AACE-PSP

The AACE International AACE-PSP Exam (Professional Scheduling Practitioner) focuses on the knowledge and skills required for effective project scheduling. Here are the main points covered in the exam:

1. Planning and Defining the Project Schedule

• Project Scope and Objectives: Understanding the deliverables, constraints, and project objectives to define the schedule scope.
• Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): Creating a hierarchical breakdown of project work packages to identify schedule elements.
• Activity Definition and Sequencing: Identifying and organizing activities, defining dependencies, and establishing logical sequences.
• Activity Duration Estimation: Using historical data, expert judgment, and other techniques to estimate activity durations.
• Resource Planning: Identifying and allocating resources (human, material, equipment) to activities.

2. Developing the Project Schedule

• Schedule Network Diagrams: Creating network diagrams (e.g., CPM, PDM) to visualize activity relationships and dependencies.
• Schedule Calculation Methods: Using critical path analysis, forward and backward pass calculations, and other techniques to determine schedule baseline.
• Schedule Compression Techniques: Applying techniques like crashing, fast-tracking, and resource leveling to optimize the schedule.
• Schedule Simulation and Risk Analysis: Using Monte Carlo simulation and other methods to assess schedule risks and uncertainties.

3. Managing and Controlling the Project Schedule

• Schedule Baseline and Control: Establishing a schedule baseline as a reference point for monitoring performance.
• Schedule Status Reporting: Tracking actual progress, identifying schedule deviations, and analyzing causes of variances.
• Schedule Change Management: Managing schedule changes, assessing impacts, and updating the schedule baseline.
• Schedule Recovery Techniques: Implementing strategies to recover from schedule delays and bring the project back on track.

4. Tools and Techniques

• Project Scheduling Software: Using tools like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and other software to create, manage, and analyze project schedules.
• Earned Value Management (EVM): Applying EVM principles and techniques to assess schedule performance and identify critical areas.
• Project Management Methodologies: Understanding and applying different project management methodologies, such as Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid approaches.

5. Professional Practices and Ethics

• Communication and Collaboration: Effectively communicating schedule information to stakeholders and collaborating with other professionals.
• Professional Standards and Ethics: Adhering to industry standards and ethical principles in schedule management.
• Continuing Professional Development: Staying current with advancements in project scheduling and best practices.

Exam Format:

The AACE-PSP exam is a multiple-choice, computer-based test consisting of approximately 100 questions. It typically takes 3 hours to complete.

Note: The AACE-PSP exam is designed for individuals who are involved in managing and controlling project schedules. It is a valuable credential for professionals working in various industries, including construction, engineering, manufacturing, and technology.