ARE CE Exam Tips - How to Pass Construction & Evaluation

CE Exam Overview

Construction & Evaluation tests bidding/negotiation, construction administration, and project closeout. It has approximately 75 questions and a 3 hour 20 minute time limit. CE is the most procedural division - it tests processes, not design or technical knowledge.

What to Study First

1. AIA A201 General Conditions - This is the foundation of CE. Know the roles, responsibilities, and procedures defined in A201 inside and out.
2. Change Order Process - Proposed changes, Construction Change Directives, Change Orders. Know who signs what and when.
3. Submittals and RFIs - The review process, required turnaround, and the architect's responsibilities.
4. Pay Applications - Schedule of Values, certification process, retainage, and final payment.
5. Project Closeout - Substantial completion, final completion, punch list, warranty, and closeout documentation.

Read the full CE study guide

AIA A201 Is Your Best Friend

An overwhelming majority of CE questions reference AIA A201 General Conditions. If you only study one document, make it A201. Key articles to focus on:

• Article 3: Contractor's responsibilities
• Article 4: Architect's administration of the contract
• Article 7: Changes in the work
• Article 9: Payments and completion
• Article 12: Uncovering and correction of work
• Article 15: Claims and disputes

Process Questions Strategy

CE questions often present a scenario and ask "what should the architect do next?" To answer correctly:

1. Identify which AIA process applies (change, claim, submittal, payment).
2. Determine where you are in the sequence.
3. Choose the next step in that sequence.

The architect almost never "does nothing" or "contacts the owner's attorney." The correct answer is usually a specific procedural step defined in A201.

Bidding and Negotiation

Know the distinction between competitive bidding and negotiated contracts. Key terms:

• Invitation to Bid vs. Advertisement for Bids (private vs. public)
• Bid bond, performance bond, and payment bond
• Addenda (issued before bids) vs. modifications (issued after contract)

Study Resources

• CE Flashcards - 400 cards on CA procedures
• CE Mini Exams - 30 timed practice exams
• CE Common Mistakes
• Construction Admin Cheat Sheet
• Construction Administration Deep Dive
• CE Exam Day Walkthrough
• CE Glossary

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