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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. 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, Sharon Hardman at shardman@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.

AACE International

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