AACE International PSP Exam Questions 2025

What is the AACE International PSP Exam, and what will you learn from it?

The AACE International Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) exam is designed for professionals seeking to demonstrate mastery in project planning, scheduling, and time management. This certification evaluates your ability to create, analyze, and manage project schedules in alignment with industry best practices.

Preparing for the PSP exam teaches you to develop effective project schedules, evaluate risks, optimize resources, and apply earned value management (EVM) principles for tracking project performance.

Earning the PSP credential highlights your expertise in project planning and scheduling, making you valuable to organizations managing large, complex projects.

Practicing with the best exam questions from Cert Empire ensures you understand the practical application of scheduling concepts and are fully prepared for exam scenarios.

Exam Snapshot

Prerequisites before taking the PSP exam

• Minimum of 2–3 years of project planning or scheduling experience
• Familiarity with project management concepts, critical path method (CPM), and resource management
• Understanding of earned value management (EVM) and project control principles
• Practical experience with scheduling software tools such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or equivalent

Main objectives and domains you will study for PSP

The PSP exam evaluates your knowledge and skills across these core areas:

• Project planning fundamentals and lifecycle
• Schedule development and network diagramming
• Critical path method (CPM) and schedule calculations
• Resource allocation and leveling techniques
• Risk analysis and contingency planning
• Earned Value Management (EVM) and schedule performance analysis
• Progress monitoring and reporting

Topics to cover in each PSP exam domain

• Project Planning Fundamentals
  Understanding project objectives, scope, and lifecycle phases
• Schedule Development
  Network diagrams, activity sequencing, dependency types, and milestones
• Critical Path Method (CPM)
  Calculating early start, late finish, float, and identifying critical activities
• Resource Management
  Resource allocation, leveling, and optimization to prevent bottlenecks
• Risk and Contingency Planning
  Identifying schedule risks, developing mitigation strategies, and applying buffers
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
  Tracking schedule and cost performance using EVM metrics
• Monitoring and Reporting
  Progress measurement, variance analysis, and schedule recovery techniques

Changes in the latest version of PSP

• Updated standards reflecting the latest AACE Recommended Practices
• Enhanced emphasis on risk-based scheduling and schedule quality assessment
• Inclusion of real-world scheduling problem scenarios for exam questions
• Increased coverage of integrating project schedules with cost and risk management

Register and schedule your PSP exam

You can register for the PSP exam through the AACE International website. Candidates can choose between online proctored exams or in-person testing centers, depending on their location and preference.

PSP exam cost and potential discounts

• 395 USD for AACE members
• 495 USD for non-members
• Discounts may apply if you register for multiple certifications or during promotional periods

Exam policies you should know

• Valid identification is required
• Exam is monitored if taken online
• No external reference materials allowed during testing
• Retakes must comply with AACE-defined waiting periods

What can you expect on exam day?

• Scenario-based questions requiring problem-solving
• Multiple-choice questions covering theory and calculations
• Time management is essential due to a 3-hour duration
• Monitored testing environment ensures integrity

Plan your PSP study schedule effectively with 8 Study Tips

• Review AACE Recommended Practices for planning and scheduling
• Practice critical path and network diagram calculations
• Apply resource leveling and optimization in a project scenario
• Use earned value management to track schedule and cost performance
• Analyze real-world case studies and scheduling challenges
• Take timed practice assessments to simulate exam conditions
• Participate in professional forums or AACE communities for tips
• Strengthen preparation with the best exam questions from Cert Empire for realistic practice

Best study resources

• AACE International Recommended Practices and study guides
• Textbooks on project planning and CPM techniques
• Scheduling software tutorials (Primavera P6, MS Project)
• Online forums and professional project management communities
• Targeted practice using Cert Empire’s exam questions to reinforce concepts

Career opportunities after earning PSP

• Project Scheduler / Planner
• Project Controls Engineer
• Project Manager
• Cost and Schedule Analyst
• Construction Planning Engineer
• Program Management Specialist

Certifications to pursue after completing PSP

• AACE CCP (Certified Cost Professional)
• AACE EVP (Earned Value Professional)
• PMI PMP (Project Management Professional) for broader project management roles
• Advanced project controls or risk management certifications

How does PSP compare to other project management certifications?