Practice Test Geeks(NECA) National Electrical Contractors Association Practice Test
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Project Management & Estimating Flashcards

7 cards from real NECA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Project Management & Estimating flashcards as text

  1. Which project delivery method gives the electrical contractor the most control over design decisions affecting installation?

    Answer: Design-Build (DB)

    In Design-Build, the contractor is responsible for both design and construction, giving maximum influence over design decisions that affect installability and cost.

  2. An electrical subcontractor is owed $150,000 by the general contractor who has gone insolvent. Which document provides the sub the best legal protection to recover payment from the owner?

    Answer: Notice of intent to lien / mechanic's lien

    A mechanic's lien encumbers the owner's property, giving the subcontractor legal recourse to recover unpaid amounts from the property itself.

  3. When using the 'extension method' to price labor in an electrical estimate, what three components are multiplied together?

    Answer: Labor units, quantity, and burdened labor rate

    The extension method multiplies the labor unit (hours per unit) × quantity × burdened hourly rate to arrive at the total labor cost.

  4. What is the significance of the 'critical path' in CPM scheduling for an electrical project?

    Answer: It is the longest sequence of dependent activities that determines the minimum project duration

    The critical path is the longest chain of dependent activities; any delay to a critical path activity directly delays project completion.

  5. A project has a Budget at Completion (BAC) of $1,000,000, Earned Value (EV) of $400,000, and Actual Cost (AC) of $500,000. What is the Cost Performance Index (CPI)?

    Answer: 0.80

    CPI = EV ÷ AC = $400,000 ÷ $500,000 = 0.80, indicating the project is spending $1.25 for every $1.00 of work accomplished.

  6. Which type of specification allows the contractor to substitute equivalent products from different manufacturers, provided they meet stated performance criteria?

    Answer: Open performance specification

    An open performance specification defines required outcomes and characteristics, allowing any product that meets those standards to be submitted for approval.

  7. What is the main purpose of a 'daily field report' maintained by the electrical foreman or superintendent?

    Answer: To document daily workforce, weather, activities, and any issues for project records

    Daily field reports create a contemporaneous record of site conditions, labor deployed, work performed, and issues encountered, which is critical for dispute resolution.