ASPE Certification Overview

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.

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 National Certification Committee, 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.

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.