Fall Semester 2026–2027 DBIA® Certified Design-Build Professional
Updated 2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | DBIA® Certified Design-
Build Professional Certification Study Guide, Practice Exam,
Comprehensive Review, Exam Prep Test Bank, Design-Build Institute of
America (DBIA), Integrated Project Delivery, Design Management,
Construction Management, Procurement Strategies, Contract
Administration, Risk Management, Quality Assurance, Leadership, Ethics,
Detailed Rationales and Complete Revision Material
Question 1: Which of the following is the primary characteristic that defines the
Design-Build project delivery method?
A. The owner holds separate contracts with the designer and the contractor.
B. The contractor is selected solely based on the lowest competitive bid.
C. A single entity holds a single contract for both design and construction services.
D. The design is fully completed before any contractor is brought onto the project.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A single entity holds a single contract for both design and
construction services.
Rationale: Design-Build is defined by a single point of responsibility where one entity
holds a single contract for both design and construction services. This is what
distinguishes it from Design-Bid-Build, where these services are split .
Question 2: According to DBIA, what is the primary benefit of the "single point of
responsibility" in Design-Build?
A. It guarantees the lowest possible project cost.
B. It eliminates the need for any project insurance.
C. It streamlines communication and reduces owner risk by making one entity
accountable.
D. It ensures that the architect has the final say on all construction means and
methods.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. It streamlines communication and reduces owner risk by
making one entity accountable.
Rationale: The single point of responsibility simplifies communication and
accountability. The owner signs one contract with the Design-Builder, who is then
responsible for all design and construction, thereby reducing the owner's direct risk .
Question 3: In the context of design-build best practices, what is the purpose of a
"Teaming Agreement"?
A. To finalize the contract between the Owner and the Design-Builder.
B. To outline the relationship, roles, and responsibilities between the lead contractor
and the lead designer before the project is won.
C. To serve as the primary construction document for the project's permits.
D. To establish the final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the owner.
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. To outline the relationship, roles, and responsibilities
between the lead contractor and the lead designer before the project is won.
Rationale: A Teaming Agreement is executed before a project is awarded to establish
the rules of engagement between design and construction partners. It prevents
disputes regarding costs, intellectual property, and roles during the proposal phase .
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the "Two-Phase Selection"
process used in Design-Build procurement?
A. A process where the owner first selects a designer, and then separately selects a
contractor.
B. A process where the contractor is selected based on qualifications in Phase I and
then a detailed proposal including price in Phase II.
C. A process where the project is built in two separate construction phases to allow for
design changes.
D. A process where the owner selects two different Design-Build teams to compete on
the same project.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A process where the contractor is selected based on
qualifications in Phase I and then a detailed proposal including price in Phase II.
Rationale: Two-Phase Selection is a best practice for procurement. Phase I narrows the
field to the most qualified teams based on their qualifications and approach. Phase II
then invites the shortlisted teams to submit detailed technical proposals and a price .
Question 5: A DBIA core value promotes "Design-Build Done Right." What does this
concept primarily emphasize?
A. Completing the project with the lowest possible construction cost.
B. Following a strict set of prescriptive specifications to avoid liability.
C. Implementing best practices in collaboration, integration, and ethical conduct to
deliver exceptional outcomes.
D. Ensuring the design is completed before any construction begins on site.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Implementing best practices in collaboration, integration,
and ethical conduct to deliver exceptional outcomes.
Rationale: "Design-Build Done Right" is the DBIA's philosophy that emphasizes a
collaborative and integrated approach. It moves beyond simply combining contracts to
fostering a culture of teamwork and ethical conduct to achieve the best value and
project success .
Question 6: Under the DBIA standard forms, who is typically responsible for
providing the initial "Project Criteria"?
A. The Design-Builder's lead architect.
B. The general contractor.
,C. The Owner.
D. The building inspector.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The Owner.
Rationale: The Project Criteria defines the scope, goals, and requirements of the
project. According to DBIA Document No. 535, it is the Owner's responsibility to provide
this foundational document, which allows the Design-Builder to develop a responsive
proposal .
Question 7: What is the typical role of an "Owner's Advisor" or consultant in a
Design-Build project?
A. To serve as the Architect of Record and lead the design team.
B. To manage the day-to-day construction activities on site.
C. To assist the owner in developing the RFQ/RFP and monitoring the Design-Builder's
compliance.
D. To provide a performance bond for the Design-Builder.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To assist the owner in developing the RFQ/RFP and
monitoring the Design-Builder's compliance.
Rationale: Many owners hire an advisor to help navigate the complexities of Design-
Build. This consultant assists in developing the request for qualifications (RFQ) and
request for proposals (RFP), and monitors the Design-Builder's work to ensure it meets
the owner's criteria .
Question 8: In the Design-Build model, how does the application of the Spearin
Doctrine typically change?
A. It is strengthened, as the owner still warrants the plans provided to the contractor.
B. It is significantly limited because the Design-Builder creates the plans they are
following.
C. It has no application, as the doctrine was repealed by federal law.
D. It shifts the warranty solely to the design subconsultants.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It is significantly limited because the Design-Builder creates
the plans they are following.
Rationale: The Spearin Doctrine applies to Design-Bid-Build and holds the owner liable
for defective plans. In Design-Build, the owner does not provide the design; the Design-
Builder creates it, so the implied warranty is limited or does not apply to the design
portion .
Question 9: Which insurance policy specifically covers the Design-Builder's
liability for errors and omissions in the design?
A. Commercial General Liability (CGL)
B. Builder's Risk Insurance
, C. Professional Liability Insurance
D. Workers' Compensation Insurance
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Professional Liability Insurance
Rationale: A Commercial General Liability policy typically excludes professional
services. Therefore, Professional Liability (often called Errors and Omissions coverage)
is required to cover design-related risks .
Question 10: What is the primary purpose of a "Best Value" selection process?
A. To select the proposal with the lowest price.
B. To select the most qualified team based solely on their past performance.
C. To evaluate a combination of price and technical qualifications to determine the best
overall outcome for the owner.
D. To select a Design-Builder based on a random lottery from a pool of qualified teams.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To evaluate a combination of price and technical
qualifications to determine the best overall outcome for the owner.
Rationale: Best Value selection looks at both price and technical factors. This allows
the owner to weigh the qualifications, project approach, and schedule against the cost
to get the best overall value, rather than just the cheapest bid .
Question 11: In the context of a RFP, what is the purpose of a "Honorarium" or
stipend?
A. To pay the winning firm a bonus for finishing the project early.
B. To provide a payment to unsuccessful shortlisted firms to offset their proposal costs.
C. To charge proposers a fee to download the RFP documents.
D. To pay the owner's advisor for their consulting services.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To provide a payment to unsuccessful shortlisted firms to
offset their proposal costs.
Rationale: An honorarium is a best practice to encourage competition. It acknowledges
the significant effort and intellectual property invested by proposers in developing a
response .
Question 12: According to DBIA ethical standards, how should a proposer handle
an ambiguity found in the RFP?
A. Interpret it in their own favor and include a clarification in their bid.
B. Ignore it and plan to submit a change order after contract award.
C. Request a formal clarification from the Owner during the Q&A period.
D. Contact the Architect of Record privately to gain a competitive advantage.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Request a formal clarification from the Owner during the
Q&A period.
Updated 2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | DBIA® Certified Design-
Build Professional Certification Study Guide, Practice Exam,
Comprehensive Review, Exam Prep Test Bank, Design-Build Institute of
America (DBIA), Integrated Project Delivery, Design Management,
Construction Management, Procurement Strategies, Contract
Administration, Risk Management, Quality Assurance, Leadership, Ethics,
Detailed Rationales and Complete Revision Material
Question 1: Which of the following is the primary characteristic that defines the
Design-Build project delivery method?
A. The owner holds separate contracts with the designer and the contractor.
B. The contractor is selected solely based on the lowest competitive bid.
C. A single entity holds a single contract for both design and construction services.
D. The design is fully completed before any contractor is brought onto the project.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A single entity holds a single contract for both design and
construction services.
Rationale: Design-Build is defined by a single point of responsibility where one entity
holds a single contract for both design and construction services. This is what
distinguishes it from Design-Bid-Build, where these services are split .
Question 2: According to DBIA, what is the primary benefit of the "single point of
responsibility" in Design-Build?
A. It guarantees the lowest possible project cost.
B. It eliminates the need for any project insurance.
C. It streamlines communication and reduces owner risk by making one entity
accountable.
D. It ensures that the architect has the final say on all construction means and
methods.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. It streamlines communication and reduces owner risk by
making one entity accountable.
Rationale: The single point of responsibility simplifies communication and
accountability. The owner signs one contract with the Design-Builder, who is then
responsible for all design and construction, thereby reducing the owner's direct risk .
Question 3: In the context of design-build best practices, what is the purpose of a
"Teaming Agreement"?
A. To finalize the contract between the Owner and the Design-Builder.
B. To outline the relationship, roles, and responsibilities between the lead contractor
and the lead designer before the project is won.
C. To serve as the primary construction document for the project's permits.
D. To establish the final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the owner.
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. To outline the relationship, roles, and responsibilities
between the lead contractor and the lead designer before the project is won.
Rationale: A Teaming Agreement is executed before a project is awarded to establish
the rules of engagement between design and construction partners. It prevents
disputes regarding costs, intellectual property, and roles during the proposal phase .
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the "Two-Phase Selection"
process used in Design-Build procurement?
A. A process where the owner first selects a designer, and then separately selects a
contractor.
B. A process where the contractor is selected based on qualifications in Phase I and
then a detailed proposal including price in Phase II.
C. A process where the project is built in two separate construction phases to allow for
design changes.
D. A process where the owner selects two different Design-Build teams to compete on
the same project.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A process where the contractor is selected based on
qualifications in Phase I and then a detailed proposal including price in Phase II.
Rationale: Two-Phase Selection is a best practice for procurement. Phase I narrows the
field to the most qualified teams based on their qualifications and approach. Phase II
then invites the shortlisted teams to submit detailed technical proposals and a price .
Question 5: A DBIA core value promotes "Design-Build Done Right." What does this
concept primarily emphasize?
A. Completing the project with the lowest possible construction cost.
B. Following a strict set of prescriptive specifications to avoid liability.
C. Implementing best practices in collaboration, integration, and ethical conduct to
deliver exceptional outcomes.
D. Ensuring the design is completed before any construction begins on site.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Implementing best practices in collaboration, integration,
and ethical conduct to deliver exceptional outcomes.
Rationale: "Design-Build Done Right" is the DBIA's philosophy that emphasizes a
collaborative and integrated approach. It moves beyond simply combining contracts to
fostering a culture of teamwork and ethical conduct to achieve the best value and
project success .
Question 6: Under the DBIA standard forms, who is typically responsible for
providing the initial "Project Criteria"?
A. The Design-Builder's lead architect.
B. The general contractor.
,C. The Owner.
D. The building inspector.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The Owner.
Rationale: The Project Criteria defines the scope, goals, and requirements of the
project. According to DBIA Document No. 535, it is the Owner's responsibility to provide
this foundational document, which allows the Design-Builder to develop a responsive
proposal .
Question 7: What is the typical role of an "Owner's Advisor" or consultant in a
Design-Build project?
A. To serve as the Architect of Record and lead the design team.
B. To manage the day-to-day construction activities on site.
C. To assist the owner in developing the RFQ/RFP and monitoring the Design-Builder's
compliance.
D. To provide a performance bond for the Design-Builder.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To assist the owner in developing the RFQ/RFP and
monitoring the Design-Builder's compliance.
Rationale: Many owners hire an advisor to help navigate the complexities of Design-
Build. This consultant assists in developing the request for qualifications (RFQ) and
request for proposals (RFP), and monitors the Design-Builder's work to ensure it meets
the owner's criteria .
Question 8: In the Design-Build model, how does the application of the Spearin
Doctrine typically change?
A. It is strengthened, as the owner still warrants the plans provided to the contractor.
B. It is significantly limited because the Design-Builder creates the plans they are
following.
C. It has no application, as the doctrine was repealed by federal law.
D. It shifts the warranty solely to the design subconsultants.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It is significantly limited because the Design-Builder creates
the plans they are following.
Rationale: The Spearin Doctrine applies to Design-Bid-Build and holds the owner liable
for defective plans. In Design-Build, the owner does not provide the design; the Design-
Builder creates it, so the implied warranty is limited or does not apply to the design
portion .
Question 9: Which insurance policy specifically covers the Design-Builder's
liability for errors and omissions in the design?
A. Commercial General Liability (CGL)
B. Builder's Risk Insurance
, C. Professional Liability Insurance
D. Workers' Compensation Insurance
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Professional Liability Insurance
Rationale: A Commercial General Liability policy typically excludes professional
services. Therefore, Professional Liability (often called Errors and Omissions coverage)
is required to cover design-related risks .
Question 10: What is the primary purpose of a "Best Value" selection process?
A. To select the proposal with the lowest price.
B. To select the most qualified team based solely on their past performance.
C. To evaluate a combination of price and technical qualifications to determine the best
overall outcome for the owner.
D. To select a Design-Builder based on a random lottery from a pool of qualified teams.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To evaluate a combination of price and technical
qualifications to determine the best overall outcome for the owner.
Rationale: Best Value selection looks at both price and technical factors. This allows
the owner to weigh the qualifications, project approach, and schedule against the cost
to get the best overall value, rather than just the cheapest bid .
Question 11: In the context of a RFP, what is the purpose of a "Honorarium" or
stipend?
A. To pay the winning firm a bonus for finishing the project early.
B. To provide a payment to unsuccessful shortlisted firms to offset their proposal costs.
C. To charge proposers a fee to download the RFP documents.
D. To pay the owner's advisor for their consulting services.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To provide a payment to unsuccessful shortlisted firms to
offset their proposal costs.
Rationale: An honorarium is a best practice to encourage competition. It acknowledges
the significant effort and intellectual property invested by proposers in developing a
response .
Question 12: According to DBIA ethical standards, how should a proposer handle
an ambiguity found in the RFP?
A. Interpret it in their own favor and include a clarification in their bid.
B. Ignore it and plan to submit a change order after contract award.
C. Request a formal clarification from the Owner during the Q&A period.
D. Contact the Architect of Record privately to gain a competitive advantage.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Request a formal clarification from the Owner during the
Q&A period.
