CIDQ Updated IDPX Exam Questions and Answers by roisin

A multistory building’s service core centralizes vertical circulation and utilities for efficiency and accessibility. Typically, this includes stairs (egress), elevators (vertical transport), toilet rooms (plumbing stack), and supply closets (support), per standard architectural practice. Lobby and corridors (A) are public areas, not core-specific. Kitchen and loading docks (C) are functional, not core elements. Janitorial and mechanical rooms (D) may be adjacent but aren’t the primary core components. Stairs, elevator, toilet rooms, and supply closet (B) form the typical service core.

Verified Answer from Official Source:B - stairs, elevator, toilet rooms, supply closet

"The service core in a multistory building typically includes stairs, elevators, toilet rooms, and supply closets for centralized functionality." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 2: Building Systems)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ defines the service core as the backbone of vertical and utility systems, optimizing space and circulation in multi-level designs.

Objectives:

Understand building system integration (IDPX Objective 2.6).

The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s understanding of construction administration processes, including the purpose and definition of change orders. A change order is a formal document used to modify the original construction contract.

Option A (They are written permissions or instructions that modify construction documents):This is the most accurate statement. A change order is a formal written document that modifies the construction contract, including the construction documents (e.g., drawings, specifications), after the contract has been awarded. It typically addresses changes in scope, cost, or schedule and requires approval from the owner, contractor, and often the designer.

Option B (They are notices to the client advising of changes to the construction documents):While change orders may involve notifying the client, their primary purpose is to formally modify the contract, not just to advise. This statement is incomplete and less accurate than Option A.

Option C (They are changes made to the contract documents during the bid (tender) phase):Changes during the bid phase are typically issued as addenda, not change orders. Change orders occur after the contract is awarded, during the construction phase.

Option D (They are written instructions issued by the designer to the subtrades once the initial construction has begun):Change orders are not issued directly to subcontractors; they are formal modifications to the contract issued through the general contractor, often initiated by the designer or owner but requiring broader approval. This statement is incorrect.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on construction administration and contract modifications.

“A change order is a written document that modifies the construction contract, including the construction documents, to address changes in scope, cost, or schedule during the construction phase.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Construction Administration Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide defines a change order as a formal modification to the construction contract, which includes the construction documents. This aligns with Option A, making it the most accurate statement about change orders.

Objectives:

Understand the purpose and definition of change orders (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Construction Administration).

Apply contract administration processes to manage changes (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Contract Administration).

The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s understanding of the programming phase, particularly for a project involving the conversion of an existing space. Programming involves gathering information to define the project’s requirements, and for an existing building conversion, understanding the current conditions is critical.

Option A (Identify building codes):Identifying building codes is important, but it is typically done during the schematic design phase or later, after programming establishes the project’s needs. It is not the most important programming activity.

Option B (Prepare record (as-built) drawings):This is the correct choice. For a conversion project, the most important programming activity is to prepare record (as-built) drawings of the existing retail facility. These drawings document the current conditions (e.g., walls, columns, utilities), providing a baseline for planning the new office layout. Without accurate as-built drawings, the designer cannot effectively program the space or proceed with design.

Option C (Calculate the number of parking spaces):Calculating parking spaces is a code-related task that occurs later, typically during schematic design or permitting, after programming defines the office’s occupancy and needs.

Option D (Determine which consultants are required):While determining consultants (e.g., structural engineer, MEP engineer) is important, it is a secondary step that follows after understanding the existing conditions through as-built drawings.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on programming for existing building conversions.

“For a project involving the conversion of an existing space, the most important programmingactivity is to prepare record (as-built) drawings to document the current conditions and inform the design process.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Programming Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide emphasizes that preparing as-built drawings is the most critical programming activity for a conversion project, as it provides the foundation for understanding the existing space. This aligns with Option B, making it the correct answer.

Objectives:

Understand programming activities for existing building conversions (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Programming).

Apply documentation to inform design decisions (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Project Planning).

Per IBC Chapter 3, a hospital is classified as Institutional (I-2) due to 24-hour medical care. A cafeteria and 60-person conference room within it are Assembly (A-3) spaces (gathering for food or meetings, over 50 occupants). These are accessory uses within the hospital but retain distinct classifications for code purposes (e.g., egress, fire protection). Option A (assembly and business) fits offices, not hospitals. Option B (assembly and industrial) is irrelevant. Option C (institutional and business) misses assembly. D correctly pairs Institutional (I-2) and Assembly (A-3).

Verified Answer from Official Source:D - institutional and assembly

"A hospital (I-2 Institutional) with a cafeteria and conference room (A-3 Assembly) requires both occupancy classifications for code compliance." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 1: Codes and Standards)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ specifies that mixed-use facilities like hospitals with assembly spaces must address both classifications for safety and design requirements.

Objectives:

Determine occupancy classifications (IDPX Objective 1.2).