Free Certified Value Specialist Practice Questions

Step 1 — Identify the major deliverables

Step 2 — Identify major supporting activities and tasks

Step 3 — Organize and structure the deliverables

Step 4 — Assign responsibility for deliverables

Step 5 — Verify the work breakdown structure

The correct sequence begins with identifying the major deliverables because a Work Breakdown Structure is deliverable-oriented. The team must first define what must be produced before it can break the work into manageable parts. After the major deliverables are clear, the next step is to identify the major supporting activities and tasks required to complete each deliverable.

The third step is to organize and structure the deliverables into a logical hierarchy. This converts the project scope into a structured framework that can be planned, estimated, tracked, and controlled. The fourth step is to assign responsibility for deliverables , because the WBS must support accountability. Each work element should have clear ownership so that implementation actions do not remain vague or unmanaged.

The final step is to verify the work breakdown structure . Verification confirms that the WBS is complete, logical, non-duplicative, and aligned with the intended scope. In VM practice, this supports implementation planning by connecting proposals, deliverables, responsibilities, and follow-up control.

References/topics: VM Programs; Implementation Planning; Work Breakdown Structure; Deliverable Breakdown; Responsibility Assignment; Project Control.

The correct answers are B, C, and D . In the Function Analysis Phase, the FAST diagram is used as a function-logic model, not as an activity schedule or work-sequence chart. The VM Guide describes FAST, or Function Analysis System Technique, as one of the most effective methods for classifying and organizing functions and as a powerful diagramming technique for analyzing the relationship of functions . It specifically states that FAST diagrams are used to show the specific relationships of functions, test the validity of functions under study, and help identify missing functions. ( pdfcoffee.com )

Therefore, C is correct because FAST visually illustrates how functions relate through How/Why logic. B is correct because the diagram tests whether identified functions are valid within the functional logic path. D is correct because gaps in the How/Why logic expose missing functions.

Option A is not the best answer because FAST does not primarily identify a chronological sequence of functions. Option E is incorrect because FAST focuses on functions, not required activities or tasks.

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; FAST Diagramming; Function Logic; Missing Functions; Validity of Functions.

The correct answers are A and B . During the Development Phase , a VM proposal must be sufficiently developed to demonstrate that it supports the study objectives, required functions, performance expectations, constraints, risks, and value improvement goals. If a team member determines that a proposal will not meet the goals of the study subject, the facilitator should not simply discard it without traceability. The proper action is to document the reasons the proposal does not meet the goals. This preserves the analytical basis for the decision and shows that the alternative was considered objectively rather than rejected informally.

The facilitator should also review the results with stakeholders because the proposal may affect owner requirements, scope intent, user expectations, cost targets, or implementation priorities. Stakeholder review confirms whether the proposal should be revised, deferred, combined with another alternative, or formally eliminated.

Option C is incorrect because completing a proposal that is already known not to meet study goals wastes team effort unless stakeholders specifically redirect the team. Option D is incorrect because disregarding the proposal without documentation violates disciplined VM practice and weakens decision transparency.

References/topics: Development Phase; VM Proposal Development; Stakeholder Review; Value Alternative Validation; Documentation of Rejected Alternatives.

The correct answers are A and C because the VM Job Plan is a sequential, function-based process. SAVE’s study guide explains that the Job Plan guides the study team through identifying and focusing on key project functions so new ideas can be created for value improvement. It also states that Job Plan phases are performed in sequence because each phase provides the information needed for the next phase. ( )

Therefore, functions must be defined before alternative solutions are generated . This occurs in the Function Analysis Phase , where the team identifies, classifies, and models project functions, then selects value-mismatched functions to focus the Creativity Phase. ( ) The Creative Phase then generates alternative ideas for performing those functions, while the Evaluation Phase later reduces and prioritizes those ideas by considering cost, performance, and other evaluation methods. ( )

Option B is incorrect because idea generation and evaluation are intentionally separated; judgment is suspended during Creativity and applied during Evaluation. Option D is incorrect because functions are not fully defined before the VM study; they are formally developed during the Job Plan.

References/topics: VM Job Plan; Function Analysis Phase; Creativity Phase; Evaluation Phase; Sequential Job Plan Logic.

The correct answers are

C.  

D.  

Discursive creativity techniques are structured, logical, and systematic. They help the team move through the problem deliberately rather than relying only on spontaneous brainstorming. Breaking problems into sub-problems is appropriate because it allows the facilitator to separate a complex function, process, or constraint into smaller idea-generation targets. This improves coverage and prevents the team from treating the problem too broadly. Mind-mapping is also appropriate because it visually organizes relationships among functions, causes, ideas, constraints, and possible solution paths.

Option A is incorrect because focusing on the most feasible ideas belongs to the Evaluation Phase , not Creativity. Option B is a useful facilitation rule, but it is not specifically a discursive creativity technique.

References/topics: Creativity Phase; Discursive Creativity Techniques; Idea Generation; Function-Based Alternatives; Evaluation Phase Boundary.

The correct answers are

C.  

D.  

E.  

Technological evolution drives change because new tools, automation, systems, and digital capabilities can make existing methods outdated or inefficient. Process reviews are also common drivers because structured review often reveals waste, duplication, poor function performance, or value gaps that require improvement. Crises are strong change drivers because urgent disruption, failure, cost pressure, safety issues, or market shock can force rapid organizational response.

Option A, organizational culture, may influence how change is accepted or resisted, but it is not listed here as a primary change driver. Option B, maintaining habits, is usually a resistance behavior, not a driver of change.

References/topics: VM Facilitation and Team Dynamics; Change Management; Change Drivers; Organizational Change; VM Programs.

The correct answers are

B.  

C.  

D.  

E.  

Function Analysis therefore stimulates communication by giving different disciplines a common functional language. It changes viewpoints by shifting discussion from components and preferred solutions to required purposes. It expands knowledge because team members learn how functions, resources, cost, worth, and performance relate. It also identifies opportunities by exposing inefficient, high-cost, unnecessary, or poorly performed functions.

Option A is less precise because Function Analysis does not primarily “communicate ideas”; idea communication occurs more strongly in Creativity, Development, and Presentation. Option F is incorrect because opportunities are identified in Function Analysis, while new alternatives are created in the Creativity Phase.

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; Function Definition; Shared Understanding; Value Improvement Opportunities; FAST/Function Modeling.