Free NCARB Project-Planning-Design Practice Exam Questions and Answers 2026

Refer to the exhibit (site designs A through D with tree and shrub placement and prevailing northwest winds indicated). Which of the following site designs would best protect the structure from prevailing northwest winds? 

An elementary school requires a renovation, selective demolition, and a major addition in order to accommodate a growing student population. An architectural firm has prepared schematic design plans incorporating the school's increased programmatic needs, including an enlarged library, cafeteria, and gymnasium; a secure courtyard; and additional space for administrative offices and classrooms. The main entrance was relocated in order to improve the traffic and pedestrian flow at the beginning and end of the school day, and additional parking was provided to comply with current zoning requirements. The existing single-story masonry building was built in 1950. Two small additions were built later: the north addition will be kept and repurposed, but the south addition will be demolished. The building contains asbestos and lead in roof soffits, floor tiles, pipe insulation, and window paint. All existing mechanical systems need to be replaced; new systems have not been selected. Considerations for the renovation include: The relocated front entrance must be easily recognizable, highly visible, and secure.Interior and exterior materials need to be durable and maintainable in order to withstand frequentstudent abuse, but also economical due to strict budget limitations.Good indoor air quality and increased energy efficiency are priorities for the selection of mechanicalequipment.After completion, the entire school should look uniform, without a distinctive difference between the existingbuilding and new addition.Building information:Construction Type is II-B.The following resources are available for your reference:Existing Plans, including site and floor plansProposed Plans, including site and floor plansCost AnalysisZoning Ordinance Excerpts, for off-street parking requirementsIBC Excerpts, showing relevant code sectionsADA Standards Excerpts, showing relevant sections from the ADA Standards for Accessible Design

When designing a three-story wood-frame home located in a high wind region, the addition of a green roof with a two-foot soil bed would do which one of the following? 

Which of the following strategies is most appropriate for a new shopping center to be constructed on a nearly flat site flowing into a municipal subsurface storm-drainage system that is at capacity during a 5-year storm?

An architect is selecting a mechanical system for the first floor of a hotel in a temperate climate. They mustconsider the following:• The building footprint covers 95% of the small urban site.• The first floor has an open floor plan that includes a lobby, bar, and restaurant.• The plan can only accommodate one 500 sf mechanical room.What mechanical system should the architect recommend?