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Certified Professional Estimator
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 re-certification 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.
For More Information Contact:
MCM Services Construction Consultants
13233 C Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68144
Tel: (402) 331-8700
FAX: (402) 331-4547
Internet:
info@mcmservices.com
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