Professional evaluation through Certification is one of the many ways the American Society of Professional Estimators endeavors to promote the profession and benefit the construction industry.

The founders of the Society sought to include estimators of all types of construction in the membership of ASPE: residential, heavy, general, specialty trade and conceptual. This array of highly skilled professionals was the "melting pot" envisioned by the Charter Members of the American Society of Professional Estimators when they organized in 1956.

With such diversity of backgrounds, the development of programs for both education and certification of professional estimators has been a demanding and rewarding process. For all the varied disciplines or levels of detail, the fundamental principles of construction cost estimating remain universally applicable. Beyond these fundamentals, however, lie the realms of varied disciplines, which make construction estimating one of the most unique, challenging, and fulfilling professions an individual, may pursue.

During the early years of the Society's existence, long-range programs were formulated to encourage university-level instruction in construction estimating, not only for the novice student, but for the experienced estimator as well. A system for evaluating the proficiency of estimators seeking certification was also envisioned.

ASPE Certification is the highest form of professional recognition an individual estimator can receive and is being sought by more construction estimators every year. Through it's Certification Program, the American Society of Professional Estimators recognizes the estimating proficiency and ethical awareness of the Certified Professional Estimator (CPE).

The Certification Board with the help of Chapter Certification Committees and Regional Governors administers the Certification Program.

ASPE Certification may be defined as an educational process, which entails mandatory workshop attendance, submission of an acceptable Professional Evaluation Application and technical paper, successful completion of written examinations and participation in the Continuing Certification Program. Each CPE Candidate must earn an affirmative appraisal based on proven ability and practical experience in the profession.

The Society's efforts in the area of Certification became reality in August 1976 when the National Certification Committee met in Denver, Colorado to evaluate the first phase of the Certification Program. The results were most gratifying. The Committee found a nucleus of competent estimators in nearly all of the construction disciplines. These professionals became the initial peer group against which applicants were measured. The peer group's expertise has since been drawn upon to establish a comprehensive examination system.

Today each estimator seeking certification must meet certain requirements before being permitted to take the written examinations. Occasionally, experienced estimators will request certification without examination. This is not permitted under the Society's program rules. Requiring each candidate to take the examinations ensures the integrity of the Society's program.

Once recognized as a CPE, you will be expected to keep abreast of current trends and improved practices in the construction industry. Your conformance with this requirement is measured under the provisions of the Continuing Certification Program. CPEs subject to recertification must document active participation in the areas of ASPE service: professional, educational and creative contributions to construction estimating. Among the elements of continuing certification are review of technical papers, and the contribution of questions and problems to the Certification Test Data Bank.

As a CPE, you may be requested to volunteer your expertise in advancing the art and science of estimating. For example, you may contribute new material for the Standard Estimating Practice manual (SEP). You could also present a Certification Workshop or proctor an examination. Or you may be called upon by the Education Board to develop programs to improve the quality of estimating instruction for students at colleges and universities.

HISTORY

Although the founders of ASPE and the first six chapters had previously discussed the concept of certification, it was not until 1974 that the Society embarked on this program. The first National Director was appointed, and he assigned responsibilities for developing tests in the various CSI disciplines. In addition, the National Board accepted a preliminary format for testing.

In 1975, the Society explored seeking outside help in the area of test development. Several firms, including Educational Testing Service (ETS) in Princeton, New Jersey, were contacted to submit proposals and fee schedules. During the year, a series of meetings were held to review examination procedures, test questions, and testing agency presentations. After considering the economic impact of hiring a consultant, the Society decided to involve all chapters to implement the exam process. The National Board approved ETS's recommendation to establish a peer group that would not undergo the planned testing procedure. This core group would create a staff to administer the evaluation of other candidates for certification. The final accomplishment of that year was the first draft of the Certification application.

1976 was a banner year for ASPE. The Society formed the Code of Ethics to supplement certification, introduced standards and rewrote the national bylaws to encompass the program. In May, the National Board officially adopted the tenants of certification including the Certification application, the Code of Ethics, and certified members of the Executive Committee as the initial peer group. Applications were then distributed to the entire membership. Over 300 Professional Evaluation Applications were processed in August, and 233 individuals were accepted for certification in 11 of the 16 CSI divisions.

The Long-Range Planning Task Force comprised of past National Presidents, asked the Society to develop a "generic" test in February 1984. This exam would be available to all members regardless of their specialty and/or the existence of a discipline test. In the ensuing four years, the Certification Test Development Committee authored, critiqued, and administered the first General Estimating Knowledge Exam in May 1988. In addition, the Society drew up plans for Continuing Certification to keep estimators abreast of new advances in their profession and to ensure continued educational and Society involvement.

Dedicated members have served in various capacities over the years to keep certification in the forefront as one of the six fundamental purposes of our organization. The program's future course will continue to be charted by a desire for excellence, to indicate the Society's level of professionalism in the industry, and to focus on the improvement of each estimator's skills.

CERTIFICATION PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Three Certification Schedules or "cycles" are available for the applicant to complete the certification process: the Standard Cycle, Accelerated Cycle and Convention Cycle. Each cycle allows the applicant to complete the Certification Program within a different time frame. The Standard Cycle covers the longest period of time, while the Accelerated Cycle helps the applicant to complete the process in the shortest time frame. The Convention Cycle allows the applicant to take the exam(s) during the Annual Convention and complete the process sooner than the Standard Cycle. Please review these cycles thoroughly; applicants are required to select one of the three cycles on the Application for Professional Evaluation.

The Standard Cycle is shown in chronological order. The other cycles vary in the order each step of the Certification Program is completed. Additional information about the following steps may be found in the Certification Program Process Section.