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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. |
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- 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
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