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NYC DCAS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER EXAM COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST EDITION 2026
NYC DCAS Construction Project Manager Exam —Questions
10-Point Exam Coverage Summary
1. Project Management Fundamentals – Project life cycle, baselines, scope, roles,
stakeholder management, project delivery methods
2. Construction Documents & Contracts – Contract types, specifications, drawings, bonds,
insurance, PPB Rules
3. Scheduling & Critical Path Method (CPM) – CPM calculations, float, Gantt charts, fast-
tracking, schedule compression
4. Budgeting & Cost Control – Cost estimating, value engineering, earned value, change
orders, payment requisitions
5. NYC Building Code & Regulations – DOB permits, Chapter 33 safety, Local Laws, zoning,
sidewalk sheds, excavations
6. Safety & OSHA Compliance – OSHA 1926, Local Law 196, Site Safety Training, PPE, fall
protection, scaffolding
7. Contract Administration & Procurement – Bid processes, pre-bid conferences, contract
awards, prevailing wage, M/WBE
8. Risk Management & Quality Control – Risk identification, mitigation, QA/QC,
inspections, material testing
9. Inspection, Record Keeping & Closeout – Daily logs, submittals, punch lists, substantial
completion, final closeout
10. Professional Ethics & Leadership – Ethical conduct, conflict of interest, communication,
team supervision
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SECTION 1: PROJECT MANAGEMENT FUNDAMENTALS (25 QUESTIONS)
1. Which of the following best defines the primary responsibility of a construction project
manager?
A) Performing all manual labor on-site
B) Overseeing project planning, scheduling, and execution
C) Designing structural elements
D) Inspecting local building codes
Rationale: The primary role of a construction project manager is to plan, schedule, and oversee
the execution of projects, ensuring they meet deadlines, budget, and quality standards. The
project manager coordinates all aspects of a construction project.
2. What is the purpose of a project baseline in construction management?
A) To record labor attendance
B) To measure environmental compliance
C) To serve as the approved plan for scope, schedule, and cost against which project
performance is measured
D) To establish site safety protocols
Rationale: A project baseline is the approved plan for scope, schedule, and cost that serves as
the reference point for measuring project performance and controlling changes.
3. In NYC municipal construction, which document defines the project scope, schedule, and
budget?
A) Blueprints
B) Permit application
C) The contract documents
D) The project charter
Rationale: The project charter or contract documents define the project scope, schedule, and
budget in NYC municipal construction.
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4. Which project delivery method involves a single entity responsible for both design and
construction?
A) Design-Bid-Build
B) Design-Build
C) Construction Management at Risk
D) Multiple Prime
Rationale: Design-Build is a project delivery method where a single entity is responsible for
both design and construction, streamlining the process and reducing risk for the owner.
5. In the context of NYC DCAS construction project management, what is the primary purpose of
conducting a pre-bid conference?
A) To award the contract
B) To clarify project requirements and allow contractors to ask questions before bidding
C) To negotiate the final price
D) To inspect the contractor's equipment
Rationale: A pre-bid conference allows the owner to clarify project requirements and gives
contractors an opportunity to ask questions before submitting their bids.
6. What is the primary role of a project manager during the execution phase of a construction
project?
A) Developing the initial budget
B) Monitoring progress and ensuring compliance with plans and specifications
C) Designing the structural system
D) Selecting the contractor
Rationale: During execution, the project manager monitors progress, ensures compliance with
plans and specifications, manages changes, and coordinates stakeholders.
7. Which of the following is NOT a typical responsibility of a construction project manager?
A) Preparing cost estimates
B) Reviewing contractors' work for compliance
C) Performing structural engineering calculations
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D) Managing contract files and written records
Rationale: Structural engineering calculations are performed by licensed engineers, not
construction project managers.
8. What is the primary purpose of a kickoff meeting in construction project management?
A) To finalize the contract price
B) To align all stakeholders on project goals, roles, and expectations
C) To inspect the construction site
D) To issue the final payment
Rationale: A kickoff meeting brings all stakeholders together to align on project goals, roles,
responsibilities, and expectations before work begins.
9. Which of the following best describes the role of a construction project manager in
stakeholder management?
A) Ignoring stakeholder concerns to maintain schedule
B) Communicating with stakeholders to manage expectations and resolve issues
C) Delegating all stakeholder communication to the contractor
D) Avoiding stakeholder involvement in decision-making
Rationale: Effective stakeholder management involves proactive communication to manage
expectations, resolve issues, and maintain positive relationships.
10. What is the purpose of a work breakdown structure (WBS) in construction project
management?
A) To break the project into manageable components for planning and control
B) To list all project risks
C) To record daily site activities
D) To calculate the final project cost
Rationale: A WBS decomposes the project into smaller, manageable components, facilitating
planning, scheduling, budgeting, and control.
11. Which of the following is a key characteristic of a successful construction project manager?
A) Avoiding communication with contractors
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NYC DCAS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER EXAM COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST EDITION 2026
NYC DCAS Construction Project Manager Exam —Questions
10-Point Exam Coverage Summary
1. Project Management Fundamentals – Project life cycle, baselines, scope, roles,
stakeholder management, project delivery methods
2. Construction Documents & Contracts – Contract types, specifications, drawings, bonds,
insurance, PPB Rules
3. Scheduling & Critical Path Method (CPM) – CPM calculations, float, Gantt charts, fast-
tracking, schedule compression
4. Budgeting & Cost Control – Cost estimating, value engineering, earned value, change
orders, payment requisitions
5. NYC Building Code & Regulations – DOB permits, Chapter 33 safety, Local Laws, zoning,
sidewalk sheds, excavations
6. Safety & OSHA Compliance – OSHA 1926, Local Law 196, Site Safety Training, PPE, fall
protection, scaffolding
7. Contract Administration & Procurement – Bid processes, pre-bid conferences, contract
awards, prevailing wage, M/WBE
8. Risk Management & Quality Control – Risk identification, mitigation, QA/QC,
inspections, material testing
9. Inspection, Record Keeping & Closeout – Daily logs, submittals, punch lists, substantial
completion, final closeout
10. Professional Ethics & Leadership – Ethical conduct, conflict of interest, communication,
team supervision
1|Page
,Page 2 of 66
SECTION 1: PROJECT MANAGEMENT FUNDAMENTALS (25 QUESTIONS)
1. Which of the following best defines the primary responsibility of a construction project
manager?
A) Performing all manual labor on-site
B) Overseeing project planning, scheduling, and execution
C) Designing structural elements
D) Inspecting local building codes
Rationale: The primary role of a construction project manager is to plan, schedule, and oversee
the execution of projects, ensuring they meet deadlines, budget, and quality standards. The
project manager coordinates all aspects of a construction project.
2. What is the purpose of a project baseline in construction management?
A) To record labor attendance
B) To measure environmental compliance
C) To serve as the approved plan for scope, schedule, and cost against which project
performance is measured
D) To establish site safety protocols
Rationale: A project baseline is the approved plan for scope, schedule, and cost that serves as
the reference point for measuring project performance and controlling changes.
3. In NYC municipal construction, which document defines the project scope, schedule, and
budget?
A) Blueprints
B) Permit application
C) The contract documents
D) The project charter
Rationale: The project charter or contract documents define the project scope, schedule, and
budget in NYC municipal construction.
2|Page
,Page 3 of 66
4. Which project delivery method involves a single entity responsible for both design and
construction?
A) Design-Bid-Build
B) Design-Build
C) Construction Management at Risk
D) Multiple Prime
Rationale: Design-Build is a project delivery method where a single entity is responsible for
both design and construction, streamlining the process and reducing risk for the owner.
5. In the context of NYC DCAS construction project management, what is the primary purpose of
conducting a pre-bid conference?
A) To award the contract
B) To clarify project requirements and allow contractors to ask questions before bidding
C) To negotiate the final price
D) To inspect the contractor's equipment
Rationale: A pre-bid conference allows the owner to clarify project requirements and gives
contractors an opportunity to ask questions before submitting their bids.
6. What is the primary role of a project manager during the execution phase of a construction
project?
A) Developing the initial budget
B) Monitoring progress and ensuring compliance with plans and specifications
C) Designing the structural system
D) Selecting the contractor
Rationale: During execution, the project manager monitors progress, ensures compliance with
plans and specifications, manages changes, and coordinates stakeholders.
7. Which of the following is NOT a typical responsibility of a construction project manager?
A) Preparing cost estimates
B) Reviewing contractors' work for compliance
C) Performing structural engineering calculations
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, Page 4 of 66
D) Managing contract files and written records
Rationale: Structural engineering calculations are performed by licensed engineers, not
construction project managers.
8. What is the primary purpose of a kickoff meeting in construction project management?
A) To finalize the contract price
B) To align all stakeholders on project goals, roles, and expectations
C) To inspect the construction site
D) To issue the final payment
Rationale: A kickoff meeting brings all stakeholders together to align on project goals, roles,
responsibilities, and expectations before work begins.
9. Which of the following best describes the role of a construction project manager in
stakeholder management?
A) Ignoring stakeholder concerns to maintain schedule
B) Communicating with stakeholders to manage expectations and resolve issues
C) Delegating all stakeholder communication to the contractor
D) Avoiding stakeholder involvement in decision-making
Rationale: Effective stakeholder management involves proactive communication to manage
expectations, resolve issues, and maintain positive relationships.
10. What is the purpose of a work breakdown structure (WBS) in construction project
management?
A) To break the project into manageable components for planning and control
B) To list all project risks
C) To record daily site activities
D) To calculate the final project cost
Rationale: A WBS decomposes the project into smaller, manageable components, facilitating
planning, scheduling, budgeting, and control.
11. Which of the following is a key characteristic of a successful construction project manager?
A) Avoiding communication with contractors
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