The Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC) is made
of of four exams that are 3 hours each. Section 1 — Design is the first
of the four sections, covering six of the thirteen ExAC themes:
Programming, Site & Environmental Analysis, Engineering Systems,
Cost Management, Schematic Design, and Design Development.
Although considered one of the more easier sections, Section 1 still
requires a solid understanding of core design concepts and the ability
to apply them to complex scenarios. The real exam emphasizes critical
thinking and scenario-based questions rather than rote memorization. To
succeed, candidates must be able to analyze unfamiliar situations,
identify relevant principles, and make informed decisions based on their
knowledge of architectural design and practice. Key tip: utilize the
Canadian Handbook of Practice as well as Building Construction
Illustrated.
Below are 25 free practice questions drawn directly
from our full-length ExAC mock exam. Click any answer choice to reveal
whether you got it right, along with a full rationale explaining the
reasoning behind the correct answer. These questions reflect the format,
difficulty, and content distribution of the real ExAC.
Want the full 128-question timed mock exam?
The complete Section 1 mock exam — 120 multiple-choice questions plus 8
short-answer questions, with a 3-hour timer and full scored review — is
included with the ExAC Study Guide.
Get the guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ExAC Section 1 cover?
Section 1 — Design covers six ExAC themes: Programming (Theme 1), Site
& Environmental Analysis (Theme 2), Engineering Systems (Theme 3),
Cost Management (Theme 4), Schematic Design (Theme 6), and Design
Development (Theme 7). The exam includes 120 multiple-choice questions
and 8 short-answer questions, with a 3-hour time limit.
How hard is the ExAC compared to these practice questions?
These practice questions are representative of actual ExAC difficulty
— medium to hard. The real exam leans heavily on application and
scenario-based reasoning rather than pure recall. Expect to apply
concepts to unfamiliar situations, not just remember definitions.
Are mock exams available for Sections 2, 3, and 4?
Yes — mock exams for all four sections are now available and
included with the ExAC Study Guide. Section 2 covers the National
Building Code of Canada (NBC 2020) and NECB. Section 3 covers
construction documents and specifications. Section 4 covers
contracts, bidding, construction administration, and project
management.
What is a passing score on the ExAC?
RAIC does not publish a fixed passing percentage — the exam is scored
against a criterion-referenced standard set by the examination
committee each cycle. As a benchmark, most candidates aim for 70%+ on
practice materials to feel confident on exam day.
Is RAIC Document 6 heavily tested on Section 1?
Yes. RAIC Document 6 (the standard architect-client agreement)
underpins much of the Schematic Design and Design Development content
— phase definitions, fee structures, responsibilities, and cost
estimation expectations. Understanding its clauses is essential for
Sections 1 and 4.