AIC AO study plan

Map the AIA A201 and A101 general conditions clauses to the project delivery sequence, annotating which contract article governs design, bidding, construction, and closeout.

Build a one-page comparison of design-bid-build, design-build, and CM at-risk showing where cost certainty, schedule risk, and owner control shift between delivery methods.

Draft a work breakdown structure for a hypothetical 40,000 sq ft commercial building down to level-three activities, then code each activity to a CSI MasterFormat division.

Sequence the WBS into a precedence diagram and identify the critical path by hand, documenting total float for at least five non-critical chains.

Compute schedule durations from production rates for concrete formwork, structural steel erection, and drywall hanging, showing crew-size assumptions and productivity factors.

Explain how to compress a schedule through crashing and fast-tracking, and calculate the cost slope for three crash options to justify the least-cost acceleration.

Describe the submittal, RFI, and change-order workflows and state which schedule activities each one typically gates.

Interpret a baseline-versus-actual schedule update and calculate schedule variance in days and earned schedule metrics.

Assemble a quantity takeoff for concrete, masonry, and rough carpentry from a written scope description, showing measurement rules and waste factors for each line.

Build a unit-price estimate by applying labor, material, and equipment rates to the takeoff, then add crew-based labor burden and sales tax by line item.

Structure a bid into direct costs, indirect costs, overhead, contingency, and profit, and explain how each layer is typically applied.

Compare lump-sum, unit-price, cost-plus-fee, and GMP contract types on risk allocation and how each shapes the estimate.

Convert an estimate into a project budget broken down by cost code, and establish a schedule of values that matches the billing structure.

Calculate earned value metrics (CPI, SPI, EAC, VAC) from a provided cost-and-schedule dataset and interpret what each result signals to management.

Describe how a general contractor tracks committed versus incurred versus forecast costs and explain the role of a cost report in monthly project review.

Explain how to manage retainage, lien waivers, and pay applications so that cash flow stays positive through the project.

Explain structural load paths and how gravity and lateral systems transfer to foundations, and identify which engineering discipline owns each decision on a typical project.

Describe the roles of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in coordination and explain why clash detection matters before installation.

Build a site-specific safety plan outline covering the OSHA Focus Four hazards with the abatement measure for each.

Explain the competent-person concept, the hierarchy of controls, and how a pre-task safety meeting and job hazard analysis fit into daily operations.

Draft a meeting agenda, minutes, and action-item log for a weekly owner-architect-contractor meeting, and practice running a 30-minute mock meeting with a colleague or recording.

Write three types of project correspondence: an RFI, a notice of a differing site condition, and a formal delay notice, each citing the governing contract clause.

Explain the document control lifecycle for submittals, shop drawings, and as-builts, and describe how document retention supports claims defense.

Describe how project closeout is administered, including punch list, substantial completion, final payment, and warranty turnover.

Compare leadership styles and explain when directive versus participative approaches suit a construction team, using a scenario to justify the choice.

Describe how to build and motivate a project team, including delegation, accountability, and conflict resolution between field and office staff.

Explain the roles and responsibilities of owner, architect/engineer, contractor, and subcontractors, and identify where authority and liability overlap.

Practice answering scenario-based questions on ethics, negotiation, and team conflict by writing out structured responses using a situation-action-result format.

Consolidate all domain notes into a single indexed reference sheet capped at 20 pages, organized by exam domain with cross-references.

Complete two full-length timed practice sets under exam conditions and score each by domain to identify remaining weak areas.

Re-drill the two lowest-scoring domains with targeted review and rewrite the affected reference-sheet sections.

Rehearse the highest-yield calculations (CPM float, earned value, crash cost slope, unit-price markup) from memory until each is completed accurately within three minutes.