Construction Management Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Construction Management facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What distinguishes quality assurance from quality control? → QA is proactive and process-focused; QC is reactive and product-focused
2. Which approach to compliance is considered most effective? → A proactive approach that integrates compliance into daily operations
3. What does the Davis-Bacon Act require on federally funded construction projects? → Payment of prevailing wages to workers
4. Which of the following best defines 'prevailing wage' in construction? → The wage rate most commonly paid to workers in a specific trade in a given area
5. What is the consequence of non-compliance with mandatory regulations? → Penalties including fines, license revocation, and potential legal action
6. Which approach to compliance is considered most effective? → A proactive approach that integrates compliance into daily operations
7. What is the significance of user training in technology implementation? → It maximizes the return on technology investment by ensuring effective utilization
8. A performance bond protects the project owner by: → Guaranteeing the contractor completes the project per contract terms
9. Which best describes the scope of Blueprint Reading & Technical Drawings in professional practice? → A comprehensive area covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications
10. What is the purpose of a Notice to Proceed (NTP) in construction contracting? → Officially authorizes the contractor to begin work
11. In a construction dispute, what is the role of a Dispute Review Board (DRB)? → To hear disputes in real time and issue non-binding recommendations before litigation
12. What is the primary benefit of adopting technology in professional practice? → Improved efficiency, accuracy, and the ability to scale operations
13. What should be the first action when a new regulation is enacted that affects your practice? → Review the regulation, assess its impact, and develop an implementation plan
14. How often should compliance procedures be reviewed and updated? → Regularly, and whenever regulations change or new risks are identified
15. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Electrical Systems & Wiring? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration
16. What is the primary purpose of a manning schedule on a construction project? → To plan the number and type of workers needed on-site over the project duration
17. Parametric cost estimating uses: → Statistical relationships between historical project data and physical parameters
18. A Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) project delivery model differs from design-bid-build primarily because the construction manager: → Provides a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and bears cost risk above that amount
19. Under the AIA A201 General Conditions, who is responsible for coordinating the work of subcontractors? → General contractor
20. What is the most important competency assessed in Electrical Systems & Wiring for professionals in this field? → Applied knowledge and practical problem-solving ability
21. A quantity takeoff in construction estimating refers to: → Measuring and counting all materials and work items from drawings and specs
22. What should be the first action when a new regulation is enacted that affects your practice? → Review the regulation, assess its impact, and develop an implementation plan
23. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Project Planning & Scheduling? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration
24. What does the term "permissible exposure limit" (PEL) refer to? → The maximum concentration of a substance workers may be exposed to over an 8-hour shift
25. Which quality management tool is used to identify the most significant factors in a dataset? → Pareto chart (80/20 rule)
26. What is the primary goal of quality assurance in professional practice? → To ensure consistent delivery of products or services that meet established standards
27. When a contractor encounters unforeseen subsurface conditions that differ materially from the contract documents, they should first: → Provide written notice to the owner before disturbing the conditions
28. Which procurement method allows the owner to overlap design and construction phases to accelerate delivery? → Design-build
29. Retainage in construction contracts is best described as: → A percentage of progress payments withheld to ensure project completion
30. Which type of hazard involves exposure to harmful substances? → Chemical hazard