CIDQ Updated IDPX Exam Questions and Answers by abiha

The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s understanding of the purpose of shop drawings in the construction process. Shop drawings are detailed drawings prepared by the contractor, subcontractor, or fabricator to show how specific elements (e.g., millwork, systems furniture) will be manufactured and installed.

Option A (Analyze the fabrication method):While shop drawings may include information about fabrication methods, the primary purpose is not for the designer to analyze how the item is made but to verify that the fabrication aligns with the design intent.

Option B (Approve completeness of the details):Shop drawings do provide detailed information, but the designer’s role is not to approve their completeness in terms of fabrication details. Instead, the designer checks whether the drawings meet the project’s requirements, not whether the fabricator’s details are complete.

Option C (Check conformance with the design intent):This is the correct choice. The primary purpose of shop drawings is for the designer to review them and ensure that the proposed fabrication and installation conform to the design intent as specified in the contract documents (e.g., drawings, specifications). This ensures that the final product matches thedesigner’s vision and meets project requirements.

Correction of Typographical Error:

The original question lists only three options (A, B, C), but the NCIDQ format typically includes four options (A, B, C, D). The missing Option D does not affect the answer, as Option C is clearly the correct choice based on the given options. For completeness, a potential Option D might be something like “Verify the quantity of materials needed,” which would be incorrect, as that is not the primary purpose of shop drawings.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on construction administration and shop drawing review.

“The primary purpose of shop drawings is to allow the designer to check conformance with the design intent, ensuring that the fabricated elements align with the contract documents.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Construction Administration Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide specifies that the main role of shop drawings is to ensure that the fabrication and installation align with the designer’s intent. This review process helps catch discrepancies before construction, making Option C the correct answer.

Objectives:

Understand the purpose of shop drawings in construction (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Construction Administration).

Apply review processes to ensure design compliance (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Contract Administration).

To combine spaces in a programming phase, their schedules must not overlap in days and hours. Classroom (Mon-Fri, 8am-12pm) and Exhibition Hall (Fri-Tue, 5pm-10pm) have minimal conflict: Friday overlap exists, but hours (8am-12pm vs. 5pm-10pm) do not. Other options overlap significantly: A (Art Gallery and Banquet) conflicts Wed-Sun, with hour overlaps; B (Classroom and Art Gallery) conflicts Wed-Fri; C (Banquet and Exhibition Hall) conflicts Fri-Sun with hour overlaps. D offers the least scheduling conflict, making it feasible for shared use.

Verified Answer from Official Source:D - exhibition hall and classroom

"When combining spaces in a program, select areas with non-overlapping schedules to maximize efficiency and avoid conflicts in use." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 2: Project Coordination)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ stresses analyzing schedules during programming to optimize space use, ensuring functional compatibility based on time and day constraints.

Objectives:

Analyze space needs for programming (IDPX Objective 2.1).

Product substitutions—requests to use alternatives to specified items—are governed by procedures outlined in the general requirements (CSI Division 01), which detail submission processes, approval criteria, and timelines. Bid forms (A) outline pricing and scope, not substitution rules. Material specifications (C) (Divisions 02-49) list specific products, not substitution protocols. General requirements (B) provide the administrative framework for substitutions, making it the correct location.

Verified Answer from Official Source:B - general requirements

"Information on product substitutions is located in the general requirements (Division 01), specifying the process for approval during bidding and construction." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 4: Specifications)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ aligns with CSI MasterFormat, noting Division 01 as the section for procedural guidelines, including substitutions, to ensure consistency and control.

Objectives:

Understand specification structure (IDPX Objective 4.1).

The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s understanding of the submittal process during contract administration. Submittals are documents or samples provided by the contractor to the designer for review, ensuring that the materials and products being used align with the project requirements.

Option A (Confirm the quantity of material to be ordered):The quantity of material is typically determined by the contractor based on the contract documents and is not the primary purpose of the submittal process. The designer may review quantities as part of the process, but this is secondary.

Option B (Alter product specifications prior to the final order):The submittal process is not intended for the designer to alter specifications; it is to verify that the proposed materials meet the existing specifications. Altering specifications would require a change order, not a submittal.

Option C (Check for conformance with the contract documents):This is the correct choice. The primary purpose of the submittal process is for the designer to review the contractor’s proposed materials, products, or shop drawings to ensure they conform to the contract documents (e.g., specifications, drawings). This ensures that the project is built as designed and meets all requirements.

Option D (Verify that the dimensions conform to the site conditions):While dimensions may be reviewed as part of shop drawings, verifying site conditions is typically the contractor’s responsibility during construction. The submittal process focuses on conformance with the design intent, not site verification.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on contract administration and the submittal process.

“The primary purpose of the submittal process is for the designer to check that the proposed materials and products conform to the contract documents, ensuring compliance with the design intent.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Contract Administration Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide clearly states that the submittal process is designed to ensure conformance with the contract documents, allowing the designer to verify that the contractor’s selections meet the project’s requirements. This makes Option C the correct answer.

Objectives:

Understand the purpose of the submittal process in contract administration (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Contract Administration).

Apply review processes to ensure design compliance (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Construction Administration).