DBIA EXAM 1
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, History (8%) - 8 questions
Q1: Which of the following best describes the design-build project delivery method?
A. The owner hires a separate architect and general contractor
B. A single entity contracts with the owner to provide both design and construction [CORRECT]
C. The owner manages construction with an in-house team
D. A construction manager is hired to advise the owner on design
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Design-build uses one entity under a single contract responsible for both design and construction.
The other options describe design-bid-build, owner-managed, or CMAR methods.
Q2: The historical concept of the 'Master-Builder' refers to:
A. A licensing authority for builders
B. A financial lender for construction
C. An insurance underwriter for projects
D. A builder who was responsible for both designing and constructing a project [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Master-Builder historically combined the roles of designer and builder in one person. This
foreshadows design-build's integrated approach.
Q3: Which of the following is considered one of the earliest recorded codes governing construction
responsibility?
A. The Magna Carta
B. The Hammurabi Code [CORRECT]
C. The Napoleonic Code
D. The Geneva Convention
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Hammurabi Code is an early legal code that addressed builder liability for construction. The
other documents do not focus on construction responsibility.
Q4: Vitruvius, an influential figure in design-build history, was known for:
A. Writing on architecture and construction in ancient Rome [CORRECT]
B. Inventing the modern steam engine
C. Founding the DBIA
D. Developing the first steel-framed skyscraper
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vitruvius was a Roman architect/engineer who wrote influential treatises on architecture and
construction. The other options misattribute his role.
DBIA Exam 1 - Design-Build Certification (2026/2027) Page 2
, Q5: Which historical figure is celebrated for his integrated role as both engineer and builder of the dome of
Florence Cathedral?
A. Filippo Brunelleschi [CORRECT]
B. Vitruvius
C. Leonardo da Vinci
D. Frank Lloyd Wright
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Brunelleschi served as both the designer and builder of Florence Cathedral's dome, embodying
the integrated Master-Builder concept. The others are not associated with this achievement.
Q6: Which of the following contributed to the historical separation of design and construction that design-build
seeks to overcome?
A. The invention of reinforced concrete
B. The development of BIM software
C. The growth of insurance markets
D. The rise of independent architect/engineer professions [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The emergence of independent design professions separated design from construction.
Design-build re-integrates these roles. The other factors are later technical or market developments.
Q7: According to DBIA, DBIA is the only organization that does which of the following for design-build project
delivery?
A. Licenses individual designers
B. Sets statutory construction codes
C. Insures construction projects
D. Defines, teaches, and promotes best practices [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: DBIA's purpose statement is that it is the only organization that defines, teaches, and promotes
best practices in design-build delivery. The other options describe different functions.
Q8: The role of the Integrated Project Leader is primarily to:
A. Lead the project team and manage team dynamics [CORRECT]
B. Perform all design calculations
C. Solely manage project finances
D. Replace the owner's decision-making
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Integrated Project Leader leads the project team and manages team dynamics to enable
integration. The other options describe narrower or incorrect functions.
Section 2: Foundations of Design-Build Done Right - Best Practices,
Implementation Techniques, Team Integration (8%) - 8 questions
DBIA Exam 1 - 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, History (8%) - 8 questions
Q1: Which of the following best describes the design-build project delivery method?
A. The owner hires a separate architect and general contractor
B. A single entity contracts with the owner to provide both design and construction [CORRECT]
C. The owner manages construction with an in-house team
D. A construction manager is hired to advise the owner on design
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Design-build uses one entity under a single contract responsible for both design and construction.
The other options describe design-bid-build, owner-managed, or CMAR methods.
Q2: The historical concept of the 'Master-Builder' refers to:
A. A licensing authority for builders
B. A financial lender for construction
C. An insurance underwriter for projects
D. A builder who was responsible for both designing and constructing a project [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Master-Builder historically combined the roles of designer and builder in one person. This
foreshadows design-build's integrated approach.
Q3: Which of the following is considered one of the earliest recorded codes governing construction
responsibility?
A. The Magna Carta
B. The Hammurabi Code [CORRECT]
C. The Napoleonic Code
D. The Geneva Convention
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Hammurabi Code is an early legal code that addressed builder liability for construction. The
other documents do not focus on construction responsibility.
Q4: Vitruvius, an influential figure in design-build history, was known for:
A. Writing on architecture and construction in ancient Rome [CORRECT]
B. Inventing the modern steam engine
C. Founding the DBIA
D. Developing the first steel-framed skyscraper
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vitruvius was a Roman architect/engineer who wrote influential treatises on architecture and
construction. The other options misattribute his role.
DBIA Exam 1 - Design-Build Certification (2026/2027) Page 2
, Q5: Which historical figure is celebrated for his integrated role as both engineer and builder of the dome of
Florence Cathedral?
A. Filippo Brunelleschi [CORRECT]
B. Vitruvius
C. Leonardo da Vinci
D. Frank Lloyd Wright
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Brunelleschi served as both the designer and builder of Florence Cathedral's dome, embodying
the integrated Master-Builder concept. The others are not associated with this achievement.
Q6: Which of the following contributed to the historical separation of design and construction that design-build
seeks to overcome?
A. The invention of reinforced concrete
B. The development of BIM software
C. The growth of insurance markets
D. The rise of independent architect/engineer professions [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The emergence of independent design professions separated design from construction.
Design-build re-integrates these roles. The other factors are later technical or market developments.
Q7: According to DBIA, DBIA is the only organization that does which of the following for design-build project
delivery?
A. Licenses individual designers
B. Sets statutory construction codes
C. Insures construction projects
D. Defines, teaches, and promotes best practices [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: DBIA's purpose statement is that it is the only organization that defines, teaches, and promotes
best practices in design-build delivery. The other options describe different functions.
Q8: The role of the Integrated Project Leader is primarily to:
A. Lead the project team and manage team dynamics [CORRECT]
B. Perform all design calculations
C. Solely manage project finances
D. Replace the owner's decision-making
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Integrated Project Leader leads the project team and manages team dynamics to enable
integration. The other options describe narrower or incorrect functions.
Section 2: Foundations of Design-Build Done Right - Best Practices,
Implementation Techniques, Team Integration (8%) - 8 questions
DBIA Exam 1 - Design-Build Certification (2026/2027) Page 3
