DBIA EXAM 3 NEWEST VERSION 2026 ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT SOLUTIONS JUST
RELEASED THIS YEAR………...
Core Domains:
1. Design-Build Fundamentals and Principles
2. Procurement and Selection Methods (RFQ/RFP, Best Value, QBS)
3. Contract Administration and Legal Framework
4. Risk Management and Allocation
5. Teaming, Partnering, and Collaboration
6. Project Management and Controls (Schedule, Budget, Quality)
7. Design-Build Execution and Construction Management
8. Ethics, Professional Conduct, and Industry Standards
9. Change Management and Dispute Resolution
10. Safety, Quality Assurance, and Commissioning
Introduction:
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess the competencies required for successful
certification through the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA). It evaluates a candidate's advanced knowledge
of design-build project delivery, applied professional skills in procurement and contract management, and critical
decision-making abilities in complex project scenarios. The assessment is structured using multiple-choice
questions and scenario-based inquiries to gauge not only theoretical understanding but also the practical
application of design-build principles, ethical frameworks, and industry best practices. Success in this exam
demonstrates a candidate's readiness to navigate the multifaceted challenges of design-build project delivery,
prioritizing collaboration, risk management, and project success.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
1. Which of the following is the PRIMARY reason an owner chooses design-build project delivery?
A. To reduce the number of contracts and administrative burden
B. To have more direct control over the design process
C. To select the lowest possible construction bid
D. To eliminate the need for an architect
🟢 A. To reduce the number of contracts and administrative burden
🔴 RATIONALE: The primary advantage of design-build is the single point of responsibility, which significantly
reduces the owner's administrative burden by consolidating design and construction into one contract and one
party to manage.
2. In a design-build contract, the "Bridging Documents" are typically developed by:
A. The Design-Builder
B. The owner's consultant
C. The subcontractors
D. The surety
🟢 B. The owner's consultant
🔴 RATIONALE: Bridging documents are prepared by the owner's consultant (often an architect or engineer) to
a level of design that "bridges" the gap between the owner's concept and the final design, providing a clear
scope for the Design-Builder to complete.
,3. What is the main purpose of a "Request for Qualifications" (RFQ) in the design-build selection process?
A. To solicit price proposals from Design-Builders
B. To evaluate the technical approach of Design-Builders
C. To pre-qualify and shortlist potential Design-Builders based on their experience and capabilities
D. To select the final Design-Builder
🟢 C. To pre-qualify and shortlist potential Design-Builders based on their experience and capabilities
🔴 RATIONALE: An RFQ is used in the first stage of a two-stage selection process to identify and shortlist the
most qualified Design-Build teams based on their qualifications, experience, and past performance before
inviting them to submit full proposals.
4. When a Design-Builder is selected based on qualifications and then negotiates a contract price, this
method is known as:
A. Low-bid selection
B. Best Value selection
C. Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS)
D. Sole source selection
🟢 C. Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS)
🔴 RATIONALE: Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) is a method where the owner selects the most highly
qualified Design-Builder and then negotiates a fair and reasonable price. It is widely used in the public sector.
5. In the "Best Value" selection method, the owner typically evaluates proposals based on:
, A. Price alone
B. Qualifications alone
C. A combination of qualifications, technical approach, and price
D. A random selection process
🟢 C. A combination of qualifications, technical approach, and price
🔴 RATIONALE: The Best Value method uses a weighted scoring system to evaluate multiple criteria, including
the Design-Builder's qualifications, proposed approach, and price, to select the proposal that offers the best
overall value to the owner.
6. Under the DBIA standard form contract, which party is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and
approvals?
A. The owner
B. The architect
C. The Design-Builder
D. The local building official
🟢 C. The Design-Builder
🔴 RATIONALE: The DBIA contract documents typically place the responsibility for obtaining permits and
approvals on the Design-Builder, as they are responsible for delivering a complete and compliant project.
7. Which of the following is a common risk allocation for the Design-Builder in a design-build contract?
A. Risk of inaccurate owner-provided information
B. Risk of changes in the owner's program
RELEASED THIS YEAR………...
Core Domains:
1. Design-Build Fundamentals and Principles
2. Procurement and Selection Methods (RFQ/RFP, Best Value, QBS)
3. Contract Administration and Legal Framework
4. Risk Management and Allocation
5. Teaming, Partnering, and Collaboration
6. Project Management and Controls (Schedule, Budget, Quality)
7. Design-Build Execution and Construction Management
8. Ethics, Professional Conduct, and Industry Standards
9. Change Management and Dispute Resolution
10. Safety, Quality Assurance, and Commissioning
Introduction:
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess the competencies required for successful
certification through the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA). It evaluates a candidate's advanced knowledge
of design-build project delivery, applied professional skills in procurement and contract management, and critical
decision-making abilities in complex project scenarios. The assessment is structured using multiple-choice
questions and scenario-based inquiries to gauge not only theoretical understanding but also the practical
application of design-build principles, ethical frameworks, and industry best practices. Success in this exam
demonstrates a candidate's readiness to navigate the multifaceted challenges of design-build project delivery,
prioritizing collaboration, risk management, and project success.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
1. Which of the following is the PRIMARY reason an owner chooses design-build project delivery?
A. To reduce the number of contracts and administrative burden
B. To have more direct control over the design process
C. To select the lowest possible construction bid
D. To eliminate the need for an architect
🟢 A. To reduce the number of contracts and administrative burden
🔴 RATIONALE: The primary advantage of design-build is the single point of responsibility, which significantly
reduces the owner's administrative burden by consolidating design and construction into one contract and one
party to manage.
2. In a design-build contract, the "Bridging Documents" are typically developed by:
A. The Design-Builder
B. The owner's consultant
C. The subcontractors
D. The surety
🟢 B. The owner's consultant
🔴 RATIONALE: Bridging documents are prepared by the owner's consultant (often an architect or engineer) to
a level of design that "bridges" the gap between the owner's concept and the final design, providing a clear
scope for the Design-Builder to complete.
,3. What is the main purpose of a "Request for Qualifications" (RFQ) in the design-build selection process?
A. To solicit price proposals from Design-Builders
B. To evaluate the technical approach of Design-Builders
C. To pre-qualify and shortlist potential Design-Builders based on their experience and capabilities
D. To select the final Design-Builder
🟢 C. To pre-qualify and shortlist potential Design-Builders based on their experience and capabilities
🔴 RATIONALE: An RFQ is used in the first stage of a two-stage selection process to identify and shortlist the
most qualified Design-Build teams based on their qualifications, experience, and past performance before
inviting them to submit full proposals.
4. When a Design-Builder is selected based on qualifications and then negotiates a contract price, this
method is known as:
A. Low-bid selection
B. Best Value selection
C. Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS)
D. Sole source selection
🟢 C. Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS)
🔴 RATIONALE: Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) is a method where the owner selects the most highly
qualified Design-Builder and then negotiates a fair and reasonable price. It is widely used in the public sector.
5. In the "Best Value" selection method, the owner typically evaluates proposals based on:
, A. Price alone
B. Qualifications alone
C. A combination of qualifications, technical approach, and price
D. A random selection process
🟢 C. A combination of qualifications, technical approach, and price
🔴 RATIONALE: The Best Value method uses a weighted scoring system to evaluate multiple criteria, including
the Design-Builder's qualifications, proposed approach, and price, to select the proposal that offers the best
overall value to the owner.
6. Under the DBIA standard form contract, which party is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and
approvals?
A. The owner
B. The architect
C. The Design-Builder
D. The local building official
🟢 C. The Design-Builder
🔴 RATIONALE: The DBIA contract documents typically place the responsibility for obtaining permits and
approvals on the Design-Builder, as they are responsible for delivering a complete and compliant project.
7. Which of the following is a common risk allocation for the Design-Builder in a design-build contract?
A. Risk of inaccurate owner-provided information
B. Risk of changes in the owner's program
