Quantity Surveying Exam questions and
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The primary role of a quantity surveyor is to:
A. Design the structural elements of a building
B. Prepare legal contracts only
C. Manage costs and financial aspects of construction projects
D. Supervise construction work on-site
Rationale: The quantity surveyor’s main responsibility is cost
management, ensuring projects are within budget.
2. A bill of quantities (BOQ) is used to:
A. Show the architectural layout of a project
B. Provide a detailed list of materials and quantities for tendering
C. Track the project’s schedule
D. Approve construction designs
Rationale: BOQs break down the project into measurable items for
accurate costing and tendering.
3. Which method is commonly used for measuring earthworks?
A. Linear measurement
B. Cubical measurement
C. Counting items
D. Weight measurement
Rationale: Earthworks are measured in cubic meters to account for
volume.
4. Prime cost (PC) in a BOQ refers to:
,A. Costs of labor only
B. Equipment depreciation
C. Estimated cost of materials not yet selected
D. Contractor’s profit
Rationale: Prime cost is an allowance for materials or goods not yet
defined in detail.
5. What is the purpose of a preliminary estimate?
A. To finalize payments
B. To give an early indication of project cost
C. To issue final certificates
D. To hire subcontractors
Rationale: Preliminary estimates are made early to guide budgeting
decisions.
6. Which contract type places the greatest risk on the contractor?
A. Cost-plus contract
B. Lump-sum contract
C. Time and material contract
D. Framework agreement
Rationale: Lump-sum contracts require the contractor to complete work
at an agreed price, absorbing cost overruns.
7. In construction, the term “retention” refers to:
A. Material storage techniques
B. Percentage of payment withheld until defects liability period ends
C. Contractor profit margin
D. Labor overtime payments
Rationale: Retention ensures defects are rectified before full payment.
8. The purpose of a schedule of rates is to:
, A. Set deadlines for contractors
B. Approve material suppliers
C. Provide standard costs for repetitive work items
D. Design the project structure
Rationale: Schedule of rates allows consistent pricing for repetitive
items across projects.
9. Which measurement standard is widely used in the UK for BOQs?
A. ASTM
B. ISO
C. SMM (Standard Method of Measurement)
D. RICS Professional Standards
Rationale: SMM provides a consistent framework for measurement in
quantity surveying.
10. What does a cost plan include?
A. Structural drawings only
B. Labor productivity charts
C. Estimates of all costs throughout a project’s life cycle
D. Legal contracts only
Rationale: Cost plans help forecast total costs for budgeting and
financial control.
11. Which factor does NOT affect construction costs?
A. Material prices
B. Labor rates
C. Weather in unrelated regions
D. Site location
Rationale: Local conditions impact costs, unrelated weather generally
does not.
12. Which document defines the scope of work in a project?
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The primary role of a quantity surveyor is to:
A. Design the structural elements of a building
B. Prepare legal contracts only
C. Manage costs and financial aspects of construction projects
D. Supervise construction work on-site
Rationale: The quantity surveyor’s main responsibility is cost
management, ensuring projects are within budget.
2. A bill of quantities (BOQ) is used to:
A. Show the architectural layout of a project
B. Provide a detailed list of materials and quantities for tendering
C. Track the project’s schedule
D. Approve construction designs
Rationale: BOQs break down the project into measurable items for
accurate costing and tendering.
3. Which method is commonly used for measuring earthworks?
A. Linear measurement
B. Cubical measurement
C. Counting items
D. Weight measurement
Rationale: Earthworks are measured in cubic meters to account for
volume.
4. Prime cost (PC) in a BOQ refers to:
,A. Costs of labor only
B. Equipment depreciation
C. Estimated cost of materials not yet selected
D. Contractor’s profit
Rationale: Prime cost is an allowance for materials or goods not yet
defined in detail.
5. What is the purpose of a preliminary estimate?
A. To finalize payments
B. To give an early indication of project cost
C. To issue final certificates
D. To hire subcontractors
Rationale: Preliminary estimates are made early to guide budgeting
decisions.
6. Which contract type places the greatest risk on the contractor?
A. Cost-plus contract
B. Lump-sum contract
C. Time and material contract
D. Framework agreement
Rationale: Lump-sum contracts require the contractor to complete work
at an agreed price, absorbing cost overruns.
7. In construction, the term “retention” refers to:
A. Material storage techniques
B. Percentage of payment withheld until defects liability period ends
C. Contractor profit margin
D. Labor overtime payments
Rationale: Retention ensures defects are rectified before full payment.
8. The purpose of a schedule of rates is to:
, A. Set deadlines for contractors
B. Approve material suppliers
C. Provide standard costs for repetitive work items
D. Design the project structure
Rationale: Schedule of rates allows consistent pricing for repetitive
items across projects.
9. Which measurement standard is widely used in the UK for BOQs?
A. ASTM
B. ISO
C. SMM (Standard Method of Measurement)
D. RICS Professional Standards
Rationale: SMM provides a consistent framework for measurement in
quantity surveying.
10. What does a cost plan include?
A. Structural drawings only
B. Labor productivity charts
C. Estimates of all costs throughout a project’s life cycle
D. Legal contracts only
Rationale: Cost plans help forecast total costs for budgeting and
financial control.
11. Which factor does NOT affect construction costs?
A. Material prices
B. Labor rates
C. Weather in unrelated regions
D. Site location
Rationale: Local conditions impact costs, unrelated weather generally
does not.
12. Which document defines the scope of work in a project?
