Certification

 

Perspective 
What is certification
Why is certification important
What are the objectives of certification
What are the new PSP and EVP certifications
What are the requirements to become certified 
What is the difference between a CCE and a CCC
AACE Certification-Higher salary, better job, "Expert" designation

 


Perspective                            

CERTIFICATION/RECERTIFICATION CAN BE LOOKED AT AS A HURDLE OR AS AN OPPORTUNITY.  

Continuous learning is important to keep you in a value-added position in the highly-competitive environment of the next millennium.  The re-certification program provides a structure and disciplined opportunity to help you keep this continual edu­cation process active. AACE's re-certification process is also an opportunity for our society of professionals to expand its collective knowledge of cost engineering and to share this knowledge with fellow professionals and other disciplines.

An opportunity or a hurdle? The difference is simply a state of mind. -Keep a positive focus on the target and journey toward it. As you prepare to take the certification examination, write the paper, or maintain an appropriate level of activity in the profession toward re-certification, your mental state makes the difference between creating a hurdle or seeing an opportunity.

Now is a great time to begin this process and to focus on the opportunity that certification offers. Now is the time to keep yourself in a value-added position in your profession. The Certification Board wants you to have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a journey toward certification or re-certification as a CCE or CCC.

 -*Excerpts from a column by Dr. James E. Rowings Jr. CCE, low State University in the July 1996 issue of Cost Engineering.   Dr. Rowings is a member of the AACE Certification Board.  

 

 

 

 

What is certification                   

The purpose of any professional certification or licensing program is to provide official and public recognition of the capabilities of an individual in a professional area. Certification is not licensing or registration and does not provide legal authority to practice a profession. Certification indicates demonstrable expertise in the most current skills and knowledge of the profession. Individuals designated as Certified Cost Engineers (CCE) or Certified Cost Consultants (CCC) are recognized as having capabilities detailed within the definition of cost engineering.  Certification in these areas is rapidly becoming the industry standard. 

Further, AACE requires re-certification every 3 years, allowing the individual to demonstrate that he/she has maintained his/her expertise through work experience, continuing education, professional development, and active involvement in the profession.   

 

 

 

 

 

What are the objectives of certification         

  1. To raise the professional standards and improve the practice of cost engineering by giving special recognition by their peers to those who, in fulfilling prescribed standards of performance and conduct, have demonstrated and maintained a high level of competence and ethical practices.   

  2. To identify for employers, clients, and the public, persons with a broad knowledge of cost engineering, and the capability to professionally apply the principles of Total Cost Management.

  3. To establish a program with the goal of continuous improvement of individual cost engineering skills and professional development. 

  4. To clarify the skills and knowledge and standards of conduct for the practice of cost engineering.   

 

 

 

 

 

Why is certification important                      

In today's world of intense competition in the workplace, the need for proficiency in the principles and practices of Total Cost Management is the concern of all businesses and companies. Certification is verification of that proficiency. It provides assurance that the person performing the work is qualified and up-to-date on the latest techniques and has the experience and knowledge to apply them.  Certification is an investment in your career.

Visit AACE International's website at: http://www.aacei.org or www.cost.org for other current information about AACE International and its certification program.  

What specialty areas are included in AACE's Certification Program?

AACE's Certification Program encom­passes specialties in cost estimating, cost control, business planning and manage­ment science, profitability analysis, project management, planning and scheduling, and other cost management specialties.  

 

 

 

 

 

What is the difference between a CCE and a CCC?   

The difference is only in the underly­ing professional and educational qualifica­tions. Testing requirements are the same for both certifications. The Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB), the accreditation agency for spe­cialty engineering certification programs 91 requires that the title CCE be used only by those who hold a 4-year degree from an accredited engineering program. CESB accreditation for the companion Certified Cost Consultant (CCC) designation applies to those who have a degree related to cost engineering such as construction technolo­gy, project management, business, and oth­ers. The two designations are considered equal in all other respects. A degree is not required if appropriate professional experi­ence has been acquired.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the requirements to become certified?        

Certification requires that the indi­vidual has the education and work experi­ence in a related field Then the candidate must demonstrate acquired knowledge through successfully passing a written exam and preparing an acceptable technical paper on a Total Cost Management subject. A summary of the eligibility requirements and the steps to become cer­tified are listed below.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

AACE Certification:

Higher salary, better job, "expert" designation

As business standards and cogs become higher, the demand grows for mom highly trained and qualified cost professionals One of the most effective and rewarding ways to "prove your professional qualification is to successfully complete the AACE Certification Exam and become an official Certified Cost Engineer or Certified Cost Consultant.

The result may be a direct bonus to your salary, a chance for a better job, or an opportunity to become known as a legally recognized "expert witness."

More and more companies and government agencies we making their preference known for certified cost professionals. Here are a few examples:

Many firms in recruiting cost engineering/project management professionals are specifying that hiring preference is given to candidates who are board certified by AACE. Example: Lafarge Canada Corp. recently was advertising for a project controls/Management position with preference to certified CCE/CCC candidates.

One AACE member recently reported that certification would increase his salary by over 50%.

The Morrison-Knudsen Corporation gives a $200 per month mm for any newly AACE certified cost professional

RUST International Corporation and Southern Company Services, Inc. in Birmingham, Alabama have actively supported AACE certification and have encouraged their cost engineering employees to become certified. The AACE Certification Program is one of the select few officially recognized by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB).

In addition to these definite, measurable rewards for earning AACE certification, you will also gain professional satisfaction and prestige. You might even gain some new knowledge from studying for and taking the certification examination.  If you successfully complete the exam, you can feel confident that you have the basic knowledge and skills necessary for your profession.

If you see or hear of other companies, agencies, or organizations who are promoting certification or requiring it of their employees, please let AACE Headquarters know.

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