Fall Semester 2026–2027 DBIA® Certified Design-Build Professional
Updated 2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | DBIA Certification Exam
Prep, Comprehensive Study Guide, Practice Exam, Test Bank, Design-
Build Institute of America (DBIA), Design-Build Project Delivery,
Contracts and Procurement, Risk Management, Integrated Teaming,
Project Planning, Quality Assurance, Ethics, Leadership, Detailed
Rationales and Complete Revision Material
Question 1: According to DBIA's "Design-Build Done Right" principles, what is the
primary driver for utilizing a Two-Phase Selection process for a design-build
project?
A. To guarantee the lowest possible bid price for the owner.
B. To reduce the cost of competition for both the owner and the proposers.
C. To narrow the field to the most qualified teams before requesting detailed proposals.
D. To eliminate the need for a Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To narrow the field to the most qualified teams before
requesting detailed proposals.
Rationale: The Two-Phase Selection process is a core DBIA best practice. Phase One
involves a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to screen teams based on their experience,
technical approach, and qualifications. This creates a shortlist of the most highly
qualified teams. Phase Two then invites only these shortlisted teams to respond to a
detailed Request for Proposals (RFP), ensuring that the owner receives detailed, high-
quality proposals from teams that are demonstrably capable .
Question 2: In the context of design-build procurement, what is the primary
purpose of providing an honorarium or stipend to unsuccessful shortlisted
proposers?
A. To cover the cost of the winning firm's contract signing bonus.
B. To compensate proposers for the significant intellectual property and effort invested
in their proposals.
C. To ensure that all proposers submit a bid that is below the owner's budget.
D. To penalize proposers who do not submit a complete RFP response.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To compensate proposers for the significant intellectual
property and effort invested in their proposals.
Rationale: The design-build RFP phase requires significant investment from proposers
to develop detailed technical solutions. An honorarium is a best practice that
encourages robust competition by acknowledging the value of the intellectual property
and effort shared by unsuccessful teams. It promotes fairness and helps maintain a
competitive market .
,Question 3: According to DBIA ethical standards, what is the appropriate course of
action when a proposer discovers an ambiguity in the RFP documents during the
procurement phase?
A. Interpret it in their own favor and include a clarification in the bid.
B. Ignore it and wait for a post-award "change order" opportunity.
C. Request a clarification from the Owner during the formal Q&A period.
D. Contact the Architect of Record privately to gain a competitive advantage.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Request a clarification from the Owner during the formal
Q&A period.
Rationale: Transparency and fairness are foundational DBIA values. Seeking official
clarification through the designated Q&A process ensures that all proposers receive the
same information, maintaining a level playing field. This is the ethical and professional
approach to resolving procurement document ambiguities .
Question 4: Which foundational document defines the relationship, roles, and
responsibilities between the lead contractor and the lead designer within a Design-
Build team before they are awarded a project?
A. The Owner-Design-Builder Agreement
B. The Teaming Agreement
C. The Project Criteria Document
D. The Performance Bond
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The Teaming Agreement
Rationale: The Teaming Agreement is the foundational contract that establishes the
rules of engagement between independent firms (e.g., a contractor and a designer) who
intend to pursue a design-build project together. It outlines their purpose, roles,
expectations, and how they will collaborate during the proposal phase, preventing
disputes before the project is awarded .
Question 5: In a "Best Value" selection process for a design-build project, which
factors are typically weighted alongside price to determine the winning proposer?
A. The proposer’s proximity to the owner’s headquarters.
B. The number of years the firm has been in business.
C. Technical qualifications and the project approach.
D. The lowest hourly rate for the project manager.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Technical qualifications and the project approach.
Rationale: Best Value selection is a cornerstone of DBIA's approach. It evaluates a
combination of price and qualitative factors to identify the proposal that provides the
best overall outcome for the owner. This method moves beyond the traditional "low-bid"
mentality, emphasizing technical merit, team qualifications, and project approach .
,Question 6: Which specific insurance policy is designed to cover the Design-
Builder for errors and omissions in the design services they provide?
A. General Liability (GL)
B. Workers' Compensation
C. Professional Liability (PL)
D. Builder’s Risk
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Professional Liability (PL)
Rationale: Professional Liability (PL) insurance, also known as Errors and Omissions
(E&O) insurance, is specifically designed to cover claims arising from professional
services, such as design errors. Standard General Liability policies typically exclude
professional services, making PL insurance a critical requirement for design-builders to
manage design-related risks .
Question 7: Under DBIA Document No. 535, the Standard Form of General
Conditions, who is identified as the party responsible for providing the initial
"Project Criteria"?
A. The Owner
B. The Design-Builder
C. The Lead Architect
D. The Building Inspector
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The Owner
Rationale: According to the DBIA 535 general conditions, the Owner's Project Criteria is
developed by or for the Owner. This document describes the owner's program
requirements, objectives, and performance requirements for the project, serving as the
basis for the Design-Builder's work .
Question 8: When should a Teaming Agreement ideally be executed by the
members of a design-build team?
A. After the contract is awarded to the team.
B. Before any significant work is performed on the proposal.
C. During the construction phase.
D. Only if the owner requires it in the RFP.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Before any significant work is performed on the proposal.
Rationale: A Teaming Agreement should be established early in the pursuit phase,
before significant proposal development work begins. This early execution clarifies
cost-sharing, intellectual property ownership, and roles, preventing misunderstandings
and disputes during the high-pressure RFP response period .
Question 9: What is the typical role of an "Owner's Advisor" in a Design-Build
project?
, A. To manage the construction site and supervise the Design-Builder’s crews.
B. To assist the owner in developing the RFQ/RFP and monitoring compliance.
C. To serve as the Architect of Record for the project.
D. To take over the Design-Builder’s responsibilities if they fall behind.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To assist the owner in developing the RFQ/RFP and
monitoring compliance.
Rationale: Many owners hire an Owner's Advisor (or consultant) to help navigate the
complexities of design-build. Their role is to provide expert advice on developing
procurement documents (RFQ/RFP), evaluating proposals, and monitoring the Design-
Builder's performance to ensure compliance with the contract and project objectives .
Question 10: In Progressive Design-Build (PDB), how is the Design-Builder typically
selected?
A. Qualifications and experience.
B. A fixed price for the entire project.
C. A completed 100% design.
D. The lowest bid for construction materials.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Qualifications and experience.
Rationale: Progressive Design-Build (PDB) is a two-phase process. In the first phase,
the Design-Builder is selected primarily based on their qualifications and experience,
not a fixed price. The price is then developed collaboratively with the owner during the
design phase, before a final contract price (often a GMP) is agreed upon .
Question 11: What is the primary benefit of the "Fast-Tracking" project delivery
strategy, which is a key advantage of the design-build model?
A. Reducing the total number of workers needed on site.
B. Allowing construction to begin before the design is 100% complete.
C. Bypassing all building codes to finish faster.
D. Using pre-existing plans from a different project.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Allowing construction to begin before the design is 100%
complete.
Rationale: Fast-tracking involves overlapping the design and construction phases.
Because the design-builder is a single entity, construction can commence on
completed portions of the design while other parts are still being finalized. This
integrated approach significantly accelerates the overall project schedule compared to
traditional linear methods .
Question 12: The DBIA Code of Conduct prohibits which of the following actions by
a Design-Build professional?
A. Partnering with a firm they have worked with before.
B. Offering a lower price than a competitor.
Updated 2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | DBIA Certification Exam
Prep, Comprehensive Study Guide, Practice Exam, Test Bank, Design-
Build Institute of America (DBIA), Design-Build Project Delivery,
Contracts and Procurement, Risk Management, Integrated Teaming,
Project Planning, Quality Assurance, Ethics, Leadership, Detailed
Rationales and Complete Revision Material
Question 1: According to DBIA's "Design-Build Done Right" principles, what is the
primary driver for utilizing a Two-Phase Selection process for a design-build
project?
A. To guarantee the lowest possible bid price for the owner.
B. To reduce the cost of competition for both the owner and the proposers.
C. To narrow the field to the most qualified teams before requesting detailed proposals.
D. To eliminate the need for a Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To narrow the field to the most qualified teams before
requesting detailed proposals.
Rationale: The Two-Phase Selection process is a core DBIA best practice. Phase One
involves a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to screen teams based on their experience,
technical approach, and qualifications. This creates a shortlist of the most highly
qualified teams. Phase Two then invites only these shortlisted teams to respond to a
detailed Request for Proposals (RFP), ensuring that the owner receives detailed, high-
quality proposals from teams that are demonstrably capable .
Question 2: In the context of design-build procurement, what is the primary
purpose of providing an honorarium or stipend to unsuccessful shortlisted
proposers?
A. To cover the cost of the winning firm's contract signing bonus.
B. To compensate proposers for the significant intellectual property and effort invested
in their proposals.
C. To ensure that all proposers submit a bid that is below the owner's budget.
D. To penalize proposers who do not submit a complete RFP response.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To compensate proposers for the significant intellectual
property and effort invested in their proposals.
Rationale: The design-build RFP phase requires significant investment from proposers
to develop detailed technical solutions. An honorarium is a best practice that
encourages robust competition by acknowledging the value of the intellectual property
and effort shared by unsuccessful teams. It promotes fairness and helps maintain a
competitive market .
,Question 3: According to DBIA ethical standards, what is the appropriate course of
action when a proposer discovers an ambiguity in the RFP documents during the
procurement phase?
A. Interpret it in their own favor and include a clarification in the bid.
B. Ignore it and wait for a post-award "change order" opportunity.
C. Request a clarification from the Owner during the formal Q&A period.
D. Contact the Architect of Record privately to gain a competitive advantage.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Request a clarification from the Owner during the formal
Q&A period.
Rationale: Transparency and fairness are foundational DBIA values. Seeking official
clarification through the designated Q&A process ensures that all proposers receive the
same information, maintaining a level playing field. This is the ethical and professional
approach to resolving procurement document ambiguities .
Question 4: Which foundational document defines the relationship, roles, and
responsibilities between the lead contractor and the lead designer within a Design-
Build team before they are awarded a project?
A. The Owner-Design-Builder Agreement
B. The Teaming Agreement
C. The Project Criteria Document
D. The Performance Bond
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The Teaming Agreement
Rationale: The Teaming Agreement is the foundational contract that establishes the
rules of engagement between independent firms (e.g., a contractor and a designer) who
intend to pursue a design-build project together. It outlines their purpose, roles,
expectations, and how they will collaborate during the proposal phase, preventing
disputes before the project is awarded .
Question 5: In a "Best Value" selection process for a design-build project, which
factors are typically weighted alongside price to determine the winning proposer?
A. The proposer’s proximity to the owner’s headquarters.
B. The number of years the firm has been in business.
C. Technical qualifications and the project approach.
D. The lowest hourly rate for the project manager.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Technical qualifications and the project approach.
Rationale: Best Value selection is a cornerstone of DBIA's approach. It evaluates a
combination of price and qualitative factors to identify the proposal that provides the
best overall outcome for the owner. This method moves beyond the traditional "low-bid"
mentality, emphasizing technical merit, team qualifications, and project approach .
,Question 6: Which specific insurance policy is designed to cover the Design-
Builder for errors and omissions in the design services they provide?
A. General Liability (GL)
B. Workers' Compensation
C. Professional Liability (PL)
D. Builder’s Risk
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Professional Liability (PL)
Rationale: Professional Liability (PL) insurance, also known as Errors and Omissions
(E&O) insurance, is specifically designed to cover claims arising from professional
services, such as design errors. Standard General Liability policies typically exclude
professional services, making PL insurance a critical requirement for design-builders to
manage design-related risks .
Question 7: Under DBIA Document No. 535, the Standard Form of General
Conditions, who is identified as the party responsible for providing the initial
"Project Criteria"?
A. The Owner
B. The Design-Builder
C. The Lead Architect
D. The Building Inspector
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The Owner
Rationale: According to the DBIA 535 general conditions, the Owner's Project Criteria is
developed by or for the Owner. This document describes the owner's program
requirements, objectives, and performance requirements for the project, serving as the
basis for the Design-Builder's work .
Question 8: When should a Teaming Agreement ideally be executed by the
members of a design-build team?
A. After the contract is awarded to the team.
B. Before any significant work is performed on the proposal.
C. During the construction phase.
D. Only if the owner requires it in the RFP.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Before any significant work is performed on the proposal.
Rationale: A Teaming Agreement should be established early in the pursuit phase,
before significant proposal development work begins. This early execution clarifies
cost-sharing, intellectual property ownership, and roles, preventing misunderstandings
and disputes during the high-pressure RFP response period .
Question 9: What is the typical role of an "Owner's Advisor" in a Design-Build
project?
, A. To manage the construction site and supervise the Design-Builder’s crews.
B. To assist the owner in developing the RFQ/RFP and monitoring compliance.
C. To serve as the Architect of Record for the project.
D. To take over the Design-Builder’s responsibilities if they fall behind.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To assist the owner in developing the RFQ/RFP and
monitoring compliance.
Rationale: Many owners hire an Owner's Advisor (or consultant) to help navigate the
complexities of design-build. Their role is to provide expert advice on developing
procurement documents (RFQ/RFP), evaluating proposals, and monitoring the Design-
Builder's performance to ensure compliance with the contract and project objectives .
Question 10: In Progressive Design-Build (PDB), how is the Design-Builder typically
selected?
A. Qualifications and experience.
B. A fixed price for the entire project.
C. A completed 100% design.
D. The lowest bid for construction materials.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Qualifications and experience.
Rationale: Progressive Design-Build (PDB) is a two-phase process. In the first phase,
the Design-Builder is selected primarily based on their qualifications and experience,
not a fixed price. The price is then developed collaboratively with the owner during the
design phase, before a final contract price (often a GMP) is agreed upon .
Question 11: What is the primary benefit of the "Fast-Tracking" project delivery
strategy, which is a key advantage of the design-build model?
A. Reducing the total number of workers needed on site.
B. Allowing construction to begin before the design is 100% complete.
C. Bypassing all building codes to finish faster.
D. Using pre-existing plans from a different project.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Allowing construction to begin before the design is 100%
complete.
Rationale: Fast-tracking involves overlapping the design and construction phases.
Because the design-builder is a single entity, construction can commence on
completed portions of the design while other parts are still being finalized. This
integrated approach significantly accelerates the overall project schedule compared to
traditional linear methods .
Question 12: The DBIA Code of Conduct prohibits which of the following actions by
a Design-Build professional?
A. Partnering with a firm they have worked with before.
B. Offering a lower price than a competitor.
