single entity improves project outcomes [CORRECT]
C. The owner should manage both design and construction directly
D. Construction should be completed before design begins
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Design-build's core philosophy is that integrating design and construction under one entity
improves coordination, reduces risk, and enhances outcomes. The other statements oppose this philosophy.
Q7: A distinguishing characteristic of design-build compared with design-bid-build is that it:
A. Requires multiple prime contracts
B. Provides a single point of responsibility to the owner [CORRECT]
C. Eliminates all project risk
D. Prevents early cost input from the builder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Design-build provides the owner a single point of responsibility. Multiple prime contracts and
separate design are characteristic of other methods, and design-build allows early builder input.
Q8: Which of the following is a key benefit commonly associated with design-build delivery?
A. Slower project delivery and more change orders
B. Improved collaboration and a single point of responsibility [CORRECT]
C. Complete separation of design and construction
D. Higher administrative burden for the owner
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Design-build delivers benefits including improved collaboration and a single point of
responsibility. It typically speeds delivery and reduces change orders rather than increasing them.
Section 2: Foundations of Design-Build Done Right - Best Practices, Team
Integration, Collaborative Culture (8%) - 8 questions
DBIA Exam 2 - Design-Build Certification (2026/2027) Page 3
