Sample Test Questions - California Architects Board

These questions are examples of the examination items contained in the CSE. Items 1–2 require a project to be answered. Items 3–10 are general questions.

NOTE: Candidates are not provided with results for each question at the examination site. A candidates should receive their results at the test center (pass or fail). If a candidate did not receive their results at the test center, please notify the Board immediately.

Refer to the Woodacre Community Park project details (A–1 ) for the following question:

Given the soil type, the civil engineer calculates that an additional bioswale is required for the site. The civil engineer asks the architect for the best location for the bioswale. Which of the following locations should the architect recommend?

A. South of the North parking lot

B. Northeast of the South parking lot

C. Southwest of the existing Recreation Building

D. Northeast of the exterior patio off the Multipurpose Room

Refer to the Woodacre Community Park project details (A–2 ) for the following question:

During design development, the director of the community services department asks the architect to change Storage Room 110 into a reading room with 90-inch-high bookshelves. Which of the following actions should the architect take to implement this change?

A. Review the occupant load, add a second exit, and review the anchorage with the structural engineer

B. Review anchorage with the structural engineer, add a second exit, and review air delivery with the mechanical engineer

C. Review air delivery with the mechanical engineer, review anchorage with the structural engineer, and redesign the lighting

D. Review the occupant load, meet with the building official, and review the fire sprinkler density with the fire protection engineer

The following are general questions:

A client presents an architect with a contract written by the client’s attorney for signature. In addition to scope of work, address, and license information, which of the following items must be included in the contract?

A. Limitation of liability clause, special conditions clause, and additional services clause

B. Limitation of liability clause, dispute resolution clause, and termination clause

C. Compensation clause, indemnification clause, and termination clause

D. Compensation clause, additional services clause, and termination clause
Which of the following California codes contains the Essential Services Buildings Seismic Safety Act?

A. California Civil Code

B. California Building Code

C. California Health and Safety Code

D. California Building Standards Administrative Code
What is the purpose of the CALGreen Code?

A. To provide an alternative to LEED certification in California

B. To encourage sustainable construction practices in California

C. To create the regulations for enforcing energy efficiency in California

D. To establish the basis for certifying sustainable building design in California
A client has hired an architect to design a luxury home on a steep, wooded hillside in a large urban area. The project will require a feasibility study. Which of the following consultants should the architect advise the client to retain to complete the study?

A. Civil engineer, geotechnical engineer, and surveyor

B. Civil engineer, arborist, and environmental engineer

C. Surveyor, geotechnical engineer, and structural engineer

D. Environmental engineer, arborist, and structural engineer
During the construction documents phase, the client asks that the primary rooftop chiller be relocated. How should the architect proceed regarding this request?

A. Coordinate with engineers, revise design, and issue a Construction Change Directive

B. Provide an additional service request, review design options with engineers, and revise documents

C. Review the change with engineers, coordinate with the project manager, and issue a Construction Change Directive

D. Provide an additional service request, prepare documents based on the client’s request, and instruct engineers to revise documents
An architect receives plan check comments from the building department. The comments indicate a discrepancy between the mechanical and electrical drawings regarding wiring and connections for the shutoff switches of the rooftop HVAC equipment. Which of the following actions should the architect take to address the plan check comments?

A. Obtain the owner’s approval to revise the drawings, and notify the mechanical and electrical consultants of the changes

B. Discuss possible remedies with the plan checker, and have the design team make corrections as discussed

C. Forward the comments to the mechanical and electrical consultants for corrections, and review the revised documents

D. Meet with the design team to discuss the comments, and meet with the owner to have the proposed plan revisions signed
During construction, an architect receives a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the carpet tile. The finish plan and specifications indicate a style and color that are no longer available. How should the architect respond to the RFI?

A. Contact the manufacturer for a comparable available product, and provide substitute product information

B. Contact the manufacturer for a comparable available product, and issue a substitution request to the contractor

C. Contact the contractor for information about a comparable available product, and issue an Architect’s Supplemental Instruction

D. Contact the carpet subcontractor for information about a comparable available product, and provide substitute product information
During bidding of a library project, a bidding contractor requests removal of the elevator because each level has exterior access at grade. The client has previously indicated a desire to reduce the project costs and increase the storage area. How should the architect respond to the bidding contractor’s request?

A. Issue an addendum to all bidders that revises the elevator shaft spaces and machine room to storage

B. Provide a written response to all bidders stating the elevator is required to provide accessible access between floors

C. Provide a written response to all bidders instructing them to include a bid alternate that revises the elevator shaft spaces and machine room to storage

D. Issue an addendum to all bidders that revises the elevator to a limited use / limited application wheelchair lift, and convert the remaining areas to storage