EXAM OVERVIEW
The Building Design & Construction Systems (BD & CS) exam is mostly materials and methods with the addition of construction types and systems. The application of knowledge and skills of building design and construction, including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and practice management.
EXAM APPOINTMENT TIME
The total appointment time allowed for this test is 5 hours and 30 minutes, including:
15 minute – intro time
1 hour, 45 minutes – multiple choice (85 questions)
15 minute – break
15 minute – intro time
2 hours, 45 minutes – graphic testing (Accessibility/Ramp, Stair Design, Roof Plan)
15 minute – exit questionnaire
GRAPHIC VIGNETTES
1. ACCESSIBILITY/RAMP. Design a ramp and stairway connecting two levels that complies with accessibility and code requirements.
2. STAIR DESIGN. Design a stairway connecting multiple levels that complies with accessibility and code requirements.
3. ROOF PLAN. Design a sloped-roof plan for the removal of rainwater and locate accessories and equipment.
Watch all the BD+CS Vignettes here
BD + CS RESOURCES
BD & CS OVERVIEW
Content Areas (from NCARB)
PRINCIPLES
Incorporate the implications of human behavior, historic precedent, and design theory in the selection of systems, materials, and methods related to building design and construction.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Consider the principles of sustainable design including adaptive re-use, thermal and moisture protection, and hazardous material mitigation.
CODES & REGULATIONS
Incorporate building and specialty codes, zoning, and other regulatory requirements in building design and construction systems.
MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
Analyze the implication of design decisions in the selection of systems, materials, and methods incorporated in building design and construction.
Masonry
Identify the properties and characteristics of masonry structural and finish materialsMetals
Identify the properties and characteristics of structural and miscellaneous metals.Wood
Identify the properties and characteristics of wood structures, rough carpentry, finish carpentry, and millwork assemblies.Concrete
Identify the properties and characteristics of concrete structures and finishes.Other
Identify the properties and characteristics of miscellaneous systems, assemblies, membranes, cladding, coatings, and finish materials (e.g., plastics, composites, glass, tensile, pneumatic, EIFS, etc.)Specialties
Analyze and select accessories, equipment, and fittings.
PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
Assess the implication of construction sequencing, scheduling, cost, and risk management in the selection of systems, materials, and methods.
BD & CS GENERAL CONCEPTS
Principles
Environmental Issues
Codes & Regulations
Materials & Technology
Project & Practice Management
I just finished the hard copy Kaplan vignettes for BD&CS and realized that Kaplan has what appears to be serious errors in some of their solutions. After trying to make all the clearances and standard dimensions work on the 2nd stair vignette, i finally resolved it with only a few code clearance violations. When i checked my work against the kaplan solution i realized they were off on their stair quantities, spot elevations, and a few other things. Has anyone else come across this issue? maybe i’ve been doing vignettes for too too many hours and i’m losing it.