Free Practice Questions for CIDQ IDPX Exam

Running the mechanical system (e.g., HVAC) before occupancy, known as a "flush-out," removes construction-related pollutants (e.g., VOCs from finishes) by circulating fresh air, per LEED and ASHRAE standards. This improves indoor air quality (IAQ) for occupants. Cleaning vents (A) is maintenance, not a pre-occupancy IAQ strategy. Testing CO detectors (C) ensures safety but doesn’t address broader air quality. Option B is the proactive, code-supported method for IAQ enhancement.

Verified Answer from Official Source:B - run the mechanical system

"Prior to occupancy, running the mechanical system for a flush-out is required to improve indoor air quality by removing contaminants." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 2: Building Systems)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ aligns with LEED IAQ credits, noting that a flush-out is a standard practice to ensure a healthy environment before use.

Objectives:

Enhance indoor air quality through systems (IDPX Objective 2.5).

Converting a space from retail (Mercantile, Group M) to a medical office (Business, Group B, or potentially Ambulatory Care, Group B with specific conditions) involves a change of occupancy under building codes like the International Building Code (IBC). The first step is to verify with the local building department whether this change is permissible under zoning laws and code requirements, as it may require variances, additional permits, or compliance upgrades (e.g., accessibility, egress). Option B (programming) is a subsequent step after legal feasibility is confirmed. Option C (surveying) is practical but not the priority before code compliance. Option D (fire separation) is a design consideration that follows occupancy verification.

Verified Answer from Official Source:A - contact the building department to confirm if this use is permitted

"When a change of occupancy is proposed, the designer must first consult the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to determine if the new use complies with zoning and building codes." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 1: Codes and Standards)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ stresses that code compliance is the initial responsibility of the designer to avoid costly redesigns or legal issues, especially with occupancy changes that impact life safety and accessibility.

Objectives:

Apply building codes to project planning (IDPX Objective 1.1).

The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s understanding of professional practice, specifically the essential elements that should be included in a design contract to define the project’s physical parameters. The contract sets the foundation for the project scope and ensures clarity between the designer and client.

Option A (Property address, usable square footage [m²], and projected use):This is the correct choice. The property address identifies the project’s location, the usable square footage defines the physical size of the space the designer will work with, and the projected use (e.g., office, retail) outlines the intended function. These elements collectively provide a clear understanding of the project’s physical parameters, which are critical for establishingthe scope of work in the contract.

Option B (Room name, client, and occupant load):Room names are too detailed for the contract’s overview of physical parameters, the client is part of the contractual parties (not a physical parameter), and occupant load is a code-related detail rather than a core physical descriptor of the project.

Option C (Room measurements, drawing references, and furniture requirements):Room measurements and furniture requirements are specific details developed during design phases, not core contract information. Drawing references are also too detailed for the contract’s initial scope definition.

Option D (Occupant load, circulation ratio, and building classification):These are technical details related to code compliance and design calculations, not core physical parameters for the contract. They are determined later in the design process, not at the contract stage.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on professional practice and contract preparation.

“A design contract should include core physical parameters such as the property address, usable square footage, and projected use to clearly define the project scope and ensure mutual understanding.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Professional Practice Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide specifies that the property address, usable square footage, and projected use are essential elements to include in a design contract to define the project’s physical parameters. These ensure clarity and alignment between the designer and client, making Option A the correct answer.

Objectives:

Understand the elements required in a design contract (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Professional Practice).

Apply contract preparation to define project scope (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Contract Administration).

The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s understanding of the programming phase, particularly for a project involving the conversion of an existing space. Programming involves gathering information to define the project’s requirements, and for an existing building conversion, understanding the current conditions is critical.

Option A (Identify building codes):Identifying building codes is important, but it is typically done during the schematic design phase or later, after programming establishes the project’s needs. It is not the most important programming activity.

Option B (Prepare record (as-built) drawings):This is the correct choice. For a conversion project, the most important programming activity is to prepare record (as-built) drawings of the existing retail facility. These drawings document the current conditions (e.g., walls, columns, utilities), providing a baseline for planning the new office layout. Without accurate as-built drawings, the designer cannot effectively program the space or proceed with design.

Option C (Calculate the number of parking spaces):Calculating parking spaces is a code-related task that occurs later, typically during schematic design or permitting, after programming defines the office’s occupancy and needs.

Option D (Determine which consultants are required):While determining consultants (e.g., structural engineer, MEP engineer) is important, it is a secondary step that follows after understanding the existing conditions through as-built drawings.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on programming for existing building conversions.

“For a project involving the conversion of an existing space, the most important programmingactivity is to prepare record (as-built) drawings to document the current conditions and inform the design process.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Programming Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide emphasizes that preparing as-built drawings is the most critical programming activity for a conversion project, as it provides the foundation for understanding the existing space. This aligns with Option B, making it the correct answer.

Objectives:

Understand programming activities for existing building conversions (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Programming).

Apply documentation to inform design decisions (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Project Planning).

The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s ability to prepare accurate material estimates, particularly for finishes like resilient sheet flooring. Estimating the required quantity of sheet flooring involves considering factors that affect material usage and installation efficiency.

Option A (Seaming diagram, roll width, and door thresholds):While a seaming diagram and roll width are important, door thresholds are a secondary consideration in estimating material quantity. Thresholds affect transitions but not the overall amount of flooring needed.

Option B (Roll width, room dimensions, and seaming diagram):This is the correct choice. To estimate resilient sheet flooring, the designer needs the room dimensions (to calculate the total area), the roll width (to determine how the material will fit and minimizewaste), and a seaming diagram (to plan where seams will occur, ensuring efficient use of material and accounting for pattern matching). These are the most critical elements for an accurate estimate.

Option C (Room dimensions, roll width, and location of columns):Room dimensions and roll width are essential, but the location of columns, while relevant for cutting and fitting, is a detail that comes into play during installation rather than the initial estimate. A seaming diagram is more critical for estimating.

Option D (Door thresholds, room dimensions, and location of columns):Door thresholds and column locations are installation details, not primary factors for estimating material quantity. Room dimensions are important, but this option lacks the critical seaming diagram.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on material estimation and flooring specifications.

“When preparing estimates for resilient sheet flooring, the most important elements are the room dimensions, roll width, and seaming diagram to ensure accurate material quantity and efficient installation.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Materials and Finishes Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide specifies that room dimensions, roll width, and a seaming diagram are the most important factors for estimating resilient sheet flooring. These elements ensure the designer can calculate the material needed while minimizing waste, making Option B the correct answer.

Objectives:

Understand material estimation for flooring (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Materials and Finishes).

Apply specification knowledge to prepare accurate estimates (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Contract Documents).

The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s knowledge of fire safety and building assemblies, particularly fire separations (also called fire assemblies), which are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between compartments in a building.

Option A (Dampers):This is the correct choice. Dampers (e.g., fire dampers, smoke dampers) are mechanical devices installed in HVAC ducts or penetrations through fire-rated assemblies. They close automatically during a fire to prevent the passage of fire and smoke, maintaining the integrity of the fire separation. Dampers are a critical component of a fire assembly, as specified by the International Building Code (IBC).

Option B (Operable window):An operable window is not part of a fire separation. Fire separations are typically solid barriers (e.g., walls, floors) with rated components, and operable windows would compromise the fire rating by allowing fire or smoke to pass through.

Option C (Low flame-spread rating):A low flame-spread rating refers to a material’s fire performance (e.g., per ASTM E84), not a physical component of a fire assembly. While materials in a fire assembly must meet flame-spread requirements, the rating itself is not a component.

Option D (Flame retardant wallcovering):Flame retardant wallcovering may be used on a fire-rated wall, but it is a finish, not a structural component of the fire assembly. The assembly itself consists of structural elements like walls, doors, and dampers.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on fire safety and fire-rated assemblies, referencing the IBC.

“A fire separation (fire assembly) includes components such as fire-rated walls, doors, and dampers to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through penetrations.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Building Systems Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide identifies dampers as a key component of a fire assembly, as they maintain the fire and smoke resistance of the separation. This aligns with Option A, making it the correct answer.

Objectives:

Understand components of fire-rated assemblies (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Building Systems).

Apply fire safety principles to design compliant separations (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Codes and Standards).

The Construction Specification Institute (CSI) MasterFormat organizes specifications into three parts: General (scope, conditions, references), Products (materials, equipment), and Execution (installation methods, quality control). This structure, used in Division 02-49, ensures clarity andconsistency. Option B (allowance, alternate, application) mixes contract terms, not spec parts. Option C (information, purchasing, installing) is vague and incorrect. Option D (requirements, finishes, construction) lacks specificity. General, products, execution (A) is the standard CSI format.

Verified Answer from Official Source:A - general, products, execution

"CSI specifications are divided into three parts: General, Products, and Execution, providing a standardized framework for project requirements." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 4: Specifications)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ adopts CSI’s three-part structure to ensure designers specify materials and methods comprehensively, aligning with industry standards.

Objectives:

Understand specification organization (IDPX Objective 4.1).

A mock-up’s purpose is to evaluate a finish in conditions mimicking its final installation. A faux plaster ceiling must be viewed horizontally from below (as occupants will see it) and under designed lighting to assess texture, color, and reflectivity accurately. Option A (larger with wall/fixtures) adds complexity beyond initial review needs. Option B (three shades) tests variations, not installation context. Option C ensures the mock-up reflects real-world perception, critical for ceiling finishes.

Verified Answer from Official Source:C - To view the sample horizontally from below and with lighting similar to the design

"Ceiling finish mock-ups should be reviewed horizontally from below under specified lighting conditions to accurately assess appearance." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 4: Specifications)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ stresses contextual review of finishes, especially ceilings, to ensure design intent is met under intended viewing and lighting conditions.

Objectives:

Evaluate finishes in context (IDPX Objective 4.3).

The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s understanding of their role in coordinating electrical systems with other disciplines. The interior designer collaborates with electrical engineers to ensure the design integrates power requirements for various elements.

Option A (Quantity of junction boxes for light fixtures):The quantity of junction boxes is determined by the electrical engineer or contractor based on the lighting plan and electrical code requirements (e.g., NEC). The designer specifies the fixture locations, but the quantity of junction boxes is a technical detail outside their scope.

Option B (Quantity of conduit for wiring under carpet):The quantity of conduit is also a technical detail handled by the electrical engineer or contractor, based on the power and data requirements specified by the designer. This is not the designer’s responsibility.

Option C (Location of electrical panel and circuit breakers):The location of the electrical panel and circuit breakers is determined by the electrical engineer, in coordination with the architect, to meet code requirements and building layout constraints. The designer may provide input but does not specify this location.

Option D (Location of power required for built-in equipment):This is the correct choice. The interior designer is responsible for specifying the locations where power is needed for built-in equipment (e.g., millwork with integrated lighting, appliances). This ensures that the electrical engineer can design the power distribution to support the design intent, such as placing outlets or hardwired connections in the correct locations.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on electrical coordination and designer responsibilities.

“The interior designer is responsible for providing the locations of power required for built-in equipment, ensuring that the electrical engineer can design the system to support the design intent.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Building Systems Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide specifies that the designer’s role includes identifying power locations for built-in equipment, which is critical for coordinating with the electrical engineer. This aligns with Option D, making it the correct answer.

Objectives:

Understand the designer’s role in electrical system coordination (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Building Systems).

Apply coordination practices to integrate power requirements (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Coordination).

The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s understanding of roles and responsibilities during construction, particularly when discrepancies arise between design documents and field conditions. In this case, the conflict between the existing field conditions and the shop drawing dimensions for the millwork in a school library needs to be attributed to the responsible party.

Option A (Installer):The installer is responsible for following the shop drawings and installing the millwork as specified. They are not responsible for creating the drawings or verifying field conditions unless explicitly required by their contract. The discrepancy is nottheir fault.

Option B (Manufacturer):The manufacturer produces the millwork based on the shop drawings provided. If the shop drawings are incorrect, the manufacturer is not responsible for the discrepancy, as they are following the designer’s instructions.

Option C (Interior designer):This is the correct choice. The interior designer, who designed the millwork and prepared (or oversaw) the shop drawings, is responsible for ensuring that the dimensions in the drawings align with the existing field conditions. This includes verifying site measurements during the design phase to avoid conflicts during installation. If the shop drawings do not match the field conditions, the designer likely failed to accurately account for the site, making them responsible for the discrepancy.

Option D (General contractor):The general contractor oversees the overall construction and coordinates subcontractors, but they are not responsible for the accuracy of the millwork shop drawings, which fall under the designer’s scope.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on roles and responsibilities in construction administration.

“The interior designer is responsible for ensuring that shop drawings, including dimensions for millwork, accurately reflect existing field conditions to avoid conflicts during installation.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Contract Administration Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide specifies that the designer is responsible for the accuracy of shop drawings, including verifying field conditions. If a discrepancy arises due to incorrect dimensions, the designer is accountable, making Option C the correct answer.

Objectives:

Understand the designer’s responsibility for shop drawings (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Contract Administration).

Apply coordination practices to avoid installation conflicts (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Detailing and Construction).