Common ARE CE Mistakes - What Trips Up Most Candidates

Why CE Tests Procedural Knowledge

Construction & Evaluation is the most procedural ARE division. It tests your understanding of construction administration - not design or technical systems, but the processes that govern how a project gets built. Candidates with limited CA experience often struggle because they haven't lived through these procedures.

Mistake #1: Confusing the Change Order Process

The change process under AIA A201 follows a specific sequence:

Proposed Change: Owner or architect identifies a change.
Construction Change Directive (CCD): Owner directs work to proceed before price is agreed upon. Only the owner and architect sign.
Change Order (CO): Formal agreement on scope, cost, and time. Signed by owner, architect, AND contractor.

The most common mistake is thinking a CCD requires the contractor's signature. It does not - that's the whole point. A CCD allows work to proceed while cost is negotiated.

Read the full construction administration deep dive

Mistake #2: Misunderstanding the Architect's CA Role

Under AIA A201, the architect:

Does review submittals for general conformance with design intent.
Does visit the site at intervals appropriate to the stage of construction.
Does serve as the Initial Decision Maker (IDM) for claims.
Does NOT supervise construction means, methods, or safety.
Does NOT guarantee the contractor's work.
Does NOT have authority to stop the work (only the owner can do that).

Mistake #3: Pay Application Errors

The Schedule of Values and pay application process are frequently tested:

The contractor submits a Schedule of Values before the first pay application.
The architect reviews and certifies the pay application - the architect does NOT approve it (the owner approves payment).
Retainage is typically 5-10% withheld from each payment. It is released at substantial completion (sometimes partial release) or final completion.

See the construction admin cheat sheet

Mistake #4: Confusing Substantial vs. Final Completion

Substantial completion: The project is sufficiently complete that the owner can use it for its intended purpose. The architect issues a Certificate of Substantial Completion. Warranty periods typically begin at this point.
Final completion: All punch list items are resolved, all documentation is submitted, and all contractual obligations are fulfilled. The architect issues a final Certificate for Payment.

Mistake #5: Submittal Review Confusion

The architect reviews submittals for general conformance with the design intent. Common stamp options:

No Exceptions Taken: Approved as submitted.
Make Corrections Noted: Minor changes required, resubmission not needed.
Revise and Resubmit: Significant changes needed, must resubmit.
Rejected: Does not conform to contract documents.

How to Avoid These Mistakes

Study the AIA A201 General Conditions thoroughly - most CE questions reference it.
Practice with CE mini exams to test your procedural knowledge.
Review CE flashcards on CA terminology.
Read the CE glossary for precise definitions of CA terms.