Legal and Ethical Considerations Quiz
1. What is the main purpose of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996?
A. To regulate planning permission in residential areas
B. To enforce building regulations on site health and safety
C. To provide statutory payment rights and adjudication procedures in construction contracts
D. To limit contractor mark-up in public sector projects
Correct answer: C
2. Which of the following is NOT one of the RICS global ethical standards?
A. Act with integrity
B. Always seek to win tenders
C. Take responsibility
D. Provide a high standard of service
Correct answer: B
3. What is one of the key compliance responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor?
A. Managing site labour schedules
B. Authorising planning consents
C. Ensuring payment notices are issued on time
D. Designing mechanical systems
Correct answer: C
4. Under the Bribery Act 2010, a QS must:
A. Pay subcontractors in cash
B. Avoid accepting gifts that could influence decisions
C. Always work with the lowest bidder
D. Keep contract values confidential at all times
Correct answer: B
5. What might happen if a Pay Less Notice is not issued on time?
A. The contract is automatically void
B. The subcontractor may still receive full payment
C. The payment is deferred until the next valuation
D. The main contractor gets fined by HMRC
Correct answer: B
6. Which of the following best defines professional integrity for a QS?
A. Sticking to client wishes regardless of consequences
B. Always certifying payments in favour of the main contractor
C. Being honest and consistent, even when it’s inconvenient
D. Negotiating to increase final account values
Correct answer: C
7. A clear audit trail is most useful for:
A. Tracking daily site productivity
B. Reviewing staff annual leave
C. Verifying that cost decisions followed correct procedures
D. Submitting planning applications
Correct answer: C
8. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 focus primarily on:
A. Project marketing and promotion
B. Health and safety throughout a project’s lifecycle
C. Controlling final account negotiations
D. Determining allowable overheads
Correct answer: B
9. An example of a conflict of interest would be:
A. Working overtime on a cost plan
B. Certifying payment for a subcontractor you previously worked for without disclosure
C. Requesting quotations from more than three suppliers
D. Using BIM software to estimate costs
Correct answer: B
10. Why should a QS regularly review legal and industry standard updates?
A. To improve their marketing skills
B. To justify additional fees to the client
C. To maintain compliance and avoid legal risks
D. To complete site risk assessments
Correct answer: C