Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International

What is AACE International?

AACE International, which stands for Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering, is a professional body for various professionals in the field of cost engineering. In this article, we’ll explore AACE International in more detail.

AACE International was founded in 1956 by a group of cost estimators and cost engineers at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire, USA. The AACE International refer to themselves as a community of professionals from various practice areas including project controls, cost & commercial management, change management, planning & scheduling, estimating, decision & risk management, asset management and dispute resolutions.

Now for a brief history lesson – In 1976, AACE International launched its certification programme, with the “Certified Cost Professional” certification. In 1990, AACE International became a board member of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB). Following this, in the year 2000, the “Certified Cost Professional” becomes an accredited certification. And in 2006, AACE International published their Total Cost Management Framework. Total Cost Management (or TCM), is the name given by AACE International to a process for applying the skills and knowledge of cost engineering.

Certifications Available

AACE offers both membership & certification. At the time of making this video, there are nine different certifications available. These are split three categories:

Technical Level Certifications
Professional Level Certifications
And, Expertise Level Certifications

Technical Level

Certified Cost Technician (or CCT) – For individuals who can demonstrate proficiency in the basic skill and knowledge of total cost management.
And, Certified Scheduling Technician (or CST) – For individuals who can demonstrate proficiency in the general skills and knowledge of the scheduling process

Professional Level

Certified Cost Professional (or CCP) – For experienced practitioners with advanced knowledge and technical expertise to apply the broad principles and best practices of Total Cost Management in the planning, execution and management of any organizational project or program
Certified Estimating Professional (or, CEP) – For professional with vital expertise to contribute to the economic evaluation of potential projects by supporting the development of budgets, project resource requirements and value engineering
Earned Value Professional (or EVP) – For practitioners of Earned Value with demonstrated mastery of contract language as it relates to Earned Value application.
Planning & Scheduling Professional (or PSP) – For skilled planning and scheduling professionals with advanced experience in project planning, and developing, monitoring, updating, forecasting and analysing integrated project schedules.
And, Project Risk Management Professional (or PRMP) – For skilled and knowledgeable practitioners whose role is to establish an effective risk management plan and implement that plan in accordance with the project/program/portfolio’s objectives

Expertise Level

Certified Forensic Claims Consultant (or CFCC) For experienced claims professionals and testifying experts working in the construction dispute resolution and litigation support arenas.
And, Decision & Risk Management Professional (or DRMP) – For senior-level practitioners with business experience in life cycle asset and project management with exhibited knowledge and skills ranging from analytical to socio/psychological to management.

What about membership? AACE International offers a number of membership options for both individuals and organisations. These membership includes an array of benefits, including discounts to certification.

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