Cep Exam Questions and Answers
Cep Exam Questions and Answers
Cep Exam Questions and Answers
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1- What is estimating?
A prediction or forecast of resources (Time, Cost and Materials) required to achieve or obtain an
agreed upon scope.
3- What is budgeting?
A process used to allocate the estimated costs of resources into cost accounts against which
cost performance will be measured and assessed. Budgeting considers time-phase in relation to
a schedule and/or time based financial requirements and constraints.
4- What is quantification?
Activity to translate project scope information into resource quantities suitable for costing.
6- What is costing?
7- What is pricing?
The determination of the amount of money asked in exchange for the item, it is applies after
costing and its determination takes in consideration; business and other considerations in
addition to inherent costs.
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8- What are the fundamental considerations for internalization?
Converting units from other measurement systems, calculate the effects of changes in currency
exchange rates and adjust labor productivity.
9- What is accuracy?
It is an indication of the degree to which the final cost outcome for a given project will vary from
the original estimate cost.
It is an amount added to an estimate to allow for items, conditions or events for which the state
occurrence or effect is uncertain and that experience shows will likely result in additional costs.
Is the process of estimating cost by using mathematical equations that relate cost to one or
more physical variables associated with the item being estimated.
It is an algorithm or formula that is used to perform the costing operation. CER’s relate (Cost,
Time, and Quantity) with quantity scope, execution strategies or other defining elements.
An overall total project factor for translating the summation of all project cost elements from a
geographical location to another.
Consideration of all costs of a product, from concept, design, implementation, start up and
dismantling.
The costs related to completing work that are directly attributable to its performance and are
necessary for its completion. It includes the supervision directly involved in the physical
construction.
The cost not directly attributable to the completion of an activity, typically allocated across all
activities on a predetermined basis.
Hand factor method uses different factor for different types of equipment. Different from Lang
factor method when the cost of the equipment are multiplied by its factors we obtain the direct
field costs. Indirect field costs, home office costs and OSBL costs are excluded from the final
result.
19- What is the difference of “composite rate” and “average crew rate”?
They are the same and consist in develop an average rate between crafts of different experiences
and wage rates.
It is the cost of maintaining an office with staff, other than operating personnel. Also includes
federal, state and local taxes, fringe benefits and other union contract obligations.
Bare labor rate is the gross direct wage paid to the workers.
It is a technique used to allocate estimate costs to accounts whose definitions do not reflect the
nature of the cost being allocated. The objective is to achieve a desired business result, such
improve cash flow.
Scoping
Quantification
Costing
Pricing
Conditioning
A division in a system of classification for estimated and expensed money for which cost are to be
summarized.
Because they assist all parties in gaining a mutual understanding of the basis of the estimate, as well as
the expected accuracy of the estimate.
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27- Labor fringe benefits and taxes are direct or indirect costs?
Expenses of employment like holidays, sick leave, health and welfare benefits, retirement funds and
training.
The portion of project’s cost that cannot be associated with any specific direct account in construction,
it includes: Field non manual staff, field office, office supplies, small tools, construction equipment, and
labor burden.
32- Explain profits: Gross profits, Operating profits and Net profits.
Sales revenues less directs and indirect costs of goods sold = Gross Profits
Operating Profits less Miscellaneous income and expenses (patent royalties, interests, capital gains) and
federal taxes = Net Profit.
Sales Revenue
Gross Profit
Operating Profits
Deduct- Misc Income and Expense( Royalties, Cap Interes, Capital Gains) Taxes and fees
Net Profit
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33- What is schedule of values?
A detailed statement, furnished by contractor, breaking down the contract value into work packages. It
is used as basis for submitting and reviewing progress payments.
35- What is the best way to record labor on a database and why?
The production rate is the best way to record cost in a database, because they are relatively constant for
any given location.
To promote consistent communication, vital for the diverse stakeholders to have a common
understanding of terms.
38- What are the most important characteristics used to categorize cost estimates?
- Maturity level of project definition deliverables.
- End usage of the estimate.
- Estimate methodology.
- Effort and time needed to prepare the estimate.
Estimate variability is function of scope or quantity and cost, price is the third one usually independent
of the other two.
One of the primary cause of estimate variability is risk, therefore the type of contract chosen will expose
the contractor to different risk levels. A lump sum contract is risky than a cost plus contract, for
example.
43- What are estimating algorithms and when they are most used?
Algorithms are an effective method for solving problems, generally used in the development of
conceptual estimates before detailed drawings and specifications are available.
44- What are the codes of accounts (COA) and their use?
A systematic coding structure for organizing and managing scope, asset, cost resource, work and
schedule activity information. A code of account is an index to facilitate, finding, sorting, comparing,
summarizing, or otherwise managing information that the code is tied to. A complete code of account
includes definitions of content of each account. Code of accounts by nature are intended to reduce
confusion.
45- What should be prioritize when defining the basic structure of a code of account?
46- Which team is the best to manage a code of account and what should be avoided on a code of
accounts management?
A cross functional team is the best to manage a code of account. Individual users should not be
permitted to make arbitrary changes.
47- What are the code of account characteristics that increases it usability and improves clarity?
A well-defined and clear structure and format increases usability. Organize all elements in a reference
dictionary or similar document improves clarity.
Allows benchmark between peer companies and allows comparison with other projects.
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49- What are the benefits of code of accounts usage?
- Classifying estimate items for cost control.
- Facilitates estimate and analysis of project cost data.
- Summarizes cost data.
- Comply with accounting, taxation and regulatory requirements.
- Categorize performance and productivity measurements and analysis.
- Simplify cost and schedule forecast.
- Facilitates audits and reporting accuracy.
It is another format that is related to masterformat. It combines the accounts into a system orientation
that is particularly useful for conceptual estimating.
They are used to record, classify and summarize business financial transaction. It helps to determine the
overall financial state of a business.
53- On a financial ledger which account capture cost of projects that are underway?
The “work in progress” account is used to capture the cost of projects that are underway. After the
project is completed the costs are transferred to other assets accounts.
54- What the estimator must do before use an estimate commercial database that has been acquired
by the company?
- Evaluate the database basis.
- Validate the data.
- Calibrate the data to the specific use
58- What are the benefits of the appropriate estimate methodology selection?
Guarantee that estimating process will meet budget and schedule requirements and project objectives.
It is a conceptual estimating method, it relates the end product unit (Capacity Unit) of a past project to a
new one that is being estimated. Example: Construction cost of a hotel based on the total number of
guest room of the hotel.
Similar to end product method, it uses the physical dimensions of the item being estimated as the
driving factor to calculate the cost. Note that economies of scale and differences on the building are
ignored.
It is the method in which the cost of a new facility is derived from the cost of a similar facility of a known
capacity.
𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐴 $ 𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝐴 𝑒
=( ) e= capacity factor
𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐵 $𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝐵
62- What are the key steps in preparing capacity factor estimate?
- Deduct cost from the known base case that are not applicable in the new plant.
- Apply location and escalation factors.
- Apply capacity factor algorithm to adjust plant size.
- Add any required costs on the new plant but which are not included in the known plant.
They are the ones used in situations where the total cost of an item of facility can be reliably estimated
from the cost of a primary component. Example: Lang Factor and Hand Factor.
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64- What are the 3 main factors that affect equipment material costs to a greater degree than they
affect the bulks?
In accordance to Arthur Miller they are: size, material of construction, operating pressure.
They are mathematical representation of cost relationship that provide a logical and predictable
correlation between physical characteristics of a plant and its resultant cost.
On early conceptual estimates when there is little technical data or engineering deliverables available.
It is a specific type of quantification that is a measurement of materials and labor required for a project.
It is a detailed quantity takeoff produced in order to facilitate procurement for a project or product.
72- What are the 3 general basic measurement undertaken during quantification?
It is an ancillary cost that represents liquidated damages for delays. It occurs when the ship is preventing
from loading/unloading within the stipulated lay time.
It is the cost of the equipment that remains on site ready for use but is placed in standby basis. It is the
same as stand by rate.
Some proportion of ownership cost but not operating labor or fuel maintenance costs.
They are employees not covered by the minimum wage and overtime provisions of the US fair labor
standards (FLSA). Exempt employees don’t receive overtime compensation by federal wage and hours
guidelines.
It refers to the engineering and construction costs associated with the construction site rather than with
the home office costs.
Pay time off (PTO), Medical and life insurance, government mandated benefits.
It is the base salary plus adders that will be paid for an hour work on the job.
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81- What are the inputs for pricing process?
- Individual item costs.
- Knowledge of the organizations overhead costs.
- Knowledge of profit requirements.
- Knowledge of how the current conditions is affecting the competitive market situation.
Bad Market situation.
Company need Jobs.
Lower Profit
Profit
Price Overhead
Cost
Profit
Price
Overhead
Cost
A persistent decrease in the level of costumer prices, or a persistent increase in the purchasing power of
money caused by a decrease in available currency and credit relative to the proportion of available
goods and services.
It compares after taxes profits to sales. It can help you determine if you are making enough of a return
on your sales effort. If ROS is decreasing over time it could be a signal that you will soon be
experimenting financial problems.
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87- What is gross profit margin ratio?
It indicates how efficiently a business is using its materials and labor in the production process. This ratio
tells you if you are pricing your goods or services properly.
Involves finding the level of sales necessary to operate a business on a break even basis, what means:
total cost equal total revenue.
Is to prepare an estimate for a given purpose or set of conditions. Another good term to describe
conditioning would be “adjusting the estimate”.
92- What are the two documents that are essential to establish what will be covered by the risk
management process?
Establish the relative importance and impact of the risk items. Each risk should be assessed and the
probability of occurrence and a potential impact is defined.
Sensitive analysis, is the process of substitute variables in a model to test the effects of this changes.
Decision tree, method to evaluate and compare the probabilities and financial results of investment
choices.
100- Why the estimate documentation must be detailed, organized and archived?
Because estimates create strong budget and performance expectations. Clients will hold the
organization accountable in providing estimates that are consistent with the project design and accuracy
of estimates will be a factor in determining organization financial success.
Is the process of resolving variances between two estimates developed based on the same scope. It
identifies any cost differences due to scope changes, pricing or risks between the two estimate versions.
Applying reconciliation process between the estimate and the final cost of the project.
103- Information: Estimate reconciliation process should take place with the estimate, as well as all
supporting documentation, including BOE, schedule and risk assessment. Use of a table of
variances will help the process to compare quantities and costs between estimates.
It is the document that describe any differences in pricing, scope or risk between two estimates.
It is a document that compares cost of similar projects and provides a context for the estimate.
106- Where the management reserves specific purpose and use for which is intended must be clearly
documented?
It consist in verifying final actual project costs and organize those costs for entry into the organization’s
historical cost database.
110- Which estimating information is used to determine schedule activity durations and resource
loading?
111- What is the goal of the process of integration of estimate and schedule breakdown?
The goal is to determine an appropriate level of detail to correlate cost and schedule, one to one
relationship between estimate items and schedule activities is not possible.
112- What is the first estimate review and its main objective?
The first estimate review is the “estimate team review”, the main objectives are:
- Design Basis
- Planning Basis
- Cost Basis
- Risk Basis
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114- What is design basis?
Inclusions and Exclusions Contract Strategy Labor rates Areas of Opportunities and Risks
Escalation
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118- What is the estimating department guidelines review objective?
- To verify that proper estimate methods techniques and procedures have been followed.
- Confirm that estimate summary and details are organized and presented in the proper
format.
- Ensure all estimate back up is organized.
- Verify that all allowances and factors are appropriated for the estimate type.
120- What is the goal of project manager and project team review?
- Check estimate documentation, BOE, estimate summary.
- Verify that latest project schedule agrees with estimate.
- Examine administrative and home office costs.
- Conduct final construction strategy review.
- Review indirects, Temporary facilities, temporary services, construction equipment, tools
and consumables.
- Gain support of the entire team.
Consists in benchmarking key estimate ratios and metrics. Any Large discrepancies should be
explainable by the particularities of the project.
Check Temp Facilities and Const Equipments Estimate for scope alternatives
It is used for stakeholders to insert, extract, update or modify information in the BIM to support or
reflect the roles of that stakeholder.
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125- What are the BIM dimensions?
3D – Graphical Modeling
The descriptions of the steps trough which a BIM element can logically progress from the lowest of
conceptual approximation to the highest level of representation precision.
It is the process of submitting a formal proposal to enter into an agreement to provide a service, product
or project in return for an identified price.
Is a monetary compensation for a loss, detriment or injury to a person or property, awarded by a court
judgment or by a contract stipulation regarding breach a contract.
It is a payment provided in connection with a submittal of a bid to guarantee that the bidder, if awarded
the contract will execute the contract and perform the work. The Bid Security is paid to the owner, this
amount is retained until the bidder has executed the agreement.
It is the unethical practice of a prime contractor providing the low price for a scope of work to other
subcontractors or suppliers in attempt to get the others to underbid their original quotes.
132- From an owner’s perspective, what is the goal of the budget process?
The goal is to develop a budget that reflects all anticipated costs to develop the project.
133- What is the most common estimate class used to develop a budget?
Class 3 estimate.
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134- What are the two major components that forms the basis of project controls?
The lifecycle costs are not only the costs of the product initial development, but also the costs of
operating, maintaining, upgrading and prolonging its functional utility over the life of the improvement,
and then the costs of demolition, salvage or disposing.
Is an approach to executing a project in which increased cooperation and communication between all
parties involved in a project.
138- Scrap is a direct manufacture cost and is also a variable cost. Material returned due to quality
issues is not a manufacture cost.
139- Equipment rental is a direct cost to the project, however, the use of the equipment that is
owned by the company would be part of the overhead and is considered an indirect cost.
140- AEC ( Architecture, engineering, construction) – CSI(Construction Specification Institute)
141- On Risk Mitigation process we are looking for risks with low costs to mitigate and high
probability of success.
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Estimate methodologies summary.
ESTIMATE METODOLOGIES
Methodology Aplication Characteristics Examples Comments
Relates construction cost with end- Cost of hotel based on
End-Products Units Method Conceptual
product units number of rooms.
Uses the physical dimensions of the
Physical dimensions Building estimate based Economies of scale are
Conceptual item being estimate as the driving
Method on sqft. ignored.
factor.
Location, time, and scope
Cost of a new facility is derived from differences should be taken
Capacity factor Conceptual the cost of similar facility of a known $B/$A=(CapB/CapA)^e in consideration, and
capacity. number must be adjusted
with the info available.
The cost of a plant or facility can be
Lang factor and Hand
Ratio or factor methods Conceptual reliably estimated from the cost of a
Factor.
primary component.
Is a mathematical representation of Capacity factor method
cost relationships that provide a logical is a example, more
and pretictable correlation between complex parametric
Parametric Conceptual
the physical and funcional models typically involve
characteristics of a plant and the final several independent
cost. variables or cost drivers.
Scope definition is quantitatively
Deterministic(detailed) Bid/Control surveyed and pricedusing the most
realist unit prices available.
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I suggest that you study and understand the graphs below, they are from the book Control and
Management of Capital Projects, second edition, John W. Hackney. You can buy it in the AACE website
store.
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