Questions & Answers (2026) | Exams Construction
1. What is the main objective of Construction Quality Management (CQM)?
A) Reduce labor costs
B) Detect defects after project completion
C) Ensure the finished product meets contract requirements
D) Eliminate the need for government inspections
Correct Answer: Ensure the finished product meets contract requirements
Rationale: The primary goal of CQM is contract compliance—building per plans,
specifications, and standards the first time. It is prevention‑oriented, not
defect‑detection after completion. Government inspections are not eliminated;
they verify the QC process.
2. On a USACE project, who has overall responsibility for quality?
A) Government QA Representative
B) Contractor
C) Resident Engineer
D) QC Manager
Correct Answer: Contractor
Rationale: The contractor bears total responsibility for quality. The government,
through Quality Assurance, verifies that the contractor's QC system is
,functioning properly but does not perform QC or accept responsibility for
quality.
3. Which statement best describes Quality Assurance (QA)?
A) QA performs contractor inspections.
B) QA replaces the contractor's QC program.
C) QA evaluates the contractor's QC system to ensure it is functioning properly.
D) QA directs the contractor's workforce.
Correct Answer: QA evaluates the contractor's QC system to ensure it is
functioning properly.
Rationale: QA is a government function that monitors the effectiveness of the
contractor's QC process. It does not perform the actual inspections, replace QC,
or direct labor.
4. The Three-Phase Control System consists of which phases?
A) Planning, Execution, Closeout
B) Design, Build, Inspect
C) Preconstruction, Construction, Post‑Construction
D) Preparatory, Initial, Follow‑Up
Correct Answer: Preparatory, Initial, Follow‑Up
, Rationale: The foundation of construction QC is the Preparatory, Initial, and
Follow‑Up phases. They are applied to each Definable Feature of Work to
prevent defects.
5. When is the Preparatory Phase of the Three-Phase Control System
performed?
A) During the final inspection
B) Prior to beginning work on each Definable Feature of Work
C) After the first work is completed
D) At the start of the project only
Correct Answer: Prior to beginning work on each Definable Feature of Work
Rationale: The Preparatory Phase is conducted before any work begins on a
DFOW. It includes reviewing plans, specifications, submittals, and verifying
materials and equipment are ready.
6. What is the purpose of the Follow‑Up Phase?
A) To inspect the very first work performed
B) To review plans and submittals
C) To perform daily checks to assure continuing compliance
D) To close out the contract
Correct Answer: To perform daily checks to assure continuing compliance