AACE CEP Certified Estimating Professional study materials
AACE CEP Certified Estimating Professional study resources

AACE CEP Certified Estimating Professional case studies

AACE CEP Certified Estimating Professional · Put your knowledge to work in context.

The Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) is one of the professional certifications offered by AACE International, listed on the association's site alongside the CCP, EVP, PRMP, and PSP credentials under the professional certifications heading. It is aimed at practitioners whose work centers on preparing and defending cost estimates - estimators, cost engineers, and project controls professionals who need to demonstrate competence in estimate development rather than scheduling, risk, or claims specialty work. Because AACE organizes its certification content into technician, professional, and expertise tiers, the CEP sits in the professional tier, which generally signals a credential intended for experienced practitioners rather than entry-level staff. Preparation typically combines the AACE Total Cost Management Framework and Recommended Practices with estimating-specific study material; AACE publishes a certification study material page and offers an online Fundamentals of Cost Estimating course, and local sections may run certification review training. The AACE CEP Certified Estimating Professional case studies are 5 cases and about 2,192 words.

1

Contingency and Escalation in a Fixed-Price Bid

You are the lead estimator for a 24‑month fixed‑price construction contract. The base estimate (direct + indirect) is 8.2M in current dollars.

406 words, about 2 min
2

Choosing an Estimating Method for a Conceptual Design

A chemical company is planning a new processing unit. The project is at the conceptual design stage (Class 5 estimate per AACE International Recommended Practice 18R‑97).

403 words, about 2 min
3

Bid Price Analysis and Unbalanced Bidding Detection

You are evaluating bids for a design‑build project. The engineer’s estimate is 10M, broken down as follows: mobilization 1M, earthworks 2M, concrete 3M, steel 3M, and closeout 1M.

451 words, about 2 min
4

Estimate Reconciliation and Scope Validation

You are the estimating manager for a refinery turnaround. The project scope includes replacing 200 valves, 500 meters of piping, and refurbishing a distillation column.

455 words, about 2 min
5

Change Order Pricing and Productivity Loss

A contractor is performing a 5M fixed‑price contract for a 12‑month project. The original scope included installing 1000 linear feet of pipe at a unit rate of 500 per foot.

477 words, about 2 min