This post is designed to help you identify which BlueprintToPass practice exams align with the key content areas of the California Supplemental Exam (CSE). Unlike other practice exams, BlueprintToPass focuses on questions directly related to CAB’s official reference materials, rather than generic knowledge statements.
Targeting Specific Content Areas for Maximum Score Improvement
If you’re looking to boost your score in a particular content area—such as “Contract Development / Project Planning”—you’re in the right place!
Below, you’ll first find an overview of the CSE content areas tested by the California Architects Board (CAB). Then, for each content area, we’ve mapped out the relevant Knowledge Statements along with the corresponding BlueprintToPass practice exams you should focus on.
To determine which knowledge statements relate to each content area in the CSE test plan, you can refer to the section in the CSE Handbook that outlines the test plan. This document includes a breakdown of each content area along with corresponding tasks and knowledge statements.
From the document, here is how the knowledge statements align with the content areas:
I. Contract Development / Project Planning (25%)
Knowledge Statements:
- Knowledge of Architects Practice Act and California Code of Regulations.
- Understanding of agency impacts on projects.
- Knowledge of architect and project team contractual roles.
- Knowledge of contracts, scheduling, risk management, and funding sources.
- Understanding of regulatory agencies and their jurisdiction.
- Knowledge of conflict resolution principles.
BlueprintToPass practice exams correlation:
- Architect Practice Act and CA Codes
- General Practice – AIA Contracts
- Project Delivery Methods
- State Agencies
II. Schematic Design / Discretionary Approvals (30%)
Knowledge Statements:
- Knowledge of site feasibility analysis, discretionary approvals, and regulatory compliance.
- Familiarity with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and California Coastal Act.
- Understanding of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California Accessibility Standards.
- Knowledge of CALGreen and Health & Safety Code.
- Ability to prepare and present schematic designs to stakeholders and agencies.
BlueprintToPass practice exams correlation:
- CEQA
- California Coastal Act
- California Water Code
- Calgreen Code
- ADA – Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities
- California Energy Code
- State Agencies
III. Design Development (15%)
Knowledge Statements:
- Knowledge of building systems, utilities, and material selection.
- Understanding of seismic, fire severity, and flood zones.
- Knowledge of energy analysis and life-cycle costs.
- Methods for evaluating materials and equipment.
BlueprintToPass practice exams correlation:
- California Water Code
- California Energy Code
- Testing Standards
- Earthquake Hazards Mitigation Legislations
IV. Construction Documents / Permitting (10%)
Knowledge Statements:
- Knowledge of contract document coordination.
- Understanding of building codes, constructability, and agency approvals.
- Familiarity with resolving conflicts between agencies.
- Managing the submittal process for regulatory approval.
BlueprintToPass practice exams correlation:
- California Water Code
- California Energy Code
- Testing Standards
- Architects Practice Acts and CA Codes
V. Project Bidding and Construction (20%)
Knowledge Statements:
- Knowledge of post-construction services.
- Understanding of construction administration, special inspections, and contractor submittals.
- Knowledge of bidding procedures based on public vs. private projects.
- Familiarity with deferred submittals, lien laws, payment applications, and warranty periods.
BlueprintToPass practice exams correlation:
- Davis-Bacon Act
- Local Agency Public Construction Act – Counties
- State Agencies
- General Practice – AIA contracts
- Project Delivery Methods