100+ Free AQRB Quantity Surveyor Exam Practice Questions

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Tanzania AQRB Professional Registration Examination - Architecture

Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AQRB Quantity Surveyor Exam Exam

2 papers

Written Exams

AQRB Regulations

3 hours

Time per Paper

AQRB Regulations

50%

Minimum Pass Mark

AQRB By-Laws

2 years

Supervised Experience

AQRB Registration Requirements

TZS 190k

Total Baseline Fees

AQRB Fee Schedule

60-65%

Estimated Pass Rate

Historical Board Statistics

The Tanzania AQRB Quantity Surveyor exam is a mandatory step for graduate surveyors to achieve professional status. It consists of two written papers (3 hours each) covering Professional Practice and Practical Problems, followed by an oral interview panel. Candidates must have a degree in Quantity Surveying or Building Economics, two years of supervised practical experience logged in an official diary, and pass with a minimum score of 50%. The exam covers SMM measurement, cost planning, tendering, standard contracts, and AQRB bylaws.

Sample AQRB Quantity Surveyor Exam Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AQRB Quantity Surveyor Exam 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 Standard Method of Measurement (SMM) for East Africa, in which unit of measurement is bulk excavation of soil typically quantified?

A.Square meters (m²)

B.Cubic meters (m³)

C.Linear meters (m)

D.Metric tonnes (t)

Explanation: Bulk excavation of soil, such as general site reduction or basement excavation, is measured by volume in cubic meters (m³). This allows for accurate estimation of earthworks and transport requirements based on bulk volume. Surface stripping or shallow excavation up to a certain depth (usually 150mm) is measured in square meters, but bulk excavation is strictly cubic meters.

2How is structural concrete work categorized under the SMM for East Africa for measurement purposes?

A.By the total aggregate weight in tonnes

B.By the concrete grade and its position in the structure (e.g. foundations, columns, beams)

C.By the number of bags of cement required

D.By the surface area of the concrete elements

Explanation: Structural concrete is measured by volume in cubic meters (m³) and must be classified by concrete grade (strength mix) and structural location (foundations, walls, columns, beams, slabs, suspended slabs). This classification is necessary because concrete placing costs vary significantly depending on height, reinforcement density, and accessibility. Grading ensures contractors can price the placing labor and material cost accurately.

3In East African quantity surveying practice, what is the standard unit of measurement for concrete formwork?

A.Cubic meters (m³)

B.Linear meters (m)

C.Square meters (m²)

D.Number of formwork boards used

Explanation: Formwork is measured by the actual surface area of concrete in contact with the formwork, quantified in square meters (m²). This represents the contact area that needs shuttering or casing. It is divided into categories like soffits of slabs, sides of columns, sides of beams, and sloping surfaces, as labor and support requirements differ for each.

4Under the Standard Method of Measurement (SMM), how is steel reinforcement in concrete structures measured and billed?

A.By the volume of reinforced concrete in cubic meters

B.By weight in kilograms or tonnes, classified by bar diameter type

C.By the total length of reinforcing bars in meters

D.By the total number of bars ordered

Explanation: Reinforcement steel is measured by length first (for scheduling) and then converted using standard unit weights into kilograms (kg) or tonnes (t) for billing in the BOQ. The items are separated into structural elements and further categorized by bar diameters (e.g. bars up to 16mm, bars over 16mm) and steel types (high tensile vs. mild steel) because the base material and fabrication costs differ.

5For brickwork or blockwork walls under SMM East Africa, how are openings like windows and doors handled during measurement?

A.No deductions are made for openings under 1.0 square meter in area

B.Deductions are made for all openings regardless of size

C.Deductions are made for openings exceeding 0.1 square meter in area

D.Openings are measured separately and added to the wall volume

Explanation: Under the SMM for East Africa, deductions in brickwork or blockwork measurement are not made for small openings, voids, or lintels that are less than 1.0 square meter in area (or sometimes 0.1m² for certain specific finishes, but 1.0m² is the standard for masonry volume). This threshold compensates the contractor for the extra labor and waste associated with cutting blocks around small openings.

6How is structural steelwork (such as universal beams or columns) measured and billed in a standard Bill of Quantities?

A.By volume in cubic meters

B.By weight in kilograms or tonnes, categorized by type of member

C.By linear length of steel members

D.By the total number of bolted connections

Explanation: Structural steel is measured by length and converted to weight in kilograms or tonnes based on standard unit weights (e.g. kg/m for standard profiles). The BOQ lists members categorized by function (columns, beams, trusses) and specifies fabrication details, connections, and surface treatments. Connection plates and bolts are either measured separately or included in the weight rate depending on the SMM provisions.

7What is the standard unit of measurement for wall plastering or wall tiling finishes in the SMM for East Africa?

A.Cubic meters (m³)

B.Linear meters (m)

C.Square meters (m²)

D.Metric tonnes (t)

Explanation: Wall finishes such as plastering, rendering, screeding, painting, and tiling are surface applications and are measured in square meters (m²). They are categorized by the type of surface (flat, narrow widths) and height range (e.g., above or below 3.0 meters from floor level) because working at heights increases labor costs and scaffolding requirements.

8Which of the following describes the correct measurement unit for roof tiling or sheeting?

A.Square meters (m²) measured along the slope of the roof

B.Square meters (m²) measured as a horizontal flat projection

C.Cubic meters (m³) of roof space

D.Number of individual tiles or sheets required

Explanation: Roof covering materials such as tiles, corrugated iron sheets, or decra sheets are measured in square meters (m²) along the actual slope of the rafters (the raked or pitched area). This represents the actual surface area of materials needed to cover the roof structure. Deductions are made for openings like chimneys or skylights exceeding a specified threshold.

9How is glass in windows or doors measured and billed in a standard BOQ under East African SMM?

A.By weight in kilograms

B.By area in square meters, classified by glass type, thickness, and pane size categories

C.By the number of window panels

D.As a lumped sum under the glazing specialist section

Explanation: Glazing is measured in square meters (m²) and classified by glass type (clear, tinted, laminated), thickness (e.g., 4mm, 6mm), and pane size ranges (e.g., small, medium, large). Pane size is important because handling and installing large panes of glass requires specialized equipment and carries higher risk of breakage.

10In a Bill of Quantities, what are 'Preliminaries' used for?

A.Listing the preliminary designs before final approval

B.Pricing temporary works, site management, administrative costs, and general contractor obligations

C.Estimating the cost of early soil testing works

D.Recording the CVs of the project consultants

Explanation: Preliminaries in a BOQ cover the general costs of executing the project that cannot be directly attributed to specific physical work items. This includes temporary buildings, site office running costs, project manager salaries, water and electricity for the works, safety equipment, insurance, and compliance with local authorities. They represent the overheads of running the site.

About the AQRB Quantity Surveyor Exam Exam

The AQRB Quantity Surveyor Professional Registration Examination is the mandatory assessment for graduate quantity surveyors in Tanzania seeking registration as professional quantity surveyors. The exam consists of two comprehensive written papers (Professional Practice and Practical Problem) and an oral interview panel. It evaluates candidates' practical competency in the Standard Method of Measurement (SMM) for East Africa, cost planning, unit rate buildup, contract administration (AQRB/FIDIC), public procurement regulations, and professional ethics.

Assessment

Two written papers (Professional Practice and Practical Problem) and a professional oral interview.

Time Limit

3 hours per paper

Passing Score

50% minimum score per paper

Exam Fee

TZS 190,000 (~$80) (Architects and Quantity Surveyors Registration Board (AQRB), Tanzania)

AQRB Quantity Surveyor Exam Exam Content Outline

25%

Measurement and Quantification

Quantification of earthworks, concrete structures, masonry, wood joinery, finishes, structural steelwork, drainage, and mechanical services based on SMM and CESMM.

20%

Cost Planning and Cost Control

Pre-contract cost estimating, elemental cost analysis, value engineering, life-cycle costing of building assets, cash flow forecasting, and progress cost reporting.

15%

Tendering and Pricing

Standard tendering procedures (open, selective, negotiated), Tanzanian Public Procurement Act (PPRA), bid evaluation, and unit rate build-ups for various works.

20%

Contract Documentation and Administration

Standard forms of contract (AQRB standard form, FIDIC Red/Yellow Books), valuing variations, interim payment certifications, extensions of time, and final accounts.

20%

Professional Practice and Ethics

AQRB Act and bylaws, codes of conduct, CPD requirements, expert witness roles, professional liability/indemnity, and dispute resolution including arbitration.

How to Pass the AQRB Quantity Surveyor Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 50% minimum score per paper
Assessment: Two written papers (Professional Practice and Practical Problem) and a professional oral interview.
Time limit: 3 hours per paper
Exam fee: TZS 190,000 (~$80)

Keys to Passing

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

AQRB Quantity Surveyor Exam Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the Standard Method of Measurement (SMM) for East Africa, paying special attention to measurement rules for excavation, concrete elements, and plastering reveals.

2Practice built-up rates calculations (materials, waste, labor constants, plant, and overheads) for main items like concrete, masonry, and finishes.

3Study standard contract conditions in Tanzania, particularly focusing on variations, interim certifications, extensions of time (EOT), and liquidated damages.

4Familiarize yourself with the Tanzania Arbitration Act of 2020 and standard dispute resolution paths including adjudication, mediation, and arbitration.

5Review the Public Procurement Act and PPRA regulations concerning tendering procedures, standstill periods, and bid evaluation criteria.

6Ensure your Practical Experience Diary (logbook) is well-documented and signed, as the oral interview panel will ask detailed questions based on your logged experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tanzania AQRB Quantity Surveyor exam?

It is the professional registration examination conducted by the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Registration Board (AQRB) of Tanzania. Passing this exam is a legal requirement for graduate quantity surveyors to be registered and licensed as professional quantity surveyors in Mainland Tanzania.

What is the structure of the AQRB QS exam?

The examination consists of two components: a written examination and a professional oral interview. The written portion features two papers: Part 1 (Professional Practice) and Part 2 (Practical Problem), each lasting 3 hours. The oral interview panel reviews the candidate's Practical Experience Diary (logbook) and general professional knowledge.

What are the eligibility requirements to sit for the AQRB exam?

Candidates must hold a recognized Bachelor's degree or Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying or Building Economics, be registered with the AQRB as graduate quantity surveyors, and complete at least two (2) years of structured, supervised practical training. This training must be documented in the Board's standardized logbook and signed off by a registered supervisor.

What is the passing score for the AQRB Quantity Surveyor exam?

According to AQRB regulations, the minimum passing mark for the professional examinations is 50% for each subject. Results are graded on a pass/fail basis.

How much does the AQRB Quantity Surveyor exam cost?

The current fee structure includes TZS 20,000 for the application form, TZS 70,000 for the logbook submission and review, and TZS 50,000 per written subject (total of TZS 100,000 for two papers), bringing the baseline exam-related cost to TZS 190,000 (approximately $80 USD).

How often are the AQRB examinations held?

AQRB professional examinations are typically held twice a year, with sessions generally scheduled in May and around October/November. Candidates must submit their application and logbooks at least 120 days prior to the examination date.