Top 11 Chief Estimator Certifications

Certifications are important for a chief estimator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers look for when considering potential candidates. A certified chief estimator will have a higher level of confidence and credibility when applying for jobs and be more likely to stand out from the competition. Certifications also provide proof that the individual has taken the necessary steps to stay up-to-date with industry standards and best practices, which can help an employer feel more secure in their decision to hire them. Additionally, certifications can show employers that the individual is committed to their profession and has taken the initiative to increase their knowledge base.

This article reviews the most beneficial certifications for Chief Estimators and explains how they can help to advance their career.

What are Chief Estimator Certifications?

Chief Estimator Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the highest level of proficiency and expertise in the field of construction cost estimating. This certification is awarded by the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) and requires applicants to have at least five years of experience as a professional estimator, including at least two years of management experience. The certification also requires passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as project management, budgeting and forecasting, bid preparation, contracting principles, and technology.

Having a Chief Estimator Certification can help to demonstrate an individual's commitment to their profession and set them apart from their peers. It shows potential employers that the individual has a high level of knowledge about construction cost estimating, making them more likely to be considered for senior positions or promotions. It also provides access to exclusive resources from ASPE, such as webinars, seminars, conferences, and networking opportunities with other certified professionals. Finally, having this certification can help individuals stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices so they can provide their clients with the most accurate estimates possible.

Pro Tip: Pursue a chief estimator certification to demonstrate your expertise in cost estimating and gain recognition as an industry leader. This certification will help you stand out among other estimators and validate your knowledge, experience, and skills. Additionally, having a chief estimator certification can open up new career opportunities and make you more attractive to potential employers.

Related: What does a Chief Estimator do?

Top 11 Chief Estimator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Chief Estimators today.

1. Certified Professional Estimator (CPE)

Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE). The CPE designation is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the field of estimating.

To become a Certified Professional Estimator, an individual must have at least five years of experience in the construction industry and pass a comprehensive exam administered by ASPE. The exam covers topics such as cost estimation, project management, estimating principles and practices, and legal issues related to construction contracts.

The CPE program consists of two parts: an online course and a proctored exam. The online course provides an overview of the estimating process, including topics such as cost analysis, project planning, risk management, and contract negotiation. The proctored exam is three hours long and consists of multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of the estimating process.

The cost for the CPE program varies depending on whether you are an ASPE member or not. For non-members, the cost is $600; for members it is $450. It typically takes between four to six weeks to complete the program from start to finish.

2. Certified Cost Consultant (CCC)

A Certified Cost Consultant (CCC) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s expertise in cost management, cost estimating, and cost control. This certification is awarded by the American Association for Cost Estimating International (AACEI).

To become a CCC, an individual must have at least five years of experience in cost estimating and/or cost management and must pass a rigorous examination administered by AACEI. The exam covers topics such as project management, financial analysis, risk assessment, and other related areas.

It typically takes three to six months to prepare for the CCC exam. During this time, individuals should review the AACEI’s Body of Knowledge and take practice exams to ensure they are prepared for the actual exam.

The cost of becoming a CCC varies depending on the country or region you are taking the exam in. In the United States, it typically costs around $1,000 USD to register for the exam and become certified.

3. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). The CCM designation is designed to recognize construction professionals who have demonstrated their expertise in the management of construction projects. It is the only internationally-recognized certification program for construction managers.

To qualify for the CCM designation, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least three years of experience in managing or directing construction projects, and passing an exam administered by CMAA. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral presentation. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge of the principles and practices of construction management, as well as their commitment to ethical standards in the industry.

The process typically takes six months to complete from start to finish. The cost to become a Certified Construction Manager is $350 for CMAA members and $500 for non-members. This fee covers the application fee, exam fees, and other associated costs.

4. Certified Quantity Surveyor (CQS)

A Certified Quantity Surveyor (CQS) is a professional designation that recognizes the expertise and experience of a quantity surveyor. A CQS is an individual who has met the qualifications set forth by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

To become a CQS, an individual must have at least five years of relevant professional experience in quantity surveying and must pass the RICS’s Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). The APC consists of two parts: a written examination and an oral interview. The written examination covers topics such as measurement, valuation, contracts, economics, and law. The oral interview focuses on the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in practice.

The process usually takes between 18 months to two years to complete. During this time, candidates must demonstrate their commitment to continuing professional development by attending courses and seminars related to quantity surveying.

The cost for becoming a CQS varies depending on the country you are located in, but typically ranges from £2,000 - £4,000. This includes fees for the APC assessment, registration fees with RICS, and other associated costs such as travel expenses for attending courses or seminars.

5. Certified Estimating Professional (CEP)

Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) is a certification program offered by the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE). It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the estimating profession. The CEP designation is a mark of distinction for estimators and provides employers with assurance that their estimator has met the highest standards of professional excellence.

To obtain the CEP designation, applicants must first pass an exam administered by ASPE. The exam covers topics such as cost estimating principles, methods, and techniques; construction contract documents; legal and ethical considerations; and other related topics. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in the field. This portfolio must include examples of completed estimates, contracts, change orders, and other relevant documents.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. Applicants should plan to devote significant time to studying for the exam and preparing their portfolio. The cost for obtaining the CEP designation varies depending on whether or not you are already an ASPE member. For non-members, there is an application fee of $100 plus a $400 examination fee. For members, there is only an examination fee of $400.

6. American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) Certification

The American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the expertise of estimators in the construction industry. The certification requires estimators to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in cost estimating, scheduling, project management, and other related areas.

To become certified by ASPE, applicants must have at least five years of experience in cost estimating or related fields. They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as cost estimation principles, methods, and processes; scheduling; project management; and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

Applicants must submit an application form along with a fee of $250 for ASPE members or $350 for non-members. Once approved, applicants will receive their certification within 6-8 weeks.

ASPE Certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by submitting proof of continuing education credits or re-taking the exam.

7. Project Management Institute's PMI-SP Certification

The Project Management Institute's PMI-SP Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to successfully manage projects that involve scheduling. This certification is suitable for project managers, schedulers, planners, and other professionals who are involved in the development of schedules.

The PMI-SP Certification requires an individual to pass a rigorous exam that covers topics such as project management principles, scheduling techniques, resource management, risk management, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes up to four hours to complete. In order to be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in project scheduling or related fields. They must also fulfill the educational requirements set by PMI which includes either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) or 35 contact hours of formal education in project scheduling topics.

In order to get the PMI-SP Certification, an individual must first register with the Project Management Institute (PMI). Once registered, they can then apply for the exam online or through mail. After submitting their application and paying the required fee ($405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members), they will receive an authorization letter from PMI which will allow them to schedule their examination date at one of the approved testing centers worldwide.

The cost of obtaining the PMI-SP Certification depends on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members, it costs $405 while non-members pay $555. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses if you need to go to a testing center outside your area.

8. Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International's AACEi Certification

The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEi) is a professional organization that provides certification to cost engineering professionals. The AACEi Certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in cost engineering and project management.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass the AACEi Certification Examination. The examination consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as cost estimating, project control, risk management, and value engineering. The exam typically takes 4-6 hours to complete and can be taken online or at a testing center.

In order to become eligible for the AACEi Certification Exam, applicants must have a minimum of four years of experience in cost engineering or project management and must have completed at least one year of college-level coursework in either field. Additionally, applicants must be members in good standing with AACEi and submit an application form along with their membership fee.

The cost of the AACEi Certification Exam varies depending on membership status; non-members are required to pay $450 USD while members pay $350 USD. After successfully passing the exam, individuals will receive their official certification documents within 4-6 weeks.

9. National Council for Examiners for Engineering and Surveying's NCEES Certification

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is a non-profit organization that develops, administers, and scores licensure examinations for engineers and surveyors in the United States. The NCEES Certification is a voluntary certification program that provides recognition to individuals who have demonstrated professional competence in their field of engineering or surveying.

To become certified, an individual must meet certain educational requirements and pass the NCEES Principles & Practice of Engineering (PE) or Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam. The PE exam covers topics related to engineering principles and practice, while the FS exam covers topics related to surveying fundamentals.

The process of becoming certified typically takes between 6 months and 1 year depending on how quickly an individual can complete the required steps. To get started, applicants must first create an NCEES account and pay the application fee. After registering, applicants must submit proof of their qualifications, including transcripts from accredited universities or colleges showing completion of an approved degree program in engineering or surveying. Once all documents are submitted and approved by NCEES, applicants will be eligible to register for the PE or FS exam.

The cost for taking either the PE or FS exam varies based on location but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD per exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with creating an NCEES account as well as submitting transcripts and other documents needed to demonstrate qualifications for certification.

10. International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association's ICEAA Certification

The International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA) is a professional organization dedicated to providing certification to cost estimators and analysts. The ICEAA Certified Professional Cost Estimator/Analyst (CPCe) certification is designed to recognize the proficiency of individuals in cost estimating, analysis, and management. This certification provides a benchmark for employers when hiring or promoting cost estimators/analysts.

It typically takes about six months to complete the process of obtaining the CPCe certification. The first step is to become a member of ICEAA and submit an application for the CPCe exam. Once accepted, applicants must complete a training program that covers topics such as cost estimation techniques, project management, risk analysis, and earned value management. After completing the training program, applicants must then pass a written exam and an oral interview with an ICEAA-approved panel of experts.

The cost of obtaining the CPCe certification varies depending on whether you are already an ICEAA member or not. If you are already a member, it will cost $400 USD plus any applicable taxes. For non-members, it will cost $600 USD plus any applicable taxes.

The benefits of becoming certified include recognition from employers and peers as well as access to exclusive resources provided by ICEAA such as webinars, conferences, workshops, and job postings. Additionally, those who obtain the CPCe certification can use it to demonstrate their knowledge in the field of cost estimation/analysis and help them advance their career opportunities.

11. Construction Specifications Institute's CSI Certification

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of construction documents, standards and practices. The CSI Certification program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of construction specification writing.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a portfolio review. The online exam tests a candidate’s knowledge in areas such as project delivery methods, contract documents, codes and standards, materials selection, and document preparation. The portfolio review evaluates the candidate’s technical writing skills by assessing their ability to write clear and concise specifications for various types of projects.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process. To get started, candidates must first submit an application form along with the required fees ($400 for members or $600 for non-members). Once approved, applicants will receive access to the online exam which must be completed within 90 days. After passing the exam, applicants must then assemble their portfolio which should include at least five examples of specifications they have written for different projects. Once submitted, it can take up to four weeks for their portfolio to be reviewed by a panel of experts before they are notified if they have been certified or not.

Overall, it can cost anywhere from $400-$600 depending on whether you are a member or non-member of CSI. This fee covers both the online exam and portfolio review costs associated with obtaining your certification.

Do You Really Need a Chief Estimator Certificate?

The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. The decision to pursue a Chief Estimator Certificate should depend on your career aspirations and the specific job requirements for the position you are applying for.

A Chief Estimator Certificate may be beneficial if you are looking to work in a specialized area of estimating, such as construction or engineering. This certificate can demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform tasks related to estimating projects and budgets. It can also provide an employer with assurance that you are capable of managing complex projects and have the expertise required for the role. In addition, having a Chief Estimator Certificate could help set you apart from other applicants who do not possess this additional qualification.

On the other hand, if you are already employed in an estimating role and do not feel that having a Chief Estimator Certificate is necessary for your current job, then it may not be worth pursuing one at this time. Additionally, if you are applying for positions outside of estimating that do not require such a certification, then obtaining one may not be necessary either.

Ultimately, the decision to obtain a Chief Estimator Certificate comes down to what type of position you are seeking and whether or not having this credential would be beneficial in helping you meet your career goals.

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FAQs About Chief Estimator Certifications

1. What is a Chief Estimator Certification?

Answer: A Chief Estimator Certification is a professional certification that recognizes and certifies the knowledge and experience of those who have demonstrated proficiency in estimating, cost analysis, and project management.

2. How do I become certified as a Chief Estimator?

Answer: To become certified as a Chief Estimator, you must meet the requirements set forth by the certifying body, which typically include passing an exam or completing a course of study.

3. Is there an age limit for becoming certified?

Answer: Generally, there are no age restrictions for becoming certified as a Chief Estimator; however, some certifying bodies may require applicants to be at least 18 years old.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Chief Estimator can help you advance your career and open up new opportunities in the industry. It can also give you greater credibility when negotiating contracts or bidding on projects. Additionally, it can provide improved job security and higher salaries for those with the certification.

5. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified depends on several factors including your current skill level, the type of certification program chosen, and the amount of time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam or completing coursework. Typically, it takes anywhere from six months to one year to complete all requirements for certification.