California Supplemental Examination (CSE) - Sample Test Questions

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:

  1. 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?

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

  1. 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?

The following are general questions:

  1. 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?
  2. Which of the following California codes contains the Essential Services Buildings Seismic Safety Act?
  3. What is the purpose of the CALGreen Code?
  4. 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?
  5. During the construction documents phase, the client asks that the primary rooftop chiller be relocated. How should the architect proceed regarding this request?
  6. 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?
  7. 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?
  8. 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?