Free Certified Value Specialist Practice Questions

The correct answers are B and C . In the Creativity Phase , the VM facilitator’s role is to stimulate open, unrestricted idea generation. The SAVE Value Methodology Standard states that the Creative Phase aims to develop a large quantity of ideas for performing each selected function, and that this effort should be unconstrained by habit, tradition, negative attitudes, assumed restrictions, and specific criteria. It also states that judgment and evaluation are suspended during this phase. ( courses.washington.edu )

Option B is effective because it invites reflection on missed opportunities and encourages participants to identify improvements without immediately judging feasibility. Option C is also effective because it removes normal constraints and encourages broad, imaginative thinking about the study subject. This matches the Creative Phase principle that free flow of thoughts and ideas is required, without criticism or premature evaluation. ( courses.washington.edu )

Option A is not ideal because it introduces authority influence and may cause the team to conform to the project manager’s view. Option D restricts open participation and weakens creative flow.

References/topics: Creativity Phase; VM Facilitation; Divergent Thinking; Idea Generation; Suspending Judgment.

The correct answers are A and C . In the Evaluation Phase , the VM team moves from broad creative idea generation into structured judgment. SAVE’s VM guidance identifies the Evaluation Phase as the point where ideas from the Creative Phase are synthesized, sorted, rated, ranked, and selected for development using previously established evaluation criteria. It also identifies fine filter activity as detailed evaluation, not a quick vote or informal reaction. ( courses.washington.edu )

A SWOT analysis for each idea is a fine filter action because it examines strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in a structured way. This supports deeper evaluation of feasibility, risk, benefits, constraints, and implementation exposure. Aligning each idea with the subject study goals is also correct because fine filtering must test whether an idea supports the agreed VM study objectives, user/customer needs, performance expectations, and value targets.

Option B is incorrect because feedback without discussion is closer to simple screening and does not represent detailed evaluation. Option D is too narrow because VM does not rank ideas only by estimated cost; value requires consideration of function, performance, quality, risk, time, and overall benefit.

References/topics: Evaluation Phase; Fine Filter; Evaluation Criteria; Idea Screening; VM Study Goals.

The correct answers are B and D . Increasing the duration of a VM study gives the team more working time inside the structured Job Plan. SAVE describes Value Methodology as a structured process following defined phases such as Information, Function Analysis, Creativity, Evaluation, Development, and Presentation. ( Value Engineering ) When more time is available, the team can apply additional creative techniques during the Creativity Phase rather than relying only on basic brainstorming. This may include checklists, attribute listing, analogy, morphological methods, or other structured idea-generation approaches.

A longer study also allows evaluation techniques to be more thoughtful . In the Evaluation Phase, ideas from the Creativity Phase are screened, grouped, compared, ranked, and selected for further development. With more time, the team can apply better criteria, discuss advantages and disadvantages more carefully, consider cost, performance, risk, constructability, operations, and maintenance impacts, and reach stronger consensus.

Option A is incorrect because site-visit time may change depending on study scope and complexity. Option C is incorrect because more duration does not mean numerous FAST diagrams must be produced. Option E is not guaranteed because implementation depends on management approval, feasibility, funding, and follow-through after the study.

References/topics: VM Programs; Study Duration; Creativity Phase; Evaluation Phase; VM Job Plan Planning.

The preferable qualities are expertise in their field and availability to attend . In the Preparation or Pre-Workshop stage, the Value Study must be properly planned, organized, staffed, and scheduled before the formal Job Plan begins. The SAVE Study Guide identifies Pre-Workshop activities such as identifying Value Team members , obtaining their commitment to project objectives, and determining study dates, times, location, and other logistical needs. ( )

Technical capability is essential because VM team members must gather and analyze information, identify functions, contribute ideas, evaluate ideas using their experience and expertise, develop alternatives, and present results. The guide specifically describes technical champions as team members selected because of their technical expertise. ( ) Availability is equally important because team members are expected to participate in all meetings, and timely attendance is listed as a responsibility. ( )

Option C is not preferred because VM requires collaborative idea generation, not personal advocacy or forcing individual solutions. Option D is directly contrary to VM team behavior, since the guide stresses open-mindedness and avoiding roadblocks.

References/topics: Preparation Phase; Pre-Workshop Activities; Value Team Member Selection; Team Member Responsibilities; VM Facilitation and Team Dynamics.

The correct answers are B and C . In the VM Job Plan, implementation support requires more than approving an idea; it requires a controlled plan for turning accepted VM proposals into real changes. SAVE’s Value Methodology Standard identifies Create Implementation Plan and Prepare Final Proposals as Development Phase activities, followed by Presentation Phase commitment and Post-Study implementation tracking. ( UW Courses )

A detailed implementation plan is essential because the standard specifically requires an implementation plan with a proposed schedule, implementation activities, team assignments, and management requirements. ( UW Courses ) This directly supports option B . A contingency plan is also appropriate because implementation must account for risk, uncertainty, schedule impact, resource availability, policy limits, and potential barriers. The Development Phase includes implementation requirements that consider risk and uncertainty, making contingency planning a logical implementation-control tool. ( UW Courses )

Option A may be useful background information, but it is not the primary tool for implementing approved proposals. Option D is incorrect because implementation should not proceed blindly without assessing current policies, procedures, constraints, and organizational requirements.

References/topics: Implementation Phase; Development Phase; Implementation Plan; Risk and Uncertainty; Post-Study Implementation.