CCEA/PCEA Certification Exam Overview
Program Introductions
Jeffrey Moore
This interactive session discusses the Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA®) and Professional Cost Estimator/Analyst (PCEA®) eligibility and certification requirements, examination topics, relationships to the Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge (CEBoK®), the form and administration of the certification examination, the recertification program, and specialty designations such as the CCEA–Parametric Methods.
Keywords: CCEA, PCEA, Certification, Examination, Recertification
Cost Estimating Basics Track
Cost Estimating Basics
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB01)
Jean Nicole Hamilton
John Yeaman
The Cost Estimating Basics session introduces an overview of cost estimating and analysis and the reasons for doing cost estimates. Additionally, the motivation for cost estimating, why and how it is used, and challenges and issues will be presented. Cost estimating products will be reviewed, and a general introduction of the process and methods used to develop cost estimates will be discussed, providing the background information and fundamental knowledge needed for the other CEB sessions.
Cost Estimating Techniques
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB02)
Markie Harris
Colleen McFadden
This module introduces four essential cost estimating techniques that practitioners most often use to develop credible and realistic estimates. They are analogy, parametric, build-up, and extrapolation from actuals. We explain how to use these techniques, compare and contrast them to provide flexibility when estimating. Moreover, each technique has strengths and weaknesses, varying degrees of applicability at different times during a program’s life cycle and different levels of fidelity required for an estimate. Last, we discuss related topics such as schedule and operations & support estimating.
Data Collection
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB04)
Moriah Howard
Sara Shaw
This session covers the Core Knowledge section of Module 04 Data Collection of CEBoK. All estimating techniques and cost estimating models require credible data before they can be used effectively. In this module we will discuss the various types of data, processes needed to collect and analyze the data used in parametric applications, as well as data types, sources, and adjustment techniques.
Inflation
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB05)
Rachel Daugherty
Jakeyah Williams
This session covers the Core Knowledge section of Module 05 Inflation and Index Numbers of CEBoK. Proper inflation analysis is essential to the success of any cost estimate or economic analysis. Calculating inflation correctly and understanding the fundamental concepts will enable you to produce cost estimates that are timely, accurate, and credible to support your program’s lifecycle needs. It will also empower you to communicate with key stakeholders on the need to adjust your financial estimates based on changes in the economy.
Data Analysis
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB06)
Eric Plumer
Nicole Robertson
This session discusses the first analytical steps to take after obtaining a set of cost data, with a particular emphasis on techniques for displaying and analyzing data graphically. It addresses univariate, bivariate, and multivariate data sets, with a focus on statistical analysis of univariate data sets and graphical analysis of bivariate data sets via scatter plots. It introduces measures of central tendency, measures of variability, and measures of uncertainty, such as confidence and prediction intervals.
Learning Curve Analysis
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB07)
Ryan Johnson
Justin Knowles
This is a training track presentation of the CEBoK Module 7 (Learning Curves). The presentation will cover the key ideas, analytical constructs and applications of the learning curve module. The target audience are those preparing to take the ICEAA certification exam. Beyond the theoretical information, we will present the study questions for Module 7 with steps required to solve the problems using only a calculator as is required on the certification exam.
Risk Analysis Basic
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB09)
Chad Lucas
Michael Shortell
This session will provide motivation for the need for risk analysis and introduce the basic types and uses of risk. It will focus on the practical execution of the general risk analysis process: (1) Develop a point estimate; (2) Identify the risk areas in the point estimate; (3) Determine uncertainty around the point estimate; (4) Apply correlation between uncertainty distributions; (5) Run the Monte Carlo simulation; (6) Assess the reasonableness of results; (7) Calculate, allocate, and phase risk dollars; and (8) Show the results.
Prob/Stat Basic
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB10)
Peter J. Braxton
Orly Olbum
This will be a review of statistical and probability concepts relevant to cost estimation and uncertainty. Topics will include statistics; measures of central tendency; measures of dispersion; and important probability distributions and their linkage to cost estimates. We also introduce the concept of a random variable; Monte Carlo simulation; the Inverse CDF method; and thoughts on the differences between the normal and lognormal distributions. Finally, we discuss hypothesis testing and its relationship to cost estimating.
Software Cost Estimating
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB12)
Katharine Mann
Robert Schneid
This session covers the Core Knowledge section of Module 12 Software Cost Estimating of CEBoK. It will be of particular interest to anyone studying for the ICEAA certification exam. The session provides an introduction to the basics of the software development process and how to estimate the related effort. The key ideas of Software Cost Estimating include the cost drivers of size, complexity, and capability. In the sizing area, we’ll focus on the competing metrics of Source Lines Of Code (SLOC), Equivalent Source Lines Of Code (ESLOC), and Function Points. We’ll also discuss the primary software development methodologies – waterfall, Agile, evolutionary, and spiral – and how to model them from a cost estimating perspective.
Economic Analysis Basic
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB13)
Meagan Gadreault
Rebecca Zeiger
This session covers the Core Knowledge section of Module 13 Economic Analysis of CEBoK. It will be of particular interest to anyone studying for the ICEAA certification exam. The session provides a practitioner’s perspective for conducting an economic analysis (EA) by reviewing EA concepts, terminology, variables and measures-of-merit. By accounting for monetized costs, monetized benefits, opportunity costs and time-value-of-money (“discounting”), an EA enables one to calculate economic measures-of-merit.
Contract Pricing
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB14)
Katiana Lemmons
Paul Neubert
This session explores the basics of contract pricing and the roles of cost estimating in the process. In this session, we explore the various contract types, and the factors and considerations related to choosing a contract type. We also explore how fee is calculated, and how risk is shared between the government and the vendor. We will also look at the cost-price proposal preparation, the makeup of a good Basis of Estimate (BOE) and evaluation efforts.
EVM Basic
Cost Estimating Basics Track (CEB15)
James Freeman
Sriram Krishnan
This session will provide an introduction to the basic concepts of earned value management (EVM), with a focus on implementation, governance, and practical application in support of a project or program. Specific topics will include basic EVM components and data elements, as well as standard earned value analysis techniques. We will use practice problems throughout the presentation to demonstrate and reinforce the basic principles of EVM.
Advanced Cost Topics Track
GAO Cost Assessment Guide
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT01)
Brian Bothwell
In March 2009, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published, GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide, Best Practices for Developing and Managing Capital Program Costs. The guide was developed to establish a consistent methodology based on best practices and that can be used across the federal government for developing, managing, and evaluating capital program cost estimates. This training will introduce the twelve-step process, describe the characteristics and contents of a high quality estimate, and illustrate the application of the guide to GAO assessments.
Technical Baselines
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT02)
Christina Snyder
Understanding the technical and programmatic issues of the program/product you are estimating is key to developing a good cost estimate. This session discusses what information you need to baseline the technical and programmatic aspects of the program, the questions that need to be asked to ensure a clear understanding and how these issues translate into a cost perspective.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT03)
Neil Albert
Jeff McDowell
The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a critical to managing, planning, estimating and assessing performance of any project. The WBS development is critical to ensure that all team members, industry and government, communicate and coordinate their activities. This presentation discusses the key attributes of a good WBS in scoping and planning of projects. The presentation provides the generally accepted concepts of the use and application of the WBS as well as why it is often misunderstood. and not used for maximum effectiveness.
Advanced Probability and Statistics
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT05)
Tomeka S. Williams
Sheila Nicholson
This session will provide the analyst with an overview of advanced probability and statistical concepts and methods that are applied in cost analysis, with an emphasis on probability distributions, nonparametric statistics, nonparametric statistics, and hypothesis testing. This session draws heavily on Module 10 Probability and Statistics of the Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge (CEBoK®). It also uses engaging Excel demonstrations to better illustrate and develop intuition for the underlying mathematics, and lively personal datasets from the presenter’s avocation as a cruciverbalist.
Manufacturing Cost Estimating
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT06)
Brent Johnstone
Richard C. Lee
The goal of the Manufacturing Cost Estimating module is to arm the student with a set of techniques used to address issues unique to estimating in the manufacturing environment. It will be our objective in this module to raise a few of the most common general issues, considerations and concerns the estimator must be aware of in a typical major manufacturing environment and to provide techniques for addressing them. Depending on time and interest of attendees, example problems can be worked as exam preparation.
Risk Analysis Advanced
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT07)
Christian B. Smart
This session will delve into advanced topics in risk, including a short and entertaining refresher on basic cost risk analysis. We will perform an analysis of historical risk data by studying the effect of program size on cost / schedule growth and how we can use this information in our risk analysis. This session covers the Related and Advanced Topics section of Module 09 Cost and Schedule Risk Analysis of CEBoK.
Schedule Estimating and Analysis
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT09)
Justin Hornback
Ben Unruh
Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of – Benjamin Franklin. This workshop will cover scheduling basics, desired attributes of a valid project schedules, schedule estimating, and a schedule analysis framework important to schedule and cost estimator analysts.
Joint Cost and Schedule Risk
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT11)
Justin Hornback
Ben Unruh
Recognizing the need to ensure results from cost and schedule risk analyses are compatible, agencies, such as NASA, have recently implemented policy requiring the integration of these two, formerly separate, practices. This training course will provide analysts an overview on how they can integrate their cost estimates, schedules, and risk register into a single cohesive model that can then be analyzed to predict future cost and schedule growth and identify their sources so that mitigative actions can be taken.
EVM Advanced
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT12)
Pat Malone
This session builds upon the concepts introduced in Earned Value Management System (EVMS) Basic Concepts. It assumes a basic familiarity with EVM data elements, and with calculation of variances and performance indices. The session focuses on critical analysis of EVM data, including a discussion of how traditional earned value analytical techniques can produce misleading or incomplete indicators of performance. Alternative techniques for assessing program performance are discussed, including heuristic equations and visual displays of information that can provide an early indication to decision-makers as to whether a particular effort is headed for success or failure.
Economic Analysis Advanced
Advanced Cost Topics (ACT13)
Marc Greenberg
This course follows a similar methodology presented in CEB10 Economic Analysis Basic, but includes additional examples on how to: (1) depict incremental cash flow diagrams, (2) account for non-monetary benefits and (3) use the content from a cash flow diagram to calculate Net Present Value (NPV) and Equivalent Uniform Annual Worth (EUAW). This course concludes with an example and discussion on how to select the preferred alternative based upon not one but three economic measures-of-merit.
Parametrics Track
Parametric Estimating and Cost Estimating Relationships
Parametrics Track (PAR01)
Henry Apgar
This module serves as an introduction to parametric cost estimating and cost estimating relationships. Parametric estimating involves developing relationships between technical, programmatic, and cost characteristics in order to project future costs. Key concepts include cost drivers, parametric models, and the development of cost estimating relationships.
Regression Linear
Parametrics Track (PAR02)
William Barfield
Kellie Scarbrough
PAR2 introduces the basic concepts of regression and provides a demonstration of a simple linear ordinary least squares model. This session focuses on the basics required to build and evaluate a simple linear model such as a Cost Estimating Relationship (CER). Key concepts include correlation, minimizing error, homoscedasticity, statistical significance, goodness of fit, confidence intervals, uncertainty, and analysis of variance. The better you understand these concepts, the better you will be able to make inferences about cost data and employ more complicated regression techniques.
Regression Nonlinear/Multivariate
Parametrics Track (PAR03)
Gregory K. Mislick
A primary technique of cost analysis is the Parametric approach of using regression to develop cost estimating relationships (CERs). CERs are mathematical equations that analysts use to forecast cost and to quantify the uncertainty around those forecasts. We will review the important foundational concepts of ordinary least squares (OLS) single variable regression, introduce multi-variable regression, and discuss non-linear (or “intrinsically” linear) regression in an effort to show how to determine if your regression is “good.”
Regression Multiplicative
Parametrics Track (PAR04)
Peter J. Braxton
Christian B. Smart
This tutorial focuses on the development and use of CERs that are nonlinear and have multiplicative errors. Three methods for developing CERs are presented: log-transformed ordinary least squares, minimum unbiased percentage error, and zero percent bias minimum percent error. The optimality of each method is discussed.
CER Risk and SCurves
Parametrics Track (PAR05)
Christian B. Smart
Marc Greenberg
This session focuses on how to access three sources of risk for CERs derived from regression: input uncertainty, model uncertainty, and external factors. Standard error of the estimate (SEE), confidence interval (CI), and predictive interval (PI) are introduced, then error bands and S-Curves generated from these formulae are illustrated. SEE, PI, and CI are compared and why SEE-based techniques (while commonly used) almost always underestimate risk and uncertainty.
Complex Models
Parametrics Track (PAR06)
Henry Apgar
This session covers Company Developed and Commercial Complex Cost Models, which are multiple input models typically developed for a specific platform or product, including a proven ten-step approach for developing a multi-CER cost prediction model from historic data. This session provides a short history of complex model parametric estimating along with an overview, examples and recommendations to develop proposal Basis of Estimates, Business Case Cost Estimates, Independent Cost Estimates (ICE) and Estimates at Completion (EACs).
Complex Models: Software
Parametrics Track (PAR07)
Arlene Minkiewicz
This training session provides an overview of complex software estimating models and describes the recommended processes for using them. Because software spending in DoD and NASA is increasingly significant, it is critical for those involved in software acquisition to understand the factors that drive software development and maintenance costs. This training session discusses software estimating methodologies, emphasizing those models used in industry and government and highlights software improvement activities that are relevant to software estimating.
Software CEBoK Track
Introduction – sCEBoK
Software CEBoK Track (SWT00)
Brian Glauser
Eric van der Vliet
The Software Cost Estimation Body of Knowledge is a new initiative of ICEAA with the intention to professionalize the cost estimation for Software Development programs. This module will provide an introduction of the sCEBoK, the status as well as an overview of the sCEBoK modules scheduled as part of the training track.
Estimation in the Software Lifecycle
Software CEBoK Track (SWT01)
Presenter: Denise Nelson
This module provides an overview of regular software lifecycles that are applied. Understanding the difference of software lifecycles is important because each lifecycle can require another estimation method.
Estimation Principles
Software CEBoK Track (SWT02)
Presenter: Eric van der Vliet
If an estimate is created there are principles that need to be followed to improve the quality of those estimates. The estimation principles in this module help to improve this quality. The top-10 principles will be further described and explained based on practical examples.
Solution Based Estimation
Software CEBoK Track (SWT03)
Presenter: Eric van der Vliet
Presenter: Denise Nelson
This modules explains the Solution Based Estimation (SBE) method that aligns the relation between Solution, Estimating, Control and Metrics. SBE is an pragmatic approach where estimates are defined based on a Solution Architecture. SBE will increase the completeness of estimates as well as the traceability from solutions throughout the estimate to delivery control.
Basis of Estimate (BOE)
Software CEBoK Track (SWT04)
Presenter: Eric van der Vliet
A very important aspect of Cost Engineering is communication. Best Practise 74R-13: Basis of Estimate – As applied for the Software Services Industries, provides a structure to create a common understanding of costs. If the BoE is applied, a defendable and transparent view of the likely cost outcome (and indication of effort, schedule or scope in case of an Agile project) is available. An excellent basis for validation and verification upfront (estimation, proposal) or control afterwards (audit).
Basis of Measurement (BOM)
Software CEBoK Track (SWT05)
Presenter: Eric van der Vliet
A Basis of Measurement documents the measurement program for an organizational unit, covering the process, organization and technology required for that program. This module presents the topics that have to be addressed when setting up a measurement program within an organization and need to be documented in the BOM.
Budget and Pricing for IT
Software CEBoK Track (SWT06)
Author: Frank Vogelezang
Author: Roopali Thapar
In order to determine a good pricing for IT contracts it is important to have a clear understanding of the relationship between Budget, Pricing and Effort. This module covers the economics for both budgeting and pricing and teaches the fundamentals of Cost Estimation, based on the principles in the Basis of Estimate, the standard developed by AACEi and Nesma. The principles are applied to common financial issues like the pricing of outsourced activities and TCO calculations.
Cost Drivers
Software CEBoK Track (SWT07)
Presenter: Arlene Minkiewicz
This module discusses the general forms of various size based software cost and effort estimation models. In this context, it then provides a discussion of the different factors, in addition to software size, that may influence the estimated cost and effort. The reason for these potential influences will be presented along with ideas as how organizations can apply these concepts to improve software project planning.
Estimation Methods
Software CEBoK Track (SWT08)
Author & Presenter: Wilson Rosa
Author & Presenter: Denise Nelson
This module provides an overview of estimation methods and estimation models including a comparison of the methods.
Size Based Estimation Methods
Software CEBoK Track (SWT09)
Presenter: Harold van Heeringen
Presenter: Carol Dekkers
This module provides a detailed overview of three ISO certified sizing methods from Cosmic, IFPUG and Nesma.
Data Collection and Basic Analysis
Software CEBoK Track (SWT10)
Presenter: Carol Dekkers
The module Data Collection & Basis Data Analysis deals with the basics of data and metrics. The purpose of data analysis is explained, along with basic understanding of application of measurements and basic statistical methods. The focus is on understanding use and usefulness of both data and analysis, not so much the technical statistical details.
Statistics to Support Basic Metrics Analysis
Software CEBoK Track (SWT11)
Author: Hans Bernink
Author: Chris Laney
Presenter: Denise Nelson
Presenter: Christian Smart
This module provides an overview of basic statistics that can be applied while analyzing software metrics what includes scatter plots, regression analysis and statistical significance.
Benchmarking
Software CEBoK Track (SWT12)
Presenter: Harold van Heeringen
Presenter: Hans Bernink
This module explains the concept of benchmarking in a software estimation context. This usually occurs when customer organizations are going to outsource software development or maintenance to supplier(s). Suppliers benchmark to understand the competitiveness of their offer and customer organizations benchmark the price of the services to be outsourced to understand the landing zone of the bids expected.
Introduction Application Maintenance
Software CEBoK Track (SWT13)
Author: Sanathanan Rajagopal
Author: Bhawna Thakur
Author: Roopali Thapar
Presenter: Eric van der Vliet
This module provides an introduction into software maintenance and support and the challenges to estimate these type of maintenance disciplines.
Estimation Maturity Model
Software CEBoK Track (SWT14)
Presenter: Brian Glauser
Presenter: Esteban Sanchez
In today’s environment of massive software cost overruns, the moist finger in the air and trusting of expert judgement are no longer acceptable and companies are slowly awakening to the adoption of formal cost estimation practices, making Estimation a key process within the organization. This workshop introduces the concept of Estimation Maturity and presents an example of an Estimation Maturity Model, along with guidelines for implementation and business buy-in.
Introduction – Software Engineering
Software CEBoK Track (SWT15)
Author & Presenter: Arlene Minkiewicz
Author: Carol Dekkers
This module provides an introduction of software engineering as a basis for the other sCEBoK modules
Scheduling of Software Deliveries
Software CEBoK Track (SWT16)
Author: Christine Green
Presenter: Carol Dekkers
This module explains how to translate a cost estimate in a schedule as basis for the project planning