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The American Society of Professional Estimators
The American Society of Professional Estimators serves construction estimators by providing education, fellowship, and opportunity for professional development. Education, Ethics, Standards, Certification, Fellowship… these lead to the ultimate goal Professionalism. Why ASPE? Because every construction project should start with a professionally prepared estimate.

ASPE is an educational society comprised of construction estimators dedicated to improving the skills of Estimators and the quality of estimating. Our members represent a broad cross section of the construction industry as employees and owners of construction organizations. Many of our estimators and their companies are also members of other organizations.

The single most important element that governs the degree of success of a construction organization is its ability to prepare and submit fully detailed and accurate estimates for the completion of work on specific projects. The professional estimator, utilizing acquired skills, and employing the professional ethics and Standard Estimating Practice of the Society, is the key to the successful fulfillment of this vital element of the industry.

An ASPE primary goal is to define and publish estimating practices that, when properly employed, will produce reliable estimates in a uniformly recognizable manner. The Standard Estimating Practices are developed and written by the Standards Committee of ASPE and members of that Society. They are written in the language of estimators to provide not only basic and fundamental guidance for estimators, but also to define industry recognized Standards that are the basis for the Certification of the experienced estimators as Certified Professional Estimators.

Standard Estimating Practice is not intended as just another material and man-hour reference book. It is a "how-to" manual to be employed as a powerful learning tool for the novice Estimator and an invaluable guide for the experienced Estimator.

Standards, both published and proposed, are set forth in a professional, well-written manner; the how-to that is fundamental is not developed to the ultimate level desired. Truly representative Standards must have contributions from members of a broad cross-section of the nation. Those areas of the country, which have not participated in development of Standards, may be depriving industry recognition of legitimate practices peculiar to that specific region.

The Seventh Edition Standard Estimating Practice published in 2008 contains the development of practices common to all disciplines and discipline specific practices. This manual was also developed as an educational tool to be used in the training of new estimators, and to provide a foundation for future ASPE publications on estimating.

Additional Standards development and the review and upgrading of existing Society Standards are a continuing responsibility of ASPE.

The Standards Manual is the foundation upon which the certification-testing program is constructed. Much of the material, which has been or will be included on the exam, is taken from this manual. It is recommended that the applicant be thoroughly versed in its contents.

http://www.aspenational.org/userfiles/file/Latest%20Edition%20Manual%20%20Of%20SEP/SEP_OrderForm.pdf

Professional evaluation through Certification is one of the many ways the American Society of Professional Estimators endeavors to promote the profession and benefit the construction industry.

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). http://www.aspenational.org/userfiles/file/Certificaton%20Overview(1).pdf

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.