The A201 Is Not Just a CE Document
Many candidates treat AIA A201 as a Construction Evaluation topic only. That is a mistake. The A201 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction defines the roles, authorities, and responsibilities of all three parties - Owner, Contractor, and Architect - and it is tested on PcM, PjM, and CE. Understanding its 15 articles is critical across at least three of the six ARE divisions.
The A201 is a companion to the owner-contractor agreement (AIA A101 for stipulated sum, A102 for GMP). It is incorporated by reference into the construction contract and governs the project from Notice to Proceed through Final Completion. It is not signed on its own - it is incorporated into the owner-contractor agreement.
The 15 Articles at a Glance
| Article | Topic | Why It Matters for the ARE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Provisions | Defines key terms; establishes contract document hierarchy |
| 2 | Owner | Owner obligations, right to carry out work, stop-work rights |
| 3 | Contractor | Contractor's general responsibility, supervision, means and methods |
| 4 | Architect | Architect's authority and limitations during construction |
| 5 | Subcontractors | Subcontractor approval, substitution, assignment |
| 6 | Separate Contractors | Owner's right to use separate contractors on the same site |
| 7 | Changes in the Work | Change Orders, CCDs, ASIs - heavily tested |
| 8 | Time | Contract time, delays, time extensions |
| 9 | Payments and Completion | Schedule of values, pay apps, retainage, substantial completion |
| 10 | Protection of Persons | Safety, hazardous materials |
| 11 | Insurance and Bonds | Contractor's required insurance, owner's property insurance |
| 12 | Uncovering and Correction | Defective work, one-year correction period |
| 13 | Miscellaneous Provisions | Governing law, successors, written notices |
| 14 | Termination or Suspension | Conditions and procedures for each party's termination rights |
| 15 | Claims and Disputes | Initial decision maker (IDM), mediation, arbitration |
Articles Most Tested on the ARE
Article 4: The Architect's Authority
The architect acts as the Initial Decision Maker (IDM) for claims unless a different IDM is named. The architect has authority to reject work that does not conform to the contract documents, approve submittals, and certify payment. Critically, the architect does not control the contractor's means and methods - this is a common exam trap.
Article 7: Changes in the Work
Three mechanisms for changing the work: Change Orders (bilateral, require agreement on cost and time), Construction Change Directives or CCDs (unilateral, owner-directed when agreement cannot be reached), and Architect's Supplemental Instructions or ASIs (minor changes that do not affect cost or time). Know which tool applies in which situation.
Article 9: Payments and Completion
Contractor submits a schedule of values before the first pay application. The architect reviews pay applications and, if they conform, issues a Certificate for Payment within 7 days. The owner must pay within 7 days of certificate issuance. Retainage (typically 10%) is held until substantial completion.
The Architect's Role vs. Limitations
- Can: Reject work, certify payment, interpret contract documents, issue ASIs, and act as IDM.
- Cannot: Direct the contractor's means and methods, supervise safety, or take actions that would make the architect liable for construction operations.
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