What is the passing criteria for the IQSSL GMQE?

To pass the written component, candidates must score at least 40% in each of the seven modules (GMQE 101 to GMQE 107) and obtain an overall average of 50% at a single offering. Once the written component is passed, candidates can sit for the oral examination (GMQE 108) where the pass mark is 50%.

How long are the IQSSL GMQE written module passes valid?

Passing results for individual GMQE written modules are valid for five years from the date of the examination. Candidates can repeat individual modules within this period to achieve the 40% minimum score or to raise their overall average to the required 50%.

What are the fees for the IQSSL GMQE?

The fee structure includes a LKR 3,000 non-refundable application processing fee, a LKR 15,000 non-refundable registration fee, LKR 7,000 per written module (LKR 49,000 total for seven modules), and LKR 6,000 for the oral examination. The total initial cost is approximately LKR 73,000, subject to change by the IQSSL Council.

Which measurement standards are tested in the GMQE?

The exam heavily tests two standards: SLS 573:1999 (Sri Lankan Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works) for the Advanced Building Measurement paper, and CESMM-SL (Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement - Sri Lanka) for the Civil Engineering Measurement paper.

What contract forms are commonly referenced in the exam?

The exam focuses on the Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA, formerly ICTAD) Standard Bidding Documents, particularly CIDA/SBD/01 (medium works) and CIDA/SBD/02 (major works). Candidates are also expected to understand FIDIC Red Book (1999/2017) conditions and their differences from CIDA forms.

Who is eligible to sit for the IQSSL GMQE?

Candidates must be Sri Lankan citizens, over 21 years of age, hold a Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent recognized qualification, and have at least one year of post-qualifying experience in approved quantity surveying employment.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: IQSSL GMQE Exam

7 + 1

Written + Oral Modules

IQSSL Guidelines

40% / 50%

Module / Avg Pass Marks

IQSSL

5 years

Module Validity

Written passes

LKR 73,000

Total Estimate Fees

IQSSL 2026

1 year

Post-Grad Experience

Eligibility

SLS 573

Building SMM

Sri Lanka Standard

The IQSSL GMQE consists of 7 written modules (3 hours each) and a final oral examination, costing a total of LKR 73,000 in fees. Candidates must achieve at least 40% on each written module and an overall average of 50% at a single sitting. The syllabus covers SLS 573 and CESMM-SL measurement, CIDA standard bidding documents (SBD 01/02), Roman-Dutch contract law, cost estimation, project controls, and the IQSSL Code of Professional Conduct.

Sample IQSSL GMQE Practice Questions

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

1In accordance with SLS 573:1999 (Sri Lankan Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works), how is excavation for foundations measured and classified in terms of depth stages?

A.In consecutive depth stages of 1.0 m

B.In consecutive depth stages of 1.5 m

C.In consecutive depth stages of 2.0 m

D.As a single bulk quantity regardless of depth

Explanation: Under SLS 573:1999, excavation for foundations is measured and classified in consecutive depth stages of 1.5 m (e.g., depth not exceeding 1.5 m, exceeding 1.5 m but not exceeding 3.0 m, and so on). This allows contractors to price the extra labor, shoring, and hoisting required as depth increases. SLS 573 retains the traditional 1.5 m (approx. 5 feet) lift standard for these consecutive depth bands.

2According to SLS 573:1999, which of the following voids in concrete work is NOT deducted from the measured concrete volume?

A.Any void up to 0.05 m³

B.Any void up to 0.10 m³

C.Any void up to 0.15 m³

D.Any void up to 0.25 m³

Explanation: SLS 573:1999 stipulates that voids in concrete work up to 0.05 m³ in volume are not deducted. This rule simplifies measurement by ignoring very small voids (such as pocket holes or small openings) where the cost of formwork/framing offsets the small volume of concrete saved.

3For brickwork walls in Sri Lanka measured under SLS 573:1999, what is the standard unit of measurement and wall thickness threshold for using square meters (m²) instead of cubic meters (m³)?

A.Walls <= 115 mm (half-brick thick) are measured in m², while thicker walls are measured in m³

B.Walls <= 225 mm (one-brick thick) are measured in m², while thicker walls are measured in m³

C.All brickwork is measured in m³ regardless of thickness

D.All brickwork is measured in m² regardless of thickness

Explanation: Under SLS 573:1999, brick walls that are half-brick thick or less (standardized as <= 115 mm) are measured in square meters (m²), indicating the thickness. Walls greater than half-brick thickness (such as one-brick thick walls of 225 mm or more) are measured in cubic meters (m³).

4Under SLS 573:1999, how is structural steelwork (such as universal beams or columns) measured and billed?

A.By length in linear meters, grouped by section size

B.By weight in tonnes or kilograms, calculated from theoretical unit weights without deduction for bolt holes

C.By number of members, specifying length and weight type

D.By surface area in square meters for painting estimation

Explanation: Structural steelwork measured under SLS 573:1999 is billed by weight (in kilograms or tonnes). The weight is calculated based on the theoretical unit weights of the steel profiles from standards, using the net lengths of the members, and without making deductions for small bolt holes, notches, or cope cuts.

5Which of the following describes the correct measurement rule for plastering and wall finishes under SLS 573:1999 regarding openings?

A.All openings are deducted, and reveals/jambs are measured separately

B.Openings <= 0.5 m² are not deducted, and reveals/jambs are not measured

C.Openings <= 1.0 m² are not deducted, and reveals/jambs are not measured

D.No openings are deducted; plastering is measured over all doors and windows

Explanation: According to SLS 573:1999, openings in wall finishes (plastering, tiling, painting) that do not exceed 0.5 m² in area are not deducted from the overall measurement, and their associated reveals, jambs, and soffits are not measured. This compensates the contractor for the extra labor of working around small openings.

6How does the Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM-SL) differ from SLS 573:1999 in measuring excavation works?

A.CESMM-SL measures excavation by weight rather than volume

B.CESMM-SL classifies excavation by material type (rock, soil) and depth from the ground level, using a coding system, rather than fixed 1.5 m lifts

C.CESMM-SL includes disposal and bulking factors in the excavation item rates, while SLS 573 measures disposal separately

D.There is no difference; both standards use the same classification and measurement rules

Explanation: CESMM-SL (used for civil engineering works in Sri Lanka) classifies excavation in a multi-level coding system (e.g., class E for earthworks) based on depth ranges from the surface (e.g., 0-2m, 2-5m, etc.) and the nature of the material (e.g., rock, soil, clay), rather than using the strict 1.5 m consecutive lifts defined in SLS 573 for building works.

7Under SLS 573:1999, how is reinforcement steel measured and what allowance is added for rolling margin and hooks/bends?

A.Measured by weight; hooks and bends are calculated theoretically from standard bar shapes, but no rolling margin allowance is added

B.Measured by length; hooks and bends are ignored

C.Measured by weight; a flat 10% allowance is added to all bars for wastage and hooks

D.Measured by length and converted to weight, with a 5% penalty deduction for rolling margin

Explanation: In SLS 573:1999, reinforcement steel is measured by weight (tonnes or kilograms) based on the total length of bars cut and bent. The lengths of hooks, bends, and laps are calculated using standard theoretical rules (e.g., BS 8666 / local standards). No allowance is added for rolling margin (manufacturing weight variance), and construction wastage is a pricing matter, not a measurement allowance.

8According to Sri Lankan practice and CIDA guidelines, what is a 'Provisional Sum' in a Bill of Quantities?

A.A sum allocated for work that is fully defined and designed at the time of tender

B.A sum set aside for work which cannot be entirely foreseen, defined, or detailed at the time of preparing tender documents

C.A sum allocated specifically for the contractor's site overheads and profits

D.A sum paid to the contractor as an upfront mobilization advance

Explanation: A Provisional Sum is a sum of money included in the contract for work or supply that cannot be fully defined or estimated at the tender stage. This work is executed only on the instructions of the Engineer, and the sum is adjusted based on actual costs or measured work, differentiating it from a Prime Cost (PC) sum which is for nominated subcontractors/suppliers.

9Under SLS 573:1999, how is the formwork for concrete columns measured?

A.By the perimeter of the column multiplied by the height, in square meters (m²)

B.By the volume of the column, in cubic meters (m³)

C.By the length of the column, in linear meters (m)

D.By the total weight of the column, in kilograms (kg)

Explanation: In SLS 573:1999, formwork for concrete columns is measured in square meters (m²) as the actual contact area between the formwork and the concrete surface. This is calculated by multiplying the perimeter of the column face by the height of the column (from the top of the slab/footing to the soffit of the beam/slab above).

10When preparing 'Bill No. 1 - Preliminaries' under CIDA/ID/04, how are temporary site facilities (such as the Engineer's site office) typically categorized and priced?

A.As measured works priced per cubic meter of the office building

B.Divided into fixed charges (initial setup/removal) and time-related charges (monthly maintenance)

C.As a flat percentage of the overall construction cost

D.As a Prime Cost sum to be nominated later by the Employer

Explanation: CIDA/ID/04 recommends dividing Preliminaries items into Fixed Charges (non-recurring costs like mobilization, building temporary offices, installing plant) and Time-Related Charges (recurring costs that depend on the project duration, such as maintaining offices, site utilities, and staff salaries). This allows for fair adjustments if an extension of time is granted.

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