“200”, Aptitude Test
Questions and Answers for Tutorial Assistant (Quantity Surveyor)– Mbeya University of Science and Technology..
This compilation of 200 multiple-choice
questions is designed to assist candidates preparing for the Tutorial Assistant
(Quantity Surveying) public service aptitude test. The questions cover
essential areas including quantity surveying principles, construction
measurement, contract administration, tendering processes, cost control, and
project management. Each question is accompanied by a set of closely related
answer choices to simulate the actual test environment and enhance critical
thinking skills. Detailed rationales for each answer provide clarity and deepen
understanding. This resource aims to build the candidate’s competence and
confidence, ensuring readiness for the diverse challenges of the selection
process.
Prepared by:
Quantity Surveyor, compiled by
Johnson Yesaya Mgelwa.
A lawyer stationed in Dar-es-salaam.
0628729934.
Date: July 19, 2025
Dear applicants,
This collection of questions and answers
has been carefully prepared to help all of you to understand the key areas
tested during the interview. The goal is to provide a useful, and practical
study guide so you can all perform confidently and fairly in the selection
process. I wish you the best of luck, and may this resource support you in
achieving success!
Warm regards,
Johnson Yesaya Mgelwa
For Personal Use by Applicants Preparing
for Quantity Surveyor interview at Public Service Recruitment Service.
ALL
QUESTIONS ARE COMPILED TOGETHER.
1. Which of the following best describes the main role of a Bill of Quantities in construction projects?
A. To provide structural designs and material strength analysis B. To estimate and control costs during construction C. To prepare architectural designs and drawings D. To evaluate contractor’s performance
Answer: B
Rationale: The Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a document prepared to
provide project cost estimation, serve as a basis for tendering, and facilitate
cost control during construction. It itemizes materials, parts, and labor with
their costs.
2. What is the main purpose of a feasibility study in quantity surveying?
A. To ensure the building design is aesthetically appealing B. To assess the financial and technical viability of a project C. To create the structural drawings and foundation plans D. To verify land ownership before acquisition
Answer: B
Rationale: A feasibility study evaluates the practicality of a proposed
project in terms of economic, legal, technical, and scheduling factors.
Quantity surveyors use it to assess whether a project is financially and
technically viable before it proceeds.
3. Which of the following is NOT typically a duty of a quantity surveyor during the post-contract stage?
A. Preparing final account statements B. Monitoring construction progress C. Preparing tender documentation D. Managing cost control on site
Answer: C
Rationale: Preparing tender documentation is part of the pre-contract
stage, where the contract sum and scope are defined. In the post-contract
stage, quantity surveyors focus more on cost control, progress monitoring, and
final account preparation.
4. Which standard method is commonly used for measuring building works in Tanzania?
A. CESMM B. NRM C. SMM7 D. ARM3
Answer: A
Rationale: The Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM)
is widely used in Tanzania for civil engineering works, especially in public
sector projects. It provides a standard approach to quantify and price
construction work.
5. Which document typically defines the scope of work and obligations between the employer and contractor?
A. Project Feasibility Report B. Contract Agreement C. Procurement Plan D. Construction Program
Answer: B
Rationale: The contract agreement is a legal document that outlines the
scope of work, responsibilities, timelines, and financial arrangements between
the employer and the contractor, making it essential for project execution.
6. Which of the following best defines a provisional sum in a Bill of Quantities?
A. A fixed payment for all project costs B. An estimate for undefined or unforeseen work C. A final settlement amount D. The contractor’s profit margin
Answer: B
Rationale: A provisional sum is an estimated amount included in the BOQ
to cover work or services that are not fully defined at the time of tendering.
It provides flexibility to include additional scope as needed.
7. In construction contracts, the term ‘practical completion’ refers to:
A. When 50% of the work is done B. When defects are still being corrected C. When the works are complete and usable D. When payments are fully settled
Answer: C
Rationale: Practical completion marks the point when construction is
completed and the building can be used, though minor defects may remain. It
triggers handover and stops the contractor's liability for delays.
8. What is the key role of a Quantity Surveyor in tender evaluation?
A. Approving building permits B. Supervising design engineers C. Assessing and comparing financial bids D. Approving payments to consultants
Answer: C
Rationale: During tender evaluation, quantity surveyors analyze and
compare the submitted bids for accuracy, compliance, and value for money to
recommend the most economically advantageous offer.
9. What is typically included in pre-tender estimates?
A. As-built drawings B. Post-contract reports C. Forecasted project costs D. Actual construction expenses
Answer: C
Rationale: Pre-tender estimates provide forecasted costs of a project
before tendering begins, helping clients budget and assess affordability.
10. Which of the following software is widely used in quantity surveying for cost estimation and BOQ preparation?
A. AutoCAD B. Microsoft Word C. CostX D. SketchUp
Answer: C
Rationale: CostX is specialized software for quantity surveying, used to
generate cost estimates and prepare digital BOQs from 2D and 3D drawings.
11. Which of the following is NOT a method of procurement in construction?
A. Design and Build B. Traditional Contract C. Time-Based Consulting D. Management Contracting
Answer: C
Rationale: Time-based consulting is a consultancy engagement method, not
a procurement method. The other options are standard construction procurement
routes.
12. A prime cost sum in a BOQ usually refers to:
A. Payment to subcontractors only B. Materials to be selected by the client C. Site supervisory charges D. Final account settlement
Answer: B
Rationale: A prime cost sum is an allowance in the BOQ for materials or
services where exact details are not known at tender time, typically to be
chosen by the client later.
13. Which principle of measurement emphasizes consistency and standardization across BOQs?
A. Flexibility B. Accuracy C. Uniformity D. Complexity
Answer: C
Rationale: Uniformity ensures that BOQs are prepared in a consistent
format, making them easier to interpret, compare, and evaluate fairly across
all bidders.
14. Which construction contract clause typically addresses delays and time extensions?
A. Termination Clause B. Defects Liability Clause C. Liquidated Damages Clause D. Extension of Time Clause
Answer: D
Rationale: The Extension of Time clause outlines the process and grounds
for granting additional time due to delays beyond the contractor’s control.
15. Which of the following is most critical when preparing a project cash flow forecast?
A. The contractor’s profit margin B. Labour skills C. Payment schedule and project timeline D. Soil test results
Answer: C
Rationale: A project cash flow forecast depends heavily on the payment
schedule and timeline, which determines when funds will be required or
received.
16. In Tanzania, which Act governs the registration and regulation of Quantity Surveyors?
A. Land Act B. Contractors Registration Act C. Architects and Quantity Surveyors (Registration) Act D. Public Procurement Act
Answer: C
Rationale: The Architects and Quantity Surveyors (Registration) Act
establishes the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Registration Board (AQRB)
which regulates the profession in Tanzania.
17. Which of the following is a key advantage of the Design and Build procurement method?
A. Separate contracts for design and construction B. Longer project delivery time C. Single point responsibility for client D. More variation orders
Answer: C
Rationale: Design and Build offers a single point of responsibility for
both design and construction, which can reduce disputes and improve efficiency.
18. Retention money in construction contracts serves to:
A. Increase contractor profit B. Cover consultant fees C. Ensure defects are corrected D. Reduce tax liability
Answer: C
Rationale: Retention is a portion of payment withheld to ensure the
contractor fixes any defects during the defects liability period after
completion.
19. Which of the following is a form of tendering used in public sector projects in Tanzania?
A. Direct Negotiation B. Selective Tendering C. Random Tendering D. Informal Auctioning
Answer: B
Rationale: Selective tendering is commonly used in public projects to
invite bids from pre-qualified contractors, ensuring competition among
competent bidders.
20. What does value engineering primarily aim to achieve?
A. Increase material usage B. Reduce staff salaries C. Optimize project cost without affecting quality D. Delay project timelines
Answer: C
Rationale: Value engineering is a systematic method of improving the
value of a project by analyzing its functions to reduce cost while maintaining
or improving quality.
21. Which construction cost category includes items such as permits, fees, and legal costs?
A. Direct costs B. Contingency costs C. Preliminary costs D. Indirect costs
Answer: D
Rationale: Indirect costs are expenses not directly tied to the physical
construction but necessary for the project, such as permits, legal fees, and
administration.
22. What is the purpose of a site visit before preparing a BOQ?
A. To interview workers B. To supervise excavation C. To understand site conditions D. To approve structural designs
Answer: C
Rationale: A site visit helps the quantity surveyor understand the
location, access, soil, and constraints which influence pricing, methods, and
BOQ accuracy.
23. Which clause in standard forms of contract covers dispute resolution procedures?
A. Warranty clause B. Variation clause C. Dispute clause D. Force majeure clause
Answer: C
Rationale: The dispute clause outlines the procedure for resolving
disagreements, including mediation, adjudication, arbitration, or litigation.
24. Which of the following would best help a client assess contractor capability before awarding a contract?
A. Checking weather forecasts B. Reviewing contractor’s past project portfolio C. Asking neighbors D. Sending unsolicited offers
Answer: B
Rationale: Reviewing a contractor’s experience, portfolio, and financial
capability helps the client assess reliability and competence before award.
25. What is the primary purpose of a Gantt chart in project management?
A. Budget analysis B. Cost planning C. Schedule visualization D. Materials procurement
Answer: C
Rationale: A Gantt chart is used to visually represent the project
schedule, showing task durations, start and end dates, and dependencies.
26. In the context of construction, what does the term “variation” mean?
A. Construction mistake B. Change in work scope C. Quality control process D. Material wastage
Answer: B
Rationale: A variation is an official change to the work originally
agreed in the contract, which may affect cost, time, or specifications.
27. The abbreviation “FIDIC” refers to:
A. Federal Infrastructure Design Institute Council B. Finance for International Design and Construction C. International Federation of Consulting Engineers D. Foreign Investment and Design in Construction
Answer: C
Rationale: FIDIC stands for Fédération Internationale Des
Ingénieurs-Conseils (International Federation of Consulting Engineers), which
publishes widely used standard contracts.
28. The contingency sum in a budget is mainly included to cover:
A. Client entertainment B. Project promotion costs C. Unforeseen costs D. Final payment bonuses
Answer: C
Rationale: Contingency sums are allowances in the budget for unexpected
or unpredictable expenses that may arise during construction.
29. What is the role of a consultant quantity surveyor during a project?
A. Issuing land titles B. Inspecting food for workers C. Advising on cost and contract issues D. Supervising electrical installations
Answer: C
Rationale: Consultant quantity surveyors offer cost advice, contract
administration, valuations, and financial reporting on behalf of the client.
30. What is the purpose of retention in a construction contract?
A. Reward performance B. Penalize late workers C. Guarantee defect correction D. Reduce taxes
Answer: C
Rationale: Retention ensures the contractor returns to fix defects
during the defect liability period by withholding part of their payment.
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