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.
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:
ü 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.
Learn More at the ASPE National Website: Link
