The American Society of Professional Estimators

Certification Program

Guide This guide describes in detail the use and function of the various forms used in the program. It is intended to assure the integrity of the program and to impartially maintain the uniformity and equity of its administration.

The American Society of Professional Estimators

Certification Program 2525 Perimeter Place Drive, Ste. 103

Nashville, TN 37214 615-316-9200 Fax: 615-316-9800

An Accredited Program of The Council of Engineering and Specialty Boards

Certification Program Guide Table of Contents A. Introduction to the Certification Program .......................................................................................................... 3 B. Body of Knowledge................................................................................................................................................. 5 C. History of Certification Program .......................................................................................................................... 7 D. Code of Ethics ........................................................................................................................................................... 9 E. Certification Program Cycle Schedule............................................................................................................... 13 F. Certification Program Process............................................................................................................................. 15 G. ASPE Certification Methodology …………………………………………………………………………..19 H. ASPE Pass/Fail Determination… ………………………………………………………………………….23 I. Questions and Answers........................................................................................................................................ 25 J. The Technical Paper .............................................................................................................................................. 29 K. General Estimating Knowledge Exam (GEK) .................................................................................................. 69 L. Discipline Specific Test (DST).............................................................................................................................. 79 M. Instruction to Examinee and to Proctor............................................................................................................. 89 N. DST Questions & Problems Guidelines and Developments......................................................................... 93 O. Certification Renewal Program.........................................................................................................................109 Renewal Certification Procedures ......................................................................................................110 Fellow Certification Renewal .............................................................................................................111 Policy for Re-Instatement of CPE .......................................................................................................112 Amnesty Policy .....................................................................................................................................113 P. Lifetime CPE Status ............................................................................................................................................114 Q. Stamp and Seal Program....................................................................................................................................115 R. Manual of Standard Estimating Practice (SEP)..............................................................................................116 S. Appendixes ...........................................................................................................................................................117

Appendix A – Professional Evaluation Application Appendix B – Renewal Certification Application Appendix C – Lifetime CPE Application Appendix D – Stamp and Seal Application

Appendix E – GEK Study Guide Order Form Appendix F – SEP Order Form Appendix G – Estimating Forms

INTRODUCTION TO THE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Professional evaluation through Certification is one of the many ways the American Society of Professional Estimators endeavors to promote the profession and benefit the construction industry. The founders of the Society sought to include estimators of all types of construction in the membership of ASPE: residential, heavy, general, specialty trade and conceptual. This array of highly skilled professionals was the "melting pot" envisioned by the Charter Members of the American Society of Professional Estimators when they organized in 1956. With such diversity of backgrounds, the development of programs for both education and certification of professional estimators has been a demanding and rewarding process. For all the varied disciplines or levels of detail, the fundamental principles of construction cost estimating remain universally applicable. Beyond these fundamentals, however, lie the realms of varied disciplines, which make construction estimating one of the most unique, challenging, and fulfilling professions an individual may pursue. During the early years of the Society's existence, long-range programs were formulated to encourage university-level instruction in construction estimating, not only for the novice student, but for the experienced estimator as well. A system for evaluating the proficiency of estimators seeking certification was also envisioned. ASPE Certification is the highest form of professional recognition an individual estimator can receive and is being sought by more construction estimators every year. Through it's Certification Program, the American Society of Professional Estimators recognizes the estimating proficiency and ethical awareness of the Certified Professional Estimator (CPE). The Certification Board with the help of Chapter Certification Committees and Regional Governors administers the Certification Program. ASPE Certification may be defined as an educational process, which entails an orientation workshop attendance, submission of an acceptable Professional Evaluation Application and technical paper, successful completion of written examinations and participation in the Certification Renewal Program. Each CPE Candidate must earn an affirmative appraisal based on proven ability and practical experience in the profession. The Society's efforts in the area of Certification became reality in August 1976 when the National Certification Committee met in Denver, Colorado, to evaluate the first phase of the Certification Program. The results were most gratifying. The Committee found a nucleus of competent estimators in nearly all of the construction disciplines. These professionals became the initial peer group against which applicants were measured. The peer group's expertise has since been drawn upon to establish a comprehensive examination system. Today each estimator seeking certification must meet certain requirements before being permitted to take the written examinations. Occasionally, experienced estimators will request certification without examination. This is not permitted under the Society's program rules. Requiring each candidate to take the examinations ensures the integrity of the Society's program.

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Once recognized as a CPE, you will be expected to keep abreast of current trends and improved practices in the construction industry. Your conformance with this requirement is measured under the provisions of the Certification Renewal Program. CPEs subject to certification renewal must document active participation in the areas of ASPE service: professional, educational and creative contributions to construction estimating. Among the elements of renewing certification are review of technical papers, and the contribution of questions and problems to the Certification Test Data Bank. As a CPE, you may be requested to volunteer your expertise in advancing the art and science of estimating. Examples of volunteer contributions:

1. The proctoring of exams in your region. 2. The reading and grading of technical papers. 3. “Beta” testing of new DST exams in your area of expertise.

These examples and other actions contributing to the CPE process can be used in the 30 point accumulation that is required by the Certification Renewal Program.

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The Body of Knowledge Cost Estimating does not exist in a vacuum. While it provides vital information to decision makers, the Body of Knowledge of cost estimating must therefore include much more than techniques for gathering data and using it to estimate costs. The cost estimator must be skilled in the broad application of construction systems. The Body of Knowledge was created based on job analysis study and is the bases upon which test items are created to cover content deemed essential for the practice of the profession.

The National Certification Board prepares a job task analysis revision every five years to ensure validity in the certification examinations.

The Society has chosen the following as a working definition of cost estimating.

Cost estimating deals with the tasks of conceptual modeling, measurement, and evaluation and comparison of the costs of each alternative.

In a different context, cost estimating is all related models, techniques, tools, and data bases required to accurately predict the cost of an appropriately described scope of work.

Associated with each task are the skills and techniques required to perform it. The skills and techniques necessary for the performance of the cost estimating tasks form the Body of Knowledge for this profession.  

 

 

BASIC SKILLS BODY OF KNOWLEDGE  These basic skill areas form the background knowledge for cost estimating. It is rather broad areas of knowledge as opposed to particular techniques or concepts. Admittedly, it would be the exceptional cost estimator who was thoroughly proficient in all these basic skills. Generally, each basic skill can be acquired in undergraduate college courses and/or through 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

 

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COST CONCEPTS 

The remainder of the Body of Knowledge is more closely associated with the particular tasks of cost estimating. The first tasks associated with conceptual modeling are concepts of cost. The cost concepts are the elementary ideas about which cost estimating is concerned.     

Not-to-Exceed Cost Direct Cost

Indirect Cost 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 MEASUREMENT 

The cost concepts with which the cost estimator would ideally work are frequently not measured precisely. As a result, cost estimators must work with data that are approximate measures of concepts. Cost estimators must fully understand the elements 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

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HISTORY OF ASPE'S CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Although the founders of ASPE and the first six chapters had previously discussed the concept of certification, it was not until 1974 that the Society embarked on this program. The first National Director was appointed, and assigned responsibilities for developing tests in the various CSI disciplines. In addition, the National Board accepted a preliminary format for testing. In 1975, the Society explored seeking outside help in the area of test development. Several firms, including Educational Testing Service (ETS) in Princeton, New Jersey, were contacted to submit proposals and fee schedules. During the year, a series of meetings were held to review examination procedures, test questions, and testing agency presentations. After considering the economic impact of hiring a consultant, the Society decided to involve all chapters to implement the exam process. The National Board approved ETS's recommendation to establish a peer group that would not undergo the planned testing procedure. This core group would create a staff to administer the evaluation of other candidates for certification. The final accomplishment of that year was the first draft of the Certification application. 1976 was a banner year for ASPE. The Society formed the Code of Ethics to supplement certification, introduced Standards and rewrote the national bylaws to encompass the program. In May, the National Board officially adopted the tenants of certification including the Certification application, the Code of Ethics, and certified members of the Executive Committee as the initial peer group. Applications were then distributed to the entire membership. Over 300 Professional Evaluation Applications were processed in August, and 233 individuals were accepted for certification in 11 of the 16 CSI divisions. The Long-Range Planning Task Force comprised of past National Presidents, asked the Society to develop a "generic" test in February 1984. This exam would be available to all members regardless of their specialty and/or the existence of a discipline test. In the ensuing four years, the Certification Test Development Committee authored, critiqued, and administered the first General Estimating Knowledge Exam in May 1988. In addition, the Society drew up plans for Continuing Certification to keep estimators abreast of new advances in their profession and to ensure continued educational and Society involvement. The Certification Program has expanded to include several Discipline Specific Tests (DST’s). The number of DST’s available for testing purposes is always increasing. The goal was to develop the primary disciplines first. The first exam developed was for General Contracting estimators, followed by Electrical, Mechanical HVAC Piping, HVAC Sheet metal, Plumbing, Concrete, Roofing, Drywall and others. All disciplines do not necessarily have a test developed, nor will all disciplines have a test. The tests developed are done so based primarily upon demand. All tests are continually reviewed and updated. In 2008, ASPE received it’s accreditation from CESB (Council of Engineering and Specialty Boards). Accreditation of certification programs provides assurance for candidates and their employers that our procedures conform to those of the highest standards. Dedicated members have served in various capacities over the years to keep certification in the forefront as one of the six fundamental purposes of our organization. The program's future course will continue to be charted by a desire for excellence, to indicate the Society's level of professionalism in the industry, and to focus on the improvement of each estimator's skills.

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The American Society of Professional Estimators

Code of Ethics

Introduction

Ethical principles are presented which are intended as a broad guideline for professional estimators and estimators in training. The philosophical foundation upon which the rules of conduct are based is not intended to impede independent thinking processes, but is a foundation upon which professional opinions may be based in theory and in practice. Please recognize that membership in and certification by the American Society of Professional Estimators are not 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 of ethics and to establish means of insuring their compliance.

Preamble The objective of the American Society of Professional Estimators is to promote the development and application of education, professional judgment and skills within the industry we serve. Estimators must perform under the highest principles of ethical conduct as it relates to the protection of the public, clients, employers and others in this industry and in related professions. The professional estimator must fully utilize education, years of experience, acquired skills and professional ethics in the preparation of a fully detailed and accurate estimate for work in a specific discipline. This is paramount 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 know that the work is of vital importance to the clients and to the employers they serve. Accordingly, the service provided by the estimator should exhibit honesty, fairness, trust, impartiality and equity to all persons served.

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The Canons Canon #1 Professional estimators 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 their qualifications and capabilities to perform services.

2. The estimator shall undertake to perform estimating assignments only when qualified by education or years of experience 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 long as qualified associate, consultant or employer attests to the accuracy of their work in that assignment.

4. An estimator may be subjected to external pressures to perform work above or beyond qualifying education and experience. In

fact, estimators must retain their integrity and professionalism by avoiding involvement in situations that may cause loss of independence and integrity as a professional estimator.

Canon #2 Professional estimators shall continue to expand their professional capabilities through continuing 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 in the society to obtain this honored position.

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

3. Members will cooperate in extending the effectiveness of the profession by interchanging information and experience with other

estimators and those in training to be estimators, subject to legal or proprietary restraints. 5. Members will endeavor to provide opportunity for the professional development and the advancement of estimators and those

in training under their personal supervision.

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

1. By treating all professional associates with integrity, fairness, tolerance and respect, regardless of national origin, race, religion, sex or age.

2. By extending fraternal consideration when giving testimony that may be damaging to a member of our society, as long as it does

not violate this Code of Ethics and the laws governing the proceedings.

3. By accepting the obligation to assist associates in complying with the code of professional ethics. The professional character of our society is dependent upon continuing mutual cooperation with one another. It is the essential element of our continued success.

4. By recognizing the ethical standards set by other professionals, such as architects and engineers, directly related to our industry and by extending to them the common courtesies they deserve predicated upon the good will of all the obligations of the true professional to uphold the highest ethical standards in our free society.

5. By acting honorably, both in personal and professional life, by avoiding situations that may erode public respect. Ethical and personal character shall be paramount in estimators’ life styles.

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

1. By not revealing privileged information or facts pertaining to methods used in estimating procedures prescribed by an

employer, except as authorized or required by laws.

2. By holding in strict confidence all information concerning a client’s affairs acquired during the fulfillment of an engagement and completion of an estimating procedure.

3. By serving clients and employers with professional concern for their best interests, provided however, this obligation must not

endanger personal integrity or independence or a high degree of ethical conduct, as set forth in this Code of Ethics and related state and federal laws.

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

1. By not participating in bid shopping as it is known in the building construction industry today. Bid shopping occurs when after

the award of the contract, a contractor contacts several subcontractors of the same discipline in an effort to reduce these previously quoted prices. This practice is unethical, unfair and is in direct violation of the Code of Ethics as recognized by the American Society of Professional Estimators

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

be used.

3. By not divulging privileged figures from subcontractors and suppliers to competitors prior to bid time in an effort to drive down prices of either. Should quotes be received from subcontractors or suppliers that are obviously low or appear to be in error, this person should be asked to review his price. When making this effort, quotes of others shall not be divulged.

4. By not padding or inflating quoted bid prices. An unethical practice for a professional estimator is to pad or inflate quotes when bidding with firms known for bid shopping. If not a violation of applicable laws, a professional estimator should not provide quotes to known bid shoppers.

5. Professional estimators shall not enter into the unethical practice of complimentary bids (comp bids). This practice is a violation

of the Code of Ethics of the American Society of Professional Estimators.

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

1. By not formulating estimates from a partial set of bid documents. This is in direct violation of the code of good estimating

practices and is not acceptable. To formulate an accurate estimate in any discipline, a full review must be made of all related bid documents. Any other approach could cause errors or omissions that may endanger professional integrity and reliability. Exceptions to this rule should be considered only for the preparation of a conceptual estimate

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 shall be cross checked by means that will insure that it is technically and mechanically free from mistakes,

oversight or errors. If possible and feasible, estimates should be checked by other professionals. If it is not feasible for someone

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else to cross check an estimate, the estimator should cross check their own estimate by utilizing a different method, such as using the historical data or unit prices based on previous cost data on similar project.

Canon #7  Professional estimators shall not engage in the practice of ʺBid Peddlingʺ as defined by this code.  This is a breach of moral and ethical standards, and this practice shall not be entered into by a member of this Society.  

1. Bid peddling occurs when a subcontractor approaches a general contractor who has been awarded a project, with the intent of voluntarily lowering the original price below the price level established on bid day. This action implies that the subcontractor’s original price was either padded or incorrect. This practice undermines the credibility of the professional estimator and is not acceptable

2. The same procedure applies to a professional estimator engaged as a general contractor, as defined in the previous 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 best of their ability using their education, expertise and recognized society standards. Entering into unethical practices such as “bid peddling” jeopardizes both personal and society professional credibility, while violating the trust of the clients.

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

1. Bid rigging, collusion and conspiracy, as defined by the American Society of Professional Estimators, may occur between two (2)

or more contractors or two (2) or more subcontractors. Agreements are reached by companies or individuals in the act of conspiring to pre-set the price of a particular project (private or governmental) with the express purpose of predetermining the intended recipient of a contract to be awarded at a fixed price.

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

3. There are no conditions or social convention that will allow a professional estimator to enter into such fraudulent acts as those of bid rigging, knowing that they are held to be unlawful, immoral, unethical and unacceptable to this society.

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

1. Professional estimators should not offer cash, securities, intangible property rights or any personal items in order to influence

or that give the appearance of influencing

2. Professional estimators should not accept gifts, gratuities or entertainment that would place them in a position of breaking existing laws (municipal, state or federal) or that give the appearance of creating an inducement which would affect the estimator’s professional credibility by placing them in a position of obligation. ▪    

     

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Certification Process

Cycle 1 (Winter)

Cycle 2 (Summer)

Submittal of Professional Evaluation Application and fees.

Last Day to submit these applications for consideration

January 1 July 1

Review of Applications by Certification Committee.

Completed By February 15 August 15

Notification to Candidates of Acceptance to the program

Completed By Candidates to receive GEK Study Guide/Paper Topic Acceptance Letter

March 1 September 1

Workshop for Candidates (online or chapter level)

Completed By

If Chapter Workshop—Return Wkrshp Verification

March 30

March 31

September 30

October 1

Technical Paper Due Date

Papers are to be submitted before the

candidate is eligible to test

June 15 December 15

Test Dates for GEK and DST *Requires Proctor (see below) and/or DST Questions and Problems Due Date

GEK and DST Test and/or Questions and

Problems must be completed during the

month of...

July March (of following year)

Test Results to Candidates Written Notification September 1 May 1 (of following year)

Technical Paper Review Results and/or Questions and Problems Review Results to Candidates

These will be issued to candidates as the

reviews are turned in to the Society Business

Office by the Reviewers.

Re-submittal of Deficient Paper and/or DST Questions and Problems

Completed By October 15 June 15 (of following year)

Re-Take of GEK and/or DST

Re-take GEK and DST must be completed

during the month of...as indicated for cycle.

November July (of following year)

Certification Cycle Schedule Matrix

* Proctors must have an active CPE designation. Testing location will be determined by the Proctor. ASPE recommends Chapter Certification Chair to serve as local Proctor. If you are a non-member or a MAL member, the Society Business Office will assist in locating a Proctor upon request.

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ASPE Certification Program

The Certification of Professional Estimators is an acknowledgment that you have met, and continue to meet, the criteria established for this designation as determined by the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE). Attaining this recognition requires continuing commitments to ethics, education, and employment. It is a commitment by the individual to the construction industry and to ASPE. ASPE certification is the highest form of professional recognition an estimator can receive. Through its certification program, ASPE recognizes the estimating proficiency and ethical awareness of the Certified Professional Estimator (CPE). CPE recognition is being sought and attained by an ever growing number of construction estimators each year. It is the only program of its kind to attest that a construction estimator has met the necessary educational and experience requirements and has the capabilities required of our profession. With such diversity of backgrounds among estimators, the development of programs for both education and certification of professional construction estimators has been a demanding and rewarding process. For all the varied disciplines and levels of detail, the fundamental principles of construction cost estimating remain universally applicable. Beyond these fundamentals, however, the realms of varied disciplines make construction estimating one of the most unique challenging, and fulfilling professions an individual may pursue. ASPE recognizes the fundamental estimating principles inherent to all types of construction estimating. Whether for general, mechanical, electrical, or specialty disciplines, or for an owner, designer or contracting firm, the estimator requires knowledge that is applicable in virtually all circumstances. Each candidate seeking certification must meet five basic requirements.

1. Experience—Minimum of Five Years 2. Completion of Orientation Workshop 3. Technical Writing Abilities 4. Communication Skills 5. Successful completion of Certification Examinations

The Certification Board then evaluates each of the criteria for conformance to the program. ASPE has established that a CPE candidate must possess a minimum of five years of estimating experience in a specific discipline to be accepted into the certification program. All candidates seeking certification must complete an orientation workshop. This workshop provides the candidate with an overview of the requirements and guidelines of the certification process. Communication Skills and knowledge of estimating must be demonstrated to the Certification Board. This is done through the writing of a technical paper on a subject approved by the Board. The certification exam is designed to evaluate the CPE candidate’s overall knowledge of estimating. It includes quantities, contract terms and conditions, cost reporting, ethics, and other fundamentals of estimating. The exams consist of a four hour General Estimating Knowledge Exam (GEK) and an eight hour Discipline Specific Test (DST). The DST concentrates on specific practices such as

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General Contracting, Mechanical, Electrical, Excavation, and Concrete estimating. Preparation for the exam is recommended. A candidate will not be notified of CPE status until all requirements of the certification process have been passed. Once recognized as a CPE, the estimator will be expected to keep abreast of current trends and improved practices in the construction industry. Conformance is measured under the provisions of the Certification Renewal Program. This program requires renewal of certification every three years. CPEs subject to renewal must document active participation in the areas of

Industry Involvement

Continuing Professional Development

Education

Creative Contributions to Construction Estimating

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

Five Steps to Certification

1. Submit Applications and Fee - Candidate’s professional evaluation application is to be submitted to the Society Business Office no later than January 1 for the Winter Cycle and no later than July 1 for the Summer Cycle of the calendar year. The candidate must select one of the certification program cycles (Winter or Summer Cycle). Each cycle allows the applicant to complete the certification program within a different time frame. The Professional Evaluation Application must be verified by your Chapter Representative prior to being submitted to the Society Business Office.

Candidates will be notified of acceptance to the program. If you are accepted, you will be assigned a candidate number and a technical paper topic. The candidate number is utilized throughout the certification process to maintain confidentiality of a candidate’s name and to insure objectivity during the review of the technical paper, exams, and DST requirements.

2. Complete Orientation Workshop - Candidates must complete the online orientation

workshop by the indicated date of the selected cycle. (Optional chapter workshops may be available; please verify with local chapter chair.) Orientation workshop attendance is a requirement for obtaining your certification. The workshop will cover all steps of the program and review sample exam questions. If you are participating in a chapter level workshop, the attendance verification form is to be submitted to the Society Business Office by the due date as proof of completion. Participants of the online workshop must complete all lessons and quizzes as verification of having satisfied the workshop requirement.

3. Write 2500+ Word Technical Paper - The paper is to be completed and submitted to the

Society Business Office no later than the indicated due dated of the selected cycle in order for the candidate to be eligible for testing. The candidate will be given an opportunity to re-submit the paper if a failing grade is received. The candidates should prepare the technical paper following the guidelines stated in the Technical Paper section of this guide and as also stated in the workshop. Be sure to allow enough time to properly research the paper

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topic and complete in a professional manner.

The technical paper must be submitted via certified mail or another signed delivery service. Technical papers received after the deadline will be returned to the candidate. There are no exceptions to deadlines. The Society Business Office will conduct a format review of the paper. If the paper has format deficiencies, the paper will be returned to the candidate for revision and re-submittal. The revised paper must be received prior to the deadline and will undergo a second format review. Failure of this second format review will result in the end of the current certification cycle and the candidate will be required to apply to the next available cycle. Once the paper has passed the format review, it will be reviewed by volunteer CPEs for content. The paper must score a minimum of 18 out of 30 possible points by 2 of the 3 CPE reviewers to be accepted as meeting the technical paper requirement. If the paper does not successfully meet the technical paper requirement, the paper will be returned to the candidate for a one time content revision and must be resubmitted by the indicated due date. The same CPE reviewers will review the second submittal. The candidate’s paper must pass the technical paper requirement or the current certification cycle ends and the candidate will be required to apply to the next available cycle.

4. Take GEK Exam - This four hour test is to be taken during the testing month of the selected

cycle. Candidates should schedule test with his/her proctor. The Society Business Office has to be notified of the scheduled test date so that test packets may be prepared and sent to the proctor. One re-take of exam will be allowed. The candidate must achieve a “Pass” exam score status or the current certification cycle will end. The candidate will be required to apply to the next available cycle.

A GEK Study Guide is available from the Society Business Office. The GEK Study Guide is included as part of the online orientation workshop OR it may be purchased from the ASPE online store. The Study Guide is highly recommended for subcontractors taking the GEK exam.

5. Take DST Exam - This eight hour test is to be taken during the testing month of the selected

cycle. Candidates should schedule test with his/her proctor. The Society Business Office has to be notified of the scheduled test date so that test packets may be prepared and sent to the proctor. One retake of the exam will be allowed. The candidate must achieve a “Pass” exam score status or the current certification cycle will end. The candidate will be required to apply to the next available cycle.

DST Questions & Problems: If a test in a specific discipline is not currently available, the DST requirements are to be met by submitting 100 discipline specific questions and 2 problems following specific guidelines. Problems are to be “mini” estimates. The candidate must submit their questions and problems by the end of the testing month of the selected cycle. The Questions and Problems must be reviewed and accepted by the Certification Board to satisfy the DST examination portion of the program. NOTE: It is recommended that you begin preparing your Questions and Problems as soon as possible to meet your DST requirement due to the heavy workload in preparing the technical paper and DST Questions and Problems.

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Candidates that fail to complete any portion of the process within the time allowances will

forfeit all fees and be required to re-apply to the next cycle.

Certification Fee Schedule ASPE Member Candidate Fees:

Orientation Workshop Fee (select one) Certification Online Workshop : $ 125.00 (GEK Study Guide Included with Online Workshop) Chapter Workshop Option (if available) $ 75.00 (GEK Study Guide to be ordered separately) Testing Fee GEK and DST Testing Fees: $ 275.00

Non-Member Candidate Fees: Orientation Workshop Fee: Certification Online Workshop: $ 125.00 Testing Fee GEK and DST Testing Fees: $ 525.00

Renewal Certification Fee : On time Renewal $75.00 Re-Instatement Request $150.00 Amnesty Request $550.00 Lifetime Status Request $400.00 GEK Study Guide: $49.00 members or $59.00 non-members

NOTES: A. Candidates who do not fulfill the requirements of certification within the scheduled period are removed from the program. Any candidate who is removed from the program and who seeks certification must apply as a new candidate and pay all applicable fees. If the candidate reapplies at the next available certification cycle, any successfully completed portion(s) of the certification program will be carried forward.

B. Certification Representative may be a Chapter Officer or Chapter Certification Chair. Contact the local Chapter to verify who conducts Certification for the chapter. If the applicant is a Member-at Large, the Certification Representative will be the Regional Certification Committee Member. All correspondence will be with the Committee Member except where directed to the Society Business Office. C. If a candidate wishes to apply for an exception to any requirement of the Certification Program, the candidate must submit the formal request in writing to the Certification Committee within the current cycle for Certification or Certification Renewal period. On receipt of the request, the Certification Committee will review the request and advise the candidate accordingly. Any requests for appeal are to be directed to the Certification Committee for review. All decisions of the Certification Committee are final.

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ASPE Certification Methodology Since the early 1980’s, the American Society of Professional Estimators, ASPE, organization has continually refined the criteria for establishment of examinations for achieving the status of Certified Professional Estimator. ASPE’s Certification Methodology shall serve to clarify ASPE’s examination process and program requirements for Certified Professional Estimator. Psychometric testing refers to the process of measuring a candidate’s relevant strengths and weaknesses in a valid, reliable and fair method consisting of the following components; validity, development of assessment specifications, test construction, maintenance of a test item database, pass/fail standards, standardization and uniformity, maintenance of security, overall assessment analysis, score reporting, appeals and due process, and record retention. The psychometric exam is employed to assess a fit for certifying an individual as a top performer in the construction estimating industry. The basic purpose in using psychometric testing is to gain an accurate bearing of the candidate’s cognitive abilities in estimating well enough to certify them as leaders of the estimating industry in their relative construction discipline. Certification by ASPE represents the intersection of protection of the public, fairness to candidates, and certainly, various interests of the profession. ASPE has accomplished the highest level of professionalism in the promotion of validity and reliability, and subsequently, fairness by establishing the Certification program through psychometric examination. To be a Certified Professional Estimator is to attain the highest form of professional recognition an estimator can receive in the construction industry. The CPE demonstrates the ability to perform their duties in the most ethical and professional manner possible by having the experience and credentials to qualify to apply, pass two psychometric standardized and uniform examinations and prepare a paper showing the level of knowledge and skills needed to competently conduct their work responsibilities as a high level professional in their discipline. Becoming a CPE is about showing sufficiency of evidence that there is due cause to award such a title. ASPE Certification Exams achieve the objective of identifying the core knowledge, critical work functions, job tasks and subtasks and relevant knowledge, skills and abilities that are common across a representative sampling of current practitioners or job incumbents. The Certification exam is designed to evaluate the CPE candidate’s overall knowledge of estimating. It includes quantities, contact terms and conditions, cost reporting, ethics, and other fundamentals of estimating. Each candidate seeking certification must meet five basic requirements; a minimum of five years experience, completion of an orientation workshop, technical writing abilities, communication skills, and successful completion of Certification examinations. The Certification Board then evaluates each of the criteria for conformance to the program. As soon as approved applicants submit their applications they are assigned a number and are only known and referenced by that number from that point on for the sake of complete autonomy. The Certification Board constantly maintains a thorough technical and content review of the test components to ensure proper content validity. The tests include a four hour General Estimating Knowledge Exam, (GEK) and an eight hour Discipline Specific Test, (DST). The DST concentrates on specific practices such as General Contracting, Mechanical, Electrical, Excavation, and Concrete estimating. These are two types of certification assessments, (true/false and multiple choice) requiring accurate and efficient recall of knowledge. Work

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samples, (problems) are a direct sample of estimates performed in the work place and provide a directly related certification assessment. If a test is not fully developed in a specific disciple that a candidate desires to be examined in, they have the opportunity to write a test for that discipline. This test must include a minimum of 100 disciple specific questions, two working problems following specific guidelines including a minimum of 25 questions each about each problem. The Certification Committee then grades the applicant’s new test for the same criteria as all other tests that are generally prepared by CPEs for validity of technical knowledge and overall knowledge of estimating including a strong understanding of specific practices in the specific area.

An additional work sample which is part of the CPE program is the requirement of a 2,500 word paper written by the candidate demonstrating their communication skills and estimating knowledge. The specific subject is selected by three members of the Certification Board from three topics submitted by the candidate at time of application. It is intended this paper give the applicant an opportunity to prepare and explain how to perform an estimate in his major field of expertise much in the same manner that they are performing in their daily work.

The written technical papers are graded by three CPEs and evaluated for communication skills, writing skills, and a thorough knowledge of estimating. If the paper does not receive a passing grade of a minimum of 18 out of 30 points, the applicant is given one opportunity to rewrite the paper. The candidates are notified by the Society Business Office of their peer review score.

The preparation of exams for both general construction and separate discipline certification is performed exclusively by the Certification Committee, also considered subject matter experts. The Certification Committee members have performed job analysis, task analysis, and role delineation studies to investigate the job relevance of the certification assessment and identify the core knowledge, critical work functions, job tasks and subtasks, and relevant knowledge, skills and abilities that are common of fellow job incumbents. All of these components are implemented into the certification exams. ASPE recognizes the fundamental estimating principles inherent to all types of construction estimating. The CPE exams are structured to evaluate individual competence by being objective, fair, and based on the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to function as a Certified Professional Estimator in the relative discipline the candidate is testing for.

Once the tests are written, they are beta tested and taken by other CPEs to confirm the validity, reliability and consistency with what is expected in the industry of an accomplished professional. The tests are reviewed for demonstration of knowledge of estimating in the construction industry with the abilities needed to function in the specialty area. The tests are reviewed for a consistent amount of detail in each specialty area to the extent that any test provided for examination will require a sufficient knowledge in the specialty area that is demonstrative of an accomplished professional. Only until this process is completed, is each test made available for candidates to be taken.

Once the tests are taken and completed by the applicant, they are scored and recorded by the grading service provider. The candidates are notified by the Society Business Office in writing of their pass/fail status. Each candidate is given a re-take opportunity for each exam that did not receive a passing score.

The grading service provider for ASPE provides individual candidate scores and provides an

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item difficulty’ report that indicates how many times an individual question was answered incorrectly. These reports are monitored and when there is a question that is consistently answered incorrectly, that question is pulled out and reviewed and is subject to possible modifications or removal from the test. The passing point standard has been determined as per the ASPE Certification Pass/Fail Determination procedure.

Maintenance of the test item database is performed consistently and in the same manner is reviewed annually to evaluate the tests effectiveness. If it appears all candidates are constantly missing the same question or answering at 100% correct, the tests are reviewed and adjusted to improve the validity, quality, and fairness of the tests or the questions may be replaced. The Certification Board keeps historical records that include measures of average performance, performance variations, and pass/fail percentages for the overall candidate population on the overall assessment.

ASPE’s test management system is designed to enable reconstruction of examinee responses to the extent that a re-evaluation process is in place as an appeals process. Scores that are marginal failures are analyzed for comments by the examinee for professional evaluation of questions with disputed incorrect answers that may have interpretive issues worth reconsideration. Examinees that desire to discuss their test scores are given that opportunity for furthering their understanding and knowledge and improving the integrity of the exams. What is sought by the ASPE Certification Committee in the exams is the ability to perform and demonstrate a competent knowledge of the subject matter for a Certified Professional Estimator. Response records are maintained for at least two years to allow the examinee to initiate the appeals process.

All exams are given in the same format setting in a standard manner with a proctor to assure proper handling of materials, directions to candidates, allowed and prohibited acts and materials, appropriate responding to candidate questions, monitoring of administration, including prevention of candidate collaboration, and accounting of materials. Consistency and stability are continually maintained in the exam preparations, exam evaluations, administration, assessments, security administering, test scoring and record keeping in a never ending effort to afford fairness to all applicants in their pursuance of Certified Professional Estimator entitlement.

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ASPE Certification Pass/Fail Determination The “pass point” (PP) or “passing grade” (PG) for the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) exams is the minimum score which is required to pass each of the certification exams administered by ASPE. The method by which the PP/PG is determined is outlined below. STEP ONE Each of the exams is written by either an existing CPE or an applicant. The CPE process allows an applicant to provide questions and problems in their area of expertise should a CPE exam not be fully developed. Prior to the test being distributed for psychometric evaluation, there is a preliminary process by which the exam is reviewed for:

A. Accuracy-Are the problems, questions and their answers correct? The questions and answers must have complete documentation which provides verifiable back up via product manuals, published papers, textbooks, association (for instance the American Concrete Institute) publications, etc. The problems are reviewed for dimension (if required) accuracy, formulas, and math calculations

B. Grammar—the test is reviewed by the Certification Board and the CPE administrator in the ASPE national business office for accuracy in proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Once each exam has been judged to be in compliance with items A and B above, it is “rated” by a panel of CPEs who are experts in the exam’s scope. ASPE uses a modified version of the Angoff Method to determine the PP/PG for each exam. STEP TWO The CPEs and experts independently rate each question on the exam. The ratings are set as the likelihood that a competent estimator with the prerequisite qualifications for applying to the CPE program can answer the question correctly. After the panel rates the questions, they are then provided with the ratings of the other panel members. Each panel member is given an opportunity to change their ratings based on the ratings of the other panel members. STEP THREE After the questions have been verified and rated the second time, the mean, or average, score for the entire exam is calculated. The score MUST meet the minimum correct answers to reach the PP/PG which generally reflects 70 percent. STEP FOUR Every CPE applicant is encouraged to comment on each question he/she feels is problematic and should be reviewed by the Certification Board. In the field of construction estimating, different parts of the country have different phraseology within a field of work, or a trade in one part of the country may be responsible for a particular scope of work and the same trade will not consider the same scope as a part of their responsibility in another part of the country. For example, sheet metal flashing will be included in the HVAC trade in Arizona, but not in

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Oregon. Therefore a standardized test must be written so that an estimator in the Southwest and one in the Northeast can arrive at the same answer for the same question. If the applicant’s score borderlines the PP/PG, the entire Certification Committee will review any comments made by the applicant regarding perceived ambiguous questions. If a majority of the Board members agree that a comment which cast doubt on the validity of a questions and/or answer, the applicant will be awarded appropriate points to their grade. Should the applicant provide the Board with sufficient, relevant and accurate comments, the applicant may “earn” a sufficient number of points to pass the exam. The exam questions which are shown to be flawed by such comments are either permanently removed from the test data bank or revised to correct any ambiguity. STEP FIVE The tests are graded by an outside service. As a part of the reports sent with the grades, the service provides a listing of questions and the percentage of correct vs. incorrect answers for each problem. Should a question be answered wrong more than 50% of the time, that question will be removed from the process until it is revised to meet the rating requirement. This method of question/answer review and rating insures that the PP/PG is set empirically rather than an arbitrary “setting” of a percentage required to pass the exams.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS What are the basic prerequisites for applying to the ASPE professional evaluation process? At the time of completion of the Professional Evaluation Application you must have a minimum of five (5) years construction estimating experience in the specific discipline for which you seek certification. This is not negotiable. There will be no exceptions. How do I apply for Certification? Information and Application forms are available on the ASPE website. Please visit www.aspenational.org. Or you may contact your Chapter Certification Chair, your Regional Governor, Regional Certification Board Member or the Society Business Office. Is there a cut-off date for submitting the Application for Professional Evaluation? Yes. Refer to the matrix schedule for complete information on completion dates for each step of the program. Is attendance required for the Orientation Workshop? Yes. It is mandatory that all Certification Candidates attend and complete the Certification Orientation Workshop. What costs are associated with Certification? Current fees are listed at part of the Professional Evaluation Application and available on the national website, www.aspenational.org. The workshop type and number of examinations for which the candidate has applied will determine certification fees. Applicants should be prepared to purchase any of the recommended texts/study materials that would most beneficially complement their current libraries. Applicants who successfully complete the Certification process will be subject to a Certification Renewal policy and will submit a renewal application every three 3 years. What does the Certification process entail? Certification involves four major elements: an Orientation Workshop; a Technical Paper; the General Estimating Knowledge (GEK) Exam consisting of 4 hours of questions; and the Discipline Specific Test (DST) consisting of 8 hours of questions and problems. If your specific discipline is not available when the GEK examination is taken, you are required to write 100 Discipline Specific questions and 2 problems with 50 questions each. All problems must be “mini” estimates. How will I be informed of my acceptance into the Certification Program? The Society Business Office (SBO) will notify you of your acceptance. Approved applicants for examination will be assigned a candidate number to ensure confidentiality throughout the balance of the certification process. Technical paper topics will also be assigned at that time.

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When are examinations given? Proctored examinations must be taken in the time frame outlined in the Certification Cycle schedule. The applicant shall work with the local Chapter Certification Chairperson and/or the Regional Certification Committee member to arrange for a CPE to proctor the exams. Exams can also be taken during the ASPE National Convention. Where are examinations administered? Each proctor will inform candidates of the examination location. Members-at-Large will travel to the most convenient examination site to complete testing. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis; however, MALs residing outside of the United States will be expected to return to the United States for examination. Why is the Technical Paper required? The Technical Paper demonstrates that the candidate can communicate and express their estimating knowledge and capabilities. It also serves as an additional way to measure your experience in your chosen profession. It is an import part of why our certification Program has achieved the recognition of governmental agencies and other professional industry organizations. Why can't I predetermine a topic for my Technical Paper? As a candidate, you are requested to submit three specific topics in your area of expertise so that the Certification Committee can equitably assign topics to all applicants. One of the topics or one closely related will be assigned. What may I bring to the examination? You are allowed to furnish your own calculator and writing instruments. Other items related to test day would be thoroughly covered at the mandatory Orientation Workshop. No computers or programmable calculators are allowed. What requirements must be successfully completed in order to become a Certified Professional Estimator? It is necessary to complete the Professional Evaluation Application and to be accepted to the program. Once accepted to the program, candidates must complete the mandatory Certification Orientation Workshop, pass the Technical Paper requirements, pass the GEK exam and pass the DST requirements concerning your discipline, to receive the designation of Certified Professional Estimator. How will I be notified of the test results? The exam results are received from the Test Grading Service Center. The Society Business Office verifies the results and will inform you in writing of your PASS/FAIL status.

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What happens if I fail the examination(s)? A FAIL status on the General Estimating Knowledge (GEK) exam requires that you retake the GEK Exam on the next testing date. A FAIL status on the Discipline Specific Test (DST) requires that you retake the DST Exam on the next testing date. A second FAIL status on either the GEK or DST results in termination from the Certification Program. You may reapply at the next testing cycle. Will I receive proof of Certification by the Society? You will receive a certificate attesting to your compliance with the requirements of the Certification Program. The certificate is issued with the date of your successful completion of the program. ASPE members will have their membership status upgraded to Certified Professional Estimator (CPE). How long is the Certification valid? The Certification is valid for a period of three (3) years from the first August 1 following the date you receive notification of your CPE status. The expiration date is indicated on the certificate. Certification may be renewed every three years by satisfactory completion of the Certification Renewal Program. After 4 complete renewal cycles (15 years as a CPE) without a lapse in certification renewal and an ASPE member in good standing without a lapse, candidates may apply for the status of “Lifetime CPE”. What are the rewards of becoming a Certified Professional Estimator? As a Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), you will receive the professional recognition of your peers and all of the rights, privileges and responsibilities incumbent upon a professional. What happens if I fail to submit a Technical Paper by the deadline? Candidates who fail to submit a Technical Paper by the deadline will be given a chance to explain, in writing, the reason for the failure to meet the requirement. The explanation must be submitted to the National Certification Committee. The Committee will review each applicants request for an extension and vote as to the approval or denial of the request. The Board’s decision is final. Should an extension be denied, the applicant should meet the indicated deadlines of the cycle. If the deadlines are missed, the candidate will be subject to the same guidelines as missing a cycle deadline.

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The Technical Paper

“The technical paper provides a way to measure the applicant’s knowledge, capabilities, experience in a specific discipline, and the ability to communicate that knowledge”

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THE TECHNICAL PAPER

Technical Papers are critical to the continuing education of members of the American Society of Professional Estimators. They provide opportunities for the enhancement and expression of estimating information.

The creation of an acceptable Technical Paper is one of the requirements for becoming a Certified Professional Estimator (CPE). The Technical Paper serves to complement the question/answer and problem solving elements of the examination process. It provides the Society with an additional way to measure the applicant's knowledge, capabilities, experience in the specific discipline, and the ability to communicate that knowledge.

Within the question/answer and problem solving elements of the exam, the creator of the test materials provides a formal structure for the examinee. The Technical Paper gives the responsibility for total development to the candidate. All who have had to compose written communications are aware of the creative thought process involved, and the organizational and technical skills required. These same processes and skills were utilized to create any written composition, from the elementary level book report, to the postgraduate thesis. We are also aware of the high value placed on the ability to communicate ideas, opinions, methods and information in writing. These communication skills are essential for illustrating our worth in the profession of construction estimating.

The Technical Paper furnishes the opportunity to exercise your writing abilities and memorializes areas of the construction estimating expertise through organized, coherent documentation. PROCESS The Technical Paper, comprised of at least 2,500 words, must explain in detail the estimating process for your approved topic. A sample paper will be available for review during the orientation workshop. The paper must conform to the spirit of ASPE's Code of Ethics and shall be an original product, composed specifically for the purpose of attaining certification. Information should flow in an organized manner. Passive voice has no place in technical writing. Use active voice and simple, clear, direct phrasing. First and second person is rarely appropriate in technical writing. It is preferred to use third person when talking about the facts and data to ensure a more professional air in discussing the theoretical approach for your paper. Appropriate, charts, tables, and graphs should be included for effective illustration. Get feedback! Finish your paper well in advance, so that you can improve the writing. Have an outside reader review to make certain the use of correct sentence structure, proper grammar and spelling. TERMINOLOGY Define terms used in the composition of the paper to assist reader understanding. Keep in mind that the persons responsible for evaluating the text may be located in different geographic areas and may not be totally familiar with your regional terminology. Develop a formal glossary when warranted. REFERENCES All non-original materials must be properly referenced using a commonly accepted method of notation. Consult a public librarian for knowledgeable assistance in this area. Documentation of releases required by copyrights must be included with your transmittal package. SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES

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Submit to the Society Business Office: Double Check for Completeness. One original unbound copy Three unbound photocopies of the Technical Paper One CD of the technical paper in Microsoft Word; NOT in PDF. A signed copy of the Paper Topic Acceptance Letter

The paper must be received at the Society Business Office prior to the date listed in the Certification Program Schedule. You must submit the Technical Paper via certified mail or another signed delivery service. Submittals received after the specified date will be returned without action. Accepted submittals become property of the American Society of Professional Estimators. You must retain an original copy of your Technical Paper for the purpose of completing revisions in the event the paper fails to meet acceptance.

REVIEW PROCEDURES

The Certification Board oversees the review and evaluation process. A judgment of "acceptable for purpose of certification" is mandatory to satisfy this element of the program. Format Review Each paper is reviewed for compliance with the format elements established by the Format

Review Guidelines. Authors who do not comply with the Format Guidelines are advised with a copy of the Deficient Format Review Evaluation. Candidates are instructed to resubmit revised Technical Papers prior to the date listed in the revision notification.

Content Review

The Society Business Office distributes a copy of each paper to be reviewed by two (2) certified members. The reviewers shall make every effort to complete the Content Review within 2 to 3 weeks. The reviewer will send the evaluation to the Society Business Office.

The candidate must earn a minimum of 18 points per the Content Criteria Evaluation

Worksheet from two (2) reviewers to determine the paper "acceptable for purpose of certification." If one reviewer deems the paper acceptable, but the other does not, a third reviewer will grade the paper as the “tie-breaker”.

An award of less than 18 points from any of the two reviewers shall constitute a judgment of

"deficient for the purpose of Certification." Candidates will be advised of their status with a copy of the Content Criteria Evaluation Worksheet.

Resubmitted technical papers must be received by the Society Business Office per the written

notification to candidates. Untimely responses or second deficient judgments constitute termination for the current Certification Cycle.

Second Content Review

The reviewer(s), who judged the paper to be deficient, carry out the second content review. If two reviewers judged the paper to be deficient, both must deem the paper acceptable during the second review. If one reviewer judged the paper to be “deficient” and one judged it “acceptable”, only the “deficient” reviewer has to determine the paper as acceptable during the second review. Thus the paper will be acceptable for the purpose of certification.

REQUIRED ELEMENTS Title Page

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The Title Page must contain only the following elements: 1. Title of Technical Paper 2. Name of Author 3. Date Written Society Ownership Page The Society Ownership Page shall contain the following elements:

1. Society Ownership Statement You MUST include the following statement, as written, and provide your name (in typewritten

characters), signature and date: "I hereby acknowledge that the contents of this Technical Paper belong to the Society, which is free to publish or otherwise make such use of all or portions of the Paper as it sees fit. If applicable, I have designated by the use of 1/4" wide black tape on the right margin opposite the text or reference materials, those portions that are considered proprietary, and not available for the Society's use or publication. I have obtained and attached all documentation of releases required by copyright laws for all non-original materials incorporated or referenced in this Paper."

Author Page In approximately 100 words, write an autobiographical sketch on a separate, non-numbered page presenting your qualification to the Certification Committee. The Title Page, Society Ownership Page and Author Page will be removed from the paper prior to review distribution to insure author confidentiality. You should not use your name or the name of your employer in the remaining elements of the Technical Paper.

Cover Page The Cover Page must contain only the following elements: 1. Title of Technical Paper 2. Candidate Number (assigned to the applicant by the Certification Board) 3. Date Written (month and year of composition) Number the pages concurrently in the lower center of each page starting with the cover page as page 1 and continuing through the balance of the pages. The Cover Page remains with the paper throughout the entire review process. Table of Contents Provide a Table of Contents, which lists major headings and page numbers.

Body A Technical Paper must address the following: 1. Introduction a. Main CSI Division b. Specific Sub-Division: Code and Name c. Brief description of subject matter 2. Types and Methods of Measurements 3. Specific factors to consider that may affect things like take-off and pricing such as quantities vs. large

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quantities, geographic location, and seasonal effect on work 4. Overview of labor, material, equipment, indirect costs and approach to mark-ups (in depth details of

these can be found in a variety of estimating books on the market) 5. Special risk considerations 6. Ratios and analysis (present analysis tools used to test final bid; give examples) 7. Miscellaneous pertinent information 8. Sample sketch 9. Sample take-off and pricing sheets (should be a “mini-estimate”)

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RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Avoid the composition of an entire policy and procedures manual and topics that are too broad in

nature. 2. Be specific. 3. Based on certain criteria or assumptions, present alternative ways to estimate the same item relative to

newly discovered facts or relationships. 4. Address the cost impact of laws, safety requirements, government regulations, etc., on the type of

construction work you estimate. Show examples. 5. Share techniques for tracking historical cost data and other practices that have improved your

professional capacities as an estimator. Identify “tell” items in estimate. 6. Avoid reference to product brands, specific companies, organizations and persons unless they are

considered an industry standard. 7. Do not provide labor productivity rates, unless used in examples and pricing estimate sheets; instead,

instruct means to developing them. 8. Do not try to write a book. 9. Think of your topic in terms of what would be covered in a CHAPTER of a book. 10. Use charts and graphs to illustrate a new trend in your discipline. 11. Present thoughts on one or two procedures, which have improved your accuracy in the preparation of

cost estimates. 12. Illustrate how you develop an assembly or group of line items for use in preparing conceptual

estimates for projects. Stick with one or two assemblies to avoid being too general. Comparison of the same assembly under different conditions and variables can also be quite interesting.

13. Remember that your Technical Paper MUST explain “HOW TO ESTIMATE THE COST OF…..” 14. Include a sketch.

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OFFICIAL FORMAT REVIEW GUIDELINES NOTE: Failure to meet this format will result in your paper being returned due to Format Deficiency

1. Title Page (Title, Author, Date) 2. Society Ownership Page (Signature & Date) 3. Author Page (100 words) 4. Cover Page (Title, Candidate #, Date) 5. Table of Contents (include page numbers) 6. Introduction a. Main CSI Division b. Specific Sub-Division (Code and Name) c. Brief Description of Subject Matter 7. Types and Methods of Measurements 8. Specific factors that need to be considered that may affect things like take-off and pricing a. Small quantities vs. large quantities b. Geographic location c. Seasonal effect on work 9. Overview of labor, material, equipment, indirect costs, approach and mark-ups 10. Special risk considerations 11. Ratios and analysis (tools used to test final bid) 12. Miscellaneous pertinent information 13. Sample Sketch 14. Sample Take-off and Pricing Sheet 15. Terminology/Glossary (if required) 16. References (non-original material) 17. Copyright releases (non-original material) 18. Copy of Approved Topic Letter Submit your Technical Paper according to the following: 19. 2,500 words minimum in items 6 through 12 above 20. Printed - double spaced and single sided 21. Pages numbered consecutively (bottom center of pages) 22. Proprietary portions noted 23. One (1) original - unbound 24. Three (3) copies - unbound 25. One (1) CD (In MicroSoft Word Format Only – NO PDF)

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FORMAT REVIEW EVALUATION WORKSHEET Candidate:________________________________________I.D.#___________________ Paper Title:_______________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Approved Deficiency 1. Title Page (Title, Author, Date) ____________ ____________

2. Society Ownership Page (Signature & Date) ____________ ____________

3. Author Page (100 Words) ____________ ____________

4. Cover Page (Title, Candidate #, Date) ____________ ____________

5. Table of Contents ____________ ____________

6. Introduction ____________ ____________

a. Main CSI Division ____________ ____________

b. Specific Sub-Division (Code & Name) ____________ ____________

c. Brief Description of Subject Matter ____________ ____________

7. Sample Sketch ____________ ____________

8. Sample Take-off and Pricing Sheet ____________ ____________

9. Terminology/Glossary (if required) ____________ ____________

10. References (if required) ____________ ____________

11. Copyright releases (non-original material) ____________ ____________

12. Copy of Approved Topic Letter ____________ ____________

13. 2,500 words minimum ____________ ____________

14. Printed - single-sided, double-spaced ____________ ____________

15. Pages numbered consecutively (bottom cntr.) ____________ ____________

16. Proprietary portions noted ____________ ____________

17. One (1) original - unbound ____________ ____________

18. Three (3) copies - unbound ____________ ____________

19. One (1) CD (In Word Format – NO PDF ____________ ____________

Reviewer:___________________________________Date:_________________________

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Below are the suggested procedures, grading rubrics, and the grading evaluation sheet that are provided to all technical paper reviewers. Please review so that you develop an idea of the review assessment.

How to Read a Technical Paper and Write an Effective Critique

Learning to read a technical paper is a critical but rarely taught skill. Most learn on their own using trial and error. One concept to reviewing technical papers is the “three-pass” approach as developed by S. Keshav of the University of Waterloo.

“The Three-Pass Approach – the key idea is that you should read the paper in three passes, instead of starting at the beginning and reading your way to the end. Each pass accomplishes specific goals and builds upon the previous pass: The First Pass – gives you a general idea about the paper The Second Pass – let’s you grasp the paper’s content The Third Pass – helps you understand the paper in depth The First Pass: The First pass is a quick scan of the paper. This pass should take about five to ten minutes and consists of the following steps:

1. Carefully read the title, introduction, and brief description 2. Read the section and sub-section headings, but ignore everything else 3. Read the conclusions 4. Glance over the references, mentally ticking off the ones you've already read

At the end of the First pass, you should be able to answer the Four Cs:

1. Category: Should reflect “How to Estimate the Cost of…?.” 2. Context: Should reflect the approach to the estimate. 3. Correctness: Does the approach/method appear to be valid? 4. Clarity: Is the paper well written?

The Second Pass In the second pass, read the paper with greater care. It helps to jot down the key points, or to make comments in the margins, as you read.

1. Look carefully at the Figures, diagrams and other illustrations in the paper. Pay special attention to the take-off and sample sketch. Do they support the details of the paper? Mistakes in these supporting documents will separate rushed, shoddy work from the truly excellent.

2. Remember to mark relevant unread references for further reading (this is a good way to

learn more about the background of the paper). After this pass, you should be able to grasp the content of the paper. You should be able to summarize the main gist of the paper, with supporting evidence, to someone else. This level of detail is appropriate for a paper in which you are reviewing, but may not lie in your area of

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specialty. Sometimes you won't understand a paper even at the end of the second pass. This may be because the subject matter is new to you, with unfamiliar terminology and acronyms. Or the authors may use a technique that you don't understand, so that the bulk of the paper is incomprehensible. The paper may be poorly written with unsubstantiated assertions and numerous forward references. Or it could just be that it's late at night and you're tired. You can now choose to: (a) set the paper aside, hoping you don't need to understand the presented methods in your career, (b) return to the paper later, perhaps after reading background material or (c) persevere and go on to the third pass. The Third Pass To fully understand a paper requires a third pass. The key to the third pass is to attempt to virtually re-implement the paper: that is, making the same assumptions as the authors, re-create the work. By comparing this re-creation with the actual paper, you can easily identify not only a paper's innovations, but also its hidden failings and assumptions. This pass requires great attention to detail. You should identify and challenge every assumption in every statement. Moreover, you should think about how you yourself would present a particular idea. This comparison of the actual with the virtual lends a sharp insight into the proof and presentation techniques in the paper and you can very likely add this to your scope of tools. During this pass, you should also jot down ideas for improvements to the paper. At the end of this pass, you should be able to reconstruct the entire structure of the paper, as well as be able to identify its strong and weak points. In particular, you should be able to pinpoint implicit assumptions, missing documentation to relevant work, and potential issues with techniques.”1

Review and Evaluation “Good papers contain something of merit. You, an expert in the subject, should be able to find it (if it exists). However, the item of merit may be poorly presented, which can undermine the paper’s value.”4 Remember that critical review does not mean negative review. Identify the flaws, but try to suggest how to fix the flaws. Be constructive. Mention what the paper’s value would be if it were improved. When making evaluations, keep in mind, everyone will view a job differently. If the author has suggested a method of construction that is different from what you would choose, it does not make the approach wrong. The newly developed assessment rubrics should be helpful in your evaluation of primary technical paper traits and the estimating criteria. The criteria should be assessed by the rubric and asking a series of questions about the paper. To critically review the paper, you should ask the following questions:

Has the author demonstrated HOW to perform the estimate? Does the author demonstrate estimating knowledge of the subject? Has the author provided enough technical or trade associated information for the

reviewer to understand the subject? Does the author’s approach reflect an expected level of expertise for a CPE?

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Has the author demonstrated how special considerations impact the estimate? Does the author’s use and interpretation of methodology used to develop the estimate

meet that of the current industry standards or is it outdated, leading to invalid results? Is the paper well written? Are the details of the estimate complete? Was the author successful in communicating his/her points? Is the use of figures, tables or examples appropriate? Are the organization, spelling, grammar, and style satisfactory? Does the paper present a sample estimate? Is the estimate calculated correctly? Major

errors in mathematical calculations will require a re-submittal of the paper. Does the paper reference a sample sketch?

Writing the Critique You will be asked to complete a rating based criteria score sheet (see sample) and to write additional comments. Responses that are too long to fit in the allocated space may be submitted on separate pages. You should keep a copy of the paper for reference should the candidate wish to discuss your findings. Below is the format that is recommended for submitting your comments.4 [format developed by Alan Meier, University of California, Berkeley] (1) Title and candidate number of the paper (2) Summary of paper This needs to be only 1-3 sentences, but it demonstrates that you understand the paper. (3) Good things about the paper (one paragraph) This is not always necessary, especially when the review is generally favorable. However, it is strongly recommended if the review is critical. Such introductions are good psychology if you want the author to drastically revise the paper. (4) Major comments Discuss the author’s assumptions, technical approach, analysis, results, conclusions, reference, etc. Be constructive, if possible, by suggesting improvements. (5) Minor comments The section contains comments on style, figures, grammar, etc. If any of these are especially poor and detract from the overall presentation, then they might escalate to the ‘major comments’ section. It is acceptable to write these comments in list (or bullet) form. (6) Recommendations Provide insight to back up your decision and suggest how to improve the quality of the paper.

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When to Decline You will be asked to finish a review within a specific time. “Unfortunately, a good review takes many hours to prepare and it must compete with other obligations. Therefore, you can (and should) decline to review a paper if you cannot devote the necessary time before the deadline. Upon inspection of the paper you may realize that you are not competent to review the paper. This is nothing to be ashamed about because staff cannot perfectly match papers and reviewers.”4 You should notify the Certification Coordinator or your Regional Certification Board member immediately to discuss your concerns. When you decline to review a paper, the coordinator will be particularly gratified if you suggest an alternate reviewer. The Certification Coordinator keeps a list of volunteer reviewers. One goal is to avoid asking people to review papers too frequently. If you have had a change in status and wish to either be removed or added to the list, please contact the Society Business Office. References 1. S. Keshav, “How to Read a Paper” University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada 2. UC Davis English Department Composition Program 3. Libby Allison, Director, M.A. Program in Technical Communication, Department of English Texas State University 4. Alan Meier, 2003. “How to Review a Technical Paper” University of California, Berkeley

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SAMPLE CONTENT CRITERIA REVIEW TECHNICAL PAPER EVALUATION WORKSHEET

CandidateID#: _________________________________________________________________ EssayTitle: ____________________________________________________________________ Review for paper content: Based upon a minimum of two readings, it is my opinion that this paper deserves the following rating based on the CONTENT criteria listed below:

CRITERIA Excellent Good Acceptable Poor Unacceptable

1. Knowledge of Estimating

5 4 3 2 1

2. Demonstration of Estimating Experience

5 4 3 2 1

3. Composition, Spelling, Grammar and Style

5 4 3 2 1

4. Coverage of Important Elements

5 4 3 2 1

5. Cohesiveness and Continuity

5 4 3 2 1

6. Overall Technical Merit 5 4 3 2 1

Subtotal of Points

Thus, _______ total points of the possible 30 points have been earned. A minimum of 18 points is required to accept this paper for purposes of granting Certification to the candidate. Reviewer Comments: (use additional sheets if necessary) ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

Reviewer:________________________Date: ________________Phone: __________ NOTE: Please return a copy of this sheet to a Certification Board Representative or the SBO and keep a copy for your records. ****************************************************************************************************FORWARD TO: Standards Board Editor of the “Estimating Today” Papers that score 24 points or higher will be considered for publishing in Estimating Today. 

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How to Estimate the Cost of a Sanitary Sewer Installation in an Urban Environment By Daniel George Frondorf May 24, 2008

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I hereby acknowledge that the contents of this Technical Paper belong to the Society, which is free to publish or otherwise make such use of all or portions of the Paper as it sees fit. If applicable, I have designated by the use of 1/4" wide black tape on the right margin opposite the text or reference materials, those portions that are considered proprietary, and not available for the Society's use or publication. I have obtained and attached all documentation of releases required by copyright laws for all non-original materials incorporated or referenced in this Paper. ____________________________________________ Daniel George Frondorf May 24, 2008

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Daniel George Frondorf is a Sitework Construction Estimator in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dan’s career began as a Zoning Plans Examiner for a local municipality after obtaining an AAS in Civil Engineering Technology from Cincinnati Technical College. He moved on to two roadway contracting firms before starting an estimating consulting practice, concentrating on Sitework. Today he is very active in ASPE chapter 38, and is a faculty member of ASPE chapter 38 strategic partner ACI - Allied Construction Industries (a local contractor’s benevolence organization, dedicated to providing contractors education, safety training, and workforce development), presenting seminars on Construction Estimating to ACI’s members.

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How to Estimate the Cost of a Sanitary Sewer Installation in an Urban Environment

CPE Candidate No. 0308035

May 2008

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How to Estimate the Cost of a Sanitary Sewer Installation in an Urban Environment

Table of Contents

Section 1 Introduction page 3

Section 2 Types of Methods of Measurements page 4

Section 3 Project Specific Factors to Consider in Takeoff and Pricing page 6

Section 4 Overview of Labor, Material, Equipment, Indirect Costs

and Approach to Markups page 10

Section 5 Special Risk Considerations page 11

Section 6 Ratios and Analysis – Testing the Bid page 11

Section 7 Other Pertinent Information page 12

Section 8 Sample Plan and Profile View page 14

Section 9 Sample Trench and Restoration Detail page 15

Section 10 Sample Estimate – Takeoff and Pricing Sheets page 16

Section 11 Copy of Topic Approval Letter from ASPE Certification Board page 19

Section 12 Terminology-Glossary page 20

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Section 1 Introduction

This technical paper is intended to provide the reader with a general understanding of performing

professional construction estimating services as they relate to the installation of sanitary sewer

systems that are built within an existing urban environment. Such installations are typically more

challenging than new work performed in a new residential or commercial development or

subdivision, or an installation built within previously undisturbed ground. Conflicts with existing

utilities, buildings, roadways, and with the humanity occupying these features requires the

Construction Estimator to factor much more than just the costs of labor, materials, and equipment

into a cost estimate.

Main CSI (Construction Specifications Institute 2004 MasterFormat) Division

Division 33 Utilities

Main CSI (Construction Specifications Institute 2004 MasterFormat) Subdivisions

Subdivision 33 30 00 Sanitary Utility Sewerage Piping

Subdivision 33 39 00 Sanitary Utility Sewerage Structures

Brief Description

The author will discuss the requirements of the Construction Estimator to review the plans and

specifications, to perform a scope of work review, to perform quantity takeoffs, to compile all

direct and indirect costs, and to factor all of these into a cost estimate using production rates that

reflect the challenges inherent to working in an urban environment. Sample takeoffs and cost

estimates will be included. The paper will be presented from the point of view of a Construction

Estimator who is preparing a Prime, or General Contract bid, as opposed to the point of view of a

subcontractor or material supplier. It is assumed that the plans and specifications have been

prepared to the level of CD (Construction Documents) by the project’s civil designer. These

projects are typically bid as unit priced contracts rather than as lump sum contracts. The

contractor provides a unit price to quantities established by the owner or engineer, and the

extended prices are all summed to determine an overall contract amount. Payments are then

made at the stipulated unit prices as the work proceeds for the quantities completed.

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Section 2 Types of Methods of Measurements

Quantity takeoffs in utility construction measure several components, including excavated

trenching spoils by CUB YD; pipe bedding and backfill by CUB YD or TON; specialty backfills

(such as low density or “flowable” backfill) by CUB YD; piping material by LIN FT; fittings, such as

tees, saddles, wyes, and bends by EACH; structures such as manholes by VERT FT; pavement

restoration by SQ FT or SQ YD; lawn and yard restoration by SQ YD; topsoil for lawn restoration

by CUB YD; connections to existing structures (aka taps) by EACH; and traffic maintenance

typically by LUMP SUM.

Items requiring cubic yardage or tonnage measurements require 3 dimensional takeoffs, and the

Construction Estimator can typically find these dimensions on the plan and profile sheets and on

the typical sections or details that go along with them. Length and depth of trench can be found

on the plan and profile pages; trench widths are shown on the typical sections or details. Often

the width of the trench for a utility installation is dictated by the local governing agency or utility

authority. Usually these are minimum trench widths. However, the Construction

Estimator must factor several important items into his or her determination of actual trench width,

including but not limited to safety; soil types; type of equipment needed to achieve the required

depth of excavation; proximity to adjacent existing utilities, pavement, railroad tracks, buildings,

fences, or any other undisturbable item. Once accurate lengths, depths, and widths can be

determined, the 3 required dimensions can be used to calculate excavated trench volumes, pipe

bedding and backfill, and specialty backfills. If a bedding or backfill item, such as granular fill, is

sold by the TON, the Construction Estimator will utilize the appropriate conversion factor from

CUB YD to TON to determine the quantities required to be purchased. It is necessary for the

Construction Estimator to factor waste into the calculations. Trench spoils may swell when

excavated and loaded onto a truck, making the actual volume of material to be handled more

than the “bank” yardage as measured from the plans. Shrinkage of backfill may occur depending

on the material placed as it is compacted, and is also subject to spillage loss as material is

handled between the delivery trucks, the stockpile, and the trench itself.

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Piping material is sold in differing lengths depending on the type of material, so it is important to

measure each run of pipe between each utility structure. In this way, the numbers of pipe

sections, or “sticks”, for each run can be determined, and the appropriate whole number of pipe

sections, or “sticks” can be included in the cost estimate. For example, a pipe run of 8” PVC SDR

35 pipe between 2 manholes is 94 LIN FT. This pipe is sold in 13’ sections. The required number

of sections, or “sticks”, is 94/13 = 7.23, or 8. Rounding up to the next whole number is required

because the pipe supplier will not sell .23 of a section or “stick”.

Pipe fittings required for connections or bends are simply counted on the plan and profile sheet.

Manholes and other structures are determined by their VERT FT, and their locations and depths

in VERT FT can be found on the plan and profile sheets. This is also true for connections, or taps,

of the new sewer pipe to an existing pipe or structure. While the count, or number (EACH) of

these connections is important, so is their depth in VERT FT and width in FEET, both needed to

calculate the quantity of excavated trench spoils and backfill that must be factored into the cost

estimate. Pavement and lawn and yard restorations are typically measured in AREA (2

dimensional) quantities, such as SQ FT, SQ YD, or ACRE (an area measurement containing

43560 SQ FT).

Very often sanitary sewers installed in urban settings are constructed within, around, or adjacent

to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This is one of the more challenging aspects of urban utility

work. Costs to re-route, detour, barricade, or otherwise separate construction from vehicles and

people are usually accounted for and paid for by the LUMP SUM, wherein all of the costs

required (signage, pavement markings, traffic control devices, temporary pavement, etc..) are

factored into a single pricing item. Usually all of this work must comply with the current edition of

the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. This is the official publication of the Federal

Highway Administration and is yet another document with which Construction Estimators must

familiarize themselves.

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Section 3 Project Specific Factors to Consider in Takeoff and Pricing

Small Quantities vs. Large Quantities

It is widely understood that projects involving larger quantities of materials have lower unit prices

than projects involving smaller quantities. On the larger projects, there is simply greater

opportunity to spread direct, indirect, and overhead costs than on a smaller project. This certainly

applies to utility construction, even in an urban setting. A project involving 4000 LIN FT of pipe

and 24 structures will have lower unit pricing per LIN FT for the pipe and per EACH for the

structures than a project having only 240 LIN FT and 2 structures.

Geographic Location

Costs can be impacted by several factors of geographical origin. Material availability varies

regionally and so do their costs; project location can affect the costs of material delivery and

trucking associated with the proximity of the jobsite to the supplier location or waste site in the

case of excavated spoils that must be disposed of legally; labor availability varies regionally and

so do its costs; in more northern regions the construction season for outside work such as utility

construction is much shorter than in all other regions; additionally, soil in northern regions is more

subject to freezing and this fact alone can decrease production rates for trenching, driving unit

costs up.

Seasonal Effect on Work

Utility construction in temperate climates is more impacted during the colder winter months than

the hot summer months, but both extremes can contribute to variable production rates and

therefore estimated construction costs. Cold weather tends to slow construction by inhibiting the

efforts of man and machine, and by decreasing the ability of backfill to be compacted. Protection

of poured concrete must be provided in extreme cold, extreme heat, or in rainy conditions.

Visibility and safety are compromised during rainy or cloudy days; the surfaces of equipment and

tools are less stable when covered with water or ice; construction schedules can be negatively

impacted by poor weather, or even by simply seasonal weather. The Construction Estimator has

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a duty to make himself or herself aware of the project’s schedule as part of their bid review, and

must incorporate the likely seasonal conditions that will be in place during that schedule and the

additional costs that result, into their cost estimates.

Special Conditions Affecting Utility Installations in an Urban Environment

Because of the nature of installing a new sanitary sewer (or any utility) in an urban environment,

there are several additional factors that must be accounted for by the Construction Estimator. Not

the least of these is the presence of existing utility lines (water, gas, sanitary, storm, steam, etc…)

that must be protected, crossed, shored, supported, exposed, re-directed, raised, lowered, or

otherwise dealt with by the installation of the new sanitary sewer. Sometimes, but not always,

these existing utilities are indicated on the plan and profile sheets and give the Construction

Estimator an idea of what is necessary to deal with the existing while installing the new utility.

Sometimes only a general idea of the location of the existing utility is given, with or without a

depth. In these cases the contractor is required by either plan notes or specs or both to expose,

locate, and protect the existing utility. The costs for such an operation is typically considered

incidental to the cost of the new sanitary sewer. The Construction Estimator must use his or her

own experience and judgment (as well as a site inspection) to determine how to handle such a

requirement, which may require specialty subcontractors known as “potholers”, or vacuum

excavation specialists who use a combination of compressed air, high pressure water, and a long

vacuum hose to extract soil from the vicinity of existing utilities. These specialists can use this

non-digging excavation technique to safely expose existing utilities without conventional

excavation equipment (backhoes, etc...). Once exposed, these utilities can be protected and hand

dug around to allow the new installation of the sanitary sewer. It is not difficult to understand how

this process can slow down the installation process and cause lower production rates.

Requirements such as vacuum excavation are not typically required in working in virgin soil or

previously undeveloped ground, and production rates on sites such as these are much faster.

The Construction Estimator must also be aware of other existing conditions, such as adjacent

pavement or buildings that possibly require shoring or other protection during new sanitary sewer

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installation. In many urban areas and in older cities, it is not uncommon to discover abandoned

railroad tracks and ballast under existing pavement, forgotten remnants of streetcar systems and

inter-urban railroads. It is not unusual to discover building foundations extending into the right of

way of a street, or similar unforeseen circumstances. When a pipe crew is handling or dealing

with requirements arising from these kinds of challenges presented by the urban environment,

they are not laying pipe or building structures, and therefore productivity slows.

Because most urban areas have already been heavily developed, civil engineers and utility

agencies often have no choice but to locate new utilities within the street pavement. This causes

the need for not only costly pavement restoration, but usually the need for costly low density or

flowable backfills to be placed within new pipe trenches. Working in the street also requires traffic

maintenance. Productivity slowdowns due to traffic backups can be caused by the construction

itself (pipe crews waiting for dumptrucks to return empty in the trenching process). Because of the

close proximity of human life, either in vehicles or on foot or within buildings adjacent to the new

sanitary sewer installation, the risk of harm increases to include not just the construction

operations themselves, but to the human element nearby. Safety is always something the

Construction Estimator should take seriously and account for, but it has an even greater

importance on these kinds of projects because the sites are occupied by people, who must be

protected. When constructing a new building, the occupation of it by the owners and their human

resources occurs after construction is complete. Not so with utility installations in an urban

environment. Because of the need to account for and protect humans, many utility agencies and

governments have working hour restrictions and noise limits that must be adhered to by the

contractor. These further limit productivity and even the choices in equipment available to perform

the work, especially if night time work is required. Many cities have morning and afternoon rush

hour periods during which no traffic restrictions are permissible (for example 6-9 AM and 3-6 PM,

effectively reducing the workday to 6 hours, or from 9AM to 3PM). This further limits productivity.

Additionally, available space for staging, job trailers, office trailers, material storage, and

temporary facilities can be significantly limited. Many contractors must work out deals with private

property owners to make space available nearby or within the project site. Maintaining and

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restoring these sites are good examples of indirect costs that must be accounted for by the

Construction Estimator.

Lastly, the Construction Estimator must become thoroughly familiar with any geotechnical report

issued as part of the bidding documents. These reports contain important information regarding

the types of soil that the contractor can be expected to encounter during excavation and

trenching. Limestone, shale, hard clays, and glacial till soil types can slow down trenching, while

granular and sandy soils tend to cave in and can require additional excavation or expensive

shoring to maintain the integrity of the trench. Soil types and trench depth are also important

safety factors as well, and have an impact on productivity by possibly requiring trench sloping,

safety overdigs, or possible trench box protection for the pipelaying crew. It is important to

remember that whatever is excavated must be backfilled, and if granular backfill from an offsite

source or flowable backfills are required, these can add significant costs to a sanitary sewer

project (flowable backfill is required by many jurisdictions under pavement or within rights of way

because it virtually eliminates future settlement of the utility trench area). The geotechnical report

may possibly also identify any possible hazardous materials or interferences caused by existing

features.

In summary, there are SIGNIFICANT factors affecting construction costs for a sanitary sewer

installation in an urban environment beyond simply small vs. large quantities, geographical

location, and seasonal effect on the work. The congested, surgical nature of working in an urban

setting is ripe with challenges not seen in working in a previously undeveloped setting.

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Section 4

Overview of Labor, Material, Equipment, and Indirect Costs and Approach to Markups

Labor and equipment costs are calculated on a per hour basis and are typically determined based

on and include the local prevailing wage rates (Davis Bacon wages) that are usually required on

public works projects in most jurisdictions. Because of the need to account for so many things

other than pipe laying, we will calculate labor and equipment costs in this estimate based on 10

hour days, and to keep our crews working a 40 hour week, we will use a 4 day work week. Our

crew in this example will be comprised of the following :

Cost Item Quantity Unit Unit Cost Total Cost Rubber Track Backhoe incl. Operator 1 HOUR $150.00 $150.00 Rubber Tire Loader incl. Operator 1 HOUR $125.00 $125.00 Tandem Axle Dumptruck incl. Operator 4 HOUR $75.00 $300.00 Trench Box – Shoring 1 HOUR $25.00 $25.00 Labor – Pipelayer 2 HOUR $55.00 $110.00 Labor – Laborer 4 HOUR $50.00 $200.00 Supervision – Foreperson 1 HOUR $65.00 $65.00 Pickup Truck 2 HOUR $15.00 $30.00 Tool Truck 2 HOUR $20.00 $40.00 TOTAL HOURLY COST $1,045.00 TOTAL DAILY COST based on a 10 HOUR DAY $10,450.00

Material costs are based on the takeoff quantities and will include whatever waste factors are

included by the Construction Estimator. It is imperative to include the costs of freight on board

(FOB) to the project site or to wherever the contractor plans to stage the project. Supplier

quotations are solicited from pipe and fitting manufacturers and dealers, as well as from precast

concrete suppliers for structures. Other supplies for which pricing must be obtained include

granular bedding, granular and flowable backfills, and steel castings for the tops of the structures.

In addition to labor, equipment, and materials, subcontract quotations must be solicited from

subcontractors to provide the following services : surveying and layout; asphalt pavement

restoration; concrete pavement restoration; topsoil, lawn, and sod restoration; pavement

markings if any; traffic control and maintenance specialty subcontractors; and pavement

sawcutting.

There are additional indirect costs that will be incurred, such as permits, performance bonding,

temporary facilities, and taxes (if applicable). Lastly, the contractor must calculate his or her own

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managerial and in house costs related to project supervision and overhead attributable to this

particular project.

After all costs have been calculated, all production rates reasonably estimated, and all indirect

and overhead costs factored in to the total cost estimate, the management of the contractor will

decide what approach to take with respect to markup, or percentage of the project’s costs that it

will hope to generate as profit (defined as total revenue less total costs). If the contractor has a

heavy current backlog of work, he or she may decide to put a larger margin of profit into a project.

If the contractor needs work, the markup decision can be little if any. Projects with higher risks

and less competition tend to generate higher markups, while those with low risk and several

bidders will tend to bid more competitively, and therefore have lower markups among the bidders.

Markup decisions are highly variable and usually rest with the top management of each

contracting firm.

Section 5 Special Risk Considerations

As previously discussed, installing sanitary sewers in an urban environment has no shortage of

special risks. Such installations are typically more challenging than new work performed in a new

residential or commercial development or subdivision, or an installation built within previously

undisturbed ground. Conflicts with existing utilities, existing buildings, existing roadways, and with

the humanity occupying these existing features requires the Construction Estimator to factor

much more than just the costs of labor, materials, and equipment into a cost estimate. Slower

production rates, scarcity of staging areas, exposing and locating existing utilities, dealing with

traffic, shoring and protecting existing utilities and buildings, expensive pavement restorations,

and extensive use of expensive flowable backfill are all factors that contribute to the complexity of

installing sanitary sewers in an urban environment.

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Section 6 Ratios and Analysis – Testing the Bid

Because all sanitary sewer projects installed in an urban environment are unique, and because

they are inherently full of special risk considerations, it is not always possible to develop rules of

thumb that apply uniformly to all projects. However, it is always good estimating practice to

maintain a database of historical costs from both field-built projects as well as estimated but

unbuilt projects (of which every Construction Estimator will have a plethora). The unit costs,

methods, and other particular information contained in these projects or estimates will prove

invaluable as new projects are considered and new bids prepared and submitted. Consistency,

accuracy, and completeness will be the result, and better bids will be submitted over the long haul

if the contractor realizes that the estimating work performed today on an unsuccessful bid will

likely pay off tomorrow or further down the road because of the practices and research put into

today’s estimate.

Section 7 Other Pertinent Information

The Construction Estimator must be aware that many local governments and utility authorities

require bidders to achieve either voluntary or mandatory participation goals with respect to small,

disadvantaged, or minority owned businesses serving as subcontractors on their construction

projects. Additionally, several jurisdictions are requiring bidders to adopt company wide policies

regarding drug and alcohol use by employees, or actually require drug testing itself as a condition

of contract award. It also has become more common that jurisdictions are requiring certain levels

of OSHA (Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration) safety training for

superintendents, such as the OSHA 10 hour and the OSHA 30 hour courses. While matters such

as these do not directly add cost to a construction project, they do so indirectly and must be

accounted for by the Construction Estimator. Finally, all contractors must avail themselves of the

free utility location services provided in each state by the individual “call before you dig” services

offered by the member utilities. These services usually require a minimum of 48 hours notice

before starting excavation, giving the service provider the opportunity to field locate existing

underground utilities that may be encountered during a particular construction project. These

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services save dollars and lives every year by informing contractors of potential underground

conflicts. This is an invaluable service to the public and to the contractor community, and do not

add cost to a construction project.

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Section 8 Sample Plan and Profile View

Figure 1 On this page we see a partial plan and profile (Figure 1) of a typical urban sanitary sewer installation. Please note on the profile (lower) portion the existing utility lines that will be encountered during the installation of the new sanitary sewer, which are also visible on the plan (upper) portion, which also indicates the new sanitary sewer within the paved area as well as the paving restoration limits. The interference with traffic on this project is clearly seen as the pipe run between MH1 and MH2 cuts diagonally across the intersection of the 2 streets.

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Section 9 Sample Trench and Restoration Detail

Figure 2 On this page we see a typical trench – restoration detail (Figure 2), NOT drawn to scale, that instructs the contractor how to backfill the new sanitary sewer trench as well as the asphalt pavement above it. Note that while compacted granular bedding is required below the new pipe, and compacted granular haunching is required on the sides of the new pipe, no dimensions for the depth or width are given. A 12” dimension is given for the compacted granular backfill above the pipe. Above that a flowable controlled density fill is required up to the level of the pavement subgrade, above which 10” of asphalt base (in 2 – 5” layers) is specified, then finally the surface restoration that includes grinding and resurfacing the top 2” with asphalt surface mix. The Construction Estimator will determine the required trench depth from what is shown on Figure 1. The width of the trench will be determined by factors from a variety of sources, including but not limited to the geotechnical report (for soil types), bucket width of the trackhoe or other excavation equipment needed to reach the depth shown on Figure 1, the requirements of OSHA for a safe trench type at the needed depth, and the proximity of existing utilities, buildings, pavements, or other features that must be protected. Once the trench width is calculated the volumes of excavated spoils and backfill quantities can be determined. These volumes must be calculated also for each structures (manhole, cleanout, junction box, etc..).

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Section 10 Sample Estimate – Takeoff and Pricing Sheets

(Please note that these takeoffs are NOT based on the plans seen in Figure 1 and 2)

SANITARY STRUCTURE TAKEOFF

Name Type Rim Elevation

Invert Elevation

Depth VERT FT

SMH 1 48" Standard MH 848.06 841.62 6.44 SMH 2 48" Standard MH 844.76 838.26 6.50 SMH 3 48" Standard MH 841.65 834.98 6.67 SMH 4 48" Standard MH 838.79 832.48 6.31 SMH 5 48" Standard MH 838.02 831.88 6.14 EX. MH Ex. 54" MH 836.64 828.66 7.98

SANITARY CONDUIT TAKEOFF Avg.

From Structure To Structure Size (inch) Quantity Unit Type Depth

SMH 1 SMH 2 12 168 LIN FT SDR 35 6.47 SMH 2 SMH 3 12 163 LIN FT SDR 35 6.58 SMH 3 SMH 4 12 130 LIN FT SDR 35 6.49 SMH 4 SMH 5 12 30 LIN FT SDR 35 6.22 SMH 5 EX. MH 12 161 LIN FT SDR 35 7.06 Total 12 652 LIN FT SDR 35

TRENCH VOLUME TAKEOFF for 12" Pipe Assumes 4' wide vertically sided trench utilizing full height shoring box trench protection in silty clay soil Allows for 12" of overdig below the pipe for bedding material Trench width of 4' allows for 18" of haunching on either side of pipe Trench Trench Average Trench Trench Length Width Depth Volume Volume LIN FT FEET VERT FT CUB FT CUB YD 652.00 4.00 7.57 19732.13 730.82

PIPE VOLUME TAKEOFF for 12" Pipe Assumes 4' wide vertically sided trench utilizing full height shoring box trench protection in silty clay soil Allows for 12" of overdig below the pipe for bedding material Trench width of 4' allows for 18" of haunching on either side of pipe Area of Cylinder = Pi (3.14)*radius squared Volume of Cylinder = Area of Cylinder * Length Trench Pipe Pipe Pipe Pipe Pipe Length Diameter Radius Area Volume Volume

LIN FT FEET VERT FT SQ FT CUB FT CUB YD

652.00 1.00 0.50 0.79 511.82 18.96

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GRANULAR BEDDING, HAUNCHING, and PIPE COVER TAKEOFF for 12" Pipe Assumes 12" granular bedding, 12" granular pipe cover, and 18" granular haunching either side of pipe Total depth of granular backfill is 36"; total width of granular backfill is 48" Trench Granular Granular Granular Pipe Granular Granular Length Depth Width Volume Volume Volume Volume LIN FT FEET FEET CUB FT CUB FT CUB FT CUB YD 652.00 3.00 4.00 7824.00 511.82 7312.18 270.82 Net Net

FLOWABLE BACKFILL TAKEOFF for 12" Pipe Assumes flowable backfill above granular backfill to 12" below trench top to allow for pavement or topsoil surface Trench Average Trench Granular Flowable Flowable Flowable Flowable Length Depth Depth Depth Width Volume Volume LIN FT VERT FT FEET FEET FEET CUB FT CUB YD 652.00 6.57 3.00 3.57 4.00 9310.56 344.84 12" below surface

COST ESTIMATE for SAMPLE 12" SANITARY SEWER PROJECT Assumptions Production Rate for Pipe Installation in an Urban Area is 100 LIN FT per DAY 652 LIN FT / 100 = 6.52 or 7 DAYS Production Rate for Structure Installation in an Urban Area is 1 EACH per DAY 5 EACH / 1 = 5 DAYS Total Crew Days = 12 Pavement Restoration : 4' wide * 652 LIN FT * 12" asphalt = 97 CUB YD Pipe Sticks at 13' length, per run : 168 LIN FT 13 163 LIN FT 13 130 LIN FT 10 30 LIN FT 3 161 LIN FT 13 Total Pipe Sticks 52 at 13' each = 676 LIN FT actual pipe quantity required At each structure and tap - allow 12 CUB YD Granular Backfill and 6 CUB YD Flowable backfill Subcontractor items are the quoted prices Material items are suppliers quotes and include FOB but exclude sales tax

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Cost Estimate

(Please note that this cost estimate is NOT based on the plans seen in Figure 1 and 2)

Cost Item Quantity Hours or Units Days

Unit Cost Total Cost

Rubber Track Backhoe incl. Operator 1 10 12 $150.00 $18,000.00 Rubber Tire Loader incl. Operator 1 10 12 $125.00 $15,000.00 Tandem Axle Dumptruck incl. Operator 4 10 12 $75.00 $36,000.00 Trench Box – Shoring 1 10 12 $25.00 $3,000.00 Labor - Pipelayer 2 10 12 $55.00 $13,200.00 Labor - Laborer 4 10 12 $50.00 $24,000.00 Supervision – Foreperson 1 10 12 $65.00 $7,800.00 Pickup Truck 2 10 12 $15.00 $3,600.00 Tool Truck 2 10 12 $20.00 $4,800.00 Precast Structures >6'<8' tall 5 EACH n/a $672.60 $3,363.00 Steel Frame and Grate 5 EACH n/a $424.80 $2,124.00 Tap Existing Structure depth = 7.98' 1 EACH n/a $800.00 $800.00 Granular Backfill incl. 12% waste (structure) 81 CUB YD n/a $16.40 $1,328.40 Flowable Backfill incl. 5% waste (structure) 34 CUB YD n/a $58.20 $1,978.80 12" SDR 35 PVC Sanitary Conduit 676 LIN FT n/a $6.72 $4,542.72 Granular Backfill incl. 12% waste (pipe) 304 CUB YD n/a $16.40 $4,985.60 Flowable Backfill incl. 5% waste (pipe) 363 CUB YD n/a $58.20 $21,126.60 Sawcutting (trench L*2) at 8" deep 1304 LIN FT n/a $2.60 $3,390.40 Asphalt Trench Restoration Subcontractor 97 CUB YD n/a $238.60 $23,144.20 Potholing Subcontractor - expose utilities 1 8 4 $324.00 $10,368.00 Law Enforcement Officer with Cruiser 2 8 12 $45.75 $8,784.00 Surveying and Layout Subcontractor 1 8 4 $224.00 $7,168.00 Subtotal $218,503.72 17.5% Overhead and Internal Costs $38,238.15 2% Performance Bonding $4,370.07 12.5% Profit $27,312.97 Total Bid Amount : $288,424.91

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Section 11 Copy of Topic Approval Letter from ASPE Certification Board

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Section 12 Terminolgy-Glossary Construction Specifications Institute 2004 MasterFormat The 2004 revised edition of the Construction Specifications Institute directory of construction specification itemizations used extensively throughout the construction industry by designers and builders to classify, itemize, and arrange specifications (the actual instructions on how to build a particular part of an overall project). Editions previous to 2004 contained only 17 divisions; the 2004 MasterFormat contains over 40. Davis-Bacon Act of 1931 This is a United States federal law which established the requirement for paying prevailing wages on public works projects. Most federally, state, and locally funded public works projects in the United States are subject to this act. Prevailing wage rates for public projects are usually determined by each state’s Department of Labor. Flowable Backfill A product used to backfill pipe trenches that is composed of various ingredients including but not limited to sand, water, portland cement, fly ash, and other agents. Flowable Backfill is delivered in conventional ready mix concrete trucks and is also typically sold by the cubic yard. Because it is flowable, it is able to enter every open space within a trench and therefore virtually eliminates future settlement of a trench caused by incomplete backfill with other products or incomplete compaction. Flowable backfill does not require compaction, and often “sets up”, or hardens, rapidly, enabling faster trench closings and sooner opening of a trench to traffic. Pipe Bedding That part of backfill around an installed utility pipe that surrounds and supports the bottom of the pipe. Pipe Haunching That part of backfill around an installed utility pipe that surrounds and supports the sides of the pipe. Shoring Any method of supporting an existing feature within on upon the ground that is disturbed by excavation. This can include steel trench boxes to prevent a vertical wall of a trench or shaft from collapsing; drilled steel, concrete, or wood piers with wood or concrete lagging panels to support exposed trench walls; temporary wood or concrete posts or supports to hold up an existing pipe exposed by excavation; these supports can be temporary or left in place after excavation. Sam

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GENERAL ESTIMATING KNOWLEDGE EXAMINATION Preparation for the General Estimating Knowledge (GEK) Exam is a necessity, since most Estimators will not be intimately familiar with all the topics addressed. The bibliography, which follows, should be reviewed thoroughly. The applicant should establish milestones to assist in proper study, so that steady progress is made during the preparation period. It is not wise to delay the process until the last moment, because of the volume of material and its depth. The Standard Estimating Practice (SEP) Manual, under continuing development by the American Society of Professional Estimators, is the foundation upon which the Certification Testing Program is constructed. Much of the material included in the exam is taken from this manual. It is recommended that the applicant be thoroughly versed in its contents. The SEP Manual may be purchased from the ASPE Bookstore at www.aspenational.org. The Society also offers, The GEK Study Guide. The Study Guide should be of particular help to subcontractors sitting for this exam. The candidate will be given four (4) hours to complete the GEK examination. No scheduled breaks will be included in this time period. No substantive questions of the proctor will be allowed. If the candidate finds an ambiguous or incomplete question, he will state his concerns on the Comment Sheet. The candidate should work his way through the examination as quickly as possible, answering all questions he knows before returning to questions about which he may be unsure. There are no trick questions on the examination; however, the questions must be read carefully. A hasty interpretation may be costly. The examination consists of approximately 500 multiple choice, true/false, matching questions and a number of problems. Examinations will be scored by a Grading Service Provider. Examinations will not be returned, and scores will not be published. The candidate will be informed of the pass/fail status only. If the candidate fails, he must successfully retake the examination on the next test date. Failing to do so will result in termination from the program. The questions in the GEK cover a broad range of topics. An experienced estimator has had to deal with business concerns, accounting, insurance and bonding, contract negotiations, and project management. All of these will be addressed in the GEK. See the list of GEK examination Topics at the end of this section.

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SUGGESTED GEK BIBLIOGRAPHY The following text materials may be useful in preparing for the GEK examination.

1. Standard Estimating Practice, The American Society of Professional Estimators, 2525 Perimeter

Place Drive, Ste. 103, Nashville, TN 37214. (Available from the ASPE Online Bookstore) 2. General Estimating Knowledge (GEK) Study Guide, The American Society of Professional

Estimators, 2525 Perimeter Place Drive, Ste. 103, Nashville, TN 37214. (Available from the ASPE Online Bookstore)

3. "General Conditions of the Contract for Construction", (AIA #201, latest edition), The American

Institute of Architects (available at any AIA chapter or the AIA website). 4. Construction Dictionary, National Association of Women in Construction, Greater Phoenix,

Arizona Chapter #98, PO Box 6142, Phoenix, AZ, 85005. 5. The Building Estimator's reference book, Frank R. Walker Co., 5100 Academy Dr.,

Lisle, IL 60532, phone 1-800-458-3737. 6. Construction Contracting, Richard H. Clough, John Wiley and Sons, One Wiley Drive,

Somerset, NJ, 08873 7. Construction Project Management, Richard H. Clough and Glenn A. Sears, John Wiley and

Sons, One Wiley Drive, Somerset, NJ, 08873 8. Construction Law in Contractor's Language, McNeill Stokes, McGraw Hill Book Company,

P.O. Box 400, Hightstown, NJ 08520. 9. Means Scheduling Manual, F. William Horsley, Robert S. Means Company, Inc.,

100 Construction Plaza, Kingston, MA 02364. 10. The Use of CPM in Construction, Associated General Contractors of America (contact any

local AGC office). 11. Bidding for the General Contractor, Paul J. Cook, Robert S. Means Company, Inc.,

100 Construction Plaza, Kingston, MA, 02364. 12. Estimating for the General Contractor, Paul J. Cook, Robert S. Means Company, Inc.,

100 Construction Plaza, Kingston, MA, 02364. This list is not exhaustive, and, except for the ASPE Standard Estimating Practice Manual and the GEK Study Guide, no endorsement of these publications is intended.

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GEK EXAMINATION TOPICS General Estimating Knowledge questions and problems are drawn from the following categories of fundamental topics. The applicant may familiarize himself with the subject matter by studying the suggested GEK Bibliography. 1.0 FUNDAMENTAL TOPICS 1.01 Business Management 1.02 Mathematics 1.03 Units of Measurement 1.04 Blueprint Reading 1.05 Specifications - Division 1-16 1.06 Bid Documents 1.07 Ethics 1.08 Computer Applications 1.09 Reference Manuals 1.10 Definitions 1.11 Miscellaneous 1.12 Construction Law 2.0 ESTIMATING PROCEDURES &

COST CONTROL 2.01 Scheduling 2.02 Bonds 2.03 Types of Estimates 2.04 Site Conditions 2.05 Bid Day Procedures 2.06 Pricing Labor, Material, & Equipment 2.07 Subcontractors 2.08 Buyout 2.09 Estimate Format 2.10 Quantity Survey 2.11 Bid Strategy 2.12 Value Engineering 2.13 Conflicts in Bid Documents 2.14 Errors 2.15 Insurance and Taxes 2.16 Permits and Fees 2.17 Profit 2.18 Risk Analysis 2.19 Inclusions/Exclusions 2.20 Developing Cost Codes 2.21 Historical Costs 2.22 Unknowns 2.23 Contingencies 2.24 Discounting 2.25 Not used 2.26 Change Orders 2.27 Design/Build 2.28 Turnkey 2.29 Conceptual Estimating

3.0 PROJECT MANAGEMENT 3.01 Contracts 3.02 Subcontractor Selection,

Performance & Financial Condition 3.03 Cash Flow Management 3.04 Not used 3.05 Submittals 3.06 Project Close Out 3.07 Procurement 3.08 Pay Estimates 3.09 Claims 3.10 Arbitration 3.11 Labor Relations 3.12 Supervision 3.13 Manpower 3.14 Equipment 3.15 Architect/Engineers 3.16 Construction Management 3.17 Safety 4.0 OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST 4.01 Appraisers and Financial Institutions 4.02 Not Used 4.03 Not Used 4.04 Suppliers/Distributors/Manufacturer

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GENERAL ESTIMATING KNOWLEDGE (GEK)

SAMPLE TEST 1. T F Working capital required for a business is never proportional to sales volume. 2. T F The “accrual basis of accounting” is a system of record keeping which

recognizes income and expenses as they are incurred and as they relate to specific periods of time.

3. T F The income and expense statement shows the results of operations for a given period; the

balance sheet shows the financial condition at a given time. 4. T F Assets plus liabilities equals net worth. 5. T F When a project is completed and the cost of the project is close to the cost

given in the estimate the estimator may assume that all phases of the project went well.

6. T F Where the owner acts as his own contractor, the subcontractors are considered to be

original contractors for purposes of the lien laws. 7. As the volume of sales decreases, the need for working capital usually:

A. Decreases

B. Increases

C. Remains the same

D. Doubles

8. A contractor is bidding a job for which he has estimated his total direct cost (field cost) to be

$15,500. He knows his overhead percentage is 21% of direct cost (based on current expense statements and experience) and he wants to make a net profit of 8% of total cost on this project. What must the bid for this project be (to nearest $10)?

A. $19,990

B. $20,260

C. $20,550 9. Give the formula for converting cubic feet to cubic yards.

A. CF/9

B. SF/9

C. CF/27

D. CF x 27 10. Calculate the number of gallons required to apply a 10-mil thick liquid coating to 937

square feet of nonporous material. Assume one gallon will cover 400 square feet, 2 mil thick. Round to the nearest gallon. _______________

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11. Calculate to the nearest thousandths of an hour (0.000) required for the installation of an item if the installation time is 16 minutes. ____________

12. Calculate the cost per square foot (to the nearest cent) of material applied 1.5" thick if the

material weighs 68 lbs. per cubic foot and cost $283.00 per ton. _____________ 13. Calculate the lineal foot cost (to the nearest cent) of material that has a weight of 1.502

lbs. per lineal foot, using a waste factor of 15%, and cost of $512.50 per ton. _____________

The following five questions are based on the following contract information: “FBNFIRM” was awarded a subcontract by “SIU Contracting” in the amount of $175,000.00. This amount is broken down into three different buildings on the same site. The percentage for each building is as follows: Building No. Percentage 1 35% 2 40% 3 25% Retention is held by “SIU Contracting” based on the following schedule: * work in place - 10% retention * stored material - 20% retention * after the project is 75% complete for “FBNFIRM”, retention is reduced to a total of 5% for

work in place. Note: The answers you calculate in this portion of the exam may be required in the solution of other questions in this portion of the exam. 14. “FBN” has a labor/material ratio of 45/55. Based on this information the material costs for

Buildings 1, 2, and 3 are: A. Building #1 material costs are $61,250.00 Building #2 material costs are $70,000.00 Building #3 material costs are $43,750.00 B. Building #1 material costs are $33,687.50 Building #2 material costs are $38,500.00 Building #3 material costs are $24,062.50 C. Building #1 material costs are $27,562.50 Building #2 material costs are $31,500.00 Building #3 material costs are $19,687.50 D. None of the above.

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15. During the first month “FBN” had all of the material on site and properly stored for Building #1. How much retention was held by “SIU” for this month?

A. $5,512.50

B. $3,367.85

C. $6,737.50

D. $12,250.00 16. During the second month no work was done by “FBN”. However, a change order was

issued to “FBN” in the amount of $5,000.00 to install owner furnished equipment in Building #2. The revised contract amount is now $180,000.00 and the revised building labor breakdown is now:

A. Building #1 labor costs are $27,562.50 Building #2 labor costs are $36,500.00 Building #3 labor costs are $19,687.50

B. Building #1 labor costs are $27,562.50 Building #2 labor costs are $31,500.00 Building #3 labor costs are $19,687.50

C. Building #1 labor costs are $61,250.00 Building #2 labor costs are $70,000.00 Building #3 labor costs are $48,750.00

D. None of the above. 17. In “Architectural Scale” A. If 1/4" equals 1'-0 what does 1/8" equal?

1. 4"

2. 6"

3. 4-1/2"

4. 3" B. If 3/8" equals 1'-0 what does 1/4" equal?

1. 6"

2. 8"

3. 18"

4. 14'

C. If 1/2" equals 1'-0" what does 2" equal?

1. 3'-0"

2. 4'-0"

3. 1'-6"

4. 3'-6"

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D. If 1" equals 1'-0" what does 1/4" equal? 1. 3" 2. 4" 3. 4' 4. 2' E. If 1-1/2" equals 1'-0" what does 1/4" equal? 1. 2" 2. 4" 3. 6" 4. 6-1/2" 18. T F Plumbing and electrical drawings are diagrammatic only. 19. T F The work of a specialty contractor or sub-contractor may be shown or specified in any part

of the drawings and specifications. 20. T F It is the general contractor’s responsibility to advise subcontractors that an

addenda have been issued. 21. Elements of the contract documents, per AIA Form A201 General Conditions of the

Contract for Construction, include (choose at least four):

A. Agreement

B. General & Supplementary Conditions

C. Drawings

D. Specifications

E. Addenda

F. Modifications including change orders and field orders. 22. Contractor’s duties, defined by AIA Form A201, “General Conditions of the Contract for

Construction,” include (choose at least three):

A. Being responsible for design errors of A/E

B. Direct supervision of the work with full-time superintendent

C. Securing and paying for building permit

D. Checking plans and specs for code compliance

E. Preparation of schedule

F. Jobsite safety 23. T F Procedures for settlement of damages, liens, assignments, and disputes are

a part of the general conditions or supplementary general conditions. 24. T F Value engineering always reduces the cost of a project.

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25. T F Conflicts in bid documents should be ignored during the bidding process. 26. If a conflict in bid documents is discovered during bid stage, the estimator should:

A. Notify the architect immediately.

B. Wait until the contract is signed before “discovering” the conflict.

C. Wait until the affected work is to be performed before “discovering” it.

D. All of the above.

E. None of the above. 27. Errors in bid preparation, which may be acceptable by an owner or his agent for bid

withdrawal without penalty, include errors in:

A. Addition

B. Line item extension (multiplication)

C. Line item omission

D. All of the above

E. None of the above 28. Which of the following types of insurance are normally carried by the project owner during

construction of the project?

A. Workmen’s Compensation and Fire Insurance

B. Fire and Theft Insurance

C. Theft and Workmen’s Compensation Insurance 29. T F Workers’ Compensation, Employer’s Liability, Fire, Extended Coverage,

Vandalism, Comprehensive General Liability, and Malicious Mischief are types of insurance required for all bid proposals.

30. In most states, Workers’ Compensation & General Liability must be carried by:

A. General Contractor

B. Subcontractor

C. Sub-subcontractor

D. All of the above

E. None of the above

31. T F In most states, a construction contract, to be legally valid, must be in writing.

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32. Given the following data from a historical cost report:

Total Units in place: 100

Total journeymen hours expended: 7

Total apprentice hours expended: 3

What is the productivity rate achieved?

A. .1 MH/Unit

B. 10 Unit/MH

C. .01 MH/Unit

D. .07 MH/Unit

E. .03 MH/Unit

33. T F The specific requirements for record document submittal are indicated in the

project specifications.

34. T F Method of Interim and Final Progress payments for the project are stipulated in the General or Special Conditions of the Job Specifications.

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GENERAL ESTIMATING KNOWLEDGE EXAM SAMPLE TEST ANSWER SHEET

1. False 18. False 2. True 19. True

3. True 20. False

4. False 21. A, B, C, D, E

5. False 22. B, E, F

6. False 23. True

7. A 24. False

8. B 25. False

9. C 26. A

10. 12 Gallons 27. D

11. 0.267 Hours 28. B

12. $1.20 29. False

13. $0.44 30. D

14. B 31. False

15. C 32. A

16. A 33. True

17. A.2 34. True

B.2 C.2 D.1 E.1

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DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC TEST (DST) Recognizing the importance of also evaluating the estimator's proficiency in his own trade or specialty, the Board of Trustees directed the Certification Board to prepare discipline specific testing materials for inclusion into the examination process. In order to accomplish this task, the Certification Board assigned Section leaders to oversee development of testing materials for major MasterFormat divisions. The Discipline Specific Test consists of eight (8) hours of questions and problems. Taken together with GEK, this test becomes the comprehensive examination originally envisioned by the Certification Board. Each DST is structured so that an individual that does not have at least five years of experience estimating that particular trade, could not pass the exam. The problem portions of the tests are, in effect, "mini-estimates". You are given plans and specifications, along with other relevant data, asked to perform a quantity survey, and to price the survey. If there is not currently a completed test in a candidate’s discipline, the candidate must write and submit 100 Questions and 2 Problems with 50 responses each, for their discipline. The following Discipline Specific Tests are completed: General Building Construction - Questions cover CSI Sections 1 - 14, with some emphasis on Divisions 22, 23 and 26. Electrical - Questions and Problems cover all aspects of Division 26 00 00. Mechanical - HVAC/Piping - Questions and Problems cover all aspects of Div. 23 20 00 with emphasis on Mechanical Piping Systems. Mechanical - HVAC/Sheetmetal - Questions and Problems cover all aspects of Div. 23 30 00 with emphasis on Mechanical Air Distribution Systems. Concrete - Questions and Problems cover all aspects of Division 03 30 00. Drywall Systems – Questions and Problems cover all aspects of Division 09 20 00. Painting – Questions and Problems cover all aspects of Division 09 91 00. Plumbing – Questions and problems cover all aspects of Division 22 00 00. Roofing – Questions and Problems cover all aspects of Division 07 50 00. Earthwork – Questions and Problems cover all aspects of the following: Grading, Excavation and Fill, Embankment and Fill, Sub grade and Roadbed, Soil Stabilization.

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The following is a list of Discipline Specific Tests that are under development. Bases, Ballasts, Pavements and Appurtenances Questions and Problems cover all aspects of the following: 002740 Flexible Pavement, 022770 Curbs and Gutters, 02775 Sidewalks Fire Protection/Sprinklers Questions and Problems cover all aspects of Division 15300 Structural Steel Questions and Problems cover all aspects of Division 05100 & 05500 Piped Utilities/Underground Utilities Questions and Problems cover all aspects of Division 02500 and 02700 Masonry – Questions and Problems cover all aspects of Division 04000. Misc. Metals & Ornamentals – Questions and Problems cover Division 05500. Rough Carpentry – Questions and Problems cover Division 06100. Finish Carpentry, Millwork – Questions and Problems cover Division 06200. Aluminum Glass & Glazing – Questions and Problems cover Division 08400. Windows – Questions and Problems cover Division 08500. Elevator – Questions and Problems cover Division 14200.

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Discipline Specific Test (1.4 General Construction)

Sample Test and Answers

As with the General Estimating Knowledge Exam, preparation is necessary, since most General Construction Estimators will not be intimately familiar with all the topics addressed. The applicant should establish milestones to assist in proper study, so that steady progress is made during the preparation period. It is not wise to delay the process until the last moment, both because of the volume of the material and its depth. The Standard Estimating Practice Manual (SEP), under continuing development by the American Society of Professional Estimators, is the foundation upon which the Certification Testing Program is constructed. Much material included in the exam is taken from the manual; it is recommended that the applicant be thoroughly versed in its contents. The candidate will be given eight (8) hours to complete the DST Questions and Problems. No substantive questions of the proctor will be allowed. If the candidate finds an ambiguous or incomplete question, he will state his concerns on the Comment Sheet. The candidate should work his way through the examination as quickly as possible, answering all questions he knows before returning to questions about which he may be unsure. There are no trick questions on the examination; however, the questions must be read carefully. A hasty interpretation may be costly. Some questions depend upon information generated in the answers to other questions, and extreme care should be taken with such items. The examination consists of multiple choice, true-false, matching questions and a number of problems. The exact number of questions and problems will be determined by the difficulty of the mix. The subject matter of the 1.4 General Construction test is balanced to reflect a sampling from each of the sub-specialties and focuses a heavy concentration on General Conditions, Site work, Concrete, Carpentry, and Steel. Examinations will not be returned, and scores will not be published. The candidate will only be informed of the pass/fail status.

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GENERAL CONSTRUCTION - Sample Test

Division 1 - General Requirements

1) T F According to Instructions to Bidders (AIA Document A701) prime bidders may exclude certain Alternates listed on the Bid Form.

2) You have received a bid of $650,000 from a Subcontractor who clarified that if a

bond were required, the bid amount would be increased by $9,750. What is the bond rate percentage to the nearest 1/10th percent?

A) 2.0% B) 1.3% C) 1.5% D) 1.8% 3) T F According to AIA 201 the owner is not obligated to furnish to the contractor

reasonable evidence that financial arrangements have been made to fulfill the owner's obligations under the contract.

4) A form of bid security executed by the bidder as principal by surety is a

_______________ bond. A) Payment B) Performance C) Bid D) Security

Division 2 - Site Work 5) The amount of loose fill material required to backfill a trench 9' x 90'x 3',

assuming 15% swell factor is: A) 90 CY B) 104 CY C) 95 CY D) 127 CY 6) T F A contour line is a line connecting points of equal elevation above or below a

referenced point of known elevation. Division 3 - Concrete 7) T F Splicing #6 longitudinal reinforcing bars in grade beams forty (40) bar diameters

requires a lap of 30 inches. 8) The labor costs per cubic yard for placing concrete in 6" thick foundation walls

will be ________________ 12" thick walls. A) more than B) less than C) the same as

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Division 4 - Masonry 9) T F The masonry subcontractor is responsible for pouring the grout into bond beam

and lintel blocks above masonry openings under normal trade practices. 10) The actual length of a modular brick unit is: A) 3 5/8" B) 7 5/8" C) 8" D) 8 5/8" Division 5 - Metals 11) T F Structural steel work is normally priced by the ton whereas misc. metals are

priced by the pound. 12) A 22'-0" piece of American Standard Channel designated C10 x 30 weighs: A) 220 pounds B) 660 pounds c) 300 pounds Division 6 - Wood & Plastics 13) If 2 1/2 MBF of 2" x 6" x 20'stock lumber is ordered, how many pieces will be

delivered? A) 45 B) 90 C) 125 D) 150 14) T F A specification calling only for "wood preservative treatments" would require

simply a brush coat of preservative on the jobsite. Division 7 - Thermal & Moisture Protection 15) The "R" value of insulation materials is a rating of: A) required thickness B) density C) moisture resistance D) thermal resistance 16) A triangular-shaped piece of wood placed at the intersection of horizontal and vertical

surfaces of a roof is called a______. A) Cant B) Coping C) Sleeper D) Sole Plate

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Division 8 - Doors & Windows 17) T F Hollow metal doors with vision lites are furnished from the supplier with glass

installed. 18) A strip fastened to the floor beneath a door is a: A) Door Bottom B) Threshold C) Sweep D) Drip Division 9 - Finishes 19) Gypsum board containing fibrous glass reinforcement with a greater fire resistance is

known as Type____. A) F B) X C) G D) Z 20) T F Gypsum wallboard should be applied in lengths to fit walls and ceilings with a

maximum of butt-end joints. Division 10 - Specialties 21) T F Supports for ceiling-hung toilet partitions are normally specified with the toilet

partitions. 22) The term for multiple levels of metal lockers is: A) Stacks B) Levels C) Tiers D) Modules Division 11 - Equipment 23) T F Cubicle Curtain Tracks are usually specified as medical equipment. 24) Built-in and free-standing equipment used in retail and service stores is termed

_______________. A) Commercial B) Mercantile C) Ecclesiastical

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Division 12 - Furnishings 25) T F Interior plants and planters are considered Landscaping in Division 2. 26) Manufactured Casework is generally specified as _____________. A) Medical Equipment B) Furnishings C) Millwork Division 13 - Special Construction 27) T F Piping associated with Pool equipment as specified in Division 13 is the

responsibility of the plumbing contractor specified in Division 15. 28) Automatic fire detection, suppression and warning systems are NOT specified in

Division ________. A) 13 B) 15 C) 16 D) 11 Division 14 - Conveying Systems 29) T F Scaffolding that becomes part of a completed project is considered a Conveying

System in Division 14. 30) The two common types of elevators are electric traction and ________. A) Pneumatic B) Manual C) Direct Drive D) Hydraulic Division 15 - Mechanical 31) The cooling capacity of refrigeration equipment is often expressed in _________. A) Tons B) Cubic Feet C) Gallons D) Liters 32) The cooling capacity of refrigeration equipment is often expressed in: A) tons B) cubic feet C) gallons D) liters

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Division 16 - Electrical 33) T F Temporary power and lighting, unless noted otherwise, is responsibility of the

electrical contractor. 34) Electrical rate of flow is measured in _________. A) Ohms B) Watts C) Volts D) Amperes ******************************************************************************************** 35) Sample Problem: Footings Footings Schedule Designations Quantity Size F1 10 each 4'-0 x 4'-0 x 2'-0 deep F2 8 each 8'-0 x 5'-0 x 2'-0 deep F3 6 each 5'-0 x 5'-0 x 2'-0 deep A) Compute the volume of concrete in CF for all footings. B) If we use a 5% material Waste factor, how may 9 CY ready-mixed concrete truck

loads will be required? C) If all footings must be formed, what contact area of forms will be fabricated and

erected on the jobsite? A)_______________________________ B)______________________________ C)______________________________

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Discipline Specific Test General Building Construction

Sample Test Answer Sheet 1) True 21. False 2) (C) 1.5% 22. (C) Tiers 3) False 23. False 4) (C) Bid 24. (B) Mercantile 5) (B) 104 CY 25. False 6) True 26. (B) Furnishings 7) True 27. False 8) (A) more than 28. (D) 11 9) True 29. True 10) B 30. (D) Hydraulic 11) T 31. (A) Tons 12) B 32. A 13) C 33. False 14) F 34. (D) Ampers 15) D 35. a) 1,260 CF b) 6 each 16) A c) 976 SF 17) F 18) B 19) B 20) False

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Instructions for Examinee

General Instructions:

1. Obtain your test materials from the Proctor.

2. Confirm that you have a complete set of test materials: Test Booklet, Answer Sheets, Instruction Sheet, and Comment Sheet.

3. Speak to no one other than the Proctor once the materials are distributed.

4. Do not ask questions of the Proctor about the exam subject matter; the ability to read and follow instructions is part of the exam.

5. Print your name and candidate number on each answer sheet. Only the candidate number must have the scanner dots filled in completely.

6. The comment sheet is an important means of assisting the Certification Board in evaluating the exam material. The value of your comments may be factored into your final score. You may keep the comment sheet at hand during the test to identify problem items as they become evident. Write a brief note describing your concern. Please keep in mind that the tests are timed so that not too much time is given to comments.

The Examinee Shall: A. Leave the examination area only with the Proctor’s permission

B. Furnish writing instruments and pocket calculator

C. Use only the forms and blank sheets provided by the Proctor

D. Not remove any test-related materials from the exam area

E. Obey the Proctor’s instructions.

At Completion of Exam:

A. Place the following in your transmittal envelope

1. Answer Sheets

2. Work Sheets (Scratch Paper)

3. Comment Sheet

4. Examinee Instruction Sheet—Signed and Dated (see below)

5. Sign your name across the seal of the transmittal envelope

(Do not place exam book in the transmittal envelope)

AN EXAMINEE VIOLATING ANY OF THE INSTRUCTIONS, FORFEITS THE RIGHT TO AN EXAMINATION REVIEW.

The Examinee agrees to accept the grade and the decision of the Certification Board as final. Examination papers will be retained by the Board and will not be discussed with the examinee. I hereby certify that I have read the above instructions and agree to abide by them. Signed: _____________________________________________________ Date: ______________ Candidate #: _____________________________________________________________________

Printed Name: ____________________________________________________________________

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Instructions for Proctors Administering GEK and DST Certification Exams  ALL PROCTORS FOR THE CERTICIATION EXAMS MUST BE CPEs. An alternate Proctor should be selected and scheduled to substitute for the original Proctor in case of an emergency. General Instructions: 1. Upon receipt of the testing materials from the Society Business Office, open the envelope containing exam

packets; verify that you have a test packet for each candidate. Contact the Business Office regarding any discrepancy.

2. The Proctor is to provide a quiet testing room with adequate lighting, air conditioning, and comfortable exam

chairs and desks. Interruptions by outside sources or persons are to be prevented so that candidates are not distracted.

3. The GEK exam will be four (4) hours in duration. The DST exam will be eight (8) hours of Questions and

Problems. The candidate may choose to take a coffee or rest room break; however, the candidate must complete the exams within the time allocated.

4. Remind candidates to read all instructions thoroughly and to follow the instructions. 5. Distribute the exam packet to candidates and establish when the testing period will end. It is the sole

responsibility of the Proctor to begin and end the testing period on time and to maintain the time limits. Prior to Beginning the Exam: A. Have the candidates print their name and candidate number on each answer sheet. The candidate number is

entered in the spaces marked “Identification Number”. Have the candidates to fill in the corresponding scanner dots below the candidate number. This is necessary for grading.

B. The Proctor must advise the candidate that the test will be graded by an optical scanner. All answers must be

fully penciled and any changes must be completely erased. Individual answer sheets are enclosed for each section of the test. For example: GEK test answer sheet “Part A” is for questions A-1 through A-190. The “Part B” Answer Sheet is for questions B-1 through B-229 and so on. The same applies for the DST exam.

C. Advise examinees of the importance of their comments. Refer to and read “Instructions for Examinees”, item 6. D. No questions shall be asked by the examinees regarding test criteria. If an obvious printing error has been made on a question, the Proctor may review and announce the correction to all candidates. Proctors must make a written report to the Certification Board for any errors and announced corrections. Completion of the Exam: A. When the exam period is over, each candidate should place the following into the transmittal envelope which was included in the candidate’s exam packet: 1. Answer Sheets 2. Work Sheets (Scratch Paper) 3. Comment Sheet 4. Examinee Instructions; Signed and Dated The complete transmittal envelope is to be turned in to the Proctor. B. The Candidate and the Proctor MUST SIGN their names across the seal of the envelope. DO NOT put the

exam book in the transmittal envelope. The completed GEK and DST Exam Books (all pages) are to be returned with the transmittal envelope.

C. After the exam has been completed, gather all exam envelopes and books; repackage them securely. Return the

secured packets to the Society Business Office the first business day following the exam. Return using a shipping service that has a tracking system.

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D. Please return all exam packets promptly. The exam results may be delayed if not received in time to be batched and sent to the grading center.

E. The Chapter Certification Chair must provide written explanation of any known reasons for a candidate not

taking the exam as scheduled.

THANK YOU FOR ASSISTING ASPE AND YOUR LOCAL MEMBERSHIP BY PROCTORING THESE EXAMINATIONS.

Note: Chapters are responsible for all expenses incurred in performing their duties at a chapter level. Return packets to: ASPE—Certification 2525 Perimeter Place Drive, Ste. 103 Nashville, TN 37214

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DST QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS GUIDELINES If the DST is not available for the specific discipline of the candidate, the candidate is required to fulfill the discipline specific evaluation requirement by submitting a minimum of one hundred (100) discipline specific questions and a minimum of two (2) discipline specific problems, with fifty (50) questions each. Problems are to be “mini” estimates. The questions and problems are to meet the guidelines established for DST questions and problems as follows in this section. If a DST is offered for the specific discipline of the candidate, the candidate is required to take the DST, and is not permitted to submit DST Questions and Problems. Review the section on Discipline Specific Test Development contained in this guide to view the exams that are available during this Certification Cycle. The DST question and problem portion of the Certification Process is helping the Society to develop new DST’s for use by future CPE candidates. Many of the questions and problems that are submitted will be formatted for use in these exams. The candidate should recognize when preparing the questions and problems that he is helping the Society attain the goals established for the Certification Program, and can take pride in the accomplishments for helping to meet these goals. PROCESS The candidate shall submit all of the questions and problems in the discipline that the candidate is seeking for DST Certification. The following is a list of the DST Classifications available for receiving DST Certification by submitting DST questions and problems: * 02450 Foundation and Load Bearing Elements

Driven Piles, Bored Piles, Caissons, Foundation Walls, Anchors and Instrumentation and Monitoring

* 02500 Piped Utilities/Underground Utilities Questions and Problems cover all aspects of Division 02500 and 02600

* 02700 Bases, Ballasts, Pavements and Appurtenances

Bound Base Courses, Unbound Base Courses and Ballasts, Aggregate Surfacing, Flexible Pavement, Rigid Pavement, Cement Concrete Shoulders, Paving Specialties, Curbs and Gutters, Sidewalks, Unit Pavers, Flexible Pavement Coating and Micro-Surfacing, Athletic and Recreations Surfaces and Porous Pavement.

* 02900 Planting (Landscaping)

Transplanting, Plant Preparation, Lawns and Grasses, Exterior Plants, Plant Maintenance and Planting Accessories.

* 05000 Metals

Structural metal framing, metal joists, metal decking, metal fabrications, ornamental metals, expansion control.

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* 06000 Woods and Plastics

Rough carpentry, wood framing, sheathing, wood decking, heavy timber construction, wood-metal systems, glued laminated construction, wood trusses, prefabricated structural wood, finish carpentry, millwork, cabinets, plastic laminate, paneling, wood treatment, architectural woodwork, casework, wood siding and trim.

* 07600 Flashing and Sheet Metal

Preformed roof and wall panels, composite building panels, cladding and siding, sheet metal roofing, and sheet metal flashing.

* 08000 Doors

Metal doors and frames, wood and plastic doors and frames, finish hardware, weather-stripping and seals.

* 08400 Entrances and Storefronts

Aluminum entrances and storefronts, automatic entrances, revolving entrances, metal windows, special windows, glazing, glazed curtain walls.

* 09300 Flooring, Tile and Terrazzo

Ceramic tile, quarry tile, paver tile, cement terrazzo, precast terrazzo, wood flooring, resilient flooring, resilient base and accessories, fluid-applied flooring, carpet, carpet tile, wall carpet, special flooring systems, floor treatment.

* 13900 Fire Suppression

Wet-pipe sprinkler systems, dry-pipe sprinkler systems, pre-action sprinkler systems, deluge sprinkler systems, foam-extinguishing systems, dry chemical extinguishing systems, standpipe and hose systems.

* 14000 Conveying Systems Dumbwaiters, elevators, moving stairs and walks, lifts, material handling systems, hoists and cranes, turntables, scaffolding systems, transportation systems.

* 15200 Process Piping If the candidate wishes to submit DST questions and problems for a discipline that is not identified in this listing, the candidate shall submit a request, in writing, to the Society Business Office prior to beginning preparation of these. The Certification Board will review the request and will contact the candidate to advise the decision of the Board concerning the request. TERMINOLOGY The candidate must understand that composition; spelling and grammar used in writing the questions and problems will be an important factor in considering pass or fail. Geographical or regional terms and practices should not be used, nor should trade or manufacturers' names be used, unless considered an industry standard. Use generic terms when describing specific products (i.e., E.I.F.S. instead of Dryvit). Keep in mind that persons responsible for evaluating the text or taking the exam that uses the text may be located in different geographic areas and may not be

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familiar with the candidate's regional terminology or trade practices. Outside assistance to ensure the use of correct sentence structure, proper grammar and spelling is encouraged. It is extremely important for the candidate to double check all of the calculations used in arriving at the answers to the problems. The plans and sketches submitted along with the questions should be clear and complete. It is imperative that all necessary dimensions are given and are correct. If the drawings can be done in a CAD type format then converted into a pdf file, all the better. If the problems have errors in them, they will be returned for correction. REFERENCES The candidate is required to provide nationally recognized references for each question submitted. Regional trade practices are not to be used. The candidate must use a minimum of three (3) different reference manuals to complete all of the questions. SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES The DST questions and problems must be submitted to the Society Business Office prior to the date as listed in the Certification Program Schedule section of this guide. Submit one (1) original unbound copy and three (3) unbound photocopies of the DST questions and problems. Along with the paper copies, submit one (1) CD copy, of the questions and problems, in Word format. The candidate must submit these via certified mail or another signed delivery service. The candidate must retain a copy of the questions and problems for the purpose of completing revisions in the event the questions and problems fail to meet acceptance. DST questions and problems submitted after the scheduled date shall be held without action until the date listed in the schedule for revised DST questions and problems re-submittal. This means the submitted questions and problems would only receive one opportunity to pass, and would miss the opportunity to resubmit the questions and problems if found not acceptable for the purpose of certification. If the candidate fails to submit the DST questions and problems, the candidate may continue in the certification process by entering the next cycle. Any of the certification requirements that have been met would not need to be repeated. If the candidate does not enter into the next cycle, the certification process has ended. The candidate may reapply for Certification during another cycle; and all requirements would need to be completed, whether previously approved or not, including a new Application for Professional Evaluation and fee.

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REVIEW PROCEDURES The Certification Committee is responsible for overseeing the review and evaluation process. A judgment of "acceptable for the purpose of certification" is mandatory to satisfy this element of the program. DST questions and problems will be reviewed and verified by CPEs knowledgeable in the discipline being submitted. The examiners shall be verifying that the submitted questions and problems meet the guidelines established; spelling, grammar, professional appearance, composition, verifiable references, and required elements stated in this section. The Certification Committee shall notify the candidate by the date indicated in the Certification Program Schedule that this portion of the process has been completed and accepted, if the submitted DST questions and problems meet the guidelines and are accepted for the purpose of certification. If the submitted DST questions and problems do not meet the guidelines for acceptance, the Certification Board shall notify the candidate of the deficiencies for revision and re-submittal by the date as stated in the Certification Program Schedule section of this guide. Revised DST questions and problems shall be resubmitted to the Society Business Office in the same format and quantity as originally submitted. The date required for re-submittal shall be prior to the date as stated in the Certification Program Schedule. The resubmitted questions and problems shall be re-evaluated by the original examiner and must receive an "acceptable for the purpose of certification" rating. The candidate shall be notified if the resubmitted questions and problems have passed or failed by the date indicated in the Program Schedule. If passing, the candidate will be notified that this portion of the certification requirements has been completed. If deficient, the candidate may continue the certification process during the next cycle. Any of the certification requirements that have been met would not need to be repeated. If the candidate does not enter into the next cycle, the certification process has ended. The candidate may reapply for Certification during another cycle; and all requirements would need to be completed, whether previously approved or not, including a new Application for Professional Evaluation and fee. It is necessary for the candidate to pass all requirements of the Certification Program before the candidate will receive the designation of Certified Professional Estimator.

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REQUIRED ELEMENTS Title Page The Title Page shall contain only the following elements: 1. DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC TEST QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS 2. The CSI designation and title of the discipline being submitted. 3. Name of the author. 4. Candidate number. 5. Date written (month and year). Society Ownership Page The Society Ownership Page shall contain only the following elements: 1. Society Ownership Statement.

The candidate MUST include the following statement, providing their name in typewritten characters, signature and date:

"I hereby acknowledge that the contents of these questions and problems belong to the Society which is free to publish or otherwise make such use of all or portions as it sees fit." The Title Page and Society Ownership Page will be removed from the questions and problems prior to review to insure the author's confidentiality. Cover Page The Cover Page shall contain only the following elements: 1. DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC TEST QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS 2. The CSI designation and title of the discipline being submitted. 3. Candidate number. 5. Date written (month and year). The candidate shall number the pages consecutively in the lower center of each page starting with the cover page as page 1 and continuing through the balance of the pages. The Cover Page shall remain with the paper through the review process. Reference Page The Reference Page shall give the complete title of the reference materials used to write the questions; the author of each manual; the publisher; the edition number; and year published (See the Exam Bibliographies for examples of this). The candidate may use reference numbers in front of each manual on the Reference Page and indicate this number at the answer reference. This will save the candidate from having to type the name of the reference at each answer. Questions Format A minimum of one hundred (100) verifiable questions must be submitted in a multiple-choice format, with a minimum of three (3) answer choices and a maximum of five (5) answer choices per question. The correct answer must vary in location among the answer choices available (i.e., all the correct answers cannot be choice "a."). Each multiple-choice question may only have one (1)

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correct answer per question. Begin by numbering each question (1, 2, 3...) in the left margin at the beginning of the question. State the question in the body of the paper followed by the answer choices. For Example – as below: a. ____________________________ b. ____________________________ c. ____________________________ d. ____________________________ e. ____________________________ Note: The blank lines indicated above are representing the answer choices as furnished by the candidate, not that the candidate is to leave blank lines. In the right margin of the page, place the answer to the question followed by the reference manual, the page number, section number and/or paragraph from which the information was obtained. For further assistance and clarification on the DST question format, see the sample DST question page provided in this section, and review the GEK sample test provided in this guide. Problems Format The problems vary from the question format as stated above, as the problems relate specifically to calculating quantities, production rates, unit prices and costs for completing an estimate based on the information provided with the problem. Problems must be in an estimate format (labor, equipment, materials, etc.) A minimum of two (2) problems must be submitted. Each problem must contain a minimum of fifty (50) multiple-choice quantity, cost, and production rate calculation questions. Problems should be “mini” estimates. Each problem shall be provided with a drawing or drawings of the work, details as required to calculate the work, and an information page covering general information. Information such as general notes, assumptions, factors, schedules, allowances, material and equipment costs, wage and labor burden costs, production rates, sales tax rates, and so on, as necessitated to calculate the correct answer. NOTE: Do not use the same “plan” for each problem. A different “plan” is required for each problem. Number each problem at the top left corner of the page by designating: (insert discipline) PROBLEM 1 Continue with this designation on each additional problem (2, 3, 4, etc.). Begin numbering the questions for each problem in the left margin starting with 1 and continuing numerically until reaching the next problem. Repeat this process for the next problem, starting with the first question as number 1.

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Below the question, give the answer choices in multiple-choice format. Each question must have a minimum of three (3) choices to a maximum of five (5) choices. In the right margin, give the correct answer to the question, followed by the calculation used to achieve the correct answer. RECOMMENDATIONS Make the questions and problems specific to the discipline and less general in regards to other trades. Do not repeatedly use the same questions with slight modifications to them. Make the questions and problems challenging. Avoid the use of geographic, regional or trade practices. Be more specific based on nationally accepted standards and methods. The use of manufacturers and trade names is discouraged unless it is an industry standard. Example - “Caterpillar Equipment” is a standard for earthwork, worldwide. Check the composition, spelling and grammar used to write questions and problems. Be sure that others will be able to understand the information being presented, and that assumptions would not have to be made. All of the information is required to be accurate and correctly calculated. The correct answer must be provided in the question or problem information. If charts, schedules, graph, etc., from published documents are needed to calculate the correct answer, this information must be provided in the question or problem. Provide answers to questions, which are clear and concise. Make sure there is only one correct answer provided. Avoid conflicting statements or "trick" questions. For problems, provide complete calculations to the answers so that the person evaluating these can easily understand them. It is advisable to submit more questions and problems than the minimum requirements in the event some of the submitted questions and problems are not accepted. Outside assistance to ensure the use of correct sentence structure, proper grammar and spelling is encouraged. Many software programs offer spell checking, grammar checking and Thesaurus tools for review of papers. Utilize others within your discipline to help review and critique the questions and problems. If they can understand your points, then others should also be able to understand. SAMPLES Sample questions and problem have been provided to help the candidate understand the format and composition expected for submission. The candidate should review and utilize these as guides when formatting their own questions and problems, but should make sure to include the requirements as listed.

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DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC TEST QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS 15300 - FIRE PROTECTION

JOHN DOE #1194000

NOVEMBER 1994

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a complete sample.

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SOCIETY OWNERSHIP STATEMENT "I hereby acknowledge that the contents of these questions and problems belong to the Society which is free to publish or otherwise make such use of all or portions as it sees fit." _____________________ John Doe November 5, 1994

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DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC TEST QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS

15300 - FIRE PROTECTION #1194000

NOVEMBER 1994

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REFERENCES FOR QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS NFPA Pamphlet #12 1989 Edition NFPA Pamphlet #13 1994 Edition NFPA Pamphlet #13R 1989 Edition NFPA Pamphlet #14 1993 Edition NFPA Pamphlet #20 1993 Edition NFPA Pamphlet #22 1993 Edition NFPA Pamphlet #231 1987 Edition NFPA Pamphlet #231C 1991 Edition

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Multi-Choice Questions: 1. On which type of system is a test connection not required? a. Wet Pipe System b. Dry Pipe System Answer: d c. Grid System Ref: NFPA #13 4-7.4.5 d. Deluge System e. None of the above 2. The minimum area of sprinkle operation when a system is hydraulically calculated is _______. a. 1,000 sq. ft. b. 1,500 sq. ft. Answer: b c. 2,000 sq. ft. Ref: NFPA #13 Fig. 5-2.3 d. 2,500 sq. ft. e. None of the above

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03000 CONCRETE PROBLEM 1 GENERAL Footings are formed. Measurement quantity is square foot of contact area. Top of footing is to be float finished. Top of wall is to be trowel finished. Keyway shall be measured in lineal feet. Lap factor for mesh and vapor barrier is 10%. Stone subbase shrinkage factor is 20%. Conversion rate is 1.5 ton/cubic yard. Sales tax on materials is 5.5%. Concrete strength requirements, 3,000-psi footings and walls. 4,000 psi slabs on grade. Concrete waste factors: Footings 10% Walls 5% Slabs on grade 7.5% WAGE RATES Carpenter $15.50/hour Labor Burden 28% Laborer $10.25/hour Labor Burden 25% Cement Finisher $13.75/hour Labor Burden 25% Iron Worker $17.25/hour Labor Burden 35% MATERIAL COSTS (excluding sales tax) 3,000 psi Concrete $50.00/cy Keyway $0.40/lf 4,000 psi Concrete $55.00/cy Stone $9.00/ton Footing Forms $.50/sf 1/2" Exp. Jnt. $0.15/lf Wall Forms $0.45/sf Vapor Barrier $0.02/sf Point & Patch $0.05/sf Mesh $0.06/sf Protect & Cure $0.02/sf Rebar $475.00/ton EQUIPMENT Crane for placing concrete $110.00/hour, including operator Wall pour rate 35 cy/hour Slab pour rate 55 cy/hour Trowel machine for slab $0.02/sf Loader $85.00/hour, including operator Compactor $0.05/sf PRODUCTIVITY FACTORS (based on eight hour days) Description Crew Productivity Form Footings 2 carp/1 laborer 320 sf/crew day Form Walls 2 carp/1 laborer 350 sf/crew day Place Concrete Footings 1 laborer 2 cy/hour Place Concrete Walls 1 laborer 1.5 cy/hour Place Concrete Slabs 1 laborer 2.4 cy/hour Float Finish Footing 1 finisher 500 sf/day Trowel Finish Wall 1 finisher 120 sf/day Trowel Finish Slabs 1 finisher 650 sf/day Point & Patch Wall 1 finisher 1,200 sf/day Protect & Cure 1 laborer 5,000 sf/day Keyway 1 carpenter 40 lf/hour Expansion Joint 1 carpenter 200 lf/day Stone Subbase 2 laborers 40 cy/crew day Vapor Barrier 1 laborer 450 sf/day Mesh 1 iron worker 2 hour/csf Rebar 1 iron worker 200 lbs./hour NOTES: Add labor burden to wage rates and sales tax to material costs.

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03000 CONCRETE PROBLEM 1 Answer/Calculations: 1. The quantity of footing formwork is: D. 536 sf A. 635 sf B. 280 sf Outside: (94+94+54+54) x 1' = 296 sf C. 240 sf Inside: (80+80+40+40) x 1' = 240 sf D. 536 sf 536 sf E. 365 sf 2. The hours/units for footing formwork is: E. .075 hour/unit A. 1.5 hr/unit B. .5 hr/unit (2 carp + 1 laborer) x 8 hrs./day = 24 hours C. .05 hr/unit 24 hours/320 sf = .075 hr/unit D. .75 hr/unit E. .075 hr/unit 3. The number of man-hours required to form footings is: A. 40.2 hours A. 40.2 hours 536 sf x .075 (hr/sf) = 40.2 hours B. 47.6 hours C. 18.3 hours D. 30.4 hours 4. The quantity of concrete required for the footing is: C. 76.4 cy A. 59.6 cy (94+94+40+40) x 7' x 1 = 1,876 cf B. 95.2 cy 1,876 / 27 = 69.5 cy C. 76.4 cy 69.5 x 1.10 (waste) = 76.4 cy D. 48.8 cy E. 20.9 cy 5. The hours required to place the footing

concrete is: B. 38.2 hours A. 44.5 hours 6.4 cy / 2 (cy/hr) x 1 laborer = 38.2 hours B. 38.2 hours C. 16.4 hours D. 30.6 hours E. 54.5 hours 6. The material unit cost for footing concrete is: C. $52.75 A. $58.03 $50.00/cy x 5/5% (sales tax) = $2.75 B. $62.50 $50.00 + 2.75 = $52.75 C. $52.75 D. $50.28 E. $55.30

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CERTIFICATION RENEWAL PROGRAM The construction industry changes continually and the Professional Estimator must be aware of these changes and be able to evaluate their impact upon his trade. As the title "Certified Professional Estimator" (CPE) comes into increased use, the architect/owner is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of the CPE designation. We, as a Society, must show the industry and the public that the construction estimator is a highly trained professional who is responsible for the very survival of the company for which he works, the method by which the Society has chosen to do this is the Certification program. This program alone, however, is not enough. As "CPE" is a meaningful professional title, we must be able to show other industry professionals that the CPE is an educated and motivated person who maintains his level of knowledge through continued education and interaction with other people in the industry. The method by which the Society has chosen to do this is the Certification Renewal Program. The Certification Renewal Program also encourages our members to remain active in the Society and the construction industry. ASPE's strength comes from its active members. To have a stronger voice in the future of the construction industry, we must have a large, active membership. Encouraging our members to become CPEs and having a program, which rewards them for participating in the Society’s activities, can help achieve these goals. Eligibility The member must have been previously certified and have maintained his/her membership in the Society with all dues and fees paid for the three years prior to submitting his/her Certification Renewal Application. Non-members must also participate in this program as it pertains to accruing points for continuing education and other professional activities. Certification Renewal Procedure The CPE will complete a Certification Renewal Application, and submit the application to the Society Business Office as explained in the renewal packet which is available on the ASPE website, www.aspenational.org Implementation Each current participating CPE must apply for their certification renewal every three years. Any CPE subject to this program will have three years, from the first August 1 after issuance of their Certificate, to accumulate the 30 points required for continuing certification. POINTS MUST BE EARNED FROM AT LEAST THREE (3) OF THE SCHEDULED LEVELS. The applicant is responsible for accumulating all documentation for the point total and transmitting it to the Society Business Office. Accumulate verifications annually to avoid problems resulting from changing administrations. It is the responsibility of the CPE to obtain a guarantee of delivery. It is recommended that the documentation be sent with a return receipt requested to the Society Business Office or by a delivery service that provides a form of tracking.

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Requirements for renewing certification may be modified from time to time. These modifications may include additional categories and requirements. The Renewing Certification applicant, however, will be granted points based upon the point schedule in effect at the beginning of the applicant's Certification term. CERTIFICATION RENEWAL PROCEDURES The point accumulation for the Renewal Certification Program begins the first August following your initial notification of having the CPE status. Your point dates will begin August 1 and ends three years later on July 31. The point period runs concurrent with the ASPE fiscal year. Points are not accumulated in the year of expiration. For example: Initial Certification:

The candidate earned his initial CPE status on November 20, 2007. His point dates will be from August 1, 2008 to July 31, 2011 The first expiration date for his Certification will be July 31, 2012.

First Renewal Cycle:

The CPE submits his Renewal Application with point accumulation and documentation for the initial point dates to the Society Business Office on January 1, 2012.

The CPE is issued a new certificate with the expiration date of July 31, 2015. The point dates for this certification renewal cycle will be August 1, 2011 to July 31,

2014. The Certification Renewal Application along with the appropriate fee shall be submitted to the Society Business office by January 1 of the year of expiration. The Renewing Certification Applicant is solely responsible for obtaining all signatures and documentation supporting the application. Your Certification Renewal application should first be submitted to your Chapter Certification Chair for review and signatures. The completed application must be submitted to the Society Business Office (SBO) along with the appropriate fee. The SBO will verify the application is complete and the National Certification Board will review for approval. The CPE will be notified of any deficiencies. Once accepted by the Board, a new certificate will be issued prior to the expiration date and will cover the next three years. All terms and conditions of Certification Renewal, as listed above, will apply to each successive three-year cycle.

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Fellow CPE Certification Renewal Policy Established per the Board of Trustees - 2008 Fellow CPEs make a difference by increasing the level of professionalism and ethical conduct of the construction estimator. The certification renewal policy was modified in 2008 for Fellow CPEs. Fellow Members of ASPE that were certified under the Continuing/Renewal Program are required to submit a renewal to maintain their CPE status. The policy is as follows:

“The Certification Committee may determine that Fellow members (FCPE) who also meet the criteria for LCPE status no longer need to submit paperwork criteria. Those members will still pay the re-certification fee even though the re-certification process is waived.”

Should a Fellow Member of ASPE not meet the requirements for Lifetime Status, the complete renewal packet must be submitted with the standard renewal fee every three years in order to maintain a certified status. The certification renewal application is available online at www.aspenational.org; select the Certification tab in the top menu; the Certification Renewal Packet is listed in the left hand menu of the certification page. Please feel free to contact the Society Business Office for assistance in determining Lifetime qualifications.

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Certification Reinstatement Policy The Certification Board for the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) hereby adopts the following policies for allowing those estimators who have been granted the title “Certified Professional Estimators” (CPE) to have the title reinstated should the estimator have the title revoked. This policy applies to lapses not greater than six (6) months past the CPEs expiration date. The members of the Society who have allowed their Certification to lapse for the following reasons may be granted reinstatement provided the meet the requirements for reinstatement. The CPE fails to apply for Certification Renewal in accordance with the Certification requirements. Each CPE who was certified after 1988 or who agreed to be included in the Certification Renewal Program if they were certified prior to 1988 is required to accumulate a total of thirty (30) points every three (3) years. The methods by which these points are accumulated are stated in the Certification Renewal Application. The Society Business Office (SBO) sends out to each CPE a reminder when the proper forms and Certification Renewal fee are due. Should the CPE fail to submit the forms and payment and have the documents approved, the title of CPE will be removed from the member’s files and use of the term “Certified Professional Estimator” by the member is not allowed by the Society. The member may be reinstated into the Certification program provided he/she submits the following documents within six (6) months following their certification expiration date:

1. A formal written request asking for reinstatement. The request must explain in detail the reason for the missed deadline for the submittal of the Renewal Application and fees. The request is to be sent to the SBO.

2. Accompanying the request the member must also submit a current period Certification Renewal Application and re-instatement fee.

3. The SBO shall forward to the Certification Board a copy of the request and forms for review. 4. The request will be voted on by the Certification Board. The request must be approved by a

simple majority of the Board. A. If the Board approves the request the member will be notified by the SBO of the reinstatement and

the member will be restored his/her full rights and privileges as a CPE. B. The CPE will be required to meet the point accumulation and payment of fees in accordance with

the previous schedule prior to loss of the CPE status.

Should the CPE fail to request reinstatement within six (6) month time frame following their expiration date, the person shall be dropped from the CPE program and forfeit all rights and privileges associated with the title Certified Professional Estimator. If reinstatement can not be administered, the CPE may apply for a one time Amnesty (see Amnesty policy for details). The CPE fails to maintain membership in ASPE. An estimator may be certified without membership in ASPE. Therefore, if the estimator continues to meet the requirements of the Certification Renewal Program, he/she will be allowed to retain all rights and privileges associated with the title CPE. The CPE does not maintain a career in the estimating profession or in construction. The CPE may continue to accumulate points required for the Certification Renewal without being a professional estimator. Should the estimator fulfill the requirements in the time frame allowed, he/she may retain all rights and privileges associated with the title CPE.

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Certification One-Time Amnesty Policy The Certification Board for the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) hereby adopts a policy for granting amnesty to “Certified Professional Estimators” that have failed to maintain the requirements of their Certification and been revoked and/or have been deleted. This policy applies to lapses not greater than five (5) years from the CPEs expiration date. Amnesty is defined as a pardon for acts of omission. These acts of omission shall include the lapse of membership, failure to apply for certification renewal, personal illness, family medical or maternity leave, being out of the country for work assignments or military service and performing work assignments not related to estimating. As applicable to the certification process, the Certification Board will offer those individuals a one-time only amnesty. Amnesty may be granted by the board upon receipt of a written letter requesting to be reactivated, stating the reasons for the lapses and accompanied by the current certification renewal application and Amnesty fee. The request for Amnesty will be considered and voted on by the Certification Committee and must be approved by a simple majority of the Board. Should the CPE status lapse be for a period of more than five (5) years, then the Certification Committee may require the individual requesting amnesty to re-apply for certification as a “Certified Professional Estimator” in lieu of being granted amnesty.

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LIFETIME CPE STATUS (Not Available To Non-Members)

Certification is a mark of distinction. Individuals certified by ASPE have taken the extra step to demonstrate their professionalism by voluntarily submitting to the rigorous certification process that includes demanding examinations, experience, and ethical requirements. Once certified, CPEs are required to maintain competence and fulfill ethical obligations. Every three years they must acquire at least 30 points across three of nine categories that reflect continued activity and growth in their profession. ASPE’s Certification Renewal Packet offers tips on how to meet these requirements. The National Certification Board implemented the Lifetime CPE designation for those who have been certified and met all certification renewal requirements for four (4) consecutive renewal cycles (certified for at least 15 consecutive years), and have been a continuous member in good standing. Applicants for Lifetime certification should apply as soon as they are eligible. The application and fee should be forwarded to the Society Business Office for verification. The application will then be submitted to the National Certification Committee for approval. A Lifetime CPE must continue to remain a member in good standing in the Society in order to maintain the status of Lifetime. Once approved the CPE will be continually enrolled in the Certification Program and no further renewal documentation will be required of a Lifetime CPE. Only those estimators who have fulfilled these criteria of the program can display the Lifetime CPE designation. NOTE: Only those Member CPEs in the Certification Renewal Program are eligible for the Lifetime CPE Status.

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Stamp and Seal Program Once an estimator has met all the requirements of the Certification Program and is granted CPE status, ASPE will authorize use of the official Stamp and/or Seal as a “stamp of approval”. The Stamp and/or Seal not only signify that the estimate provided is accurate and reliable, but that the CPE stands behind his/her work. Only certified estimators who are members of ASPE are eligible to purchase the Stamp and/or Seal. The Stamp and Seal program is further explained in the application and user’s agreement that is located on the National website at www.aspenational.org.

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MANUAL OF STANDARD ESTIMATING PRACTICE (SEP) A fundamental effort in organizing a professional Society must be defining standards of practice and ethics expected of those seeking membership and participation in the Society. For many years, the American Society of Professional Estimators has been the best-kept secret in the construction industry. We are now dedicated to reversing that perception. ASPE is an educational society comprised of construction estimators dedicated to improving the skills of Estimators and the quality of estimating. Our members represent a broad cross section of the construction industry as employees and owners of construction organizations. Many of our estimators and their companies are also members of other organizations. The single most important element that governs the degree of success of a construction organization is its ability to prepare and submit fully detailed and accurate estimates for the completion of work on specific projects. The professional estimator, utilizing acquired skills, and employing the professional ethics and Standard Estimating Practice of the Society, is the key to the successful fulfillment of this vital element of the industry. An ASPE primary goal is to define and publish estimating practices that, when properly employed, will produce reliable estimates in a uniformly recognizable manner. The Standard Estimating Practices are developed and written by the Standards Board of ASPE and members of that Society. They are written in the language of estimators to provide not only basic and fundamental guidance for estimators, but also to define industry recognized Standards that are the basis for the Certification of the experienced estimators as Certified Professional Estimators. PURPOSE Standard Estimating Practice is not intended as just another material and man-hour reference book. It is a “how-to” manual to be employed as a powerful learning tool for the novice Estimator and an invaluable guide for the experienced Estimator. Standards, both published and proposed, are set forth in a professional, well-written manner; the how-to that is fundamental is not developed to the ultimate level desired. Truly representative Standards must have contributions from members of a broad cross-section of the nation. Those areas of the country, which have not participated in development of Standards, may be depriving industry recognition of legitimate practices peculiar to that specific region. The Seventh Edition Standard Estimating Practice published in 2008 contains the development of practices common to all disciplines and discipline specific practices. This manual was also developed as an educational tool to be used in the training of new estimators, and to provide a foundation for future ASPE publications on estimating. Additional Standards development and the review and upgrading of existing Society Standards are a continuing responsibility of ASPE. The Standards Manual is the foundation upon which the certification-testing program is constructed. Much of the material, which has been or will be included on the exam, is taken from this manual. It is recommended that the applicant be thoroughly versed in its contents. Orders for the Standard Estimating Practice manual may be placed at the ASPE online bookstore. Please visit, www.aspenational.com.

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APPENDIXES A Application for Professional Evaluation B General Estimating Knowledge (GEK) Study Guide Order Form C Renewal Certification Application D Lifetime CPE Application E CPE Stamp and Seal Program Application F Standard Estimating Practice Manual (SEP) Order Form G Blank Estimating Forms

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Appendix A

Professional Evaluation Application

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APPLICATION FOR PROFESSIONAL EVALUATION

Name__________________________________ Chapter No.________________

Date Received___________________________ Application No._______________

Payment Received___________________________ Discipline No._____________

CONFIDENTIAL This form is the property of The American Society of Professional Estimators.

Use or reproduction of this form in whole or part without the express permission

of the National Certification Committee of the Society is prohibited.

American Society of Professional Estimators Certification Program

Remit to: ASPE—Certification, 2525 Perimeter Place Drive, Ste. 103, Nashville, TN 37214 Fax: 615-316-9800

072909

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Professional Evaluation Application Instructions Read instructions carefully before completing this application. If additional space is required, type your information

on a blank white sheet of paper and attach it to the back of your application. Note the attachments at the section header.

Please label additional information accordingly. You may visit www.aspenational.org for additional information.

Section Instructions General

Information Fill in appropriate information. Abbreviations for Street, Avenue, Boulevard, and States are ac-ceptable. Check preferred mailing address.

Personal and Employment

History

Follow the note in parenthesis and insert the appropriate letter. Insert the appropriate letter for your principal job function with your present employer. Check the highest academic level and degree attained. Start with your present position and account for your construction estimating employment history.

Work Experience Give in sequence and detail for each employer. Date of employment, company, location, and phone number for the company, name and title of your immediate supervisor, your job title and job description. Verification MUST be signed by a Chapter Level Representative prior to submitting to the Society Business Office.

Estimating Experience Breakdown

The estimating experience breakdown is important and must be filled out with care. Indicate, percentages (%) of time spent on one or more of the construction estimating or related job func-tions.

Estimating Discipline

Use Page 6 of this form to determine your Primary Discipline number and description. If you are a General Construction Estimator, use Discipline 1.4. The CSI Format Summary list is not a complete listing. Refer to the Master Format contained in the Standard Estimating Practice Manual for those disciplines not listed. All applicants must have a minimum of five (5) years construction estimating experience in their primary discipline as of application date. Mark the appropriate box indicating which DST you wish to obtain certification. If your DST is not listed a test has not been developed and you will submit Questions and Problems to fulfill this requirement.

Technical Paper Topic

Request

Technical paper topic request must be filled out completely (three topics must be presented). Be sure to include the requested titles as well as a 25 word synopsis for each. The Certification Board will notify you of your topic assignment. Your technical paper title must begin with, “How to Estimate the Cost of . . . .”

Affirmation &

Verification

You are required to sign and date the Affirmation, confirming that all information presented is factual. This MUST be signed prior to submitting to the Society Business Office. Your Chapter Certification Chair or Chapter President or Regional Governor MUST review and verify the completeness, conformity, and veracity of your appli-cation. If your application arrives without this verification it will not be accepted and returned to you.

Certification Fees The Certification Program Fee structure has been broken out into Member and Non-Member rates for your convenience. Please use the “Calculation of Fees” box to determine the amount to submit. (Added DST is only for a secondary discipline certification.)

Certification Cycle Matrix

The Certification Cycle Matrix provides the date requirements/deadlines for your selected cycle.

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American Society of Professional Estimators Certification Application

Please type or print all responses

This application is for certification as a Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) I plan to enroll in the [Cycle 1] [Cycle 2] cycle of the certification program. (See Matrix pg. 10 of this application)

[circle one] I prefer to take my workshop [Online] or [At My Chapter] [circle one]

Please check with your Chapter Certification Chair to make sure that the workshop is offered at your chapter prior to making your selection.

General Information Indicate the address where you wish to receive correspondence. □ Home □ Work

HOME ADDRESS:

Home Address:

Home Phone: Home E-Mail:

NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH: Name (Please print as it will appear on certificate):

Date of Birth:

Present Employer & Business Address: Company Name:

Company Address:

Job Title: Company Phone:

Company Fax: Company Email:

Personal and Employment History (Insert Letter in each Space)

Current Principle Job Function: ____________

A. General & Corporate Management B. Design & Development Engineering C. Engineering Services D. Cost Evaluation / Budgeting E. Plan Takeoff F. Complete Estimating

G. Field Job Management H. Purchasing & Procurement I. Estimate Evaluation / Management J. Conceptual Estimating K. Value Engineering / Management L. Other __________________________________

A. ___ Grade School B. ___ High School C. ___ Junior College D. ___ University E. ___ Trade School F. ___ Extended Studies

1. ___ Diploma 2. ___ Associate 3. ___ Bachelor 4. ___ Master 5. ___ Doctorate 6. ___ Certificate

Educational Background (Check highest academic level and degree attained)

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List chronologically, most recent first to account for your past estimating experience. Attach additional sheets as necessary to fulfill experience requirement of the minimum 5 years for the Certification Program.

From: _________________ To:_________________ Title: _______________________________________

Company: _______________________________________________________________________________

Work Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________ Fax: __________________________________

Email: _____________________________________ Immediate Supervisor: _________________________

Job Duties: ______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

From: _________________ To:_________________ Title: _______________________________________

Company: _______________________________________________________________________________

Work Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________ Fax: __________________________________

Email: _____________________________________ Immediate Supervisor: _________________________

Job Duties: ______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ From: _________________ To:_________________ Title: ______________________________________

Company: _______________________________________________________________________________

Work Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________ Fax: __________________________________

Email: _____________________________________ Immediate Supervisor: _________________________

Job Duties: ______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ From: _________________ To:_________________ Title: ______________________________________

Company: _______________________________________________________________________________

Work Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________ Fax: __________________________________

Email: _____________________________________ Immediate Supervisor: _________________________

Job Duties: ______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________

Work Experience:

TO BE COMPLETED BY YOUR CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVE: I have verified the above listed employment history and have found the information to be acceptable for the purposes of certification. Verified by: _________________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ Name (Print): ___________________________________

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Construction Estimating Discipline Number(s). Use CSI Summary found online at http.//www.csinet.org/s_csi/docs/9400/9361.pdf to determine primary discipline and description. (Page 6 of this form list Master Format Division and Titles).

Primary: ________________

Description: ____________________

Years Experience: ________________

Mark the appropriate box indicating the discipline for which you are seeking certification:

□ 1.4 General Construction □ 31 00 00 Earthwork □ 03 30 00 Concrete

□ 04 20 00 Masonry □ 07 50 00 Roofing □ 09 20 00 Drywall Systems

□ 09 91 00 Painting □ 23 20 00 HVAC/Piping □ 22 00 00 Plumbing

□ 23 30 00 HVAC/Sheet Metal □ 26 00 00 Electrical

□ Submit 100 DST Questions & 2 Problems in Discipline ________________________

Estimating Discipline

Employer 1

Employer 2

Employer 3

Employer 4

A. Quantity Takeoff

B. Labor Application (man hours)

C. Material Pricing and Extension

D. Unit Application

E. Specifications

F. Conceptual

G. Subcontractor/Vendor Pricing

H. Estimate Review

I. Project Management

J. Other ________________________ ______________________________

Totals (should equal 100%)

Estimating Experience Breakdown Define the percentage of time spent on one or more of the estimating or related job functions listed below. Provide information for each employer listed in Work Experience section.

Applicant Name: ___________________________________

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6

MasterFormat Division Numbers & Titles

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Technical Paper Topic Request Choose topics within your primary discipline only. Your technical paper must have a minimum of 2500 words. Your Technical Paper title must begin with, “How to Estimate the Cost of . . . . . .”. Please consider your topics carefully so that you do not choose one that is too broad or too narrow in scope. You MUST provide three (3) top-ics for consideration.

Paper Title—1st Preference:

25 Word Synopsis:

Paper Title—2nd Preference:

25 Word Synopsis:

Paper Title—3rd Preference:

25 Word Synopsis:

Applicant Name: ___________________________________

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Affirmation & Verification

I affirm that the statements in this application are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I agree to be governed by the rules and regulations of the Society and all the requirements of the Certification Program. Signature of Applicant Date:

TO BE COMPLETED BY CHAPTER CERTIFICATION CHAIR, CHAPTER PRESIDENT, OR REGIONAL GOVERNOR OF ASPE. VERIFICATION OF APPLICATION: NOTE: Please make sure that page 4 “Work Experience” is signed by a Chapter Representative.

I hereby verify that I have reviewed this application; that it is complete and fully conforms to the requirements of the ASPE Certification Program. The informa-tion herein presented is true to the best of my knowledge. Signature of Chapter Representative

Date: Print Name:

Chapter Number: Chapter Position:

Contact Phone: Contact Email:

Please make sure you have all necessary signatures

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Certification Fees ASPE Member Candidate Fees Certification Online Workshop $125.00

Chapter Level Workshop $75.00

GEK and DST Testing Fees $275.00

Additional DST - Per Discipline $75.00

Non-Member Candidate Fees

Certification Online Workshop (only option for non-members)

$125.00

GEK and DST Testing Fees $525.00

$125.00 Additional DST - Per Discipline

Member Candidates must choose between Online Workshop or Chapter Level Workshop—see instructions for more information.

NOTE:

1. Application Fees—Payable in U. S. Funds. All Fees are Non-Refundable.

2. Applications postmarked after submittal deadlines will not be accepted and will be returned to the candidate. (refer to the certification cycle matrix on page 10 of this application)

3. Credit Card Transactions cannot be processed without the credit card security code.

4. Please complete all applicable sections and provide appropriate verification so that your ap-plication can be quickly processed.

Payment Information □ Check or Money Order Enclosed Amount Enclosed: □ Visa □ MasterCard □ American Express

Name on Card: Security Code (on back):

Card Number: Expiration Date:

Card Billing Street Address & Zip:

Signature:

The information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. It is intended ex-clusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. This communication may contain information that is proprietary, privileged or confidential or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. American Society of Professional Estima-tors (ASPE).

Calculation of Fees: Online or Chapter Workshop $___________ + DST/GEK Test Fee $___________ + Added DST $ ___________ Total Submitted $

Applicant Name: ___________________________________

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ELIGIBILITY FOR EXAMINATION BY NATIONAL CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE

1. Approved Disapproved By (print)_____________________________________________________Date________________________ Signature ________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Approved Disapproved By (print)_____________________________________________________Date________________________ Signature ________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Approved Disapproved By (print)_____________________________________________________Date________________________ Signature ________________________________________________________________________________ MAJOR CONSENSUS Approved Disapproved By (print)___________________________________________________ Date________________________ Signature _______________________________________________________________________________ Approved Technical Paper Topic # ___________Title_______________________________________________

This application form is the property of the American Society of Professional

Estimators. Use or reproduction of this form, in whole or in part, without the

express permission of the Board of Trustees of The Society is prohibited.

Copyright 2003 American Society of Professional Estimators

Approval of Application To be completed by the National Certification Committee

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Appendix B

GEK (General Estimating Knowledge)

Study Guide Order Form

133

134

135

136

Appendix C

Renewal Certification Application

137

138

ASPE Certification

Renewal Packet

CESB Accredited Program

139

Please be sure to update your ASPE contact information record of any changes that would limit our ability to provide you with up-to-date information. Below is a summary of information that will need to be provided so that we can better serve our members.

NOTE: Failure to inform ASPE Society Business Office of changes in your contact information, will not extend due dates and may result in loss of membership and/or certification status.

E-mail Address:

Full Name: (First MI Last)

Member Number:

Old Address: H-Home and/or O-Office

New Address: H-Home and/or O-Office

Old Phone #: H-Home and/or O-Office

New Phone #: H-Home and/or O-Office

Contact Preference H—Home O—Office Comments:

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CONTINUING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM 

 

The construction industry changes continually and the Professional Estimator must be 

aware of these changes and be able to evaluate their impact upon his trade.  

 

As the title ʺCertified Professional Estimatorʺ (CPE) comes into increased use, the architect/

owner is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of the CPE designation.  We, as a 

Society, must show the industry and the public that the construction estimator is a highly 

trained professional who is responsible for the very survival of the company for which he 

works, the method by which the Society has chosen to do this is the Certification program.  

 

This program alone, however, is not enough.  As ʺCPEʺ is a meaningful professional title, 

we must be able to show other industry professionals that the CPE is an educated and moti‐

vated person who maintains his level of knowledge through continued education and inter‐

action with other people in the industry.  The method by which the Society has chosen to do 

this is the Certification Renewal Program.  

 

The Certification Renewal Program also encourages our members to remain active in the 

Society and the construction industry.  ASPEʹs strength comes from its active members.  To 

have a stronger voice in the future of the construction industry, we must have a large, ac‐

tive membership.  Encouraging our members to become CPEs and having a program, 

which rewards them for participating in the Society’s activities, can help achieve these 

goals.  

 

Eligibility 

 

The member must have been previously certified and have maintained his/her membership 

in the Society with all dues and fees paid for the three years prior to submitting his/her  

Certification Renewal Application.  Non‐members must also participate in this program as 

it pertains to accruing points for continuing education and other professional activities.  

 

Implementation 

 

Each current participating CPE must apply for their certification renewal every three years.  

Any CPE subject to this program will have three years, from the first August 1  

after issuance of their Certificate, to accumulate the 30 points required for renewing certifi‐

cation.  

POINTS MUST BE EARNED FROM AT LEAST THREE (3) OF THE SCHEDULED LEVELS.  Continued…...

141

 

The applicant is responsible for accumulating all documentation for the point total and 

transmitting it to the Society Business Office.  Accumulate verifications annually to avoid 

problems resulting from changing administrations.  It is the responsibility of the CPE to ob‐

tain a guarantee of delivery.  It is recommended that the documentation be sent with a re‐

turn receipt requested to the Society Business Office or use a delivery service that provides 

a tracking system. 

 

Requirements for Renewing Certification may be modified from time to time.  These modi‐

fications may include additional categories and requirements.  The Continuing Certification 

applicant, however, will be granted points based upon the point schedule in effect at the 

beginning of the applicantʹs Continuing Certification term.  

CERTIFICATION RENEWAL PROCEDURES Your first cycle and first year (Year 1) in the Certification Program begins August 1 follow‐

ing notification of obtaining your CPE status.  Your certificate states that your CPE status 

will terminate July 31 of Year 4.  The accumulation of points begins August 1 of Year 1 and 

ends three years later on July 31 of Year 3.  This period runs concurrently with the ASPE 

fiscal year for record keeping purposes.   

 

The Business Office will notify you before July 31 of Year 3 that your Certification will ex‐

pire on July 31 of Year 4.  The Certification Renewal application and the processing fee shall 

be submitted to the Society Business Office by November 1 of Year 4.   

 

The Continuing Certification Applicant is solely responsible for obtaining all signatures and 

documentation supporting the application.  Your Certification Renewal application should 

first be submitted to your Chapter Certification Chair for review.  Then the completed ap‐

plication must be submitted to the Society Business Office (SBO) along with the appropriate 

fee.  The SBO will verify the application is complete and send it to your regional representa‐

tive on the National Certification Committee for review.  You will be notified by February 1 

of Year 4 of any deficiencies or itsʹ acceptance.  You will have until July 1 of Year 4 to correct 

any deficiencies.  A new certificate will be issued prior to the expiration date and will cover 

the next three years. (July 31 of Year 7) 

 

The second cycle would actually begin with the accumulation of points in Year 4.  The accu‐

mulation of points begins August 1 of year 4 and ends three years later on July 31 of Year 6. 

 

All terms and conditions of Renewing Certification, as listed above, will apply to each suc‐

cessive three‐year cycle. 

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American Society of Professional Estimators

This form is the property of The American Society of Professional Estimators.

Use or reproduction of this form in whole or part without the express permission of The Board of Trustees of the Society is prohibited.

MEMBER

CERTIFICATION RENEWAL APPLICATION

CONFIDENTIAL

Name ______________________________ Chapter No. ____________________ Date Received _______________________ Certificate No. __________________ Payment Received ____________________ Renewal Date __________________ Member Status ______________________ REMIT TO: ASPE—Certification 2525 Perimeter Place Drive, Suite 103 Nashville, TN 37214 Phone: 615-316-9200 Fax: 615-316-9800

143

Certification Renewal Application Instructions  READ instructions carefully before completing this application.   If additional space is required, type your information on a blank white sheet of paper and attach it to the back of your application.  Note the attachments at the section header—label additional information accordingly.   Attach ALL back‐up pertaining to your point claims and obtain all signatures.    COVER PAGE:    Leave bottom section blank for use by the Society Business Office.   SECTIONS 1‐3:    Fill in  appropriate information. Abbreviations for street, avenue,          boulevard, and states are acceptable. Check preferred mailing address.  SECTION 4:      If you are a General Construction Estimator, use discipline 1.4.  Refer to          the Master Format contained in the Standard Estimating Practice Manual          for the correct discipline.  Fill in your Certificate number, original date          of issue, and expiration date.   SECTION 5:      Fill in payment information. Enclose appropriate Certification Renewal Fee.         If paying by credit card, the three digit code on the back of the card is required.   SECTION 6:      Complete the Certification Renewal Point Schedule (sections A—I). Be sure         to attach the appropriate signatures and back up justifying your points.           You application will not be considered if required signatures are not          obtained prior to submitting to the Society Business Office.  Your          application will be returned.           A. A total of  30 points must be earned from at least three (3) of the                nine (9) levels.           B.  Please note verification requirements for each category.                   C.  Each level will have a subtotal. Total all level subtotals                levels A—I on last page of application.   SECTION 7:      Attestment shall be signed and dated by the applicant.  Forward all          information to the Society Business Office with the appropriate back‐up         and renewal fee.   SECTION 8:      Reserve for comments by the Certification Committee.    

144

 

 CERTIFICATION RENEWAL PROCEDURE 

 

1.    Certification Renewal Applicants must complete the application in strict 

compliance with the instructions and forward to the Society Business Office 

prior to the expiration date of their Certificate. (Reference your notification of 

expiration letter for due date) 

 

3.  The Society Business Office records and verifies the following: 

    a.  Date received 

    b.  Payment received 

    c.  Certification Number 

    d.  Renewal Date 

    e.  Membership Status 

    f.  Conformance with Instructions 

    g.  Completeness of Documentation List and Attachments 

 

  If you are missing required signatures or backup—the Society Business  

  Office will return the application for corrections. 

 

4.   The Society Business Office forwards the completed application to Regional 

Certification Committee Member for review.   

 

5.  Your National Certification Committee Member reviews application and re‐

turns it to the Society Business Office with recommendation for action.  Ap‐

plication is kept on file at SBO.   

 

6.  The Society Business Office issues new Certificate.  

145

Every three (3) years CPEs must submit confirmation that they continue to be active and grow in their profession. This is a con-dition of applying for the original CPE status. You would do well to start a file immediately for qualifying activities and keep it current as the three year cycle continues rather than trying to reconstruct your contributions at the end of the cycle. Be sure to review the Point Schedule and look for key ac-tivities in each category that will be applicable to your ability to participate. The “Certification Program Guide” document published by the Certification Committee explains in detail the timing of the submittal process. (See section entitled Certification Renewal Procedures) Documentation of ten points for activities each year will be required. There are nine categories for point accumulation. You must have points in at least three of the categories. Following are hints and tips for several Categories:

National Level Attending Convention and taking part in seminars and workshops is a big plus with an added bonus if you are your Chapter’s delegate. (keep in mind that the ten points per year cannot come from only one Level) Write a paper on a topic that excites you. Submit to the SBO, they are always looking for new, original material. Proctoring a GEK or DST Exam or conducting a Workshop is something that you can do in your home town for your Chapter’s CPE candidates.

Society Committee & Tech Board Level Item C, Tech Paper Review usually takes place at Convention but sometimes the papers are sent to individuals for review. Whether at Convention or at home, when you complete the review make a copy of each Evaluation/Grading sheet as documen-tation of the activity.

Regional Level Check with your Governor to make sure you are aware of any regional meeting scheduled for your region. Check the Critical Calendar on the ASPE website for a regional meeting somewhere closer to your home. i.e.: For someone in Little Rock or Memphis (SE Region) it might be more convenient to go to a Central Region meeting in St. Louis or a Southwest Region meet-ing in Dallas than your own regional meeting in Florida. Also, Regional meetings are shorter and less expensive than the An-nual Convention.

Chapter Level Be active in your local chapter. Being a committee member is pretty easy duty, attending meetings regularly helps you and re-inforces the chapter’s strength.

Industry Level If you work with another industry organization (NAWIC, CSI, AIA) in some manner, i.e. present a program for the organization or cooperate in some joint activity, this may be claimed. Keep in mind that you might accumulate twenty eight points in one Level such as Convention Registrant, Voting Delegate, Seminar and Workshop Attendee or as an active Chapter member and officer - then you only need one point in two other Lev-els. That’s OK! For Members-at-large (MAL) point accumulation can be a little more challenging than for someone with a local chapter. MALs should look toward: 1. Volunteer as a Tech Board Committee member. Governors make these appointments so you can call your Governor and express your interest. 2. Talk to your Governor about assisting him/her. All Governors need unpaid assistants to help with their duties. 3. Contact other industry associations with a local chapter and participate in one or more of their activities.

Certification Renewal Program Tips Submitted by Larry L. Cockrum, FCPE 7/08

146

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ESTIMATORS Certification Renewal Application – Member

CHAPTER NUMBER: _____________ CHAPTER CERTIFICATION CHAIR:_________________________________________ 1. NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH

___________________________________________________________________________________________ Last Name First Name Middle Initial Date of Birth

Preferred Mailing Address HOME BUSINESS

2. HOME ADDRESS __________________________________________________________________________________________ Number and Street ___________________________________________________________________________________________ City State Country Zip Code

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

E-Mail Address Area Code and Telephone Number 3. BUSINESS ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Company Name

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Number and Street ___________________________________________________________________________________________ City State Country Zip Code

___________________________________________________________________________________________

E-Mail Address Area Code and Telephone Number 4. CERTIFICATION NUMBER AND DATE OF ISSUE _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Certification Number Original Date of Issue CSI Discipline Cert. Expiration

5. APPLICATION FEE

Continuing Certification Fee - $75.00 Payable in U.S. Funds (Non-refundable)

Amount Enclosed $___________ Business Check Personal Check Money Order

Credit Card Payment Check one: Visa MasterCard AMEX Card No.__________________________________________ Exp. Date ___________ CV2 #____________________ (Last 3 digit code on back of card)

Name Printed On Card ________________________________ Signature________________________________ Billing Street Address: _______________________________________________ Billing Zip Code:________________

If paying with credit card—the three digit code on back of card is required in order to process.

The information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. This communication may contain information that is proprietary, privileged or confidential or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE).

147

6. RENEWING CERTIFICATION POINT SCHEDULE ( A - I)

Schedule A—National Level for ASPE

DESCRIPTION POSSIBLE POINTS

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 TOTAL POINTS

1. Trustees 5/YR

2. Committee/Technical Committee Chair

5/YR

A. Subcommittee Chairman 5/YR

B. Committee Member 3/YR

3. Convention Registrant 5/YR

A. Voting Delegate 2/YR

4. Convention Activities

A. Attend All Committee Workshops 1/YR

B. Attend All Educational Seminars 1/YR

C. Present Seminar 2/YR

D. Present Committee Workshop 1/YR

5. General Activities

A. Contribute Time and Effort for National Interest

3/YR MAX

B. Article for “Estimating Today” Attach Date References.

5/YR MAX

C. Proctor for EP2 Exam 3/YR MAX

D. Proctor for GEK Exam 3/YR MAX

E. Proctor for DST Exam 3/YR MAX

F. Conduct Certification Workshop 1/YR MAX

TOTAL POINTS CLAIMED

Verified by Society Business Office Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _________________________

Points Approved by National Certification Committee Member Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _________________________

148

Schedule B—ASPE Committee and Technical Committee Level

DESCRIPTION POSSIBLE POINTS

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 TOTAL POINTS

1. Committee Support Activities

A. Contribute to SEP Manual 10/YR MAX

B. Edit portions of SEP Manual 5 per edit

C. Technical Paper Content Review 2 per paper

D. DST Questions & Problems Review (10 points per set of Q&P)

10/ Set

E. Write DST Questions and Problems (100 questions & 2 problems)

Points to be claimed after approval of submittal by the National Cert. Board. (15 Points for each DST)

15 /DST

TOTAL POINTS CLAIMED

Reviewed and Approved by the National Standards Committee Chair (1a & 1b above) Signature: _______________________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Reviewed and Approved by the National Certification Committee Member (1c, d, & e above) Signature: _______________________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Schedule C—ASPE Regional Activity Level 1. Regional Activities

A. Attend Regional Meeting 3/Meeting

B. Organize Regional Meeting 5/Meeting

C. Attend All Activities 1/ Meeting

D. Present Seminar 2/YR MAX

E. Present Committee Workshop 2/YR MAX

TOTAL POINTS CLAIMED

Reviewed and Approved by Regional Governor Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _________________________

Points Approved by National Certification Committee Member Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _________________________

149

Schedule D—ASPE CHAPTER LEVEL

DESCRIPTION POSSIBLE POINTS

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 TOTAL POINTS

1. Chapter Office or Director 5/YR

2. Chapter Committee Chairman 4/YR

3. Chapter Committee Member 2/YR

4. Monthly Meeting Attendance ( 75% of meeting per year)

3/YR

5. Article for Chapter Newsletter 3/YR MAX

6. Contribute Time and Effort to Chapter Activities

2/YR MAX

7. Pro-tem President 2/YR

8. Charter Member (one time claim) 10

TOTAL POINTS CLAIMED

Reviewed and Approved by Chapter Officer Signature: _______________________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Points Approved by National Certification Committee Member Signature: _______________________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Schedule E—EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

1. Teach Estimating Class (must be verified by Dean or Dept. Head)

2/Cl Hr

Reviewed and Verified by Department Head or Dean Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: __________________

Points Approved by National Certification Committee Member Signature: _______________________________________________________ Date: ____________________

2. Guest Lecturer Estimating Class (must be verified by Instructor)

2/Cl Hr

Reviewed and Verified by Lecturer or Instructor Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: __________________

Points Approved by National Certification Committee Member Signature: _______________________________________________________ Date: ____________________

3. Speaker Construction Seminar (attach appropriate documentation)

2/Cl Hr

TOTAL POINTS CLAIMED

Points Reviewed and Approved by National Certification Committee Member Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: _________________________

4. Attend Estimating Courses (attach appropriate documentation)

2/Cl Hr

5. Attend Construction Seminar (attach appropriate documentation)

2/Cl Hr

150

Schedule F—PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

DESCRIPTION (Only one category per year can be claimed)

POSSIBLE POINTS

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 TOTAL POINTS

1. Manager of Estimating 4/YR

2. Chief Estimator 3/YR

3. Estimator 2/YR

4. Self-Employed Estimator 5/YR

TOTAL POINTS CLAIMED

No verification is required for these points since you attest to the points claimed at the end of this application.

Reviewed and Approved by the Chapter Certification Chair or Chapter Officer (1c, d, & e above) Signature: _______________________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Schedule G—PUBLICATIONS LEVEL

1. Published an Estimating Book 25/ Book

2. Published a Technical Paper in “Estimating Today”

5/Paper

TOTAL POINTS CLAIMED NOTE: In order to claim the points Listed above, enclose the appropriate back-up documentation.

Points Reviewed and Approved by National Certification Committee Member Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: _________________________

Schedule H—INDUSTRY LEVEL

DESCRIPTION

POSSIBLE POINTS

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 TOTAL POINTS

1. Contribute Time and Effort to other Construction Associations (Provide documentation from other association.)

2/YR MAX

TOTAL POINTS CLAIMED

Reviewed and Approved by the Chapter Certification Chair or Chapter Officer Signature: _______________________________________________________ Date: ____________________

151

Schedule I—PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION

DESCRIPTION POSSIBLE POINTS

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 TOTAL POINTS

1. Professional License or Registration (Your CPE Certification is not eligible for point accumulation in this schedule)

4/YR

TOTAL POINTS CLAIMED

Verified by Society Business Office Copy Attached: □ YES □ NO Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _________________________

Points Approved by National Certification Committee Member Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: _________________________

SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR PROFES-SIONAL LICENSE OR REGISTRATION

SCHEDULE LEVEL POINTS

Level A

Level B

Level C

Level D

Level E

Level F

Level G

Level H

Level I

TOTAL POINTS

SUMMARY OF POINTS CLAIMED

7. ATTESTMENT I certify that the statements in this application are correct and I agree to be governed by the rules and regulations of the Certification Program and the Society. Applicants Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _____________________

National Certification Committee Comments

8. APPROVAL BY NATIONAL CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE It is the recommendation of the National Certification Committee that this application:

□ Be Granted Renewal □ Be Denied Renewal Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ___________________ Region: _______________________

152

Appendix D

Lifetime CPE Application

153

154

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ESTIMATORS

LIFETIME CPE APPLICATION FORM

1. NAME

____________________________________________________________________________________________ Last Name First Name Middle Initial

Preferred Mailing Address: HOME BUSINESS

2. HOME ADDRESS

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Number and Street Area Code and Phone Number

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City State Country Zip Code

3. BUSINESS ADDRESS

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Company Name

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Number and Street Area Code and Phone Number

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City State Country Zip Code

4. CERTIFICATION NUMBER AND DATE OF ISSUE:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Certification Number Date of Issue CSI Discipline Cert. Expiration

5. SBO VERIFICATION: YES NO

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ APPROVED BY: NATIONAL CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE

6. APPLICATION FEE: One-Time CPE Lifetime Application Fee - $400.00 (Non-refundable)Make Checks Payable to: American Society of Professional Estimators, 2525 Perimeter Place Drive, Suite 103 – Nashville, TN 37214

Amount Enclosed $___________ Business Check Personal Check Money Order Credit Card Payment Check one: Visa MasterCard AMEX

Card No.______________________________________ Exp. Date ___________________ CV2#__________________________ (Last 3 digits of code on back of card)Name Printed On Card ________________________________ Signature______________________________________________

Billing Street Address: ________________________________________ Billing Zip Code: _________________________________

Use or reproduction of this form in whole or part without the express written permission of the Board of Trustees of the Society is prohibited. No part of information submitted above is used for any purpose other than to verify qualifications of candidate.

The information contained in this message/form may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. This communication may contain information that is proprietary, privileged or confidential or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE).

155

156

Appendix E

Stamp and Seal Application

157

158

Remit to: American Society of Professional Estimators

Attn: Certification Coordinator

2525 Perimeter Place Drive, Ste. 103

Nashville, TN 37214

American Society of Professional Estimators

Certification Stamp and Seal Application & User Agreement

08/05/09 159

American Society of Professional Estimators Certification Committee

A S P E C E R T I F I E D S T A M P & S E A L P R O G R A M

2525 Perimeter Place Drive, Suite 103 • Nashville, TN 37214 • (615) 316-9200 • FAX (615) 316-9800

Dear Stamp and/or Seal Candidate: Thank you for requesting a copy of the American Society of Professional Estimator’s Stamp and Seal Program Packet. Your active involvement in this program will benefit many sectors of ASPE. Only Certified Society Members may apply for the Stamp and/or Seal. One of the requirements of obtaining the Stamp/Seal is participating in a self-administered workshop on the proper uses and restrictions of the stamp/seal in our industry and the responsibilities of the CPE requesting the stamp/seal. Please note the acknowledgement section on the application. You must sign this portion of the application indicating that you have read the enclosed material. No stamp/seal will be issued without your completed application and user’s agreement. Please do not hesitate to contact the Society Business Office with any questions you may have. Regards The National Certification Committee Chairman — Walt Lemon, III, CPE - Northwest Region

Cell: 503-880-1926

Portland, OR 97217

Email: Walt@europa.com

Dan Ergle, CPE - Southeast Region Jerry L. Hackleman, CPE - Central Plains Region

ADE Construction Consultants, Inc. Dewitt & Associates, Inc.

1298 Rockbridge Road, Ste. A 933 E. Canterbury Street

Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Springfield, MO 65810

Office: 770-921-2701 Phone: 417-881-4820

Email: danergle@bellsouth.net Email: jhackleman@dewitt-associates.com

Peter Saxon, III, CPE - Northeast Region Ron Svarc, CPE - Southwest Region

Shepard Steel Company, Inc. HMC

55 Shepard Drive 2601 Main Street, Ste. 100

Newington, CT 06111 Irvine, CA 92614

Office: 860-525-4446 x 7069 Office: 949-567-1833 x 130

Email: psaxon@shepardsteel.com Email: kickerron@cox.net

ASPE Certified Stamp & Seal Program

1. GOVERNS CPES AND THEIR SUBORDINATES

This Code sets forth certain standards for the intended purpose of governing the professional practice of all indi-viduals who have accepted the credentials of a Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), are ASPE members in good standing, and intend to utilize the Stamp and/or Seal as issued by ASPE. ASPE knows of no reason why it should not be entitled to claim exclusive authority to bestow the CPE credentials upon qualified individuals, and ASPE shall vigorously pursue all reasonable means to preserve its right to establish and publish this and related standards both now and in the future. Therefore, all who represent themselves as a CPE to their clients or employers by using the Stamp and/or Seal shall adhere to this Code. Those who do not wish to give their consent nor be so governed shall not be granted the use of the Stamp and/or Seal issued by the Society until such time as they are willing to comply. In addition, it shall be the responsibility of a CPE to insure that the acts of employees or staff under their responsible supervision conform to the professional standards contained herein, or such acts may subject the supervising CPE to a professional review and possible loss of credentials. [Use of the words "he, him, his, etc." in this Code, shall be interpreted as signifying both genders. The terms "client" and "employer" shall be considered interchangeable for the purpose of interpreting this Code.]

2. STANDARD ESTIMATING PRACTICE (SEP)

All CPEs requesting the Stamp and/or Seal should be familiar with ASPE's publication, Standard Estimating Practice (SEP). SEP should be a part of your reference library. It clearly defines the Society's vision of proper estimating techniques, formats, etc. Part One, Section One, Basic Standards, Part One, Section Two, Levels of the Estimate, and Part One, Section Three, Scope of the Estimate, are included with this workshop. Please review carefully.

3. CODE OF ETHICS

All members of ASPE are bound to abide by the Society's Code of Ethics, which serves as a general reference for an estimator's professional conduct. A complete copy can be located in Part Four of Standard Estimating Practice. This Code of Professional Practice reinforces the Code of Ethics, and the principle that professional skills alone are not sufficient to demonstrate professionalism. Consequently, violations of the standards of pro-fessional conduct as presented in the Code of Ethics and this Code of Professional Practice could subject a CPE to disciplinary action and possible loss of the right to continued use of the professional credentials granted by the Society.

4. ETHICAL CONDUCT

A CPE shall treat all fellow CPEs, and all members of allied professions, with fairness and respect and shall not commit any malicious act, or make any false or unjust accusation, which shall directly or indirectly injure an-other's personal or professional reputation. This does not relieve a CPE of the moral obligation to expose illegal or unethical conduct in a manner appropriate for the offense.

5. REVIEW OF ANOTHER'S WORK

Whenever a client or an employer asks a CPE to review or comment on the work performed by another, ex-treme care shall be taken in order to render a proper opinion. Casual and improperly researched conclusions are not within the realm of professional conduct to be expected of a CPE. If appropriate, the reviewing CPE shall discuss the issues of import with the other person whose work is being reviewed prior to releasing a writ-ten report or expressing an oral opinion. This paragraph places no restriction on the preparation of a com-pletely independent estimate or work product which a client or employer may choose to use as the basis for their own comparison.

American Society of Professional Estimators Code of Professional Practice

161

6. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

No CPE shall misrepresent their professional qualifications or attempt to practice beyond the limits of their field of expertise. If called upon to do so, a CPE shall identify the Construction Estimating Discipline(s) (CEDs) in which they can demonstrate that they have acquired sufficient experience to be qualified to practice. Those CPEs that have expertise in several fields other than the ones in which they were initially certified, shall be per-mitted to enlarge their practice to include the additional disciplines, provided they have conducted sufficient re-search and study of the unique aspects of the new field to enable them to render sound judgment in their prac-tice.

7. DEFINING THE SCOPE OF SERVICES

It shall be the responsibility of a CPE to maintain effective communication with each client or employer, with regard to the scope of services to be rendered, including the level of detail required, the form of the work prod-uct, and the date, or approximate date, by which the defined services will be completed. A sample contract for professional estimating services between estimator and client is enclosed with this workshop. It is from the Standard Estimating Practice Manual, Part One. During the course of a time and expenses engagement, at the earliest moment that a CPE has reason to believe that the scope of services originally agreed upon will be in-sufficient to produce the desired results in a professional manner, or that any estimate of hours involved in per-forming an assignment will be inadequate, the client or employer should be advised. A CPE shall pursue all reasonable means to mitigate expenses by periodically seeking clarification of the client's or employer's expec-tations regarding the continuation of the work and by advising the client or employer of the remaining level of effort necessary to complete a given assignment in a professional manner.

8. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

No CPE shall: A. Accept an engagement or assignment that may result in the compromising of professional

ethics, or the minimum standards of excellence recommended by the Society. B. Accept an engagement or assignment to perform work for more than one client on any

particular project without the consent of all parties concerned. C. Accept an engagement or assignment to perform professional services or render a profes-

sional opinion on a project or issue in dispute, if the CPE has had access to in formation which may prejudice the work or opinion, or constitute a conflict of interest detrimental to the client, unless such circumstances and relevant facts have been properly disclosed in writing and accepted by the client.

D. Incorporate the work of another CPE, contractor, or client, into a professional work product without proper reference, or the express permission of the party or parties that performed the original work.

9. FINANCIAL INTERESTS

A CPE shall not accept an engagement or assignment for a client if there is a possibility the professional ser-vices to be performed may involve dealings with an organization in which the CPE, another client, or the CPE's employer has a significant financial interest, without having disclosed such interest to the client prior to perform-ing any services.

10. REMUNERATION FOR PROFESSIONAL WORK

A CPE may be remunerated for his professional work by means of hourly professional fees, by payment of a lump sum fee for a specific scope of service, by payment of a bonus or other compensation on the basis of per-formance or valuable contribution to the successful completion of a construction project, or by compensation paid by his employer. No CPE shall testify as an expert witness in a case where compensation for professional services is based on a percentage of the judgment or settlement amount. A CPE shall be permitted to render professional services in exchange for an ownership interest in a project provided no other conflicts of interest exist.

Page 2 Code of Professional Practice

162

11. INFLUENCE OF OTHERS

No CPE shall seek or accept any commission or other valuable consideration for the purpose of improperly influ-encing the decision of others.

12. SOLICITATION OF WORK

No CPE shall obtain or attempt to obtain professional work by offering or paying monetary or other valuable consid-eration to any person or persons involved in the process of selecting a CPE for an assignment, or by any other im-proper means. Referral service commissions are permissible provided they do not violate any laws governing such transactions.

13. COMPARISONS

No CPE shall obtain or attempt to obtain professional work by making an unfounded comparison with another with regard to the speed, efficiency, or competency of the other person to perform the work. A CPE may provide verbal or written details of the services believed to be required in the performance of an engagement and may make com-parisons with the approaches to the accomplishment of the work proposed by another, provided such comparisons are not slanderous nor detrimental to the public reputation of the other person's professional practice.

14. ACCURACY OF QUANTITIES AND PRICES

Guarantees of the accuracy of the quantities, or prices used in the preparation of a professional estimate shall be given at the discretion of the responsible CPE. A CPE may choose to limit the representation of the accuracy of the services performed by indicating that they have been or will be performed in accordance with "generally ac-cepted professional estimating practices." Such representation shall not be interpreted as a guarantee of accu-racy, but rather as an assurance that a reasonable amount of care has been, or will be exercised in the preparation of the estimate work product. This is because many factors can be involved in the professional interpretation of the scope of the construction work being quantified or priced, and because various methods and techniques for sur-veying or deriving estimate quantities have varying degrees of accuracy associated with them. Therefore, a CPE's obligations under this Code relative to the adequacy or accuracy of a professional estimate shall be based on a determination of what is reasonable under the circumstances of the engagement. Essentially, a CPE shall make every reasonable effort to include all items shown in the related project documents, and shall price all items utilizing appropriate quotations and published or authorized proprietary reference sources as tempered by experience and professional judgment.

15. PROFESSIONAL ESTIMATING PRACTICES

Whenever a CPE utilizes the phrase "prepared in accordance with generally accepted professional estimating practices," this shall be interpreted to mean that the CPE has utilized a systematic method of surveying the quanti-ties, has applied prices to each estimate line item, and has summarized the major divisions of work in a format suit-able for the level of detail agreed upon by the client and CPE. As the volume of technical material, either published or recognized by the Society increases, specific elements of the estimating process will become more standardized and commonly understood. Presently, there are a number of books and estimating standards, which set forth vari-ous estimating systems and methods. A CPE who employs one or more of these published systems may utilize the phrase "prepared in accordance with generally accepted professional estimating practices" in the manner, de-scribed in paragraph 18, below.

16. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

No CPE shall divulge without authority, or use improperly, any information received in the course of any assign-ment or engagement.

17. ADVERTISEMENTS AND PROMOTION

A CPE in professional practice may advertise and promote his professional services provided such marketing ef-forts do not detract from the dignity of the profession, and that they do not violate any other provision of this Code.

Code of Professional Practice Page 3

163

Code of Professional PracticePage 4

18. PROFESSIONAL WORK PRODUCTS IDENTIFIED

Reports, estimates, and other documents emanating from a CPE's professional practice, should be identified as the work of that practice. A cover letter or a narrative on the estimate scope, bound within a report is one of the optional methods of advising the reader of the type of report or estimate, which has been prepared. It also pro-vides the opportunity to state that the estimate has been "prepared in accordance with generally accepted profes-sional estimating practices." This type of letter or narrative may also be used to advise the reader of any profes-sional reservations or limitations on the scope or completeness of the work product. Documents prepared for or in association with other consultants should show the names of both or all CPEs, individuals, and firms as appropri-ate.

19. USE OF THE STAMP AND/OR SEAL

RECOMMENDED USES:

1. The Certified Professional Estimator shall use the personalized Stamp and/or Seal to mark completed estimates that they have fully prepared within their task or discipline.

2. The Certified Professional Estimator shall clearly identify the level of the estimate he is preparing prior to placing his stamp or seal on the finished product.

3. The Stamp and/or Seal shall be used only on items referring to estimating. They shall not be used on a report that does not reflect or affect an estimate.

4. The use of the Stamp and/or Seal on an estimate prepared by others indicates the CPE using the stamp or seal has fully reviewed the estimate and concurs with the contents therein.

20. PROFESSIONAL REVIEW

Cases involving charges of unprofessional conduct against a CPE, whether specially defined by this Code or not, shall be dealt with as the circumstances dictate by an impartial panel of no fewer than three (3) Certified Members, one to be appointed by the CPE under review, one to be appointed by the President of the Society, and the third to be selected by the other two. The CPE under review shall be entitled to the rights of "due process" including, but not limited to, the rights to hear all the evidence, cross-examination, et cetera. The decision of the panel shall be written, and shall state the basis for action. The decision may be appealed to the National Board of Trustees, which shall not review any new evidence in the matter, but shall determine whether appropriate procedures were followed and whether the matter warrants another hearing by the same or a new panel of Certified Members. Should the CPE under review disagree with the final decision, the matter shall be submitted to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

The American Society of Professional Estimators’ Code of Ethics is available at

www.aspenational.org

164

Visa MasterCard American Express

Check #________________

Application for CPE Stamp and/or SealDescription Qty. Price Subtotal

Order total:

Method of Payment

Exp. date:

Credit Card #:

Name:

Address:

Phone:

E-mail:

State/Prov: City:

Zip/Post. code:

Security Code (on back of card)

The following User’s Agreement will be kept on file at the Society Business Office. Please sign where indicated and return one (1) copy with this completed application and funds. Retain a copy of the User’s Agreement for your files. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. The stamp and/or seal will be issued with an expiration date of three years, corresponding to the qualified appli-cant’s certification expiration dates. The Stamp and Seal will not be offered to certified non-members of ASPE. Please submit completed application and user’s agreement to : FAX: 615-316-9800 PHONE: 615-316-9200

A S P E A t t n : C e r t i f i c a t i o n 2 5 2 5 P e r i m e t e r P l a c e D r i v e , S t e . 1 0 3 N a s h v i l l e , T N 3 7 2 1 4

Acknowledgement: I ________________________________________have read the enclosed material and do agree to abide by the information provided herein as relating to the use of the CPE Stamp and/or Seal. Signature: ________________________________________________

The information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. This com-munication may contain information that is proprietary, privileged or confidential or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immedi-ately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. American Society of Profes-sional Estimators (ASPE).

165

ASPE Certified Stamp & Seal Program

In consideration of being issued the official Certified Professional Estimator Stamp and/or Seal by the American Society of Professional Estimators, the undersigned hereby agrees as follows:

(1) The Stamp/Seal will be used solely by the undersigned to reflect his or her personal certification that the estimate to which the stamp/seal is affixed has been prepared or thoroughly reviewed by the undersigned.

(2) Use of the Stamp/Seal by anyone other than the undersigned, duplication of the stamp by the undersigned or any other use of the Stamp/Seal inconsistent with the terms of this agreement will be cause for immediate recall of the Stamp/Seal by the Society, the forfeiture of any further use thereof by the undersigned.

(3) The Stamp/Seal is issued for a term of three (3) years, corresponding to the undersigned’s certification expiration date. If the undersigned fails to obtain or meet the requirements of the certification renewal program, the stamp will not be re-issued.

(4) In the event the undersigned commits any violation in the use of the stamp/seal as described above will also be cause for termination of his or her membership from the Society.

(5) All renewals will be subject to the rules in place at the time of re-application.

(6) It is the responsibility of the undersigned to be aware of any legal or employer limitations or requirements on the use of the seal

The Society give no assurances and makes no representation as to the quality of any estimate to which The Stamp/Seal may be affixed.

Applicant’s Signature ___________________________________________________________

Date: _______________________________

Subscribed and Sworn before me this ____________day of _________________, 20____.

Notary Signature: _______________________________________________________________

My Commission Expires: _________________________________________________________

Send one (1) copy to Society Business Office Keep one (1) copy for your files.

American Society of Professional Estimators

User’s Agreement

166

Appendix F

SEP (Standard Estimating Practice Manual)

Order Form

167

168

SEP is good for your Business ASPE’s Standard Estimating Practice Manual 7th Edition

Recommended for the Library of Certified Professional Estimators and Certification Candidates.

$79 ASPE Members $89 Non-members

(Plus Shipping)

The American Society of Professional Estimators’ new Seventh Edition of Standard Estimating Practice is available to individuals or groups who have an interest in a “how-to” reference manual on the practice of estimating construction projects. This reference volume includes basic information applicable to all aspects of the practice of estimating and also includes specific information on a wide variety of specialty estimates arranged in a Master format. The 7th Edition of ASPE’s Standard Estimating Practice manual will make a great addition to your estimating library as a ready reference or teaching aid.

*Orders may be placed online by visiting our ASPE Bookstore at www.aspenational.org

Name_________________________________________________________________________

Company_______________________________________ Telephone #___________________

Preferred Address_______________________________________________________________

City_______________________________ State________ Zip Code_____________________

**** Street Address is Required for Shipping**** (NO P.O. Boxes) Quantity________________

Type of Payment: Circle One Check Credit Card Money Order

Credit Card Number______________________________ Expiration Date________________

CV2 Code: _________( Last 3 digits of code on back of card)

Name on Card____________________________ Signature_____________________________ Billing Street Address:______________________________________ Billing Zip code:__________

Manuals will not be processed without payment and completed order form. No invoices will be sent. Add $ 7.00 shipping, per manual. Make checks payable to: American Society of Professional Estimators. ASPE reserves the right to change future publication prices without notice. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ESTIMATORS 2525 Perimeter Place Drive, Suite 103 ● Nashville, TN 37214

Phone: (615) 316-9200 ● Fax: (615) 316-9800 ● 888-378-6283 Email: Tina@aspenational.org

The information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. This communication may contain information that is proprietary, privileged or confidential or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE).

169

7th Standard Estimating Practice

PART ONE - PRACTICES COMMON TO ALL DISCIPLINES

Basic Standards Levels of the Estimate Scope of Estimate Estimating Process Project Evaluation - Constructors Project Evaluation - Value Engineering (VE) Bid Documents/Procurement Checklists/Special Forms Specification Review Plan Review Quantity Survey Pricing/Summaries Contingency Bid Day Procedures Presentation Post-Bid Procedures Estimating Change Orders, Cost or Opportunity? Handling Federal Claims and Change Orders Legal Considerations in Construction

PART TWO - PRACTICE COMMON TO SPECIFIC DISCIPLINES

Discipline Specific Estimating Procedures

Division 1 General Requirements

Division 2 02 80 00 – Facility Remediation

Division 3 03 05 00 – Common Work Results for Concrete 03 10 00 – Concrete Forming and Accessories 03 20 00 – Concrete Reinforcing 03 30 00 – Cast-in-Place Concrete 03 41 00 – Plant-Precast Structural Concrete 03 47 13 – Tilt-up Concrete Division 4 04 05 00 – Common Work Results for Masonry 04 05 13 – Masonry Mortaring 04 20 00 – Unit Masonry 04 21 00 – Clay Unit Masonry Division 5 05 12 00 – Structural Steel Framing Division 6 06 10 00 – Rough Carpentry 06 17 00 – Shop-Fabricated Structural Wood 06 20 00 – Finish Carpentry 06 41 00 – Architectural Wood Casework

Division 7 07 01 50 – Maintenance of Membrane Roofing 07 10 00 – Dampproofing and Waterproofing 07 19 00 – Water Repellents 07 24 00 – Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems 07 50 00 – Membrane Roofing 07 92 00 – Joint Sealants Division 8 08 11 00 – Metal Doors and Frames 08 71 00 – Door Hardware Division 9 09 29 00 – Gypsum Board 09 51 00 – Acoustical Ceilings 09 72 00 – Wall Covering 09 90 00 – Paints and Coating 09 97 13 – Steel Coatings Division 10 10 28 00 – Toilet, Bath, and Laundry Accessories Division 21 / 22 / 23 21 00 00 / 22 00 00 / 23 00 00 – Mechanical

Estimate

Division 31 31 22 00 – Grading 31 23 16.13 – Excavation and Fill – Trenching 31 51 13 – Excavation Support and Protection – Soil Nailing for Bank Stabilization 31 63 16 – Bored Piles – Auger Cast Grout Piles 31 63 26 – Bored Piles – Drilled Caissons Division 32

32 10 00 – Sidewalks 32 13 00 – Rigid Pavement 32 16 13 – Concrete Curb and Gutters Division 33 33 30 00 – Sanitary Sewerage

PART THREE - PROFESSIONAL ESTIMATING SERVICE SAMPLES

PART FOUR - ETHICS

PART FIVE - REFERENCE SOURCES

PART SIX - ASPE PROFESSIONAL ESTIMATOR CERTIFICATION

170

Appendix G

Estimating Forms

171

172

173

174

175

176

ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE. . .

. . . BE A CPE

Ways to Promote your ASPE Certification

Display your certificate prominently in your office. •

Note your credential(s) on your professional stationery, business cards, and website. •

Send the sample press release you received to your local newspaper, office newsletter, •or local organizations where you are a member.

Request to have a letter sent to your Supervisor stating your accomplishment.•

Wear your lapel pin. •

Make a presentation about certification at your next ASPE meeting.•

Participate in career fairs and inform people about estimating and ASPE certification.•

Help your coworkers prepare to achieve their certification.•

Write a short article for your office newsletter or industry related organizations about the •importance of certification.

For more information please visit www.aspenational.org or contact ASPE at (888) 378-6283 or tanya@aspenational.org.

The American Society of Professional Estimators2525 Perimeter Place Drive, Ste. 103Nashville, TN 37214Phone: 888-378-6283 Fax: 615-316-9800 Email: tanya@aspenational.org