NCARB Project-Management Exam - Topic 5 Question 8 Discussion

Actual exam question for NCARB's Project-Management exam

Question #: 8
Topic #: 5

During the predesign phase of a project, the architect discovers that the owner's budget is insufficient to meet the program requirements.

Which of the following should the architect do?

AScale down the program to meet the budget.

BRecommend that the owner complete the project in two phases.

CInform the owner that the project as budgeted is not feasible.

DAdvise the owner to increase the budget.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: C

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation:

During the predesign or programming phase, it is the architect's responsibility to advise the owner when the scope and budget are misaligned. The correct professional approach is to notify the owner that the program cannot be met within the current budget. Solutions (phasing or budget increase) may be discussed after this acknowledgment. The architect should not unilaterally scale down the program without owner input.

NCARB ARE 5.0 Handbook -- Budget evaluation in Programming/Predesign

by Kathryn at Nov 20, 2025, 02:16 AM

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Daniel

1 month ago

It's tough, but we need to be clear. Option C is necessary.

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Karl

2 months ago

Two phases could help manage costs better. Option B is practical.

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Staci

2 months ago

Scaling down might compromise the vision. Option A feels risky.

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Steffanie

2 months ago

But what if the owner can't increase the budget? Option B could work.

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Sol

2 months ago

Agree, transparency is key.

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Arlean

2 months ago

I think option C is the most honest approach.

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Lavina

2 months ago

Not sure if phasing (B) is a good idea. Could complicate things.

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Novella

3 months ago

Surprised that increasing the budget (D) is even an option!

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Roxanne

3 months ago

Scaling down the program (A) seems like the easiest fix.

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Audry

3 months ago

B) Recommend that the owner complete the project in two phases. Phased approach is the way to go.

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Felice

4 months ago

Haha, the owner's gonna need a bigger piggy bank for this one!

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Tashia

4 months ago

A) Scale down the program to meet the budget. Compromise is key in these situations.

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Merissa

4 months ago

C) Inform the owner that the project as budgeted is not feasible.

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Rueben

4 months ago

I wonder if advising the owner to increase the budget is a viable option. It seems risky, but it might be necessary for the project's success.

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Ivette

4 months ago

I practiced a similar question, and I think recommending a phased approach could help manage costs while still achieving the overall vision.

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Adolph

4 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I feel like informing the owner about the budget issue is crucial. They need to know the reality of the situation.

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Edward

5 months ago

I'm leaning towards A or B. Scaling down the program or phasing it seem like the most practical solutions to me. C or D could just lead to the project getting shut down entirely.

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Marnie

5 months ago

I think B might be a good option here. Phasing the project could allow the owner to move forward within their current budget, even if the full program can't be completed right away.

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Jani

5 months ago

Definitely C. The architect has a responsibility to be upfront with the owner about the budget constraints. Trying to hide that or force the owner to increase the budget doesn't seem right.

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Lynette

5 months ago

I think I remember something about prioritizing the program requirements, so maybe scaling down the program could be a good option.

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Vallie

5 months ago

I think B is a smart move. Phasing can help manage costs.

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Tammi

5 months ago

Definitely go with option C. They need to know the truth.

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Phuong

6 months ago

D) Advise the owner to increase the budget. It's the only way to get the project done right.

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Dwight

6 months ago

Hmm, this is a tricky one. I'm not sure if I'd recommend scaling down the program or phasing it. I'd probably lean towards C or D, but I'd want to get more details from the owner first.

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