(CAC) Certified Associate Constructor Practice Test

(CAC) Certified Associate Constructor Practice Test

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Confirm your exam appointment and location
Bring required identification documents
Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
Read each question carefully before answering
Flag difficult questions and return to them later
Manage your time — don't spend too long on one question
Review flagged questions before submitting
Start Practice Test
Obtain the official AIC CAC Candidate Handbook and review all content domain weightings
Study CPM scheduling: practice drawing activity networks, calculating float, and identifying critical path
Review earned value management formulas: CPI, SPI, EAC, and EV calculations
Know all major project delivery methods (DBB, DB, CM@R, CMa, IPD) and when each is used
Study OSHA 29 CFR 1926 key subparts: fall protection (M), excavations (P), scaffolding (L), steel erection (R)
Understand contract types (lump sum, cost-plus, unit price, GMP) and risk allocation for each
Review CSI MasterFormat division structure and specification organization principles
Practice cost estimation: direct costs, indirect costs, markup, and bid preparation
Complete at least two full-length timed practice tests (200 questions / 4 hours)
Review ACI concrete standards, AISC steel standards, and ASTM material testing requirements

Sample Certified Associate Constructor Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free Certified Associate Constructor practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

  1. What is the recommended frequency for reviewing and updating project management protocols?

    • A. Monitoring outcomes through regular data collection and trend analysis
    • B. Reviewing results only at year-end
    • C. Relying on periodic external audits as the sole evaluation method
    • D. Tracking activity volume without measuring quality

    Answer: A. Monitoring outcomes through regular data collection and trend analysis

    Monitoring outcomes through regular data collection and trend analysis is the correct approach because effective project management in the associate constructor field requires adherence to professional standards, evidence-based practices, and systematic methodology. This approach ensures consistent, high-quality outcomes while maintaining professional accountability.

  2. Anti-kickback laws in federal construction primarily prohibit:

    • A. Paying or receiving money to improperly influence contract awards or subcontract selections
    • B. Using non-union labor on federal projects
    • C. Subcontracting more than 50% of a federal contract
    • D. Bidding on multiple federal projects simultaneously

    Answer: A. Paying or receiving money to improperly influence contract awards or subcontract selections

    The Copeland Anti-Kickback Act prohibits contractors from requiring employees or subcontractors to kick back any part of their compensation as a condition of employment.

  3. What is the purpose of a mechanic's lien in US construction law?

    • A. To secure payment for contractors or suppliers by placing a claim against the property
    • B. To protect the owner from defective work
    • C. To enforce warranty obligations
    • D. To settle labor disputes

    Answer: A. To secure payment for contractors or suppliers by placing a claim against the property

    A mechanic's lien allows unpaid contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to claim an interest in the property to secure payment for their work or materials.

  4. What does the term 'differing site conditions' (DSC) mean in US construction contracts?

    • A. Subsurface or concealed physical conditions materially different from those indicated in the contract documents
    • B. Weather conditions that delay the project
    • C. Labor shortages at the job site
    • D. Owner-requested changes to the site layout

    Answer: A. Subsurface or concealed physical conditions materially different from those indicated in the contract documents

    A Differing Site Condition clause allows contractors to claim equitable adjustment when actual subsurface conditions differ materially from what the contract documents indicated.

Take the full Certified Associate Constructor practice test

What is the CAC certification and who offers it?

The Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) is an entry-level construction management credential issued by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) with support from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). It validates foundational knowledge across construction technology, project management, economics, safety, and administration. It is designed for recent graduates of construction management or related programs and serves as the first step toward the senior-level Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) credential.

How many questions are on the CAC exam and how long is it?

The CAC exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 4 hours. The exam is administered at approved testing centers. The questions are distributed across the four content domains: construction technology and methods, construction economics and project control, construction administration and management, and safety and risk management. There is no partial credit — each question is scored as correct or incorrect.

What is the eligibility requirement for the CAC exam?

Candidates must hold or be completing a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, or a related field from an accredited institution. The exam must be taken within two years of graduation. In some cases, candidates with an associate's degree and additional verified work experience may also qualify. Review the current AIC Candidate Handbook for the latest eligibility requirements before applying, as criteria can be updated.

What project scheduling concepts are tested on the CAC exam?

The CAC exam heavily tests Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling. You must be able to draw activity-on-node networks, calculate early start (ES), early finish (EF), late start (LS), and late finish (LF) for each activity, identify the critical path, and determine total float and free float. Gantt (bar) charts are also covered for their role in communicating schedule to stakeholders. Resource leveling, schedule compression techniques (crashing vs. fast-tracking), and the relationship between schedule and earned value are secondary scheduling topics.

How does the CAC differ from the CPC (Certified Professional Constructor)?

The CAC is an entry-level credential for recent graduates with no or limited professional experience, while the CPC is a senior-level credential requiring a minimum of eight years of verified, progressive construction management experience at increasing levels of responsibility. The CAC covers foundational knowledge; the CPC exam goes deeper into project leadership, complex contracting, risk management, and professional practice ethics. Most construction professionals pursue CAC first, then accumulate the required experience before sitting for CPC.

What OSHA regulations are covered on the CAC exam?

The CAC exam covers OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 (Construction Industry Standards) with emphasis on several key subparts: Subpart M (fall protection — 6-foot trigger, guardrail specifications, personal fall arrest systems), Subpart P (excavations — soil classification Types A/B/C, sloping/shoring/shielding requirements, competent person obligations), Subpart L (scaffolding — capacity, access, fall protection on scaffolds), and Subpart R (steel erection — decking, connectors, fall protection during erection). Hazard communication (HazCom/GHS), site safety plans, and the employer's general duty obligation under OSHA Section 5(a)(1) are also tested.
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