CEC Eligibility Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization administers the CEC (Certified Cost Estimator/Engineer) credential?
- American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)
- AACE International (Correct answer)
- Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
- National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
Correct answer: AACE International
AACE International (formerly the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering) administers the CEC credential.
Question 2: An applicant for the CEC exam has 8 years of total experience but only 2 years specifically in cost estimating. Do they meet the experience requirement?
- Yes, because total experience exceeds 5 years
- No, because at least 3 years of cost estimating experience is typically required (Correct answer)
- Yes, if they have a four-year degree
- No, only estimating-specific experience counts toward the total years required
Correct answer: No, because at least 3 years of cost estimating experience is typically required
AACE International requires that a minimum number of years be specifically in cost engineering or estimating practice, not just general experience.
Question 3: What is the minimum number of years of relevant experience required for a CEC candidate who does NOT hold a college degree?
- 4 years
- 6 years
- 8 years (Correct answer)
- 10 years
Correct answer: 8 years
Candidates without a college degree must demonstrate at least 8 years of relevant experience to sit for the CEC exam.
Question 4: Which of the following educational backgrounds meets the academic eligibility requirement for the CEC exam?
- Associate degree in business administration
- Bachelor's degree in construction management (Correct answer)
- High school diploma with 4 years experience
- Trade certification in carpentry
Correct answer: Bachelor's degree in construction management
A four-year bachelor's degree in a related field such as construction management or engineering satisfies the educational eligibility requirement.
Question 5: A candidate's experience includes quantity takeoff, bid analysis, and budget forecasting. How does AACE classify this experience for CEC eligibility?
- Non-qualifying general business experience
- Qualifying cost engineering experience (Correct answer)
- Partially qualifying only if performed on federal projects
- Qualifying only if supervised by a licensed PE
Correct answer: Qualifying cost engineering experience
Tasks directly related to estimating, cost analysis, and financial forecasting align with AACE's definition of qualifying cost engineering experience.
Question 6: AACE International membership is required for which of the following CEC exam applicants?
- All applicants regardless of experience
- Only applicants without a college degree
- Membership is not required but provides a fee discount (Correct answer)
- Only applicants under 30 years of age
Correct answer: Membership is not required but provides a fee discount
AACE membership is not a prerequisite for certification, but members receive a reduced exam application fee.
Question 7: What documentation must a CEC applicant typically provide to verify their work experience?
- Only a personal statement describing their duties
- Letters from supervisors or employers confirming experience details (Correct answer)
- A copy of their most recent performance review
- A notarized affidavit of employment only
Correct answer: Letters from supervisors or employers confirming experience details
AACE requires verifiable documentation such as employer or supervisor letters that confirm the nature and duration of the applicant's cost engineering experience.
CEC Eligibility Requirements 2
Which organization administers the CEC (Certified Cost Estimator/Engineer) credential?