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Question 1

Score: 0/0

Under CSI MasterFormat, which division contains specifications for cast-in-place concrete?

Division 02 — Existing Conditions

Division 03 — Concrete

Division 04 — Masonry

Division 31 — Earthwork

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ARE 5.0: PDD Exam

100

Total Items

NCARB

4h 5m

Test Time

NCARB

$257

Exam Fee

NCARB

CSI Divisions

CSI MasterFormat

60 days

Retake Wait

NCARB

Content Areas

NCARB

PDD is a 100-item, 4h 5m ARE 5.0 division covering technical detailing, specifications, and code resolution. Content weights: Integration of Building Materials & Systems 31-37%, Construction Documentation 32-38%, Project Manual & Specifications 12-18%, Codes & Regulations 8-14%, Construction Cost Estimates 2-8%. The exam includes case studies and is delivered at Pearson VUE. The exam fee is $257 per division. Failed divisions can be retaken after 60 days.

Sample ARE 5.0: PDD Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ARE 5.0: PDD exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under CSI MasterFormat, which division contains specifications for cast-in-place concrete?

A.Division 02 — Existing Conditions

B.Division 03 — Concrete

C.Division 04 — Masonry

D.Division 31 — Earthwork

Explanation: Cast-in-place concrete, formwork, reinforcement, and concrete finishing all live in Division 03 — Concrete. CSI MasterFormat organizes work results into 50 numbered divisions; Division 03 is one of the most heavily used divisions on architectural projects.

2CSI SectionFormat organizes a specification section into three parts. What are they, in order?

A.General, Materials, Installation

B.Submittals, Products, Quality Assurance

C.General, Products, Execution

D.Scope, Performance, Inspection

Explanation: CSI SectionFormat divides every spec section into Part 1 General, Part 2 Products, and Part 3 Execution. Part 1 covers administrative and procedural requirements (submittals, references, QA), Part 2 covers materials/products/equipment, and Part 3 covers installation, field QC, and cleaning.

3Which CSI MasterFormat division contains specifications for elevators?

A.Division 11 — Equipment

B.Division 14 — Conveying Equipment

C.Division 22 — Plumbing

D.Division 23 — HVAC

Explanation: Elevators, escalators, lifts, and material handling equipment are specified in Division 14 — Conveying Equipment. This is a frequently tested CSI placement because elevators are sometimes mistakenly placed in Equipment (Div 11).

4Per the IBC, what is the minimum required width of a clear opening at a doorway in a means of egress?

A.28 inches

B.30 inches

C.32 inches

D.36 inches

Explanation: IBC Section 1010.1.1 (and ADA 2010 Standard 404.2.3) requires a 32-inch minimum clear opening width at a door, measured between the face of the door and the stop with the door open 90 degrees. The same dimension is set by the ADA, which is why it is one of the most commonly tested code numbers.

5Per ADA 2010 Standards, what is the maximum running slope of an accessible ramp?

A.1:8

B.1:10

C.1:12

D.1:20

Explanation: ADA 2010 Standard 405.2 caps the running slope of a ramp at 1:12 (one unit vertical per 12 units horizontal). Slopes shallower than 1:20 are not considered ramps and do not need to comply with ramp provisions; anything between 1:20 and 1:12 must meet ramp requirements.

6Which AIA Contract Document is used to authorize a change in the work where the owner, contractor, and architect have all agreed on the scope, cost, and time?

A.AIA G701 Change Order

B.AIA G714 Construction Change Directive

C.AIA G702 Application for Payment

D.AIA G704 Substantial Completion

Explanation: AIA G701-2017 Change Order is signed by the owner, contractor, and architect to formalize an agreed-upon change to the work, including any change in contract sum and contract time. It is the standard mechanism when all three parties agree.

7On a typical project, which AIA document directs a contractor to proceed with a change in the work BEFORE the cost and time impacts have been agreed upon?

A.G701 Change Order

B.G714 Construction Change Directive

C.G710 Architect's Supplemental Instructions

D.B101 Owner-Architect Agreement

Explanation: AIA G714-2017 Construction Change Directive (CCD) is used when the owner needs the work to proceed but the parties have not yet agreed on cost and/or time. The CCD is signed by the owner and architect and instructs the contractor to perform the work while compensation is determined.

8A drawing sheet is labeled 'A-501.' Following the National CAD Standard sheet numbering convention, what does this sheet most likely contain?

A.Architectural floor plans

B.Architectural sections

C.Architectural details

D.Architectural schedules

Explanation: Per the National CAD Standard, the discipline letter (A) is followed by a sheet-type number. The five-hundred series (5xx) indicates details. 1xx = plans, 2xx = elevations, 3xx = sections, 4xx = large-scale views, 5xx = details, 6xx = schedules and diagrams.

9Per IBC Chapter 6, which construction type permits the LEAST combustible construction with the highest fire-resistance ratings?

A.Type V-B

B.Type V-A

C.Type II-B

D.Type I-A

Explanation: IBC Chapter 6 lists construction types from most fire-resistive (Type I-A) to least (Type V-B). Type I-A requires noncombustible structural elements with the highest fire-resistance ratings — typically 3 hours for primary structural frame and bearing walls. It is required for the largest, tallest buildings.

10A wall assembly is labeled 'UL U419.' What does this label indicate?

A.A LEED point credit number

B.A specific tested fire-rated wall assembly

C.A material thickness designation

D.A structural load combination

Explanation: UL design numbers (e.g., U419, U411, U465) reference specific Underwriters Laboratories tested wall assemblies that achieve a stated fire-resistance rating. Architects cite a UL design number on the drawings to specify the exact tested assembly the contractor must build to achieve, for example, a 1-hour rated wood-stud wall.

About the ARE 5.0: PDD Exam

Project Development & Documentation (PDD) is the technical-documentation division of NCARB's ARE 5.0. It is paired with PPD as the two largest divisions and tests how a candidate develops a design from schematic resolution into coordinated construction documents. PDD spans the integration of building materials and systems (structural, envelope, MEP, life safety), construction documentation (drawing organization, detailing, schedules), the project manual and specifications (CSI MasterFormat divisions, SectionFormat 3-part structure), codes and regulations (IBC chapters, ADA 2010 standards, fire-rated assemblies), and construction cost estimates. Like all ARE divisions, PDD includes case studies that present realistic project documents — drawings, specifications, schedules, code references — that candidates analyze to answer questions.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours 5 minutes (5-hour appointment)

Passing Score

Pass/fail by division cut score (NCARB does not publish a single numeric pass mark)

Exam Fee

$257 per division (NCARB (Pearson VUE))

ARE 5.0: PDD Exam Content Outline

31-37%

Integration of Building Materials & Systems

Coordinating structural, envelope, MEP, and life-safety systems; CMU, wood, steel, concrete detailing; waterproofing; roof and curtain wall assemblies

32-38%

Construction Documentation

Drawing organization (G/A/S/M/E/P sheets), schedules, dimensioning, detailing standards, BIM coordination, shop drawing review, RFI and submittal workflows

12-18%

Project Manual & Specifications

CSI MasterFormat 50 divisions, SectionFormat 3-part structure (general/products/execution), PageFormat, prescriptive vs. performance specs, division 01 general requirements

8-14%

Codes & Regulations

IBC 2021/2024 occupancy and construction-type chapters, fire-rated assemblies and UL design numbers, ADA 2010 Standards, accessibility, egress dimensions

2-8%

Construction Cost Estimates

Order-of-magnitude vs. detailed estimating, square-foot estimates, value engineering, contingency allowances, escalation, cost impact of design choices

How to Pass the ARE 5.0: PDD Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Pass/fail by division cut score (NCARB does not publish a single numeric pass mark)
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: 4 hours 5 minutes (5-hour appointment)
Exam fee: $257 per division

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ARE 5.0: PDD Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the 50 CSI MasterFormat divisions — know which work goes in which division (e.g., elevators are Division 14, fire suppression is Division 21)

2Drill the SectionFormat 3-part structure: Part 1 General, Part 2 Products, Part 3 Execution — and know which content belongs in each part

3Know IBC Chapter 6 construction types (I-A through V-B) and Chapter 7 fire-resistance ratings cold

4Memorize the most-tested ADA 2010 dimensions: 32 inch clear door width, 60 inch turning radius, 1:12 ramp slope max, 36 inch corridor minimum

5Practice reading wall sections and details — identify flashing, weep holes, vapor barriers, thermal breaks, drainage planes

6Learn UL design number conventions for fire-rated assemblies (e.g., UL U419 for 1-hr wood-stud wall) and where ratings are documented

7Study the AIA G-series forms: G701 (Change Order), G702/G703 (Application for Payment), G704 (Substantial Completion), G714 (Construction Change Directive)

8Practice case studies under timed conditions — develop a search strategy for navigating the PDF reference panel

9Build a stair-and-ramp dimension cheat sheet: max riser, min tread, handrail extensions, landing depth, headroom, guard heights

10For curtain walls, know thermal break detailing, pressure-equalized rain screens, structural silicone vs. captured glazing

Frequently Asked Questions

How is PDD different from PPD?

PPD (Project Planning & Design) tests integrated design decisions during schematic and design-development phases — system selection, sustainability, and early code analysis. PDD takes those decisions and tests how they are documented, detailed, and resolved into construction documents. PPD asks 'what system?' while PDD asks 'how is it drawn, specified, and code-compliant in the construction documents?' Both divisions are 100 items and 4 hours 5 minutes, and both include case studies.

What CSI MasterFormat version should I study for PDD?

Study the current 50-division MasterFormat structure published by CSI (Construction Specifications Institute). The 50-division framework has been stable since 2004, with periodic content updates. PDD tests your ability to locate work in the correct division (e.g., Division 03 Concrete, Division 09 Finishes, Division 23 HVAC) and to apply the SectionFormat 3-part structure: Part 1 General, Part 2 Products, Part 3 Execution. Memorizing all 50 division titles is recommended, but the most heavily tested are 01-14 and the MEP divisions 21-28.

Which IBC code edition does PDD test?

NCARB does not tie PDD to a single specific IBC edition. Questions test enduring code concepts found across the 2018, 2021, and 2024 editions: occupancy classifications (Chapter 3), construction types (Chapter 6), fire-resistance ratings (Chapter 7), interior finishes (Chapter 8), means of egress (Chapter 10), and accessibility (Chapter 11 with ICC A117.1 reference). Use the IBC 2021 as a primary study reference and review the ADA 2010 Standards for Accessible Design for federal accessibility provisions.

How are case studies graded on PDD?

Case-study items count the same as stand-alone items toward your score — there is no separate weighting. Each case study presents a project package (plans, sections, details, specifications, schedules, RFIs, code references) and asks 4-6 questions that require you to navigate the documents to find correct information. NCARB does not publish a fixed number of case studies, but expect 1-2 case studies on PDD plus stand-alone items.

What references are most valuable for PDD prep?

Core references: NCARB ARE 5.0 Handbook (free), Architectural Graphic Standards, Building Construction Illustrated (Ching), Architect's Studio Companion (Allen and Iano), the IBC 2021, ADA 2010 Standards, and the AIA Contract Documents (especially A201, B101, G701, G702/G703, G704, G714). For specifications, study CSI's MasterFormat and SectionFormat. Black Spectacles and Amber Book are popular paid prep platforms; many candidates pair them with practice exams.

How many hours should I study for PDD?

Most candidates report 80-150 hours of focused study for PDD. Candidates with strong CD-phase work experience often need less; those whose work is mostly schematic or programming need more time on detailing, specifications, and code. Plan 8-12 weeks at 10-15 hours per week. Pass rates are among the lower divisions of ARE, so do not skimp on practice questions and timed simulations.