QA vs QC is one of the most commonly confused topics in architecture and construction, and it shows up across multiple ARE and CDT exam divisions. In this episode, Emily breaks down the difference between quality assurance and quality control, explains how they work together as a closed loop system, and walks through how QA/QC applies across every phase of a project.

Quality assurance prevents problems. Quality control finds them. We cover how QA/QC works during design, documentation, and construction administration, with a full curtain wall system walkthrough from specification through final installation. Emily also clarifies who is responsible for what in the quality process, because the ARE loves testing those role boundaries.

Whether you're studying for the ARE, preparing for the CDT, or just want to run better projects, this episode gives you a complete framework for understanding quality management.

📝 Key Topics Covered: - QA vs QC: prevention vs detection and why the distinction matters - How quality management works during design, documentation, and construction - Roles and responsibilities: architect, owner, and contractor - Real-world curtain wall QA/QC example from design through closeout - Where QA/QC shows up on the ARE and CDT exams

⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction to QA/QC (1:27) Understanding the Basics (6:16) QA/QC During Design Phase (12:14) QA/QC During Construction Docs (15:38) QA/QC in Construction Admin (19:36) Roles and Responsibilities (24:36) Real-World Curtain Wall Example (28:44) Exam Tips and Conclusion

📖 Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/qa-vs-qc/

📝 Download the free QA vs QC study notes: https://youngarchitect.com/quality

🎯 Need help with your ARE study strategy?

Check out our ARE Boot Camp coaching program: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp

📚 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-study-materials/

📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses: - PcM 101 (Practice Management): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-practice-management/ - PjM 101 (Project Management): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-management/ - CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-construction-and-evaluation/ - PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/ - CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/cdt-exam-prep/ - CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ccca-exam-prep/ - PA 101 (Programming and Analysis): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/ - PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/ - Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/ - Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/ - AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/