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Planning & Scheduling Professional™ (PSP™)
What is the PSP™?
A distinguished task force of industry experts assembled by AACE® International created the PSP™ program. In 2007, it earned accreditation by the Council of Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB) and the International Cost Engineering Council (ICEC). The intent is to recognize specialists who meet a demanding set of planning and scheduling criteria by a rigorous examination, experience, education and ethical qualifications. The PSP™ requirements have been established to reflect the sophistication of individuals in today's planning and scheduling industry and to fairly measure their knowledge, experience and best management practices.

PSP™ certification will distinguish you as a Planning and Scheduling Professional who has the knowledge and skills that impact the bottom line. With AACE Certification, you can be sure that you have met a high quality standard.

Summary of PSP™ Certification Process
Candidates for the Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP) designation must meet these minimum requirements:
  1. Experience requirements
    At least 8 full years of professional experience, of which up to 4 years may be substituted by college/university degree. Related degrees include: engineering, building construction, construction technology, business, economics, accounting, construction management, architecture, computer science, mathematics, etc.
  2. Submit application and fees
    AACE Members US$350.00 Non-Members US$500.00 for the regular fee, subtract $50 for the early fee deadline. Submit the application, work/education verification and fees, at least 40 days before the next exam date to be scheduled at an exam site.
  3. Document experience/education
    Applications are reviewed and verified. Please submit a copy of college degree(s) with your application, plus any letters that could expedite the verification process.
  4. Pass the examination
    To become PSP™ certified, a 70% passing grade must be achieved on the 7-hour exam as determined by the Certification Board.
The examination process
The PSP™ examination consists of four parts (1 hour 45 minutes each).
  • Part I is Basic Knowledge. It consists of multiple-choice questions concerning the basics of planning and scheduling.
  • Part II is Planning and Scheduling Applications. It consists of multiple-choice questions involving planning and scheduling scenarios.
  • Part III is a Practical Exercise. This part entails answering a series of multiple-choice questions concerning various aspects of a single problem.
  • Part IV is a real-time Communications Exercise. It requires the candidate to draft the equivalent of a one-page typewritten (maximum) memorandum to simulate reporting on planning and scheduling analysis to the project manager, explaining the issues and proposing a solution regarding a given problem.
Recommended Text for Study for PSP™ Certification:

CPM in Construction Management, 5th edition Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling, 8th edition
Skills and Knowledge of Cost Engineering, 5th edition (4th if you already have it)
Construction Planning and Scheduling Manual , 2nd edition

All of the above mentioned texts are available through the AACE® International Bookstore. You can purchase them on-line at our Bookstore or by contacting our publications administrator, Amanda Hildebran at ahildebran@aacei.org. As your career advances, PSP™ goes with you
The PSP™ designation is versatile. It is a mark of distinction. As with any specialty certification, a primary concern is to ensure that all credentials are always up to date. That is why the program requires you to recertify every 3 years by either professional credit plan or re-testing. The recertification program is designed to ensure that you have maintained continued expertise through work experience, continuing education, professional development, and active involvement in the profession. BOOKS
  • For a complete list of recommended study materials, visit our Bookstore or by contacting our publications administrator, Amanda Hildebran at ahildebran@aacei.org.

To learn more visit the Guide to PSP™ Certification link on the right.
  • Online Application

  • Print & Mail Application

  • Guide to PSP™ Certification

  • Exam Calendar
    See the dates & locations of scheduled exams

  • Reference Material

  • Certified Individuals Directory

  • NEW! CERTIFICATION BOARD APPROVES RECENT CHANGE IN CALCULATOR POLICY.
    A recent policy change has been approved by the Certification Board concerning the use of calculators used during all AACE Certification Exams.

    The current policy is: Any calculator, programmable or pre-programmed (including those with financial functions) is allowed in any AACE certification exam.

    The Certification Corner article, “EXAM DAY”, in the June Cost Engineering Journal was submitted for publication prior to this policy change, the article reflects the old policy restrictions.

    The Certification Board apologizes for any confusion of conflicting information, please make note of this policy change for all upcoming certification exams.

    Thank you
    Valerie Venters, CCC
    Certification Board Chairperson
AACE International

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