IDPX Premium Exam Questions

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 project closeout procedures, including the documentation of deficiencies during a final walk-through. A final walk-through is conducted to identify any incomplete or incorrect work before the project is considered substantially complete.

Option A (RFI):A Request for Information (RFI) is used during construction to seek clarification or additional information from the designer or other parties. It is not the appropriate tool for documenting deficiencies at the end of a project.

Option B (Change order):A change order is a formal modification to the constructioncontract, typically used to address changes in scope, cost, or schedule during construction. The light fixture not being on a dimmer is a deficiency (an error in execution), not a change in scope, so a change order is not appropriate.

Option C (Punch (deficiency) list):This is the correct choice. A punch list (also called a deficiency list) is a document created during the final walk-through to record any items that are incomplete, incorrect, or not in accordance with the contract documents. The light fixture not being on a dimmer as specified is a deficiency, and it should be noted on the punch list for the contractor to correct before final completion.

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 “Construction schedule,” which would be incorrect, as the schedule is not a tool for documenting deficiencies.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on project closeout and punch list procedures.

“During a final walk-through, any deficiencies, such as items not installed as specified, should be documented on the punch (deficiency) list for the contractor to address before final completion.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Project Closeout Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide specifies that a punch list is the appropriate tool for documenting deficiencies during a final walk-through. The light fixture issue is a deficiency, and recording it on the punch list ensures it will be corrected, making Option C the correct answer.

Objectives:

Understand the purpose of a punch list in project closeout (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Project Closeout).

Apply documentation processes to address construction deficiencies (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Construction Administration).

The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s understanding of construction administration, including the proper procedure for documenting meeting minutes during progress meetings. Accurate meeting minutes are critical for recording decisions, action items, and discussions, and they must be verified by attendees to ensure correctness.

Option A (Issue a clause in the minutes indicating that minutes are approved and accepted as written):This approach assumes the minutes are accurate without allowing for review or feedback, which risks perpetuating errors. It does not ensure accuracy, as attendees cannot provide input.

Option B (Issue minutes including a clause stipulating minutes will be approved within 24 hours of issue):While a time limit for approval can encourage prompt review, this option does not explicitly allow for revisions. It focuses on approval timing rather than ensuring accuracy through feedback.

Option C (Issue minutes including a clause enabling attendees to submit revisions within a specified time frame):This is the correct choice. By distributing the minutes with a clause that allows attendees to submit revisions within a specified time frame (e.g., 5 days), the designer ensures that all participants can review the minutes, correct inaccuracies, and confirm the record. This collaborative process is the most effective way to ensure the minutes are accurate.

Option D (Issue draft minutes within 24 hours of the meeting, followed by final minutes within 72 hours of meeting completion):While issuing drafts and final minutes within a set timeframe is a good practice, this option does not explicitly provide a mechanism for attendees to submit revisions, which is essential for ensuring accuracy.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

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

“To ensure the accuracy of meeting minutes, the designer should distribute them with a clause allowing attendees to submit revisions within a specified time frame, enabling corrections before finalization.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Construction Administration Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide emphasizes that allowing attendees to review and submit revisions is the best method to ensure the accuracy of meeting minutes. This process ensures that all parties agree on the documented discussions and decisions, making Option C the correct answer.

Objectives:

Understand best practices for documenting meeting minutes (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Construction Administration).

Apply communication strategies to ensure accuracy in project records (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Project Management).

Interior designers specify interior fixtures like ultra-low flow faucets (e.g., 0.5 gpm) to reduce water use, falling within their scope per NCIDQ and plumbing codes (IPC). Vegetated roofs (B) and cisterns (C) are exterior systems managed by architects or engineers. FSC wood (D) addresses sustainability but not water conservation. Faucets (A) are directly within the designer’s interior-focused responsibility.

Verified Answer from Official Source:A - ultra-low flow faucets

"Interior designers specify ultra-low flow faucets within their scope to promote water conservation in interior spaces." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 2: Materials and Finishes)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ defines water-efficient fixtures as part of the designer’s role in sustainable interiors, aligning with codes and client needs.

Objectives:

Specify materials for sustainability (IDPX Objective 2.5).