The EVP is a fairly new certification. The FAQs below may answer some of your questions about the certification and certification process. If not just send a e-mail and you will get an answer.

How many people have the EVP^® certification?

As of December 2011 there were over 380 EVPs.

How long has the EVP been around?

The EVP has been around since about 2005.

Who administers the EVP certification?

The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering, International (AACE).

Who values the EVP?

As awareness of the EVP has grown so has interest in the EVP. The desirability of EVP certified staff now appears in some US Government RFPs. Booz Allen Hamilton, CSC, CH2M-Hill, and Fluor have prepared their EVM workforce for the EVP exam in the hopes they’d have a cadre of EVPs as a result. Employers who are augmenting their EVM staff value the EVP as proof of one's experience and knowledge of EVM.

How has the US Government shown its interest in the EVP?

As an example, in September 2011 the US Coast Guard (part of Homeland Security) issued an RFP for EVM services. The RFP stated "The project manager shall possess an ... Earned Value Professional (EVP) certification." A potential bidder asked for relief and was told, "The AACEi Earned Value Professional (EVP) is a USCG requirement. While many professionals do EVM, EVP certification provides an exam and experience validation that provides us with confidence that the proposed PM meets the desired competency standards."

Is the EVP an entry requirement for practicing EVM?

No, in fact the EVP application requires at least 4 years of “cost engineering” experience which may be in EVM, cost estimating, cost analysis, or related assignments.

Will the EVP retain its value?

The AACE certification process meets the International Cost Engineering Council (ICEC) standard for certifications. In addition AACE is very thorough in reviewing EVP applications and verifies the claims in applications. Lastly the passing score for all four sections is set high enough to distinguish true experts from less experienced and less knowledgeable individuals. AACE's priority is maintaining the quality of their certifications, not the number of certified individuals.

How would you define the role of a EVP in an organization?

AACE has not published an EVP "role model" or EVP job description. Based upon the skills, knowledge, and abilities that are likely tested the following description is applicable. (This has not been reviewed or approved by AACE.)

An EVP is capable of leading an organization’s EVM workforce. He or she can design an ANSI 748 compliant EVMS, provide EVMS process engineering, advise corporate leadership on EVMS, and interpret EVM performance data. The EVP can fully participate in proposal, pricing, planning, scheduling, risk management, and other project activities, and understands the domains of experts in these areas. The EVP is the EVM expert and advises the other domain experts regarding the ramifications of their decisions upon the EVM baseline and the utility of resulting performance data. The EVP understands the political environment surrounding the project and how to best communicate EVM performance data in each instance and each audience. Finally, the EVP can provide well written, logical, and persuasive communication to the project team, corporate leadership, and the customer.

How long is the EVP exam?

The EVP exam is seven hours. It is conducted in one day and in four parts. Two parts are in the AM and two in the PM. Each part is 1 hour and 45 minutes. It should be obvious that there is far more to the exam than reciting EVM formulas and doing EVM math. Parts 1, 3 and 4 are multiple choice, part 2 is a three page hand written EVM analysis memo.

What is the reference material for the exam questions?

The exam is based upon ANSI 748 and the NDIA EVMS Intent Guide. These should be primary study materials. It does expect the applicant to know the basics of project management and project planning. The exam is NOT based upon any AACE publication, EVP study guide, or body of knowledge (unlike the PMP which is based solely on "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge",  the PMI^® PMBOK^® Guide).

Where are the EVP exams held?

The exam is held at locations around the world and at the annual National AACE Annual Meeting.. Locations vary depending upon which local AACE sections wish to proctor the exam. (Generally any and all AACE exams are conducted at the same time and place.) Visit the AACE website or contact AACE at 800-858-COST for locations and dates.

When are the EVP exams held?

The AACE website posts an exam calendar.

How hard is the EVP exam?

Some people have said it’s the hardest of the PM and cost engineering family of exams. It requires insight into EVM data since part four is a handwritten “memo” of about three pages. In 2010 151 exams were taken; 70 exams had passing scores. A 46% pass rate.

When do I get my exam results?

AACE has a goal of providing your results in 20 days from the exam date. The memo is read by two graders.

Is there a study guide?

Ray Stratton’s EVPrep™ Earned Value Professional (EVP) Exam Study Guide has over 230 exam-like questions. The goal of the Guide is to test your knowledge and ability to answer questions on topics that are likely on the exam. Users of the Guide report being better prepared for the EVP exam. AACE also has a study guide that provides summary discussions of exam topics.

Are there EVP exam prep workshops?

Yes. Management Technologies offers public and on-site EVPrep™ two-day workshops that include 12 hours in review of exam-like questions. Attendees also get the EVPrep™ Earned Value Professional (EVP) Exam Study Guide.

I already have Ray Stratton’s EVPrep™ Earned Value Professional (EVP) Exam Study Guide. If I attend a EVPrep workshop do I have to pay for a second book?

If you already have a Study Guide then the cost of the workshop will be reduced by $65 and you can use your previously purchased Study Guide. Make a note of this when registering.

When should I attend the EVPrep workshop?

At least four weeks prior to your exam date, certainly not the day before. The workshop will test your knowledge in all of the areas likely to be covered in the EVP exam. If you discover an unfamiliar topic you will want to have time to study it before the exam. Six months prior to the exam is not too early. You will want to have time to use the Study Guide (included in the workshop) again and again.

When should I apply to take the exam?

The application process requires about 60 days so apply at any time. Once you are approved to sit for the exam you will have a year to take the exam.

What study materials are available?

Of course, ANSI 748 and the NDIA EVMS Intent Guide should be primary study materials. Any of several books on EVM should be reviewed. “A Practical Guide to Earned Value Project Management” by Budd and Budd, published by Management Concepts is recommended. AACE has other recommendations as well. In addition one should review a text book on project planning, risk management, and project organizational structures. The PMI^® PMBOK^® Guide is one of many sources. AACE also sells a study guide through their bookstore.

Is the exam computer based?

No. You will go to an exam site. For parts 1, 3 and 4 of the exam you will fill in answer sheet bubbles with a #2 pencil. Part two will require you to write an essay.

Can I use a calculator during the exam?

Yes. AACE allows programmable and/or financial calculators to be used during the exam. AACE does not allow mobile phones in the exam room so do not plan using the calculator in your mobile (cell) phone.

Questions, Comments?
Feel free to email us at webinfo@mgmt-technologies.com

EVP is a registered mark of the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering, International
PMI and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.