CCM Practice Exam Questions with Answers Certified Contract Manager Certification

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Under FIDIC contracts:

Profit is usually allowed on claims arising from Employer-caused delays, instructions, or breaches that directly affect the Contractor’s performance or costs (Options A, B, C, and E).

Option D relates to delays caused by third parties (authorities). Typically, delays caused by relevant authorities (e.g., permit or approval delays) are treated differently, and profit is not generally recoverable on these claims as they are considered neutral or force majeure-type delays. The Contractor may receive an extension of time and reimbursement of direct costs but not profit.

Thus, Option D is the claim event where profit is not allowed.

FIDIC’s Golden Principles emphasize clarity, fairness, and completeness in contract drafting and administration. Incorrect applications often create risks, ambiguities, and disputes.

Option Aiscorrectand reflects a good application of Golden Principles. When deleting clauses from the General Conditions, these must be replaced adequately in the Particular Conditions so that no essential contractual scope or responsibilities are lost or left undefined.

Option Bisincorrectand reflects an improper deviation from the standard. The standard Commencement Date notification period is42 daysafter the Contractor receives the Letter of Acceptance (per Sub-Clause 8.1). Extending it to 60 days without valid reason or clear agreement introduces uncertainty and potential delay.

Option Ccan be a legitimate contractual modification, provided it is agreed by the parties. Extending the Contractor’s notice period for suspension from 21 days to 3 months is a significant change but not inherently contrary to Golden Principles if done transparently and fairly.

Option Disincorrectand reflects a poor application of Golden Principles. Deleting all clauses referring to the DAAB/DAB (Dispute Adjudication Board) removes a critical dispute avoidance and resolution mechanism, undermining contract fairness and efficiency.

Therefore,Options B and Drepresent incorrect applications of the Golden Principles.

In FIDIC contracts (2017 editions), meetings such as progress or management meetings are key tools for communication and coordination among parties. The contract provisions and practical use reflect flexibility regarding who can request or call for such meetings.

Option Ais correct: Both the Contractor and the Engineer can request or call meetings as needed to discuss project progress, issues, or coordination. This promotes proactive communication.

Option Bisincorrect(and therefore included in the answer): It is not only the Engineer who can call meetings. The Contractor can also request meetings.

Option Cis generally correct: Subcontractors may attend meetings only with the Engineer’s approval or if invited. This controls confidentiality and relevance of discussions.

Option Disincorrect: Only the Employer calling meetings is not correct. The Employer may do so but is not the only party authorized.

Option Eis correct: The Engineer typically keeps records (minutes) of progress meetings to document discussions, decisions, and agreed actions. This is essential for contract administration.

Hence, theincorrectstatements areBandD.

Under FIDIC Red Book (1999), the Value Engineering Clause requires the Contractor to notify the Engineer with full details and cost implications when proposing Value Engineering changes. The Engineer then follows the Variation procedure in Sub-Clause 3.5 to agree or determine the cost adjustment, which will be reflected in the Contract Price.

This ensures transparent handling of Value Engineering proposals and proper contractual adjustments.

Under the FIDIC Red Book 1999, advance payment is a sum paid to the Contractor to help cash flow early in the project. It must be repaid through deductions from interim payments according to a specified schedule.

Sub-Clause 14.5 (Advance Payment)states that the Contractor must repay the advance payment by installments, typically by the Time for Completion. If the advance payment has not been fully repaid by the Time for Completion, the outstanding balance becomes immediately due and payable by the Contractor (Option A). This ensures the Employer recovers the advance by the time the project completes.

Additionally,upon termination of the Contract(Sub-Clause 15.2 or relevant termination clauses), any outstanding balance of the advance payment becomes immediately due (Option D). This protects the Employer’s financial interest if the Contract ends prematurely.

Option B (before the Performance Certificate is issued) and Option C (before the Taking-Over Certificate is issued) arenotexplicitly linked in FIDIC Red Book 1999 to triggering immediate repayment of the advance payment. The Taking-Over Certificate marks practical completion and may precede the final repayment schedule, while the Performance Certificate is issued after the Defects Notification Period.

Therefore, the correct situations for immediate repayment of outstanding advance payment balance arebefore Time for Completion and upon termination of the Contract.

Under the FIDIC Red and Yellow Books 1999 editions, the Engineer acts as the Employer's representative with authority delegated under the contract. When an instruction requires the Employer’s prior approval, it is primarily the Engineer’s responsibility to obtain that approval before issuing the instruction to the Contractor.

The Contractor isnot contractually required to verifywhether the Engineer has obtained the Employer’s approval. The Contractor is generally entitled to rely on the Engineer’s instructions as valid and binding unless there is clear evidence to the contrary.

This principle avoids placing an undue administrative burden on the Contractor and maintains the hierarchical contract administration structure, where the Engineer is the primary point of contact and decision-maker.

This statement is false. While FIDIC Contracts provide standardized contractual frameworks, procurement processes vary widely depending on local laws, employer requirements, contract editions, and project specifics. Definitions, timelines, and procurement steps may differ between models and jurisdictions, making the procurement process not universally identical.

The FIDIC contracts are adaptable tools, not rigid procurement procedures, so users must tailor procurement to local and project needs.

According to FIDIC Red Book 1999, Sub-Clause 14.2, the Advance Payment Guarantee must be a bank guarantee issued by a reputable bank acceptable to the Employer. This bank guarantee serves as security to ensure that the advance payment made by the Employer will be repaid if the Contractor fails to fulfill contractual obligations. The bank guarantee is a commonly used, reliable instrument providing direct financial assurance to the Employer.

Other instruments like surety bonds or parent company guarantees may be acceptable only if explicitly agreed, but the standard requirement is a bank guarantee.

Declaration of joint and several liability is not a typical form of guarantee for advance payments.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

The Employer must provide detailed notice to the Contractor regarding intended changes material to financial arrangements, enabling transparency and allowing the Contractor to assess impacts and prepare claims or adjustments accordingly.

This obligation supports fair risk allocation and project control.

Option A provides the clearest and most unambiguous notice because:

It explicitly references the relevant Sub-Clause (8.1) that governs Commencement Date notification.

It uses precise language “I hereby give notice” indicating formal notification.

It clearly states the Commencement Date with a specific date (17 April 2023).

Options B and C are less formal or ambiguous and do not refer to the proper contract clause, which could lead to disputes. Option D incorrectly refers to the Time for Completion start rather than the Commencement Date specifically.

Clear and formal notices help prevent contractual disputes by explicitly identifying the contractual clause and key date.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option A is NOT correct because the wording of the Letter of Tender is usually governed by the tender documents and contract terms; it is not solely at the Contractor's discretion to dictate when the Contract becomes effective. The standard process is that the Contract becomes effective upon the Employer’s issuance of the Letter of Acceptance.

Options B, C, and D correctly describe standard FIDIC practices.

Option C is NOT correct. FIDIC Yellow Book General Conditions aim to allocate risks fairly and equitably between the Employer and Contractor. The contract balances risks according to who is best able to manage them. It does not impose a disproportionate risk burden on the Contractor.

Options A, B, and D are correct statements describing typical contract formation, risk allocation, and Contractor’s design and execution responsibilities.

Dayworksrefer to works executed on a time basis (e.g., labor and plant) with payment made according to predetermined rates rather than a lump sum or unit rate contract price.

Option Aisincorrect. Even if a Daywork Schedule is not initially included, the dayworks Sub-Clause (e.g., Sub-Clause 13.7 in Red and Yellow Books, 13.8 in Silver Book 1999) still applies to dayworks ordered during the contract execution. The schedule facilitates pricing, but the Sub-Clause governs the method and conditions for dayworks.

Option Biscorrect. The dayworks Sub-Clause is applicable not only to traditional construction works but can also be applied to other types of works, such as variations or additional works that cannot be precisely measured or foreseen and are charged on a time basis.

Option Cisincorrect. The dayworks Sub-Clause is used in all FIDIC standard forms (Red, Yellow, and Silver Books), not only for remeasurement in the Red Book. In the Yellow Book (plant and design-build) and Silver Book (EPC/turnkey), dayworks are similarly applicable for certain variations or unforeseen works.

Option Discorrect. The Engineer (in Red and Yellow Books) or the Employer (in the Silver Book, where the Engineer’s role is limited) may instruct that a variation be executed on a daywork basis. This instruction is typically used when the scope or quantity cannot be reasonably pre-determined.

Under the FIDIC Red Book 1999 Edition, the Engineer is generally responsible for issuing determinations on claims and contract matters. However, if the Particular Conditions require the Engineer to obtain the Employer’s prior approval before issuing such determinations, the Engineer’s options become limited if that approval is not granted.

Option C (Issuing the determination to the Contractor in the form and with the content agreeable to the Employer, with a remark that it is the Employer’s determination and not the Engineer’s determination)is a practical approach often taken. The Engineer may issue the determination as directed or approved by the Employer but must clarify that it reflects the Employer’s decision rather than the Engineer’s independent determination.

Option D (Informing the Contractor of their inability to issue the determination, due to lack of Employer’s approval)aligns with transparency and procedural correctness. The Engineer should notify the Contractor if they cannot proceed with the determination, explaining the reason to avoid misunderstanding or delay.

Option A (Remain silent and do nothing)isnot appropriate, as it may cause project delays and disputes.

Option B (Referring the matter directly to the Dispute Adjudication Board)without a determination from the Engineer is not standard procedure under the 1999 edition. The Engineer’s determination or failure to determine generally triggers the dispute resolution process, but referral is normally after due process, including issuing or attempting to issue a determination.

Hence,Options C and Dare the appropriate courses of action.

This statement is true. The FIDIC suite of contracts, including Red, Yellow, and Silver Books, have evolved from earlier editions and contract models, but they retain a common structure, terminology, and approach to risk allocation. This familiarity allows professionals who know one FIDIC contract to adapt more easily to other FIDIC contracts or updated editions. For example, common terms like Engineer, Employer, Contractor, Variation, and Claims exist across editions with consistent meaning.

The modular and familiar structure supports easier contract administration, negotiation, and interpretation. However, differences in clauses, obligations, and procedures between editions (e.g., 1999 vs. 2017) require careful review. Nevertheless, the shared foundations mean prior experience provides valuable understanding, streamlining learning and application.

Option B is correct: Notices are compulsory when required and must reference the relevant Sub-Clause to be valid.

Option D is correct: Notices are formal written communications and must comply with the contract’s prescribed procedures.

Option A is incorrect; notices are often mandatory, not merely recommended.

Option C is incorrect; notices are obligations for all Contract Participants, not just the Engineer.

Option D is correct because contract drafting should strategically allocate risks between parties based on who can best manage them and the Employer’s budget for risk and reward. Understanding risk appetite is key to tailoring FIDIC contracts appropriately.

Option A is exaggerated; while amendments can introduce issues, careful drafting can preserve benefits of standardization.

Option B is partly true but mixing arrangements is complex and not always straightforward.

Option C is incorrect; the Employer usually chooses the contract form.

Two-stage procurement, involving pre-qualification followed by tender, is typically recommended for large-scale projects where many potential contractors might be interested. This process helps to shortlist qualified contractors, thus streamlining the tender evaluation and increasing the quality and competitiveness of submitted offers.

Option C correctly reflects this approach for complex or large projects where competition needs to be managed.

Option A is incorrect since simple, short-duration projects usually do not require complex procurement.

Option B is incorrect because if only a few capable contractors exist, pre-qualification may be less necessary.

Option D is incorrect as international financing does not always mandate two-stage procurement, although it often influences procurement methods.

Under the FIDIC Red Book and Yellow Book, 1999 editions, the Engineer issues Interim Payment Certificates certifying the amounts due to the Contractor for completed works and materials on site (Sub-Clause 14.6). The Employer is generally bound by the Payment Certificate and must pay accordingly, except where there is a lawful set-off or compensation claim against the Contractor.

Option A is correct because the Employer must pay the amount certified except for compensation claims that may be offset against the payment (Sub-Clause 14.6).

Option D is also correct: If the Employer intends to claim against the Contractor (e.g., for damages or defects), it must notify the Contractor under Sub-Clause 2.5 and provide particulars. The Engineer then assesses and decides on the claim and incorporates any agreed deductions into the Payment Certificate.

Option B is incorrect because the Employer is indeed bound by the Payment Certificate unless lawful deductions or disputes arise.

Option C is incorrect as the Employer can withhold amounts due for compensation claims once these are properly notified and substantiated.

According to FIDIC Red and Yellow Books (both 1999 and 2017 editions), the advance payment guarantee amount may be progressively reduced as the Contractor repays the advance payment through deductions from interim payment certificates. This means the guarantee is reduced as per amounts repaid, not only upon full repayment.

Option D is correct: The guarantee reduces as partial repayments are certified in Payment Certificates.

Option C is incorrect because the reduction happens gradually, not only after full repayment.

Options A and B do not directly relate to the reduction mechanism of the advance payment guarantee.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option A is correct: Certification and payment of interim payments are conditional on Employer’s receipt of the Contractor’s appointment and the Advance Payment Guarantee (Sub-Clause 14.2.1).

Option D is correct: Payment also requires receipt of the Contractor’s statement supported by relevant documentation.

Option B alone is insufficient without supporting documents.

Option C relates to appointment and performance security but is not a stated precondition for payment certification.

Option B is correct: Deleting critical dispute resolution Sub-Clauses 20.2 - 20.4 contradicts the Golden Principles by undermining fair dispute handling.

Option D is correct: Extending payment release to 180 days violates timely payment principles and fairness in cash flow management.

Option A is generally acceptable as the Contractor often assumes responsibility for nominated subcontractors.

Option C is acceptable in some jurisdictions and contracts to provide finality but can be debated.

The Contractor’s obligation to submit progress reports continues until all outstanding work identified in the Taking-Over Certificate has been completed. The Taking-Over Certificate signals substantial completion but may allow for outstanding minor works. Reporting is essential to monitor progress on these outstanding works.

The Performance Certificate relates to final contract completion but reporting usually ends earlier only after all works are completed.

Therefore, Option D is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

According to FIDIC Yellow Book 2017, Sub-Clause 4.5, the Employer has the right to pay a nominated Subcontractor directly if the Contractor fails to do so and can deduct the amount from payments due to the Contractor. This provision protects nominated Subcontractors and ensures payment continuity. The Contractor's failure to provide evidence of payment and justification for withholding payment justifies the Employer's direct payment and deduction.

Thus, the Engineer’s determination should allow the Employer to deduct the 100,000 USD paid directly to the nominated Subcontractor from the Contractor’s next Interim Payment, ensuring fairness and contract compliance.

All main FIDIC contract editions contain provisions that allow the Employer or Engineer to propose or instruct the Contractor to employ certain subcontractors (e.g., nominated subcontractors). The Contractor retains the right to refuse such subcontractors only for reasonable cause, which must be communicated formally.

This mechanism protects the Employer’s interests in subcontractor selection while safeguarding the Contractor’s right to reject subcontractors that may not be competent or suitable.

Therefore, the statement is true.