The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s understanding of project management, particularly how to address gaps in expertise within the design team. Effective project management ensures that all necessary expertise is available to deliver a successful project.

Option A (Find appropriate consultants and include them in the design team):This is the correct choice. If the project manager or design team lacks expertise in a specific area (e.g., structural engineering, acoustics), the best approach is to proactively identify and include appropriate consultants in the design team from the outset. This ensures that the necessary expertise is integrated into the project, preventing issues and ensuring a comprehensive design.

Option B (Use an appropriate consultant if a problem arises during the project):This reactive approach waits for a problem to occur before seeking expertise, which can lead to delays, cost overruns, or design errors. It is less effective than proactively including consultants from the start.

Option C (Require project team members to research information on the design criteria):Researching information may provide some knowledge, but it does not substitute for specialized expertise. This approach risks errors and is not a professional solution for addressing significant gaps in knowledge.

Option D (Select one member of the design team to receive training in the expertise required):Training a team member can be time-consuming and may not provide the depth of expertise needed for a complex project. It is less efficient and reliable than hiring a consultant with established expertise.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on project management and team coordination.

“When the design team lacks expertise in a specific area, the project manager should find appropriate consultants and include them in the design team to ensure all aspects of the project are addressed professionally.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Project Management Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide emphasizes a proactive approach to addressing expertise gaps by integrating consultants into the design team. This ensures that specialized knowledge is available throughout the project, making Option A the correct answer.

Objectives:

Understand project management strategies for addressing expertise gaps (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Project Management).

Apply team coordination to ensure project success (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Coordination).