CIDQ Updated IDPX Exam Questions and Answers by aleena

A change order is a formal document issued during construction to modify the contract scope, cost, or schedule after agreement among the owner, contractor, and designer, per AIA standards. Dry rot discovery requires remediation, altering the original plan, and a change order documents this adjustment post-agreement. A bulletin (A) is a preliminary notice, not a binding change. An addendum (B) applies pre-contract. A change directive (D) is a contractor-initiated order without prior agreement, not applicable here. Change order (C) is the correct post-agreement action.

Verified Answer from Official Source:C - a change order

"A change order is issued after agreement on a scope change, such as addressing unforeseen conditions like dry rot, to formally amend the contract." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 3: Contract Administration)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ aligns with AIA processes, noting change orders as the standard method to document and authorize modifications during construction.

Objectives:

Manage construction changes (IDPX Objective 3.5).

Acoustical privacy in a conference room requires minimizing sound transmission between spaces, particularly through walls, ceilings, and other structural elements. According to NCIDQ IDPX principles, the primary method to achieve this is by ensuring that sound cannot easily travel through gaps or flanking paths in the construction assembly.

Option A (Specify interior partitions to the underside of the deck above, add fiberglass insulation to partitions):This option is the most effective because extending partitions to the underside of the deck above eliminates gaps at the top of the partition, which are common flanking paths for sound. Adding fiberglass insulation within the partition further absorbs sound, increasing the wall’s Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating. This method ensures a continuous barrier against airborne sound transmission, which is critical for acoustical privacy in a conference room.

Option B (Specify an acoustical ceiling tile, insulate and caulk joints between partition and ceiling and at electrical receptacles):While acoustical ceiling tiles can absorb sound within the room, they do not significantly reduce sound transmission between rooms unless the partition extends above the ceiling to the deck. Insulating and caulking joints helps, but this method is less effective than Option A because sound can still travel through the ceiling plenum.

Option C (Specify interior partitions to 6" [152 mm] above an acoustical ceiling, specify batt insulation over the top, 24" [610 mm] each side):This option is less effective because the partition does not extend to the deck above, leaving a gap in the plenum where sound can travel. The batt insulation over the top helps, but it does not provide a complete barrier to sound transmission.

Option D (Specify metal stud partitions to the underside of the deck above, 5/8" [16 mm] fire-rated gypsum board covered with Type II vinyl wallcovering):While extending the partition to the deck above is good, the addition of Type II vinyl wallcovering does little to improve acoustical privacy, as it primarily serves an aesthetic and durability purpose rather than sound absorption or transmission reduction. Fiberglass insulation (as in Option A) would be more effective for sound control.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials, specifically related to acoustical design principles for interior spaces.

“Partitions should extend to the underside of the structural deck above to prevent sound transmission through the plenum. Adding insulation within the partition cavity enhances the STCrating.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Acoustical Design Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide emphasizes that for effective acoustical privacy, partitions must extend to the structural deck to block sound transmission paths. Fiberglass insulation within the partition cavity absorbs sound, reducing transmission between spaces, which aligns with Option A.

Objectives:

Understand the principles of acoustical design and sound transmission control (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Acoustical Design).

Apply construction detailing to achieve acoustical performance in interior spaces (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Detailing and Construction).

Ensuring that electrical outlets are installed at the correct height for appliances like microwaves requires precise coordination and verification of the equipment’s requirements. The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s ability to coordinate with other disciplines and verify specifications to prevent errors.

Option A (Coordinated the outlet heights with the electrical drawings):While coordination with electrical drawings is important, this step assumes the drawings already account for the correct outlet height. If the designer did not verify the microwave’s requirements, the drawings may also be incorrect, making this option insufficient.

Option B (Requested an appliance submittal from the general contractor):An appliance submittal might provide some information, but it is typically the designer’s responsibility to verify specific requirements directly, especially since the tenant is reusing existing microwaves. This option places the burden on the contractor rather than the designer taking proactive action.

Option C (Scheduled a site walk with the electrical contractor during installation):A site walk during installation might catch the error, but it is a reactive measure rather than a preventive one. The designer should have ensured the correct outlet height before installation began.

Option D (Verified the equipment specifications with the microwave manufacturer):This is the most effective preventive action because it ensures the designer has the exact requirements (e.g., outlet height, power needs) for the specific microwaves being used. By verifying with the manufacturer, the designer can provide accurate information to the electrical contractor, preventing the issue entirely.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on coordination and specification verification.

“Designers must verify equipment specifications, including installation requirements, with manufacturers to ensure proper coordination with other trades, such as electrical contractors.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Coordination Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide emphasizes the designer’s responsibility to verify equipment specifications directly with the manufacturer, especially for client-supplied items like the existing microwaves in this scenario. This proactive step ensures that all installation requirements are met, making Option D the best choice.

Objectives:

Understand the importance of verifying equipment specifications (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Coordination).

Apply coordination practices to prevent installation errors (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Contract Administration).

Stair design per the International Building Code (IBC) Section 1011 requires risers to be between 4" and 7" (102-178 mm) and treads at least 11" (279 mm) deep in commercial settings. To calculate actual dimensions, designers start with the total floor-to-floor height (vertical rise) and divide by the maximum riser height (7") to determine the number of risers, then adjust tread depth accordingly. This ensures compliance with code maximums while fitting the space. Option A and B use "floor opening" (horizontal), which applies to layout, not riser/tread sizing. Option C uses "minimum riser" (4"), which could result in too many steps. Option D aligns with standard practice for safe, code-compliant stairs.

Verified Answer from Official Source:D - Divide floor-to-floor height by maximum riser dimension

"To determine stair riser and tread dimensions, divide the total floor-to-floor height by the maximum allowable riser height (7 inches) to establish the number of risers." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 1: Codes and Standards)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ explains that this method ensures stairs meet IBC safety standards by starting with the maximum riser height, a critical limit for occupant comfort and egress.

Objectives:

Apply building codes to stair design (IDPX Objective 1.4).