The American Society of Professional Estimators serves construction estimators by providing education, fellowship, and opportunity for professional development.

EDUCATION

In this constantly changing world, continuing our education is one way we can keep abreast of advances in estimating and construction techniques. The American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) encourages a wide range of educational activities that provide learning experiences for estimators at all experience levels.

Chapter Meetings: As professionals, we are constantly seeking to improve our knowledge of estimating and the construction industry. Chapter meetings include educational talks and mini-seminars on estimating and other construction related topics. View an historical overview of FY2008-2009, prepared by Chapter 4 Historian Dennis R. Hall, Principal of PRESIDIO Design-Build.

Seminars: Many chapters hold seminars that provide educational benefits for members and non-members alike. These range from two-hour single topic meetings to seminars two days long covering a variety of construction and estimating topics.

Annual Convention: Our annual convention provides two days of presentations by nationally known speakers in the construction industry. ASPE’s Technical Documents Committee prepares a book for each convention attendee that contains papers submitted by the speakers at these educational sessions.

Higher Education: ASPE members are involved in teaching, sponsoring, and providing input for estimating courses in certificate, bachelors degree, and masters degree programs at schools, colleges, and universities throughout the nation.

Scholarships: In addition, the Society provides a scholarship fund to encourage young people to seek an education in construction-related fields. Many chapters also make scholarships available to students.

ETHICS

What’s fair is fair, right? ASPE members believe that the adherence to ethical business practices will result in greater success in the long run. How many times have you seen a contractor rise to prominence only to have his unethical business practices result in his failure a few years later?

ASPE has developed a code of ethics to guide members in their dealings with others. Ethical practices are discussed at local chapter and regional meetings, in newsletters and magazines, and at our annual convention. An ASPE representative recently appeared on a PBS broadcast that focused on business ethics.

STANDARDS

A primary ASPE goal is to define and publish estimating standards that, when properly employed, will produce reliable estimates in a uniformly recognizable format. Means, Richardson, and others publish unit price guides, but where can you go to find "how to" information on estimating? ASPE’s Standard Estimating Practice manuals provide just that for all sixteen CSI divisions. The standards provide not only basic and fundamental guidance in estimate preparation, but also include industry standards that are the basis for the certification of experienced estimators as Certified Professional Estimators (CPE’s). These standard estimating practices are developed and written by ASPE members in the language of estimators.

CERTIFICATION

The construction industry is, by any measure, the largest single industry in the world. The construction estimator is THE PERSON responsible for the evaluation of manpower, materials and other costs for this multi-billion-dollar industry.

Government agencies, owners, designers and contractors are increasingly looking to Certified Professional Estimators (CPE’s) for reliable cost estimates that are the key to success in this competitive arena.

During the 1970's and 1980's, chapter and national committees combined their efforts to develop and refine a system for evaluating the capabilities of construction estimators. A program for testing and certification was initiated. This program includes mandatory attendance at an educational workshop, writing an acceptable technical paper, successful completion of written examinations, and participation in the continuing certification program. ASPE certification has been judged to be timely and beneficial by several international construction publications.

FELLOWSHIP

Chapter, regional, and national meetings give estimators the opportunity to share information, exchange ideas and learn about innovative techniques. Monthly chapter meetings feature guest speakers on topics of interest to those of each chapter. Serving as chapter officers or on chapter committees provides additional opportunities to learn and serve the profession. Chapter meetings also provide a forum to meet and discuss common problems with competitors and business associates.

PROFESSIONALISM

Education, Ethics, Standards, Certification, Fellowship ... these lead to the ultimate goal --- Professionalism. We think you’ll agree ... If all estimators were more professional, budget and other problems of the construction industry would be greatly reduced. Join us today!

Have you wished ...

you could get professional recognition for your experience and skills as a construction estimator? Perhaps you supervise estimators and you would like your staff to be more professional. Maybe you’re an independent estimator who provides estimating services for others. Or perhaps you’re a user of estimating services as an owner, architect, engineer, or government agency, and would like to be assured of receiving professional estimates. Perhaps ASPE is the organization for you! Read on and call today for a membership application.

A History of Dedication: The American Society of Professional Estimators began in 1956. What started with fewer than 20 members in the Los Angeles area can boast today of thousands of members in chapters from border to border. ASPE was created with dedication and commitment to the idea of providing its members with tangible benefits:

A professional society which promotes the highest standards and ethics in the practice of construction estimating.

Continuing education through seminars and lectures on construction-related topics. Our magazine, The Estimator, and local chapter newsletters carry technical, industry-related and other pertinent articles for the professional estimator.

An opportunity to become recognized as a Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) through the completion of our training and testing program.

A means of personally communicating with fellow professionals on a monthly and annual basis, providing an opportunity to exchange information and gain professional recognition for yourself and your company.

ASPE Code of Ethics

Basic Canons

Canon #1 - Professional estimators shall perform services in areas of their discipline and competence.

Canon #2 - Professional estimators shall continue to expand their professional capabilities through continuing education programs to better enable them to serve clients, employers and the industry.

Canon #3 - Professional estimators shall conduct themselves in a manner, which will promote cooperation and good relations among members of our profession and those directly related to our profession.

Canon #4 - Professional estimators shall safeguard and keep in confidence all knowledge of the business affairs and technical procedures of an employer or client.

Canon #5 - Professional estimators shall conduct themselves with integrity as all times and not knowingly or willingly enter into agreements that violate the laws of the United States of America or of the states in which they practice. They shall establish guidelines for setting forth prices and receiving quotations that are fair and equitable to all parties.

Canon #6 - Professional estimators shall utilize their education, years of experience and acquired skills in the preparation of each estimate or assignment with full commitment to make each estimate or assignment as detailed and accurate as their talents and abilities allow.

Canon #7 - Professional estimators shall not engage in the practice of "bid peddling" as defined by this code. This is a breach of moral and ethical standards, and a member of this society shall not enter into this practice.

Canon #8 - Professional estimators and those in training to be estimators shall not enter into any agreement that may be considered acts of collusion or conspiracy (bid rigging) with the implied or express purpose of defrauding clients. Acts of this type are in direct violation of the Code of Ethics of the American Society of Professional Estimators.

Canon #9 - Professional estimators and those in training to be estimators shall not participate in acts, such as the giving or receiving of gifts, that are intended to be or may be construed as being unlawful acts of bribery.