Technology

Evaluating the owner's technology priorities and investment, technology in delivery method selection, project data and ethics, project and program control tools, field technology, building information modeling, cybersecurity and technology adoption.

5 minutes 5 Questions

In the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) body of knowledge, Technology refers to the digital tools, systems, and processes a construction manager uses to plan, coordinate, document, and control projects across the full lifecycle—from pre-design through closeout. The CCM is expected not only to u…

Concepts covered
Mobile Field Technology and Reality CaptureTechnology Implementation and Change ManagementOwner Technology Priorities and InvestmentProject Data Management and Common Data EnvironmentsData Ownership, Ethics and PrivacyTechnology in Delivery Method SelectionProject Cybersecurity Risks and ControlsProject Management Information SystemsScheduling and Cost Control SoftwareBIM Execution Plan and Digital HandoverEmerging Construction Technology EvaluationBuilding Information Modeling and Clash Detection
Test mode:
Start practice test

CMAA CCM - Technology Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Technology

Question 1

A construction manager pilots a tablet-based inspection and punch list app on one wing of a public school. After six weeks, inspectors log deficiencies in the app, but subcontractor foremen still close items on paper, and daily reports show the same entries twice. The vendor confirms the software performs as specified, and most foremen attended the hands-on training. Foremen say the forms listed in the project's written procedures still govern closeout. Which factor most likely explains the weak adoption?

Correct Answer: The governing workflow still names paper as the official record, so the app duplicates effort

Foremen keep closing items on paper because the project's written procedures still name the paper forms as the official closeout record. As long as that is true, the app is an extra step rather than a replacement, which is why daily reports show duplicate entries.
The training explanation fails because most foremen attended the hands-on sessions. Software defects are ruled out because the vendor confirmed the app performs as specified. Pilot size is not the issue either, since the foremen point to the governing procedures, not a lack of visible time savings.
Key concept: when adopting new technology, revise the governing procedures and the designated system of record, so the new tool replaces the legacy process instead of running alongside it.

Question 2

A county is planning a single jail expansion, with no follow-on capital projects scheduled. Its facilities staff is small and has little experience with construction software. A vendor has proposed an enterprise suite with modules for scheduling, cost control, BIM and asset management. The county asks the construction manager how it should approach this technology investment. What should the construction manager BEST recommend?

Correct Answer: Match the purchase to the county's goals and staff capacity

Technology investments should be scaled to the owner's actual project needs, goals and the staff's ability to adopt and sustain the tools. A small, inexperienced team running a single project gains little from a complex enterprise suite it cannot use.
Buying the full suite for later projects ignores the fact that no follow-on capital projects are planned, so that benefit will not materialize. Adopting the general contractor's platform serves the contractor's workflow rather than the county's needs and governance. Choosing the most features at the lowest price ignores usability, training burden and fit.
Key concept: right-sizing project management technology to owner requirements and organizational capacity.

Question 3

During design of a bridge replacement, the construction manager circulates a draft BIM execution plan. Its handover section already lists the asset attributes the final model must carry at turnover, such as bearing types, coating systems, joint details and inspection intervals. The owner's maintenance supervisor asks why these items are being fixed now, years before the bridge opens. Which explanation best reflects why the plan defines them at this stage?

Correct Answer: Defining handover data early lets the team capture it as work proceeds

Setting the required handover attributes during design lets designers, contractors and suppliers enter bearing types, coatings, joint details and inspection intervals into the model as each element is designed, procured and installed, so a complete asset dataset is ready at turnover.
The model does not necessarily replace record drawings or O&M manuals; it often supplements them, and that is not why the requirements are set early. A BIM execution plan does not shift liability for model accuracy between parties; contracts do that. Defining requirements up front reduces later changes and claims rather than inviting change pricing.
Key concept: early definition of owner information requirements for asset handover and facilities management.

More Technology questions
320 questions (total)
Practice 100 questions
One session at a time, always new questions