What are the eligibility requirements to take the AACE PSP exam?

Candidates must have a minimum of 4,000 hours of professional planning and scheduling experience within the last 10 years, or 2,000 hours if they hold an AACE certification or a related bachelor's degree. Additionally, applicants must agree to adhere to AACE's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

How long is the AACE PSP exam and what is the passing score?

The PSP exam is 3 hours long and consists of 80 multiple-choice questions covering planning and scheduling principles. A score of 70% or higher is typically required to pass the examination.

What topics are covered on the AACE PSP certification exam?

The exam covers key areas including project planning fundamentals, work breakdown structures, scheduling techniques, resource management, risk and contingency planning, and schedule analysis and control. It also includes questions on project controls integration and stakeholder communication within the planning and scheduling context.

How much does the AACE PSP exam cost and how often can I take it?

As of recent years, the exam fee is typically around $300-$400 for AACE members and higher for non-members, though prices may vary. Candidates can generally attempt the exam multiple times, with reasonable waiting periods between failed attempts as determined by AACE.

What resources are recommended for studying for the AACE PSP exam?

AACE recommends studying the official PSP Body of Knowledge document and related planning and scheduling references. Many candidates also utilize exam prep courses, study guides, practice tests, and networking with other planning and scheduling professionals to prepare for the certification.

Free AACE International AACE-PSP Exam Questions

Q1 MultipleChoice

As the project plan is developed a mechanism is developed to communicate the projects organic structures that will facilitate reporting against the baseline schedule and cost estimate or budget Which of the following is NOT used for reporting?

AThe Resource Breakdown Structure (RBS)

BThe Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

CThe Organization Breakdown Structure (OBS)

DThe Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS)

Correct Answer: A

Q2 MultipleChoice

An earned value-based project control system can use either of which two budgets as the basis of its calculations?

ALabor hours or dollars.

BDirect or indirect cost.

CEarned or budgeted cost yearly.

DLinear feet or dollars.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

An earned value management (EVM) system can base its calculations on labor hours or monetary values, depending on the nature of the project. Both methods are valid for tracking performance and forecasting outcomes.

Option B (direct or indirect cost) does not align with EVM's focus on performance metrics.

Option C confuses timeframes with budgeting principles.

Option D (linear feet or dollars) applies to physical progress tracking but not directly to EVM systems.

This is consistent with EVM principles as outlined in project control methodologies within the PSP materials.

Q3 MultipleChoice

How could the structural steel drawing delay have been prevented?

AAdd a time buffer at the end of structural steel activities.

BAllow adequate time for review and resubmittal in the baseline schedule.

CRelease the structural steel for fabrication concurrent with review of structural steel shop drawings.

DSwitch to post-tensioned concrete construction.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Preventing Structural Steel Delays:

Incorporating realistic timeframes for shop drawing review and resubmittals in the baseline schedule prevents design-related delays.

Evaluation of Other Options:

A: Adding time buffers does not address the root cause.

C: Concurrent review may create confusion and errors.

D: Switching to post-tensioned concrete is a significant design change, not a practical solution for a scheduling issue.

Verification with PSP Guidelines: Adequate review time aligns with PSP scheduling best practices (Ref: PSP Study Guide, Chapter 2B: Schedule Development and Baseline Creation).

Q4 MultipleChoice

Schedules are periodically updated to reflect progress. What step should NOT occur before the update is considered complete?

AAll managers should be encouraged to review contiguous activity status

BThe process of each activity should be indicated by the responsible manager

CThe critical path should not be revisited to ensure all the downstream logic and durations are still accurate

DThe project team should be asked to review status for accuracy

Correct Answer: C

Q5 MultipleChoice

Based on the stated costs, what percentage of the total cost comes from the 2000 series of activities?

A3.3%

B2.2%

C23%

D2 4%

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Cost for 2000 Series Activities:

Activity 2001: $150,000.

Activity 2002: $25,000.

Activity 2003: $18,000.

Activity 2004: $96,000.

Total: 150,000+25,000+18,000+96,000=289,000150,000 + 25,000 + 18,000 + 96,000 = 289,000150,000+25,000+18,000+96,000=289,000.

Total Project Cost:

Total cost: $7,308,000 (sum of all activities in 'normal' schedule).

Percentage Contribution:

289,0007,308,0001003.95%\frac{289,000}{7,308,000} \times 100 \approx 3.95\%7,308,000289,0001003.95%.

Verification with PSP Guidelines: The PSP Study Guide emphasizes accuracy in percentage-based cost contributions as a critical analysis tool in project cost management (Ref: PSP Study Guide, Chapter 1B: Cost Breakdown Structure).

AACE-PSP Exam Questions & Answers

Sample AACE-PSP Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Pass AACE-PSP First Time