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SCE Fundamentals of Architecture (FA) (Saudi Council of Engineers / Qiyas)

Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SCE PA Architecture Exam

4 hours

Exam Duration

Qiyas

800 SAR

Exam Fee

SCE

5 years

Experience Required

For Professional grade

SBC

Primary Codes

Saudi Building Codes

Qiyas

Exam Administrator

ETEC Center

FIDIC

Contract Standard

KSA construction standard

The SCE PA Architecture exam is a 4-hour test with scaled passing criteria, administered by Qiyas for the Saudi Council of Engineers. The exam fee is 800 SAR. It assesses professional competency in Saudi Building Codes (SBC), Civil Defense fire safety, municipal setbacks, and contract administration (FIDIC). Candidates must have a relevant degree and experience.

Sample SCE PA Architecture Practice Questions

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

1According to the Saudi Building Code (SBC 201), which occupancy classification group represents standard single-family residential villas?

A.Group R-1

B.Group R-2

C.Group R-3

D.Group R-4

Explanation: Under SBC 201 (General Building Code), single-family residential villas are classified under Group R-3. This classification is reserved for residential occupancies where the occupants are primarily permanent and the buildings do not contain more than two dwelling units. R-1 is for transient hotels, R-2 is for multi-family apartment complexes, and R-4 is for residential care facilities.

2What is the standard minimum width required for an exit passageway serving as a means of egress in commercial buildings under SBC 201?

A.900 mm

B.1000 mm

C.1100 mm

D.1200 mm

Explanation: SBC 201 requires exit passageways serving as a means of egress to have a minimum width of 1100 mm (44 inches). This is consistent with international safety standards to allow safe, unobstructed evacuation in an emergency. If the occupant load is very small (less than 50), a width of 914 mm (36 inches) is occasionally permitted, but the general baseline remains 1100 mm. Larger widths may be required based on occupant load calculations.

3Which automated unified portal is officially used in Saudi Arabia to apply for building permits and obtain municipal services?

A.Mudad Portal

B.Balady Portal

C.Absher Portal

D.Etimad Portal

Explanation: The Balady platform (balady.gov.sa) is the official unified municipal portal in Saudi Arabia for building permits, zoning information, and municipal services. It integrates services from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing (MOMRAH) to streamline approvals for design consultants and contractors. Mudad is for wage protection, Absher is for personal identity services, and Etimad is for government procurement.

4What is the standard handrail height range required above the stair tread nosing in a commercial building under SBC 201?

A.700 mm to 800 mm

B.864 mm to 965 mm

C.950 mm to 1050 mm

D.1000 mm to 1100 mm

Explanation: Under SBC 201, handrails must be installed at a height between 864 mm and 965 mm (34 to 38 inches) measured vertically from the leading edge of the stair tread nosing. This height provides optimal ergonomic support and safety for occupants navigating stairways. Handrails outside this range are non-compliant as they are either too low to prevent falls or too high to grasp comfortably.

5According to the Saudi Building Code, what is the standard minimum ceiling height required for habitable rooms?

A.2100 mm

B.2286 mm

C.2400 mm

D.2600 mm

Explanation: Under the Saudi Building Code, habitable rooms (excluding kitchens, bathrooms, and corridors) must have a minimum ceiling height of 2286 mm (7 feet 6 inches). This height ensures adequate vertical volume, psychological comfort, and air circulation in spaces where occupants spend extended periods. Ceilings in bathrooms, kitchens, and corridors are permitted to be lower, with a minimum of 2134 mm (7 feet).

6What is the minimum number of exits required by SBC 201 for any story with an occupant load of 500 or fewer people?

A.1 exit

B.2 exits

C.3 exits

D.4 exits

Explanation: SBC 201 mandates that any building story or space with an occupant load of 500 or fewer people must have at least two distinct exits. This ensures redundancy in the means of egress, allowing occupants to escape if one exit becomes blocked by fire or smoke. For occupant loads between 501 and 1000, at least three exits are required, and for loads greater than 1000, at least four exits must be provided.

7Which book of the Saudi Building Code (SBC) contains the primary regulations concerning Energy Conservation for non-residential buildings?

A.SBC 201

B.SBC 501

C.SBC 601

D.SBC 801

Explanation: SBC 601 is the Saudi Energy Conservation Code for buildings other than low-rise residential (the commercial/non-residential energy code). It regulates energy-efficient building envelopes, thermal insulation values (U-values), mechanical systems, and electrical power and lighting controls. SBC 201 is the General Code, SBC 501 is the Mechanical Code, and SBC 801 is the Fire Protection Code. (The companion low-rise residential energy code is SBC 602.)

8Under the Saudi Building Code, what is the minimum required fire-resistance rating for a fire door in a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated partition?

A.20 minutes

B.45 minutes

C.60 minutes

D.90 minutes

Explanation: In partitions that require a 1-hour fire-resistance rating, doors must generally have a fire protection rating of at least 45 minutes (0.75 hours). This allowance reflects the fact that doors are rarely blocked by fuel loads and are monitored for egress. A 20-minute door is permitted in corridor walls and smoke barriers. In 2-hour walls, doors must carry a 90-minute (1.5-hour) rating.

9What is the minimum clear width required for an accessible door opening to accommodate wheelchairs under SBC 201?

A.700 mm

B.800 mm

C.813 mm

D.900 mm

Explanation: SBC 201 (aligning with international accessibility codes) requires a minimum clear opening width of 813 mm (32 inches) for doors in accessible paths. This width is measured between the face of the door leaf and the stop on the frame when the door is opened to 90 degrees. This dimension ensures that standard manual and power wheelchairs can pass through safely without collision.

10Which traditional architectural style in Saudi Arabia is famous for mudbrick construction, thick walls, and small triangular ventilation openings?

A.Hijazi Style

B.Najdi Style

C.Asiri Style

D.Eastern Province Style

Explanation: The Najdi architectural style, native to the central region of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh and surrounding areas), is characterized by sun-dried mudbrick (adobe) construction, load-bearing walls, internal courtyards, and small triangular openings. These features provide thermal insulation and passive ventilation suited to the hot, arid climate. Hijazi style uses coral stone and wood, and Asiri style is known for stone masonry and colorful plastering.

About the SCE PA Architecture Exam

The SCE Principles and Practice of Architecture (PA) exam is a professional certification test administered by Qiyas in collaboration with the Saudi Council of Engineers. It is required for architects seeking professional classification and licensing in Saudi Arabia. The exam evaluates competency in Saudi Building Codes, Civil Defense regulations, municipal zoning rules, professional practice, construction cost, and site and system design.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice practice questions covering core syllabus areas

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

Scaled passing score determined by Qiyas / ETEC

Exam Fee

800 SAR (Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) / Qiyas)

SCE PA Architecture Exam Content Outline

30%

Laws, Regulations, and Building Codes

Saudi Building Codes (SBC 201, 1101, 801, 901), municipal zoning setbacks, FAR, building permit processes, and Civil Defense fire safety requirements.

25%

Architectural Practice and Ethics

SCE code of professional ethics, licensing rules, joint-venture liability, FIDIC contracts, and Government Tender Law.

20%

Site Analysis and Design

Site orientation, climate-responsive vernacular design (Najdi, Hijazi), solar shading, thermal comfort models, and King Salman Charter principles.

25%

Building Systems and Envelope

Seismic and wind load structures, thermal insulation, acoustic STC ratings, roofing details, curtain walls, and HVAC/MEP systems.

How to Pass the SCE PA Architecture Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled passing score determined by Qiyas / ETEC
Assessment: 100 multiple-choice practice questions covering core syllabus areas
Time limit: 4 hours
Exam fee: 800 SAR

Keys to Passing

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

SCE PA Architecture Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the Saudi Building Code (SBC 201 for general provisions and SBC 1101 for thermal insulation requirements)

2Understand municipal zoning laws, including setbacks, building height definitions, and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculations

3Learn the core principles of Saudi Civil Defense regulations concerning fire compartmentation and exit travel distances

4Review the SCE Code of Conduct and engineering classification bylaws for Professional and Consultant grades

5Know standard contract administration protocols, specifically FIDIC Red Book clauses and Saudi Government Tender Law

6Study traditional regional styles (Najdi and Hijazi) and modern passive design strategies for hot-arid climates

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SCE PA Architecture exam?

The SCE Principles and Practice of Architecture (PA) exam is a professional certification test administered by the National Center for Assessment (Qiyas) for the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE). It is required for classification as a Professional or Consulting Architect in Saudi Arabia.

How much does the SCE PA Architecture exam cost?

The official exam fee is typically 800 Saudi Riyals (SAR) payable to the Saudi Council of Engineers. Additional registration fees may apply on the Qiyas platform.

What is the format of the official SCE PA Architecture exam?

The official exam is a 4-hour test composed of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and written essay questions, evaluating technical design and professional practice capability.

What topics are covered on the exam?

The exam covers four primary domains: Laws, Regulations, and Building Codes (SBC, Civil Defense); Architectural Practice and Ethics (SCE bylaws, FIDIC); Site Analysis and Design (vernacular Najdi/Hijazi, sun shading); and Building Systems and Envelope.