Professional Practice Examination (PPE)

Sample Architecture practice questions

Try these 12 questions from different topics. Open "Show answer" to check yourself and read the explanation.

1. Question 1 · Registration, Ethics & Client Duty

   A client asks a probationer architect to describe themselves publicly as a registered architect before passing the PPE. What is the most appropriate response?

   1. A.Decline and use only the professional title permitted by the current register
   2. B.Use the title because the client requested it
   3. C.Use the title only on social media
   4. D.Use the title if no fee is charged
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Decline and use only the professional title permitted by the current register

   Protected professional titles and registration status should be represented accurately to clients and the public.

2. Question 2 · Project Delivery & Contract Administration

   A client requests a material change during construction that may affect cost and completion time. What should the architect do first?

   1. A.Tell the contractor to proceed verbally without records
   2. B.Document and evaluate the proposed variation through the authorized contract process
   3. C.Hide the likely cost effect from the client
   4. D.Change the drawings after completion
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Document and evaluate the proposed variation through the authorized contract process

   Controlled variation procedures preserve authority, scope, cost, time and accountability.

3. Question 3 · Planning, Building Control & Sustainability

   Before construction begins on a project requiring statutory approval, what should the architect confirm?

   1. A.That furniture has already been purchased
   2. B.That the contractor can bypass the assembly
   3. C.That the required planning and building approvals have been obtained
   4. D.That only a verbal neighbourhood approval exists
   Show answer

   Answer: C. That the required planning and building approvals have been obtained

   Professional project delivery includes compliance with applicable planning, building and environmental requirements.

4. Question 4 · Practice Management & Fees

   An architect's fee of 6% on a construction cost of GH₵2,000,000 is:

   1. A.GH₵12,000
   2. B.GH₵1,200,000
   3. C.GH₵120,000
   4. D.GH₵60,000
   Show answer

   Answer: C. GH₵120,000

   0.06 × 2,000,000.

5. Question 5 · Construction Law & Disputes

   An architect who negligently designs a building that causes injury may be liable in:

   1. A.Tort (negligence) and possibly contract
   2. B.Criminal law only, never in civil law
   3. C.Customary law only
   4. D.No law at all
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Tort (negligence) and possibly contract

   Liability may be owed to the client and to third parties.

6. Question 6 · Project Management

   The critical path in a project network is the:

   1. A.Longest path, setting the minimum duration
   2. B.Shortest path through the network of activities
   3. C.Path with the most activities
   4. D.Path with the most resources
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Longest path, setting the minimum duration

   Delays on critical activities delay the whole project.

7. Question 7 · Contracts & Procurement

   FIDIC contracts are widely used for:

   1. A.Employment contracts for engineering staff
   2. B.International construction projects
   3. C.Land sales
   4. D.Insurance policies
   Show answer

   Answer: B. International construction projects

   The Red Book is for construction designed by the employer.

8. Question 8 · Construction & Site Management

   The standard age at which concrete cube strength is usually assessed for compliance is:

   1. A.3 days
   2. B.1 year
   3. C.28 days
   4. D.1 day
   Show answer

   Answer: C. 28 days

   7-day results give an early indication.

9. Question 9 · Climate-Responsive Design in Ghana

   In Ghana's tropical climate, buildings are best oriented with their long axis running:

   1. A.North–south, to face the rising and setting sun
   2. B.East–west
   3. C.Diagonally in every case
   4. D.Towards the nearest road only
   Show answer

   Answer: B. East–west

   Low morning and afternoon sun on east and west walls is hard to shade.

10. Question 10 · Fire Safety & Accessibility

    Fire safety certification of premises in Ghana is the responsibility of the:

    1. A.Architects Registration Council
    2. B.Ghana National Fire Service
    3. C.Ghana Police Service
    4. D.Environmental Protection Agency
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Ghana National Fire Service

    The Fire Service operates under Act 537 (1997).

11. Question 11 · Building Technology & Materials

    A damp-proof course in a wall mainly prevents:

    1. A.Termite attack on roof timbers
    2. B.Heat gain through the wall
    3. C.Sound transmission
    4. D.Rising damp from the ground
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Rising damp from the ground

    It is laid near the base of walls above ground level.

12. Question 12 · Site Analysis & Briefing

    A client brief for a building project mainly sets out:

    1. A.The contractor's tender price and programme for the works
    2. B.The architect's personal design preferences
    3. C.The client's needs, budget and timescale
    4. D.Building regulations in full
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The client's needs, budget and timescale

    A clear brief reduces costly design changes later.