# PjM Exam 1 – Question 49 (CMa: Agent vs Advisor) **URL:** \ **Category:** Project Management\ **Created:** [April 5, 2026, 10:50pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pjm-exam-1-question-49-cma-agent-vs-advisor/7779 "2026-04-05T22:50:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![eyob.kfa](https://blackspectacles.com/uploads/images/2.png) [@eyob.kfa](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/eyob.kfa)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2026, 10:50pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pjm-exam-1-question-49-cma-agent-vs-advisor/7779/1 "2026-04-05T22:50:49Z")
Hi, For Exam 1, Question 49, the correct answer is listed as “CM as Agent (CMa).” I understand AIA typically uses “Construction Manager as Advisor (CMa).” Are these considered interchangeable for ARE purposes, or is there a distinction I should be aware of? Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![kiaragalicinao](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/community.blackspectacles.com/kiaragalicinao/32/1607_2.png) [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2026, 4:08pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pjm-exam-1-question-49-cma-agent-vs-advisor/7779/2 "2026-04-10T16:08:42Z")
Great question @eyob.kfa! It’s easy to confuse these two terms because they are so similar. The abbreviations (CM-A / CMa) are sometimes used interchangeably between the two (including on the ARE), so don’t rely on those when answering a question. It’s important to understand the distinction between the two actual terms: - **Construction Manager as Advisor** acts as a consultant to the owner and may only give advice to them. - **Construction Manager as Agent** acts as a consultant to the owner, but may also act on behalf of the owner. Refer to The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice (15th Edition) pages 514-515 for more about the construction management role. Hope this helps! Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB Product Coordinator **[Black Spectacles](https://www.blackspectacles.com/en-us/)**