Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

How does contingency time affect task delays in a construction schedule?

1. It reduces the likelihood of delays

2. It has no impact on the schedule

3. It increases the likelihood of scheduling impacts

4. It guarantees all tasks will finish on time

The correct answer is: It increases the likelihood of scheduling impacts

Contingency time serves as a buffer within a construction schedule to accommodate unexpected events or delays. When contingency time is included, it allows for adjustments and reallocation of resources if tasks do not proceed as planned. The presence of this buffer does not eliminate the occurrence of delays but rather acknowledges that they may happen and provides a means to manage their impact. In construction, unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, supply chain disruptions, or labor shortages can affect the timeline. Contingency time helps to absorb these impacts, but if there is a fundamental issue or a series of delays greater than the allocated contingency, it may lead to further scheduling issues. While it can mitigate the impact of delays, contingency time does not guarantee that all tasks will finish on time, nor does it have no effect on the schedule. In fact, a greater amount of contingency time can lead to an increased probability of scheduling impacts if conditions are not effectively managed or if overreliance on the time buffer prevents proactive planning.