CertificationCandidateHandbook

For the Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) Program

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By choosing to review this Handbook, you have takenthe first steps toward joining a select group ofestimating professionals who have distinguishedthemselves by earning the CPE (Certified ProfessionalEstimator) Certification.

This Handbook summarizes key aspects of the CPECertification program, and is intended to help youunderstand why the program was developed, how it isgoverned, its policies and procedures and the processtoward earning and maintaining CPE Certification.

Now that you are preparing to write a technical paperand take the examinations, this Handbook will serve asa valuable reference to :

● Understand the CPE Certification Process● Gather the appropriate items to submit your

technical paper● Understand the Computer Based Testing● Maintain CPE Certification after passing the

program requirements.

CPE Certification is a recognized program defined byConstruction Estimating experts. The examsthoroughly test competencies necessary to providequality estimates and ethical practices.

Registration deadlines and program due dates aresubject to change and are regularly updated on theASPE website as changes occur. It is theresponsibility of the candidate to be aware of andcomply with registration and program deadlines.Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

This handbook cannot address every potentialquestion, policy detail or program change. It will,however, serve as a candidate’s guide to betterunderstanding of the program. You may also contactASPE staff at 615-316-9200 with additional questions.

Good luck and best wishes on earning CPECertification.

ASPE’s Certification Committee has established itself as a certifyingbody to promote the highest standards of construction estimating andto recognize professionals who have mastered this unique skill set.

Welcome Construction EstimatingProfessional!

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Award winning ideasto get you to the top.

Marcene Taylor, CPE

“I came into estimating through an apprenticeship, soI don’t have a college degree in a construction-relat-ed field. Being a Certified Professional Estimatorshows potential clients that I have the experiencenecessary to complete their work.”

William Manfredonia, CPE

“The CPE credential provides a more respectedcredence of character and testimony. It definitely po-sitions you on a high plateau than your industrypeers.”

Doyle Phillips, CCCA, CPC, FCPE

“There is no doubt that it is well worth the time andmoney. It is a distinguishing mark that I take greatpride in having associated with my name and profes-sion. My company is a huge supporter of the programand when we are hiring new personnel in our Esti-mating department, someone with a CPE definitelyhas an advantage. My company uses the CPE's with-in our company as a marketing and negotiating tool.”

You’re only as good as you last move, right?Luckily for us, our last moves have been pretty good ones.We don’t expect people to believe that we’re the best justbecause we say so. Take a look at some recent testimo-nies to show you that we mean business.

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ApplicationOnce the experience requirement has been met, complete and submit the application and theappropriate fees. Applicants must create an Online Profile and sign-in to apply for certification.Members of ASPE already have an Online Profile. Non-members should follow the instructionsprovided on the site for creating an Online Profile. All candidates must provide appropriatedocumentation as evidence of their eligibility.

Steps to Certification

Technical PaperThe paper is to be completed and submitted by the due date in order for the candidate to beeligible for testing. Candidates are provided, if needed, an opportunity to make revisions to theirpaper if their initial review is not satisfactory to the program requirements.

Work ExperienceIn order to apply for the CPE Certification, candidates must gain the necessary work experi-ence. A minimum of five (5) years of on-the-job experience must be documented on the applica-tion to the program. Paper applications* are available on the ASPE website for use byindividuals who are unable to utilize the web-based application.

ExamsAll Candidates are required to complete the General Estimating Knowledge Exam (GEK) andtake the Discipline Specific Test (DST) for which they are seeking certification. Exams are com-puter based and require a proctor. Candidates have one re-sit per test if the minimum passingscore is not met the first time. Most chapters have a certification chair that can serve as theproctor. If a Discipline Specific Test has not been fully developed, Candidates may submit ques-tions and problems to meet the DST requirement.

Professional DevelopmentProfessional Development is required to maintain your certified status. Each CPE must report30 PDUs per year of their 3 year certification cycle. A Renewal Handbook is available on theASPE web site.

Ready to get started?Sounds good, lets read further.

*PAPER APPLICATION FEE: A paper application fee is charged for processing of all certification, certification renewal, proctor forms, or conversionpaper applications.

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Table of ContentsPreface........................................................................................................................................................................................1

Steps to Certification Summary................................................................................................................................................3

Certification Program Schedule................................................................................................................................................5

Section 1 - About ASPE Certification Program .....................................................................................................................6● History of the Program ..................................................................................................................................................................6● Certification Program Overview.....................................................................................................................................................7● What is CPE Certification...............................................................................................................................................................7● Why Become Certified ...................................................................................................................................................................7● Accreditation....................................................................................................................................................................................7

Section 2 - Exam Information ..................................................................................................................................................8● Exam Development.........................................................................................................................................................................8● Exam Topics....................................................................................................................................................................................8● Exam Scoring..................................................................................................................................................................................9● Exam & Question Format.............................................................................................................................................................10● Exam Administration....................................................................................................................................................................10● DST Requirement met through Questions and Problems..........................................................................................................13

Section 3 - Candidate Information ........................................................................................................................................16● Certification Program Administration..........................................................................................................................................16● Steps to Certification ....................................................................................................................................................................16● Test Proctor Selection ..................................................................................................................................................................17● Special Accommodations..............................................................................................................................................................18● General Information ......................................................................................................................................................................18● Structure of the Administration....................................................................................................................................................18● ASPE Certification Appeal Process..............................................................................................................................................18● Terms and Conditions of the Disciplinary Policy........................................................................................................................19● The GEK Study Guide....................................................................................................................................................................20● Discipline Specific Test (DST).......................................................................................................................................................20● Exam Rules and Procedures.........................................................................................................................................................21● Actions/Disqualification................................................................................................................................................................21● Examinee Conduct ........................................................................................................................................................................21● Successful Candidates...................................................................................................................................................................21

Section 4 - ASPE Code of Ethics ...........................................................................................................................................22

Section 5 - The Technical Paper ............................................................................................................................................26

Section 6 - Continuing Certification........................................................................................................................................28● Renewing/Continuing Certification...............................................................................................................................................28● Eligibility..........................................................................................................................................................................................28● Certification Renewal Procedure...................................................................................................................................................28● Certification Renewal Point Dates.................................................................................................................................................29● Renewal Applications and Forms..................................................................................................................................................29

Section 7 - Proper Use of CPE Logo.......................................................................................................................................31

CONTENT IN THIS HANDBOOK, INCLUDING POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

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CPE Certification ScheduleCertification Path Cycle 1 (Winter) Cycle 2 (Summer)

Submittal of ProfessionalEvaluation Application/Fees

Last Day to submit application forconsideration January 10 July 10

Review of Applications byCertification Committee To be completed by February 15 August 15

Notification to Candidates ofAcceptance and assigned Paper Topics

To be completed by March 1 September 1

Candidate Handbook Sent toCandidates To be completed by March 1 September 1

Study Materials Sent toCandidates(GEK Study Guide and SEP)

To be completed by March 30 October 1

Proctor Form to be Submitted Tests require a Proctor. Proctorforms to be submitted by

Per date indicated inemail request

Per date indicated inemail request

Technical Paper Due Date Papers are to be submitted by June 15 December 15

Technical Paper ReviewResults

These will be issued to candi-dates as the review is completed

Testing Period for CandidatesGEK and DST test and/or Ques-tions and Problems to becompleted during the month

July March(of following year)

Re submittal of deficient papersand/or questions and problems To be completed by October 15 June 15

(of following year)

Retake of GEK and/or DST Completed during the month of November July(of following year)

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Professional evaluation through Certification is oneof the many ways the American Society of Profes-sional Estimators endeavors to promote the profes-sion and benefit the construction industry. Thefounders of the Society sought to include estimatorsof all types of construction in the membership ofASPE: residential, heavy, general, specialty trade andconceptual. This array of highly skilled professionalswas the "melting pot" envisioned by the CharterMembers of the American Society of ProfessionalEstimators when they organized in 1956.

In 1975, the Society explored seeking outside help inthe area of test development. Several firms, includ-ing Educational Testing Service (ETS) in Princeton,New Jersey, were contacted to submit proposals.During the year, a series of meetings were held toreview examination procedures, test questions, andtesting agency presentations. The Society involvedall chapters to implement the exam process. The Na-tional ASPE Board approved the ETS’s recommenda-tions to establish a peer group that would createstaff to administer the evaluation of candidates forcertification.

1976 was a banner year for ASPE. The Societyformed the Code of Ethics to supplement certifica-tion, introduced Standards and re‐wrote the nationalbylaws to encompass the program. In May, the Na-tional Board officially adopted the tenants of certifi-cation including the certification application, theCode of Ethics, and certified members of the Execu-tive Committee as the initial peer group. Applica-tions were then distributed to the entiremembership. Over 300 professional evaluation appli-cations were processed in August and 233 individu-als were accepted for certification in 11 of the 16 CSIdivisions.

The Certification Program has expanded to includeseveral Discipline Specific Tests (DST’s). The numberof DST’s available for testing purposes is always in-creasing. The goal was to develop the primary disci-plines first. The first exam developed was forGeneral Contracting estimators, followed by Electri-cal, Mechanical HVAC Piping, HVAC Sheet Metal,Plumbing, Concrete, Roofing, Drywall and others. Alldisciplines do not necessarily have a test developed,nor will all disciplines have a test. The tests devel-oped are done so based primarily upon demand. Alltests are continually reviewed and updated.

In 2008, ASPE received its accreditation from CESB(Council of Engineering and Specialty Boards). Ac-creditation of certification programs provides assur-ance for candidates and their employers that ourprocedures conform to those of the highest stan-dards.

The ASPE Certification Program earned recognitionfrom the American Council for Construction Educa-tion (ACCE) in 2014 for having a certification pro-gram that met ACCE’s rigorous quality and contentstandards.

Dedicated members have served in various capaci-ties over the years to keep certification in the fore-front as one of the six fundamental purposes of ourorganization. The program's future course will con-tinue to be charted by a desire for excellence, to in-dicate the Society's level of professionalism in theindustry, and to focus on the improvement of eachestimator's skills.

History of the Program

Section 1: About ASPE Certification Program

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AccreditationThe Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) program is ac-credited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Spe-cialty Boards (CESB).

Due to it’s rigorous assessment process, CESB representsthe highest standard in accreditation. Achieving andmaintaining accreditation is part of an ongoing commit-ment to add value to the certifying body and signify toour certified professionals and candidates for certifica-tion that the CPE program adheres to the highest stan-dard in credentialing.

With such diversity of backgrounds, the develop-ment of programs for both education and certifica-tion of professional estimators has been ademanding and rewarding process. For all the varieddisciplines or levels of detail, the fundamental prin-ciples of construction cost estimating remain univer-sally applicable. Beyond these fundamentals,however, lie the realms of varied disciplines, whichmake construction estimating one of the mostunique, challenging, and fulfilling professions an in-dividual may pursue.

ASPE Certification is the highest form of professionalrecognition an individual estimator can receive andis being sought by more construction estimators ev-ery year. Through its Certification Program, theAmerican Society of Professional Estimators recog-nizes the estimating proficiency and ethical aware-ness of the Certified Professional Estimator (CPE).

The National Certification Committee, with the helpof Chapter Certification Committees and RegionalGovernors, administers the Certification Program.

ASPE Certification may be defined as an educationalprocess, which entails review of this CandidateHandbook, submission of an accepted technical pa-per, successful completion of computer based ex-aminations and participation in the CertificationRenewal Program. Each CPE Candidate must earn anaffirmative appraisal based on proven ability andpractical experience in the profession. More detailsof the program may be found on our web site,www.aspenational.org.

Once recognized as a CPE, you will be expected tokeep abreast of current trends and improved prac-tices in the construction industry. Your conformancewith this requirement is measured under the provi-sions of the Certification Renewal Program. CPEssubject to certification renewal must document ac-tive participation in the areas of continuingeducation/training, teaching or mentoring, involve-ment with other professional organizations, andother professional activities pertaining to profes-sional growth and career development.

Overview of the CPE Program What is CPE Certification?Certified Professional Estimator Certification is an unpar-alleled recognition in the field of Construction Estimatingthat is achieved by successful completion of a technicalpaper, general estimating knowledge exam and a disci-pline specific test. CPE certification benefits the profes-sion and the practitioner by:

● Improving the quality of estimates● Setting standards of competency for the practice

of construction estimating● Encouraging ongoing learning and improvement

required for professional excellence over a life-time of practice

● Helping the construction estimator maintain thequality of their educational experience and pro-viding recognition of their qualifications

● Encouraging the sharing of knowledge amongCertified Professional Estimators

● Enhancing the credibility of the certificant andthe employer.

Why Become Certified?Construction Estimators all across the United States andsome abroad have demonstrated their competency bytaking and passing the CPE program. Achieving certifica-tion is an investment in one’s career and one’s profession-al and personal development .

Becoming certified by APSE enables estimators to:● Validate knowledge essential to the practice● Gain competitive advantage● Elevate their status in the field● Demonstrate commitment to the highest stan-

dards● Increase opportunities for career advancement● Enhance professional reputation

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Section 2: Exam Information

The CPE certification examinations are written anddeveloped by members of the ASPE item writingcommittees. The item writing committee is a sub-committee of the National Certification Committee.

The questions developed for each exam are deter-mined by an exam blueprint, which indicates thepercentage of items that are required for each examtopic area. Periodic task analysis studies are per-formed every five years to determine appropriatetopics for inclusion on the exam blueprints. Taskanalysis carefully assess any updates and changesthat may have occurred in the field of constructionestimating over time. Regularly updating the examblueprints ensures that the questions included onthe exams are relevant and accurately measureoverall knowledge of estimating including a strongunderstanding of specific practices in specific disci-plines. The ASPE task analysis also provides the ex-aminee and employer a basis of a valid, reliable, fairand realistic assessment that reflects the skills,knowledge and abilities required for competent jobperformance.

CPE exams are designed to evaluate the extent of acandidate’s knowledge and understanding of the es-tablished Body of Knowledge.

The Body of Knowledge of cost estimating musttherefore include much more than techniques forgathering data and using it to estimate costs. Thecost estimator must be skilled in the broad applica-tion of construction systems.

The Body of Knowledge was created based on jobanalysis study and is the bases upon which test itemsare created to cover content deemed essential forthe practice of the profession. Cost estimating dealswith the tasks of conceptual modeling, measure-

ment, and evaluation and comparison of the costs ofeach alternative. In a different context, cost estimat-ing is all related models, techniques, tools, and databases required to accurately predict the cost of anappropriately described scope of work. Associatedwith each task are the skills and techniques requiredto perform it. The skills and techniques necessary forthe performance of the cost estimating tasks formthe Body of Knowledge for this profession.

BASIC SKILLS BODY OF KNOWLEDGEThese basic skill areas form the background knowl-edge for cost estimating. It is rather broad areas ofknowledge as opposed to particular techniques orconcepts. Admittedly, it would be the exceptionalcost estimator who was thoroughly proficient in allthese basic skills. Generally, each basic skill canbe acquired in undergraduate college courses and/orthrough work experience.

● Operations Planning and Control● Methods and Standards● Project Management● Economics● Computer Science● Scheduling● Managerial Economics● Probability and Statistics● Cost Accounting● Technical Report Writing● Public Speaking

COST CONCEPTSThe remainder of the Body of Knowledge is moreclosely associated with the particular tasks of costestimating. The first tasks associated with conceptu-al modeling are concepts of cost. The cost conceptsare the elementary ideas about which cost estimat-ing is concerned.

● Not-to-Exceed Cost● Direct Cost● Indirect Cost

Exam Development

Exam Topics

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● Variable Cost● Fixed Cost● Average Cost● Marginal Cost● Incremental Cost● Life Cycle Cost● Revenue● Profit● Overhead● Differential Cost● Direct Labor● Incurred Cost● Markup Rate● Process Costing● Job Order Costing● Constant Dollars● Risk/Uncertainty● Internal Economies● ROM (Rough Order Magnitude)● Operating and Support Costs● Acquisition Costs● Allowable Costs● Labor Burden● Design-to-Cost● Fee● Cost Escalation● G & A (General & Administrative Cost)● Performance Factors

DATA AND MEASUREMENTThe cost concepts with which the cost estimatorwould ideally work are frequently not measuredprecisely. As a result, cost estimators must workwith data that are approximate measures of con-cepts.

● Cost estimators must fully understand theelements of data and measurement.

● Labor Hour Standards● Cost Accounting Systems and Standards● Standard Hour Cost● Construction of Cost Factors● Run Time● Index Numbers● Share-Line● Transfer Pricing and Imputed Values● Scrap Rate● Sampling Techniques● Escalation

● Cost Elements● Work Breakdown Structures● Alternatives Determination● Cost Baseline● Composite Labor Rates● Contract End Items● Contract Types● Equipment/Labor/Material Cost● Electronic Measuring Estimating Software

The examination score is an estimate of theexaminee’s knowledge. All ASPE certification exami-nations are measured and evaluated to ensure thateach examination score provides reliable estimatesof proficiency. With the advancement of computer-based testing, the process of collecting informationelectronically has improved the evaluation of eachexamination. Examinees that desire to provide com-ments are given that opportunity at the conclusionof each exam section by selecting the “Review” but-ton on the scoring screen of the computer based ex-am. What is sought by the ASPE CertificationCommittee in the exams is the ability to perform anddemonstrate a competent knowledge of the subjectmatter for a Certified Professional Estimator.

The “pass point” (PP) or “passing grade” (PG) for theAmerican Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) exams is theminimum score which is required to pass each of thecertification exams administered.

ASPE uses a modified version of the Angoff Methodto determine the PP/PG for each exam. CPEs and ex-perts independently rate each question on the exam.The ratings are set as the likelihood that a compe-tent estimator with the prerequisite qualificationsfor applying to the CPE program can answer thequestion correctly. After the panel rates the ques-tions, they are then provided with the ratings of theother panel members. Each panel member is givenan opportunity to change their ratings based on theratings of the other panel members. After the ques-tions have been verified and rated the second time,the mean, or average, score for the entire exam iscalculated. The score MUST meet the minimum cor-

Exam Scoring

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rect answers to reach the PP/PG which generally re-flects 70 percent in the Discipline Specific Tests (DST)and 65 percent for the General Estimating Knowl-edge Exam (GEK).

Every CPE applicant is encouraged to comment oneach question he/she feels is problematic andshould be reviewed by the Certification Committee.In the field of construction estimating, differentparts of the country have different phraseologywithin a field of work, or a trade in one part of thecountry may be responsible for a particular scope ofwork and the same trade will not consider the samescope as a part of their responsibility in another partof the country.

For example, sheet metal flashing will be included inthe HVAC trade in Arizona, but not in Oregon. There-fore a standardized test must be written so that anestimator in the Southwest and one in the Northeastcan arrive at the same answer for the same ques-tion. If the applicant’s score borderlines the PP/PG,the entire Certification Committee will review anycomments made by the applicant regarding per-ceived ambiguous questions. If a majority of thecommittee members agree that a comment whichcast doubt on the validity of a questions and/or an-swer, the applicant will be awarded appropriatepoints to their grade. Should the applicant providethe committee with sufficient, relevant and accuratecomments, the applicant may “earn” a sufficientnumber of points to pass the exam. The exam ques-tions which are shown to be flawed by such com-ments revised to correct any ambiguity.

The ASPE certification examinations consist oftrue/false and multiple-choice questions. Somequestions involve interpretation ofdrawings/schematics to determine the appropriateanswer. All exams are computer-based and require aproctor. All exams are administered in English usingthe Imperial System of measures.

All ASPE exams are administered via computer, dur-ing the testing periods as stated in the programschedule. All exams are proctored. Typically, thechapter certification chairperson serves as the localproctor, however, any current active CPE may serveas a proctor.

StaffingThe Certification Coordinator has the overall respon-sibility for ordering/planning the test administrationand for assuring that related pre and post test activi-ties have been completed. Staff will provide proctorswith supplemental material for candidates takingDST exams.

The following additional positions must be appoint-ed to support test administration activities:

● Proctor: to manage the specifics of the testadministration

● Candidate: to determine their Proctor and toverify with the Proctor that Internet access isavailable. The Candidate is to either provide apersonal laptop or computer that meets sys-tem requirements at testing location or verifythat the proctor can supply access to an ade-quate computer with Internet access.

Responsibilities of ProctorThe exam must be administered in a secure, proc-tored setting. The proctor will have access to thecandidate’s log in information, supplemental materi-als and support from the Certification Coordinator.

The main duties of the Proctor are to:● Become oriented to the Computer Based

Testing (CBT) exam delivery● Ensure that testing room arrangements cre-

ate a positive secure working environment inwhich the examinees can feel comfortableand do their best work

● Check with IT department to determine iftesting needs can be met at office location orchoose a public library or other facility thatmeets the needs to the testing format

Exam & Question Format

Exam Administration

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● Conduct the exam in compliance with theprocedures established by ASPE for computerbased exams.

● Record the nature, time and duration of anyinterruption to the testing process.

● Notify the Certification Coordinator if a sub-stitute proctor is required on testing date

● Start the test session, monitor the progressof the examinee, and relay the examineescoring for pass/fail status to the candidate.

● Provide candidates with printed copy of sup-plemental materials for the DST exam

The proctors may request a sample test prior toproctoring a candidate to become familiar with themechanics of the computer-based testing system.

Responsibilities of the CandidateThe candidate has the primary responsibility to as-sure that all computers used for the test administra-tion can deliver the exam securely and successfully.

Specific duties for technical assurance are to:● Meet with proctor prior to test date to en-

sure that the testing location will allow ac-cess to the examination site home page.During the pre-meeting, the candidate shouldtake laptop/computer to be used on examday for connection testing. Testing web site:www.examprofessor.com.

● If the testing location requires travel, thenthe candidate will need to contact proctorand request an exam compatibility check onat least one workstation or laptop at the test-ing location. This may require clearance fromthe testing location’s IT department.

● he candidate should use the sample examlink provided in this handbook on the laptopthat will be used on exam day to test operat-ing system, virus checker, and browser ver-sion compatibility .

Scheduling of ExamsThe examinations are available during the predeter-mined testing windows as listed on the CertificationSchedule Matrix. Every candidate will receive aProctor Form that allows the candidate to submit

the following information to the Certification Coordi-nator.

● Proctor Name, telephone number and emailaddress.

● Test Date for each exam● Testing Location● Accommodation request:

1. medical/physical needs2. special needs

Testing request triggers a system email to the Proc-tor with the information they need to administertesting. Supplemental material for each DST will besent to the proctor via email. In order to allow ade-quate time for proctors to prepare and to allow can-didates to follow up on pre-test setup tasks, theproctor form should be submitted by the requesteddue date.

Administering the Exam(s)Bathroom/Coffee breaks will be taken “on the clock.

The pacing varies by exam. For discipline specific ex-aminations, the pace is determined by the numberof questions and the time allotted as determined bythe item-writing committee for each test. The GEKexam, that is taken by all candidates, is allotted up tofive hours for completion. The DST tests are dividedinto two 4 hour 15 minute sections to allow forlunch to be taken, “off the clock.”

The certification coordinator receives auto email no-tifications of test scores at the end of each testingsession. The Candidate’s GEK score will be determineat the conclusion of the test. For the DST test, aweighted average of the two session scores will de-termine the final score.

After the examinees have been admitted and seated,the proctor starts the test session and communi-cates the log-in code to each examinee for the spe-cific exam being taken during that session. For DSTExams, the proctor should print a copy of supple-mental material and give to each candidate for theirrespective DST exam.

The test session has an internal clock that will notifycandidate of remaining time. Once time has ended

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or all the questions are complete, the exam systemwill score the exam. Supplemental material must beturned back into the proctor at the end of the exami-nation.

Candidates and Proctors should make note of anytechnical or other problems that may occur duringthe session. This record will be used to update theinformation provided to proctors and assist with testformat development.

Test Administration SupportAPSE Staff will be available during normal businesshours for test administration support on your testdate(s) to respond to technical or procedural issuesthat may arise.

Score ReportingAfter the end of a test session the candidate willhave an immediate score and the certification coor-dinator will receive a score for each examinee.The proctor will report for any candidate that mayhave been unable to complete the test due to illnessor that left the testing location prior to completion.If the candidate has been unsuccessful in the passingof an exam and wishes to use their re-take option,the candidate may schedule a time with the proctorand then notify the certification coordinator by com-pleting a new proctor form.

Computer-Based Testing RequirementsThe standard ASPE computer-based testing require-ments outlined below apply to exams delivered overboth wired and wireless networks. Examinees mayuse personal laptops, either Macs or PCs, to take anexams. The computer based program should workwith any main browser. All examinees should arrive30 minutes prior to the exam start time for check-inand computer set-up.

Inclement WeatherEvery attempt is made to administer the examina-tion as scheduled, however in the event of inclementweather or unforeseen emergencies on the day ofan examination, all scheduled candidates will receivenotification from their proctor regarding reschedul-ing procedures.

During the ExamIF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY PROBLEMS DURING A TEST-ING SESSION, NOTIFY YOUR PROCTOR. HE/SHE WILLINITIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION. THE PROCTOR WILLALSO RECORD THE TIME AND DURATION OF THEINTERRUPTION SO THAT ADJUSTMENTS / RESCHED-ULING CAN BE MADE IF THERE IS A SIGNIFICANTLOSS OF TIME.

Exam Program Not RespondingThe exam program is designed to operate with rea-sonable speed. If you should notice that your an-swers are not recorded as selected, you may haveloss brief connection. This especially happens ifthere is a weak wireless connection. This drop inconnection is not enough to remove you out of thesystem, but enough to allow a slight interruptioncreating a mal-function.

IF THIS OCCURS…. Please close your browser. Opena new window, access the URL and log back into theexam system. The exam system will open to thequestion that was last recorded as complete. Thereis a small build in timeframe of approximately 15minutes into the time allotment for each exam toaddress situations such as this should you experi-ence a need to exit and log back into the system.

Exam SystemASPE Certification currently uses a web-based examsystem known as Exam Professor. The site URL ishttp://www.examprofessor.com.

Candidate’s can move back and forth among ques-tions as needed. This allows a candidate to reviewanswers as long as there is time left on the clock.The system will not grade your exam if time is avail-able and there are questions that have not been an-swered. All questions must be answered in order toinitiate the grading of the exam. The system will au-tomatically grade those that have run out of time.

A small sample exam is available to Candidates byusing the following information: URL: http//www.examprofessor.com User ID/Email: sample@aspenational.org Password: MyCPE123 (password is case sensitive)

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ASPE certification program allows candidates, whosediscipline speciality falls outside of our existing ex-ams, to submit Questions and Problems in lieu of tak-ing the Discipline Specific Test. The CertificationCommittee must approve the Candidate to submitQuestions and Problems as their DST requirement.This approval is given upon reviewing the Candidate’sProfessional Evaluation Application.

When developing a test, candidates should begin withtheir learning objectives for the discipline being as-sessed. Well-written, measurable learning objectiveswill greatly ease the process of test planning. Useyour objectives to develop a test blueprint whichmaps out the content areas that the test will mea-sure.

The test blueprints should contain a list of topics thatthe test will cover. Topics should be based on the or-der of importance relevant to the job of the estimatorin that trade or discipline, with more important topicsreceiving greater coverage or weight. Multiple choiceitems are appropriate for knowledge or comprehen-sion but analysis and evaluation are best measuredthrough the development of the problems or “mini-estimates”. Following the test blueprint will makeitem writing easier for the candidate and make thetest more valid for the development of a new Disci-pline Specific Test (DST).

TERMINOLOGYThe candidate must understand that composition;spelling and grammar used in writing the questionsand problems will be an important factor in consider-ing pass or fail. Geographical or regional terms andpractices should not be used, nor should trade ormanufacturers' names be used, unless considered anindustry standard. Use generic terms when describingspecific products (i.e., E.I.F.S. instead of Dryvit). Keepin mind that persons responsible for evaluating thetest or taking the exam may be located in differentgeographic areas and may not be familiar with thecandidate's regional terminology or trade practices.Outside assistance to ensure the use of correct sen-tence structure, proper grammar and spelling is en-

couraged. It is extremely important for the candidateto double check all of the calculations used in arrivingat the answers to the problems. The plans andsketches submitted along with the questions shouldbe clear and complete. It is imperative that all neces-sary dimensions are given and are correct. If thedrawings can be done in a CAD type format then con-verted into a PDF, all the better. If the problems haveerrors in them, they will be returned for correction.

REFERENCESThe candidate is required to provide nationally recog-nized references for each question submitted. Re-gional trade practices are not to be used. Thecandidate must use a minimum of three (3) differentreferences to complete all of the questions. If thecandidate wishes to reference a Web Site, the sourcefor which web based information was based must al-so be referenced. Wikipedia will not be an acceptedsource.

SUBMITTAL PROCEDURESThe DST questions and problems must be submittedto the Society Business Office prior to the date as list-ed in the Certification Program Schedule. The testblueprint of objective template is provided to thecandidates and should be included as part of yoursubmittal. The questions and problems will be sub-mitted per instructions of the Certification Coordina-tor. The provided template will be used for questionentry and the template will be submitted electronical-ly.

DST questions and problems submitted after thescheduled date shall be held without action until thedate listed in the schedule for revised DST questionsand problems re-submittal. This means the submittedquestions and problems would only receive one op-portunity to pass, and would miss the opportunity toresubmit the questions and problems if found not ac-ceptable for the purpose of certification.

If the candidate fails to submit the DST questions andproblems, the candidate may continue in the certifi-cation process by entering the next cycle. Any of thecertification requirements that were successfullycompleted will be brought forward. If the candidatedoes not enter into the next cycle, the certificationprocess has ended and the candidate will have to

DST Requirement Met ThroughQuestions and Problems

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start anew by reapplying for Certification during an-other cycle; all requirements would need to be com-pleted, whether previously approved or not, includinga new Application for Professional Evaluation andfees.

REVIEW PROCEDURESThe Certification Committee is responsible for over-seeing the review and evaluation process. A judgmentof "acceptable for the purpose of certification" ismandatory to satisfy this element of the program.

DST questions and problems will be reviewed andverified by CPEs knowledgeable in the discipline beingsubmitted. The examiners shall verify that the sub-mitted questions and problems meet the guidelinesestablished; spelling, grammar, professional appear-ance, composition, verifiable references, and re-quired elements as stated in these guidelines.

The Certification Committee shall notify the candi-date that this portion of the process has been com-pleted and accepted or if revisions are to be madeand the questions and problems be re-submitted. Re-vised DST questions and problems shall be resubmit-ted to the Society Business Office in the same formatand quantity as originally submitted. The date re-quired for re-submittal shall be prior to the date asstated in the Certification Program Schedule. The re-submitted questions and problems shall be re-evalu-ated by the original examiner and must receive an"acceptable for the purpose of certification"rating.

The candidate shall be notified if the resubmittedquestions and problems have passed or failed. If pass-ing, the candidate will be notified that this portion ofthe certification requirements has been completed. Ifdeficient, the candidate may continue the certifica-tion process during the next cycle. Any of the certifi-cation requirements that have been met would notneed to be repeated. If the candidate does not enterinto the next cycle, the certification process has end-ed. The candidate may reapply for Certification duringanother cycle; and all requirements would need to becompleted, whether previously approved or not, in-cluding a new Application for Professional Evaluationand fees.

It is necessary for the candidate to pass all require-ments of the Certification Program before the candi-date will receive the designation of CertifiedProfessional Estimator.

Required ElementsThe Society Ownership Statement shall contain onlythe following elements: Society Ownership State-ment: The candidate MUST include the followingstatement, providing their name in typewritten char-acters, signature and date:

"I hereby acknowledge that the contents ofthese questions and problems belong to theSociety which is free to publish or otherwisemake such use of all or portions as it sees fit."

This statement will be formatted and submitted as aseparate document from the template.

Test Blueprint/ObjectivesThe test blueprint or objective list gives the reviewerand the ASPE Certification Committee an idea of whattopics your questions address as it pertains to yourspecific trade or discipline. A template is provided tothe candidate and should be turned in with his/hersubmittal.

Reference PageThe Reference Page shall give the complete title ofthe reference materials used to write the questions;the author of each manual; the publisher; the editionnumber; the year published. The reference page willbe a separate document from the template and shallbe submitted electronically. The template requiresthat each question be documented by a reference.This can be done by simply stating the reference titleand page number in the appropriate field of the tem-plate.

1. Question Portion Format:A minimum of one hundred (100) verifiablequestions in a multiple choice format must besubmitted. The questions must have four (4)answer choices. The correct answer must varyin location among the answer choices avail-able (i.e., all the correct answers cannot bechoice “a”). Each multi-choice question mayonly have one (1) correct answer per question.

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Avoid using “all of the above”, “none of theabove” as answer choices. This portion will becontinuous in the template provided (question1 -100 will be one MS Word Document) Thecandidate will be provided a booklet on Howto Write Test Questions.

2. Problem Portion Format:Each problem will begin a new template (if thefirst problem contains 28 questions, the thesecond problem would start a new templatewith question number 1).

The problems vary from the question format, as theproblems relate specifically to calculating quantities,production rates, unit pricing and costs for complet-ing an estimate based on the information provided.Problems must be in an estimate format (labor,equipment, materials, etc.). Calculations of answerscan be added to the source field on the template doc-ument.

A minimum of two (2) problems must be submitted.Each problem must contain a minimum of twenty five(25) multiple choice quantity, cost, production rate,etc., calculation questions. Problems should be “mini-estimates”. Each problem shall provide a drawing ordrawings of work, details as required to calculate thework, and an information page covering general infor-mation. Information such as general notes, assump-tions, factors, schedules, allowances, material andequipment costs, wage and labor burden costs, pro-duction rates, sales tax rates, and so on, as necessi-tated to calculate the correct answer. Thesedocuments will be sent as separate documents alongwith the templates for Questions, Problem 1, andProblem 2 multi-choice questions.

NOTE: do not use the same plan or drawingfor each problem. A different plan or drawingis required for each problem. Number eachitem for each problem in the top left hand cor-ner of the page by designating:

(insert discipline) PROBLEM 1.

Recommendations● Make the questions and problems specific to

the discipline and less general in regards toother trades

● Do not repeatedly use the same question withslight modification to them. Make the ques-tions and problems challenging.

● Avoid the use of geographic, regional or tradepractices. Be more specific based on national-ly accepted standards and methods. The useof manufactures and trade names is discour-age unless it is an industry standard. Example:“Caterpillar Equipment” is a standard forearthwork and/or worldwide.

● Check the composition, spelling and grammarused to write questions and problems. Be surethat others will be able to understand the in-formation being presented and that assump-tions would not have to be made on the partof the reviewer or test taker.

● All of the information is required to be accu-rate and correctly calculated. The correct an-swer must be provided in the question orproblem information. If charts, schedules orgraphs, etc., from published documents areneeded to calculate the correct answer, thisinformation must be provided in the questionor problem general information or specifica-tions.

● Provide answers to questions, which are clearand concise. Make sure there is only one cor-rect answer provided. Avoid conflicting state-ments or “trick” questions.

● For problems, provide complete calculationsto the answers so that the person evaluatingthese can easily understand them.

● It is advisable to submit more questions andproblems than the minimum requirements inthe event some of the submitted items arenot accepted.

Sample Q&PSample Questions and Problems may be requested bythe candidate that has been approved by the Certifi-cation Committee to submit Questions and Problems.

Please contact the Certification Coordinator for fur-ther details and to be sent the required templatesand format for submittal.

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Section 3: Candidate Information

Each candidate seeking certification must meet thebasic requirements.

. Experience - Minimum of Five Years Estimating

. Technical Writing Abilities

. Communication Skills

. Successful completion of Certification Examinations

The Certification Committee then evaluates each ofthe criteria for conformance to the program.

ASPE has established that a CPE candidate must pos-sess a minimum of five years of estimating experi-ence in a specific discipline to be accepted into thecertification program.

All candidates seeking certification should review theCandidate Handbook. This Handbook provides thecandidate with an overview of the requirements andguidelines of the certification process.

Communication Skills and knowledge of estimatingmust be demonstrated to the Certification Commit-tee. This is done through the writing of a technicalpaper on a subject approved by the CertificationCommittee.

The certification exam is designed to evaluate theCPE candidate’s overall knowledge of estimating.It includes quantities, contract terms and conditions,cost reporting, ethics, and other fundamentalsof estimating. The exams consist the General Esti-mating Knowledge Exam (GEK) (5 hour timeallotment) and a Discipline Specific Test (DST) (timevaries by discipline - allow up to 8 hours fortesting). The DST concentrates on specific practicessuch as General Contracting, Mechanical,

Electrical, Excavation, and Concrete estimating.Preparation for the exam is recommended. Acandidate will not be notified of CPE status until allrequirements of the certification process havebeen passed.

Once recognized as a CPE, the estimator will be ex-pected to keep abreast of current trends andimproved practices in the construction industry.Conformance is measured under the provisions ofthe Certification Renewal Program.

Professional evaluation through certification is oneof many ways the American Society of ProfessionalEstimators endeavors to promote the profession andbenefit the construction industry.

Steps to Certification1. Submit Applications and Fee - Candidate’s webbased* professional evaluation application is to besubmitted to the Society Business Office no laterthan January 10th for the Winter Cycle and no laterthan July 10th for the Summer Cycle of the calendaryear. There is a $50 paper conversion fee for all ap-plications submitted by means other than the ASPEweb site. The candidate must select one of the certi-fication program cycles (Winter or Summer Cycle).Each cycle allows the applicant to complete the cer-tification program within a different time frame.

*PAPER APPLICATION FEE: A paper application fee is charged forprocessing of all certification, certification renewal, proctor forms, or con-version paper applications.

2. Candidates will be notified of acceptance to theprogram. When accepted, you will be assigned acandidate number and a technical paper topic. Thecandidate number is utilized throughout thecertification process to maintain confidentiality of acandidate’s name and to insure objectivity duringthe review of the technical paper, exams, and DSTrequirements.

Certification ProgramAdministration

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3. Review of the Candidate Handbook - Candidatesmust complete their review of the Candidate Hand-book and submit their acknowledgement form bythe date indicated on their acceptance notification.The Candidate Handbook will cover all steps of theprogram and exam administration. Candidates mustsubmit their acknowledgement of reviewing and un-derstanding the Candidate Handbook before studymaterials will be released.

4. Write 2500+ Word Technical Paper - The paper isto be completed and submitted electronically to theSociety Business Office no later than the indicateddue dated of the selected cycle in order for thecandidate to be eligible for testing and to avoid pen-alty of score. The candidate will be given anopportunity to re-submit the paper if a failing gradeis received. The candidates should prepare thetechnical paper following the guidelines stated in theTechnical Paper Guide document. Be sure to allowenough time to properly research the paper topicand complete in a professional manner. Each candi-date will receive an upload link via email. The candi-date will receive the upload link email approximatelytwo to four weeks prior to their technical paper duedate or upon request should the candidate wish tosubmit the paper sooner.

Technical Paper Submission● Candidates will submit via electronic submis-

sion to the Society Business Office:● One Complete PDF of paper that in-

cludes all drawings and takeoffs.● Microsoft Word version of technical

paper● Optional: Any additional supporting

files as one continuous PDF

The paper must be received at the Society BusinessOffice prior to the date listed in the Certification Pro-gram Schedule. Submittals received after the speci-fied due date will be subject to penalty of score. Apoint per day will be subtracted from the paperscore for each day after deadline. A paper mustscore 18 of 30 possible points to meet the require-ments for certification as approved. Technical papersubmittals become property of the American Societyof Professional Estimators. Candidates should retain

an electronic copy of their Technical Paper for thepurpose of completing revisions in the event the pa-per fails to meet acceptance.

The Society Business Office will conduct a format re-view of the paper. If the paper has format deficien-cies, the paper will be returned to the candidate forrevision and re-submittal. The revised paper must bereceived prior to the stated format revision deadlineand will undergo a second format review. Failure ofthe second format review will result in the end ofthe current certification cycle and the candidate willbe required to apply to the next available cycle.

Once the paper has passed the format review, it willbe reviewed by volunteer CPEs for content. The pa-per must score a minimum of 18* out of 30 possiblepoints by 2 of the 3 CPE reviewers to be accepted asmeeting the technical paper requirement. If the pa-per does not successfully meet the technical paperrequirement, the paper will be returned to the can-didate for a one time content revision and must beresubmitted by the indicated due date. The sameCPE reviewers will review the second submittal. Thecandidate’s paper must pass the technical paper re-quirement or the current certification cycle ends andthe candidate will be required to apply to the nextavailable cycle.*Math Errors in the paper will result in an automaticfail regardless of the other content criteria scores.Math errors include miscalculations, formula errors,typos and/or any other error that results in calcula-tions being incorrect as presented.

Test Proctor SelectionCandidates must select a proctor for their examina-tion. Typically the Chapter Certification Chairpersonwill serve in this capacity. However, CPEs that aremembers of ASPE and current in their certified sta-tus may proctor an exam. It is the goal of ASPE tofind local proctors when possible. This prevents thecandidates from having to travel to an exam site. Aslong as the candidate and the proctor have Internetaccess or have made arrangements under the “Spe-cial Accommodations” guideline, exam access is uni-versal. Testing times and location will be determinedbetween the Proctor and the Candidate. The Certifi-cation Coordinator will email to candidates a “test

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proctor form” to scheduled exams for the testingmonth associated with the respective cycle. Thisform should be returned by the stated due date. Thisallows time for each candidate to be enrolled inhis/her specific certification test and for the proctorsto have time to receive the computer based logininformation. If you are a Non-Member or a Member-at-Large, the Certification Coordinator will assist inlocating a Proctor upon request from the candidate.

Special AccommodationsCandidates with sensory, visual, orthopedic or otherhandicaps that would prevent them from taking theexaminations under standard conditions may re-quest special accommodations and considerations.

APSE Certification provides special accommodationsin accordance with the American with DisabilitiesAct. If a disability prevents you from taking the ex-amination under normal conditions, you may re-quest specials accommodations. You must submit awritten request, along with your professional evalua-tion application for special accommodations that ex-plains the name of the disability (i.e. the diagnosis),the type of accommodation you feel is appropriate,and attach supporting documentation of the diagno-sis from a qualified healthcare professional.

After receiving the request and appropriate docu-mentation, you will be contacted to make the specialaccommodation arrangements.

General InformationCandidates who do not fulfill the requirements ofcertification within the scheduled period are re-moved from the program. Any candidate who is re-moved from the program and who seekscertification must apply as a new candidate and payall applicable fees. If the candidate reapplies at thenext available certification cycle, any successfullycompleted portion(s) of the certification programwill be carried forward. Candidates who do not suc-cessfully pass an exam on their one retake per cycleand are enrolled in the next available cycle will sub-mit a re-test fee of $125.00. to cover examinationcosts.

If a candidate wishes to apply for an exception toany requirement of the Certification Program, thecandidate must submit the formal request in writingto the Certification Committee within the currentcycle for Certification or Certification Renewal periodprior to deadlines. On receipt of the request, theCertification Committee will review the request andadvise the candidate accordingly. Any requests forappeal are to be directed to the Certification Com-mittee for review. All decisions of the CertificationCommittee are final.

Refunds: Any request for a refund must be submit-ted in writing and signed to the ASPE CertificationCoordinator within 15 days following the receipt ofthe Candidate’s program acceptance notification.Once the acceptance acknowledgement has beensubmitted, the candidate is no long eligible for a re-fund. Request received within the 15 day time linementioned above will be assessed with a $75.00 ad-ministration fee. No refund will be made to any can-didate who fails to participate or who fails meet thescheduled deadlines for the cycle.

Structure of the AdministrationThe Certification Program is implemented by thecombined efforts of the National Certification Coor-dinator, National Certification Committee, ChapterCertification Chairpersons, and Exam Proctors. Theprogram has reasonable expectations of the respon-sibilities of the candidates enrolled in the program. Itis the effort of all parties to go by established guide-lines and procedures. In the event that such proce-dures are not properly administered, candidates maychoose to file a complaint or seek appeal of a disci-plinary action of the National Committee.

ASPE Certification Appeal Process

Right to Appeal:Candidates for the Certified Professional EstimatorProgram and Certificate Holders have the right to filean appeal on matters relating to their application,examination, certification, annual renewal, re-certifi-cation or other matters affecting their status as aCandidate or Certificate Holder. There are generallythree types of appeals, an eligibility appeal, adminis-trative appeal, and a personal appeal.

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Eligibility Appeal:Candidates for the Certified Professional Estimatorcredential who feel they were unjustly denied eligi-bility for the examination may file an Eligibility Ap-peal in accordance with the Appeal Procedures listedbelow.

Administrative Appeal:Candidates for the Certified Professional Estimatorprogram who allege inappropriate administrationprocedures, severe environmental testing condi-tions, or for other reason challenge results of an ex-amination have the right to file an administrativeappeal in accordance with the appeal procedures.

Certificate Holders who believe they were unjustlydenied re-certification, placed on “inactive” statusfor nonpayment of certification renewal, or for otherreasons have the right to an administrative appeal inaccordance with the appeal procedures.

Appeal Procedures:All such appeals must be filed in the Society Businessoffice set out below within 10 days of the examina-tion or notice of non certification or re certification.

Submittal:Each appeal must include a written and signed state-ment of no more than five typed pages setting outthe basis of the appeal, including information as spe-cific as the Candidate feels necessary why he or sheis entitled to the relief requested. The ASPE Certifica-tion Committee will consider each such writtenstatement and is entitled to seek further informationfrom the applicant or any other person, organizationor office that it feels appropriate to the decision ofthe appeal. The Certification Committee will deter-mine the appeal and respond to the applicant. Ap-peals will be resolved within 45 to 60 days ofsubmission.

The Certification Committee reserves the right towaive or extend any time period set out in the pro-cedure, or modify any process as it deems appropri-ate to properly determine any appeal. All steps ofthe appeal process will take place in writing unlessotherwise determined by the Committee.Submit all Appeals to:

ASPE Certification – Appeal2525 Perimeter Place Drive, Ste. 103Nashville, TN 37214

Personal Appeal:Candidates and Certificate Holders dissatisfied withthe actions of the Appeal have the right to a Person-al Appeal with the Board or Trustees for the Society.A Personal Appeal must be submitted in writing. Ameeting of the Board will be set up within 20 days ofreceipt of the Personal Appeal. ASPE CertificationCommittee members are recused from the PersonalAppeal process. Any action taken by a majority of aquorum of the Board of Trustees pursuant to suchappeal shall be final. The Board decision shall be sentto the person submitting the appeal within 10 daysof the decision of the Board.

Ethics Complaint Process:CPE certificate holders are expected to be profes-sionals and as such to conduct themselves in an ethi-cal manner. The Certification Committee recognizesits responsibility to maintain the integrity of the cer-tification program.

The Certification Committee accepts that the goodof the profession may require it to take actionagainst a particular certificate holder upon receipt,investigation, and finding a violation(s) of the Codeof Ethics.

This procedure describes the steps to be taken whencomplaints are presented. By publishing this proce-dure, the Certification Committee does not expect,invite, solicit or encourage such complaints. The useof these procedures is for the sole purpose of pro-tecting the reputation of the profession and safe-guarding the public’s trust.

The Certification Committee will consider only com-plaints that specify the part(s) of the Code of Ethicsthat has allegedly been violated.

Terms and Conditions of the DisciplinaryPolicyThe ASPE Certification Committee shall undertakesanctions against applicants, candidates, or CPE cer-tificate holders only in relation to their failure to

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meet requirements for initial certification, certifica-tion renewal, or Code of Ethics violations. The ASPEcertification is a voluntary process, not required bylaw for employment in the field. Monitoring andevaluating actual job performance is beyond thescope of the ASPE Certification Committee. Applica-tions may be refused, candidates may be barredfrom future examinations, or candidates or individu-als already certified may be sanctioned, including re-vocation of the CPE designation, for the followingreasons:

● Attesting to false information on the applica-tion or on certification renewal documents.

● Giving or receiving information to or from an-other candidate during the examination.

● Removing or attempting to remove examina-tion material from the testing location.

● Unauthorized possession and or distribution(oral, written, or any other medium) of anyofficial testing or examination materials.

● Representing oneself falsely as a designatedCPE.

● Violation of the Certification standards, poli-cies, or procedures

Before any sanction occurs, CPE Candidates or Certif-icate Holders will be provided notice of the reasonfor the proposed revocation and an opportunity toexplain their position to the ASPE Certification Com-mittee as an Appeal and in accordance with suchother policies as may be established by the Certifica-tion Committee. Candidates and Certificate Holderssubject to sanctions set out through the CertificationCommittee’s appeal decisions have the right to file aPersonal Appeal in accordance with the CertificationAppeals Process.

The GEK Study GuideThe purpose of this guide is just that; to “guide” aCertified Professional Estimator (CPE) candidatethrough the General Estimating Knowledge ( GEK)test. However, the candidate must realize and un-derstand that their overall knowledge of the estimat-ing process is the best basis for information inpassing the GEK test. This “knowledge” has been ac-quired by the candidate during their tenure as apracticing estimator.

The GEK Fundamental Knowledge was determinedby reviewing material covered by several Universi-ties through out the U.S. offering estimating coursesand the ASPE test item development committee. It isextremely important for the candidate to note thatthe reason for the five year estimating requirementis that most of the information required to success-fully complete the GEK test is information the candi-date should have “learned” from practicalexperience during the course of every day estimatingpractices and/or through post secondary education.

Discipline Specific Test (DST)Recognizing the importance of also evaluating theestimator’s proficiency in his own trade or specialty,the Certification Committee has prepared disciplinespecific test. The time basis for each DST varies,however, for the purpose of scheduling a proctor thecandidate is advised to allow up to 8 hours to com-plete the testing. Taken together, the GEK and theDST provide a comprehensive assessment of an Esti-mator’s knowledge level.

Each DST is structured to include multi-choice andtrue/false general questions concentrating on specif-ic construction practices such as General Contract-ing, Mechanical, Electrical, Excavation, Concrete, andetc. The DST also includes problems that are, in ef-fect, “mini-estimates”. The candidate is providedwith plans and specifications, along with other rele-vant data, to perform a quantity survey and to pricethe survey. The answers derived from the “mini-esti-mates” are used to answer a series of multi-choicequestions.

The following chart provides a list of DST thatare currently available:Discipline Specific Test MasterFormat Information

General Construction (1.4) Questions cover majorMasterFormat Divisions

Electrical 26 00 00

Mechanical HVAC/Piping 23 20 00

Mechanical HVAC/Sheetmetal 23 30 00

Concrete 03 10 00

Drywall Systems 09 20 00

Painting 09 90 00

Plumbing 22 00 00

Thermal and Moisture Protection 07 00 00

Earthwork 31 22 00, 31 23 00, 31 24 00,32 22 00, 31 32 00

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The following Disciplines are in development:● Metals: 05-00-00 (does not include decora-

tive metals)● Process Piping: Division 40● Fire Suppression: Division 21● Others are added to the “in development”

list when more than 3 sets of Questions andProblems are submitted per like discipline.

Exam Rules and ProceduresThe following rules and procedures will be strictlyenforced on the day of the examination.

● The examination will begin promptly at thehour designated by the proctor and end atthe stated time allowed for each particularexam offering.

● Candidates must report to the testing loca-tion 20 minutes prior to the start of the ex-amination time to insure proper check inprocedures.

● Candidates will not be allowed to enter theexamination area after it starts.

● Visitors are not permitted in the test room.● Pencils are not provided. Candidates will

need to bring sharpened pencils.● Candidates are allowed to leave the room

during the examination with the proctor’spermission. Lost time cannot be made up.

● Calculators are permitted. Digital Scales, Pro-grammable Calculators or other such aids arenot permitted.

● Scratch paper will be provided by the proc-tor or the candidate may bring a blank tabletthat is subject to inspection by the proctor.

● No cellular phones, pagers, or other audibleelectronic devices are permitted in the test-ing room. These should be left with the proc-tor if phone calls are accepted.

● The candidates must not discuss the examwith each other or anyone other than theASPE Certification Committee Representa-tives or Certification Staff at any time duringor after the examinations.

The ASPE Certification Committee will invalidateyour examination and take action in accordancewith the disciplinary procedure if you access prohib-ited materials, have contact with anyone except ex-

amination management staff, or engage indisruptive, unprofessional, or conduct that violatesthe Code of Ethics at any testing location.

Actions/DisqualificationsThe test proctor or the ASPE Certification Commit-tee will take appropriate actions, up to and includingdisqualification from taking the examination andwithdrawal or revocation of certification when aCandidate:

● Impersonates a candidate● Creates a disturbance● Gives or receives help on the examination● Uses such aids which are prohibited during

the examination● Attempts to remove examination material or

notes about the examination from the exam-ination room

● Exhibits irregular test taking behavior, includ-ing consulting or attempting to consult withor give or obtain assistance during the exam-ination; bringing in or using unauthorizedmaterials including cheat sheets, printedand/or other handwritten materials

● Provides false, misleading, or incomplete in-formation on the application form.

Examinee ConductAll candidates are not to disclose the contents of theexamination nor remove examination materialsfrom the testing location. Cheating will not be toler-ated, and all instances of suspected cheating will befully investigated. Examinees that are caught cheat-ing will have their examination invalidated.

Successful CandidatesCandidates who receive passing scores on theirtechnical paper and exams are considered CertifiedProfessional Estimators (CPE) in the relevant area ofcompetency. Newly certified individuals are issueda framed certificate and pin displaying their newdesignation in recognition of their accomplishment.Candidates are also notified via email and providedan electronic copy of their certificate along with in-formation pertaining to the maintenance of theircertified status. The names of all new certified pro-fessionals are added to the ASPE website after re-sults have been distributed.

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Section 4: ASPE Code of Ethics

The American Society of Professional EstimatorsCode of Ethics

Introduction

The ethical principles presented are intended as a broad guideline for professional estimators and estimators intraining. The philosophical foundation upon which the rules of conduct are based is not intended to impedeindependent thinking processes, but is a foundation upon which professional opinions may be based in theoryand in practice.

Please recognize that membership in and certification by the American Society of Professional Estimators arenot the sole claims to professional competence but support the canons of this code.

The distinguishing mark of a truly professional estimator is acceptance of the responsibility for the trust of client,employer and the public. Professionals with integrity have therefore deemed it essential to promulgate codes ofethics and to establish means of insuring their compliance.

Preamble

The objective of the American Society of Professional Estimators is to promote the development and applicationof education, professional judgment and skills within the industry we serve. Estimators must perform under thehighest principles of ethical conduct as it relates to the protection of the public, clients, employers and others inthis industry and in related professions.

The professional estimator must fully utilize education, years of experience, acquired skills and professionalethics in the preparation of a fully detailed and accurate estimate for work in a specific discipline. This isparamount to the development of credibility by estimators in our professional service.

Estimating is a highly technical and learned profession and the members of this society should understandtheir work is of vital importance to the clients and to the employers they serve. Accordingly, the service provid-ed by the estimator should exhibit honesty, fairness, trust, impartiality and equity to all parties involved.

Canon #1Professional estimators and those in training shall perform services in areas of their discipline and competence.

1. Estimators shall to the best of their ability represent truthfully and clearly to a prospective client or employer theirqualifications and capabilities to perform services.

2. The estimator shall undertake to perform estimating assignments only when qualified by education or years ofexperience in the technical field involved in any given assignment.

3. The estimator may accept assignments in other disciplines based on education or years of experience as longas qualified associate, consultant or employer attests to the accuracy of their work in that assignment.

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4. An estimator may be subjected to external pressures to perform work above or beyond qualifying education andexperience. Estimators must retain their integrity and professionalism by actively avoiding involvement insituations that may lead to loss of independence and integrity as a professional estimator.

Canon #2Professional estimators and those in training shall continue to expand their professional capabilities throughcontinuing education programs to better enable them to serve clients, employers and the industry.

1) A member of the American Society of Professional Estimators will strive to gain the honored position of“Certified Professional Estimator” and encourage others to obtain this honored position.

2) Members will lend personal and financial support, where feasible, to the schools and institutions engaged in theeducation and training of estimators.

3) Members will cooperate in extending the effectiveness of the profession by interchanging information andexperience with other estimators and those in training to be estimators, subject to legal or proprietary restraints.

4) Members will endeavor to provide opportunity for the professional development and the advancement ofestimators and those in training under their personal supervision.

Canon #3Professional estimators and those in training shall conduct themselves in a manner that will promote cooperationand good relations among members of our profession and those directly related to our profession.

1) Treat all professional associates with integrity, fairness, tolerance and respect, regardless of national origin,race, sexual orientation, religion, gender or age.

2) Extend fraternal consideration when giving testimony that may be damaging to a member of our society, as longas it does not violate this Code of Ethics and the laws governing the proceedings.

3) Accept the obligation to assist associates in complying with the code of professional ethics. The professionalcharacter of our society is dependent upon continuing mutual cooperation with one another. It is an essentialelement of our continued success.

4) Recognize the ethical standards set by other professionals, such as architects and engineers, directly relatedto our industry and extend to them the common courtesies they deserve.

5) Act honorably, both in personal and professional life, by avoiding situations that may erode public respect.

Canon #4Professional estimators and those in training shall safeguard and keep in confidence all knowledge of the businessaffairs and technical procedures of an employer or client.

1) Privileged information or facts pertaining to methods used in estimating procedures prescribed by an employer,except as authorized or required by laws, shall not be revealed.

2) Treat in strict confidence all information concerning a client’s affairs acquired during the fulfillment of anengagement and completion of an estimating procedure.

3) Serve clients and employers with professional concern for their best interests, provided this obligation does notendanger personal integrity or independence.

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Canon #5Professional estimators and those in training shall conduct themselves with integrity at all times and not knowinglyor willingly enter into agreements that violate the laws of the United States of America or of the states in which theypractice. They shall establish guidelines for setting forth prices and receiving quotations that are fair and equitableto all parties.

1) By not participating in bid shopping. Bid shopping occurs when a contractor contacts several subcontractors ofthe same discipline in an effort to reduce the previously quoted prices. This practice is unethical, unfair and isin direct violation of this Code of Ethics.

2) By not accepting quotations from unqualified companies or suppliers. Every effort should be made to pre-qualifyany bidder to be used.

3) By not divulging quotes from subcontractors and suppliers to competitors prior to bid time in efforts to drive downthe prices of either. Should quotes be received from subcontractors or suppliers that are excessively low orappear to be in error, the firm should be asked to review its’ price. When making this request the quotes ofothers shall not be divulged.

4) By not padding or inflating quoted bid prices. An unethical practice for professional estimator is to pad or inflatequotes when bidding with firms known for bid shopping. If not a violation of applicable laws, a professionalestimator should not provide quotes to known bid shoppers. However, it is not unethical to submit quotes withdifferent values to different contractors, provided there are sound business reasons to justify the differences inthe quotes.

5) Professional estimators shall not enter into the unethical practice of complimentary bids (also known as compbids). Complimentary bidding is a violation of this Code of Ethics.

Canon #6Professional estimators and those in training shall utilize their education, years of experience and acquired skills inthe preparation of each estimate or assignment with full commitment to make each estimate or assignment asdetailed and accurate as their talents and abilities allow.

1) To formulate an accurate estimate in any discipline, a full review must be made of all related documents. Anyother approach could cause errors or omissions that may endanger professional integrity and reliability.

2) It is of paramount importance to a professional estimator to minimize the possibility of making mistakes or errors.The more detailed the estimate, the better the accuracy will be.

3) Each estimate should be cross checked by means that will insure that it is technically and mechanically free frommistakes, oversight or errors. If possible and feasible, estimates should be checked by other professionals. Ifit is not feasible for someone else to cross check an estimate, the estimator should cross check their ownestimate by utilizing a different method, such as using historical data or unit prices based on previous cost dataon similar project.

Canon #7Professional estimators and those in training shall not engage in the practice of bid peddling as defined by this code.This is a breach of moral and ethical standards, and a member of this society shall not enter into this practice.

1) Bid peddling occurs when a subcontractor approaches a general contractor with the intent of voluntarily loweringthe original price below the price level established on bid day. This action implies that the subcontractor’soriginal price was either padded or incorrect. This practice undermines the credibility of the professionalestimator and is not acceptable

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2) The same procedure applies to a professional estimator engaged as a general contractor, as defined in theprevious paragraph, when the estimator approaches an owner or client to voluntarily lower the original bid price.

3) When a proposal is presented, the professional estimator is stating the estimate has been prepared to the bestof their ability using their education, expertise and recognized society standards. Entering into unethicalpractices such as “bid peddling” jeopardizes both personal and society professional credibility, while violatingthe trust of the clients.

4) This canon does not consider the practice of the solicitation of a “best and final offer” to be unethical. Wherepermissible by law and authorized by the procurement authority, an estimator may request a best and final offerfrom his subcontractors and suppliers, but must keep the value of the original quotations strictly confidential.

Canon #8Professional estimators and those in training to be estimators shall not enter into any agreement that may beconsidered acts of collusion or conspiracy (bid rigging) with the implied or express purpose of defrauding cli-ents. Acts of this type are in direct violation of the code of ethics of the American Society of Professional Esti-mators.

1) Bid rigging, collusion and conspiracy, as defined by the American Society of Professional Estimators, may occurbetween two (2) or more parties. Agreements reached by companies or individuals in the act of conspiring toset the price of a particular project or scope of work with the express purpose of circumventing the competitivebid process are illegal and a violation of this Code of Ethics.

2) Professional estimators and those in training to be estimators shall not be associated with firms which are knownto participate in the practice of bid rigging.

3) There are no conditions that will allow a professional estimator to enter into such fraudulent acts such as bidrigging, knowing that they are held to be unlawful, immoral, unethical and unacceptable to this society.

Canon #9Professional estimators and those in training to be estimators shall not participate in acts such as the giving orreceiving of gifts, which are intended to be or may be construed as being acts of bribery.

1) Professional estimators and those in estimating should not offer cash, securities, intangible property rights orany personal items in order to influence or that give the appearance of influencing the judgment or conductof others that would place them in the position of violating any laws or leave them with the feeling ofobligation or indebtedness.

2) Professional estimators and those in training should not accept gifts, gratuities or entertainment that wouldplace them in a position of violating and laws (municipal, state or federal) or that give the appearance ofcreating an inducement which would affect the estimator’s professional credibility by placing them in aposition of obligation or indebtedness.

Revision May, 2011

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Section 5: The Technical Paper

Purpose and Criteria for the Technical PaperThe purpose of the technical paper is to evaluate the candidate’s ability to communicate technical ideas in alogical and reasonable manner.

One of the requirements for the paper states that it must be a minimum of 2,500 words. There is no maxi-mum stated. However, by choosing a topic with which the applicant is extremely familiar, it should not re-quire more than ten to fifteen percent more in length than the minimum.

The topic should be chosen based on the following criteria:

1. The topic should be something the applicant is intimately familiar with. With every batch of topicsthe Certification Committee reviews and approves there are always several requests from applicantsseveral weeks later for a change in topic. It seems that the chosen topic turns out to be somethingthe applicant knows very little or in some cases nothing about.

2. By choosing a topic in which the applicant is intimately familiar it becomes much easier for the ap-plicant to provide a step by step guide to the quantification, production rate, material, and equip-ment estimating system.

The applicant must be able to “teach” the reader how to estimate the topic.

3. The application form allows the applicant to list three (3) topics and give a brief (very brief) synop-sis of what the paper will cover. The applicant must understand that the Committee will do every-thing in its power, during the review process, to allow the applicant to write about their first choice.However, there can only be so many papers on estimating concrete columns or drywall partitions orvinyl tile floors. Therefore, the applicant must list topics with the full understanding that their firstchoice may not be the choice of the Committee. Consequently it is best the applicant chose threetopics as if they were all listed as number one.

4. The scope of the topic must be “narrow” enough to allow the subject matter to be covered in detailwithin the word count. In other words, one would not choose “Estimating the cost of the power sys-tem for an elementary school”. A narrower topic would be “Estimating the cost of furnishing and in-stalling the electrical sub-panels in an elementary school”. Or in lieu of “Estimating the cost of asuspended drywall ceiling”, chose to go with “Estimating the cost of a coffered drywall ceiling”.

Don’t think that a single topic will be narrow enough to use for a paper. Think of the different components inthe topic. In site utility work, for instance, there are water supply lines, sanitary sewer lines,fire lines, stormsewer lines, etc. Pick one on the subjects and go with that. And then go even narrower. Use storm sewerlines for a strip shopping mall or a high school site.

5. The topic chosen must be one for which the applicant has a drawing which must be used in the es-timating process for the paper. The drawing(s) must be clear and simple enough that when reducedto an 8 ½ x 11 inch page can still be read by a person who will be grading the paper.

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Remember you are trying to “teach” a person who has limited knowledge of what you do in your estimatingprocess. You want to be as clear as possible so that when the reader is finished with your paper, they have avery basic knowledge or an enhanced knowledge of “How to Estimate the Cost of …”.

You cannot be detailed enough in your explanation if your topic is too complex or you do not have the famil-iarity with the topic to explain it clearly and simply.

The Technical Paper Guide document was designed to provide the candidate with details about the paperstructure and how it will be scored for the peer review. Please see the Technical Paper Guide that is avail-able on the ASPE website, www.aspenational.org listed under the Certification Menu.

Always have someone proof read your paper. Papers that have math errors will not be accepted for the pur-pose of certification regardless of how well the paper scored in all other grading criteria. The reviewer willmark the paper as having math errors. Math errors include miscalculations, incorrect formulas, and/or typosin the material presented as part of the technical paper.

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Section 6: Continuing Certification

Renewing/Continuing CertificationThe construction industry changes continually andthe Professional Estimator must be aware of thesechanges and be able to evaluate their impact uponhis trade.

As the title "Certified Professional Estimator" (CPE)comes into increased use, the architect/owner is be-coming increasingly aware of the importance of theCPE designation. ASPE must show the industry andthe public that the construction estimator is a highlytrained professional who is responsible for the verysurvival of the company for which he works, themethod by which the Society has chosen to do this isthe Certification program.

This program alone, however, is not enough. As"CPE" is a meaningful professional title, we must beable to show other industry professionals that theCPE is an educated and motivated person who main-tains his level of knowledge through continued edu-cation and interaction with other people in theindustry. The method by which the Society has cho-sen to do this is the Certification Renewal Program.

The Certification Renewal Program also encouragesour members to remain active in the Society and theconstruction industry. ASPE's strength comes fromits active members. To have a stronger voice in thefuture of the construction industry, we must have alarge, active membership. Encouraging our membersto become CPEs and having a program, which re-wards them for participating in continuing educationactivities, can help achieve these goals.

EligibilityAn ASPE member must have been previously certi-fied and have maintained his/her membership in theSociety with all dues and fees paid for the threeyears prior to submitting his/her Certification Re-newal Application.

Non-members must also participate in this programas it pertains to accruing points for continuing edu-cation and other professional activities.

Certification Renewal ProcedureThe CPE will complete a Certification Renewal Appli-cation, and submit the application to the SocietyBusiness Office as explained in the renewal packetwhich is available on the ASPE website,www.aspenational.org

Each current participating CPE must apply for theircertification renewal every three years. Any CPEsubject to this program will have three years, fromthe first August 1 after issuance of their Certificate,to accumulate yearly PDU (Professional Develop-ment Units) credits required for continuing certifica-tion.

The applicant is responsible for the documenting andfiling all documentation for the PDU credit total andtransmitting the renewal application it to the SocietyBusiness Office. Accumulate verifications annually toavoid problems resulting from changing administra-tions. It is the responsibility of the CPE to obtain aguarantee of delivery of his/her application for re-newal. CPEs must retain a copy of all documenta-tion for their files and for proof of activity in casethey are selected for audit.

Requirements for renewing certification may bemodified from time to time. These modificationsmay include additional categories and requirements.The Renewing Certification applicant, however, willbe granted PDU credits based upon the ProfessionalDevelopment schedule in effect at the time of sub-mittal. Please check the web site,www.aspenational.org, for the most recent forms.

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CERTIFICATION RENEWAL POINT DATESCALCULATIONThe Certification Renewal cycle begins the first Au-gust following your initial notification of having theCPE status. Your cycle dates will begin August 1 andends three years later on July 31. The cycle periodruns concurrent with the ASPE fiscal year (August 1to July 31). Credits accumulated in the year of expi-ration will apply to the next renewal cycle.

For example:Initial Certification:

● The candidate earned his initial CPEstatus on November 20, 2007.

● His cycle dates will be from August 1,2008 to July 31, 2011

● The first expiration date for his Certifi-cation will be July 31, 2012.

First Renewal Cycle:● The CPE submits his Renewal Applica-

tion with PDU log sheets prior to theirexpiration dates to the Society Busi-ness Office. In this example, the expi-ration date is July 31, 2012; (cycledates were August 1, 2008 - July 31,2011.)

● The CPE is issued a new certificatewith the expiration date of July 31,2015 provided that all the require-ments have been met.

● The cycle dates for the next certifica-tion renewal cycle will be August 1,2011 to July 31, 2014.

It is strongly recommended that the CertificationRenewal Application along with the appropriatefees be submitted to the Society Business office byFebruary 15 of the year of expiration.

The SBO will verify the application is complete andthe National Certification Committee will review forapproval. The CPE will be notified of audit selectionor any deficiencies. Once accepted by the Commit-tee, a new certificate will be issued to cover the nextthree years.

All terms and conditions of Certification Renewal, aslisted above, will apply to each successive three-yearcycle.

Renewal Applications and FormsIn the constantly changing contemporary work envi-ronment, the standard of best practices in construc-tion estimating must remain at the highest level ofexpertise possible.  Professionals in all fields are ex-pected to be fully up-to-date in their chosen area ofexpertise.  Employers and customers alike have highexpectations of the services provided by certifiedprofessionals.

It is this focus on best practices in estimating thatforms the basis of a certification renewal program.These CPE guidelines provide a framework that willallow a professional estimator to:

● maintain their CPE status● continue professional development● demonstrate a high level of professionalism

to employers, colleagues, and the public.

Renewal of your certification is required every threeyears to demonstrate your continuing professionaldevelopment and to retain the right to use the pro-fessional appellation, CPE.  The CPE Renewal Hand-book should be referenced upon initial certificationand includes:

● Renewal Guidelines – explaining the specificrequirements

● An Activity Reporting Log – for reporting ac-tivities required for renewal. The Activity Logis submitted with your renewalapplication. Documentation of activities mustbe retained in case you are selected for verifi-cation audit.

In order to be accredited by the Council of Engineer-ing Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB), a certificationor continuing professional development programmust be consistent with the objectives prescribed byCESB. To that end, the ASPE certification renewalprogram is based upon Professional DevelopmentUnits (PDU) earned through professional develop-ment activities.

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A new feature of the ASPE web site allows for therecording of professional development activities.Please reference the FAQ at the top of the ASPEhome page for more details in how to record youractivities to the system.

For more information about renewing your certifica-tion and professional development activities, pleaseconsult the web. All Certification items can be foundunder the Certification menu selection at the top ofthe home page of the web site.

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As a CPE Certificate Holder in good standing, once certified, you may want to utilize the official CPE Logo toplace on your letterhead, email signature, and business cards to emphasize your ASPE affiliation.

To request an electronic version of the CPE color logo JPG or CPE black and white logo, please contact:

The Society Business Office 615-316-9200 Email: psmith@aspenational.org

Please adhere to the following guidelines when using the CPE logo. The logo may not be revised or altered inanyway. The logo must be displayed in the same form as produced by ASPE and cannot be reproduced unlesssuch reproduction is identical to the logos provided by ASPE.

The CPE logo is meant to identify a certified estimator as opposed to a business entity. The logo may be usedonly on the Certified Professional Estimator’s (CPE’s) business cards, stationery, etc.

The logo may not be used in any manner that detracts from the high standards of ASPE or our CertificationProgram.

No person gains any rights whatsoever in the logo or its use; it remains the property of ASPE and theCertification Committee. ASPE and the Certification Committee reserves the right in its sole discretion torequire the removal of the logo from any location or thing ASPE or the Certification Committee feels does notcomply with these guidelines.

The Certification Committee may authorize the use of the symbol, the phrase “Certified ProfessionalEstimator” and the initials “CPE” by certificate holders only; provided such holder currently possesses a validcertification issued the ASPE Certification Committee.

Consequences for Improper Use of MarksASPE CPE logo is intended for the exclusive use of ASPE certified professionals. Misuse of the CPE credential orlogo may result in denial of initial certification, re-certification, revocation, suspension, or any other limitationof a certification or combination of sanctions. ASPE further reserves the right to take any legal action as itdeems reasonable or appropriate in any court or other tribunal having jurisdiction with respect to the matter.

Proper Use of CPE Logo

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Show off your accomplishment and let everyone knowyou’ve met the high standards of ASPE certification withour collection of quality merchandise. Visit the ASPE on-line store for more details.

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Member Services that fit yourSchedule!

ASPE is excited to have launched a website redesignthat provides services when you need them. Youhave 24/7 access to your account as well as manynew social features that are there to keep you con-nected.

The new site has a clean and updated look, improvednavigation, and expanded functionality:

● Join or Renew your membership online.● Easily maintain your profile (Member or Non-

member)● Reset your password or request a new one in

real time● View calls for participation, event announce-

ments, member news● Member-Only access● Search the Member-Only directory● Connect with others through social media

features● View your Certification information● Submit forms or applications conveniently● Purchase ASPE Merchandise● And much more

More and more of the things we usedto do offline, we now do online

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Ready, set, go!The time is now to take that next step in your career, we’reconfident we can get your professional profile to new heights.

Visit us online, or give us a call today and let’s start work!

www.aspenational.org

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ASPEAmerican Society of

Professional Estimators

2525 Perimeter Place Drive, Ste. 103Nashville, TN 37214615-316-9200