SAVE International 
 
Certification Examination 
Study Guide 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective July 1, 2016 
This document supersedes all previous documents issued. 
 
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1 

Examination Objectives ........................................................................................... 1 

Examination Requirements  ..................................................................................... 2 

Preparation for Examination .................................................................................... 2 

Part I. Fundamentals ...................................................................................... 2 

Part II. Function Analysis ................................................................................ 2 

Part III. FAST Diagram .................................................................................... 2 

Part IV. Team Building .................................................................................... 2 

Part V. Certification Program ......................................................................... 3 

Part VI. Financial ............................................................................................ 3 

Part VII. Essay ................................................................................................ .3 

Comprehensive Review ............................................................................................ 3 

Appendix A – FAST Diagramming ............................................................................. 4 

Appendix B – What Is An Essay? .............................................................................. 8 

VM Standard ............................................................................................................ 9
 Certification Exam Study Guide 

Introduction  Certification examinations are given each year 
  preceding the SAVE International Annual 
This study guide is written to assist certification  Conference. At other times, candidates may arrange 
candidates in preparing for their written  to have the examination proctored by an individual 
examination. It is intended to assist candidates  approved by the SAVE International Certification 
discover where their knowledge of the value  Board. The details of arranging for a proctored 
methodology (VM) and its applications need to be  examination are described in the Certification 
strengthened. This guide includes the body of  Manual. 
knowledge and the glossary of VM terms as   
currently found in the Value Standard. The material  Examination Objectives 
taught in the Module I Basic Certification Training   
Workshop and the Module II Advanced Certification  The certification examination is designed to test the 
Training Seminar courses closely parallels this body  candidate's knowledge of fundamental VM concepts 
of knowledge. How well you do on the certification  through the use of a variety of question formats. 
examination is a reflection on you, your course  Candidates for the different levels of certification 
instructors and your advisor. The glossary of terms in  (VMA or CVS) will find themselves being asked 
the Value Standard is new in a few basic ways that  questions appropriate to that level of certification 
will need some adjustment, with time, to be  (See Figure 1). In addition, the essay portion of the 
included in our day‐to‐day vocabulary. The  examination for CVS candidates tests the ability to 
examination however, as an encouragement to the  articulate comprehensive VM knowledge in response 
use of standard terms, will follow the definitions  to a particular question. This is intended to measure 
listed in the Value Standard.   effective communication abilities as well as 
  knowledge of VM.  
 
 
Exam Category  VMA  CVS
Part I. Fundamentals  100 points  100 points 
     40 multiple choice questions  30 minutes  30 minutes 
Part II. Function Analysis  100 points  100 points 
     40 multiple choice questions  60 minutes  60 minutes 
Part III. FAST Work Problem   Not  100 points 
     Identify, classify functions and draw a FAST diagram  Applicable  60 minutes 
Part IV. Team Building  Not  100 points 
     20 questions  (True or False)  Applicable  30 minutes 
Part V. Certification  Not  100 points 
     25 questions  (True or False)  Applicable  15 minutes 
Part VI. Financial  Not  100 points 
     Identify VM opportunities, first costs, annual costs and break‐even point  Applicable  30 minutes 
Part VII. Essay  Not  100 points 
     Choose topic and prepare an essay demonstrating VM principles  Applicable  45 minutes 
Total Exam Time  1 1/2 hours  4 1/2 hours 
Score to pass: 70 %
70% achievement is required for each category. Grades will not be averaged. 
 
Figure 1 Examination Matrix 
 

1
 Certification Exam Study Guide 

Examination Requirements  Sources: 
  1. Review Module I function analysis text materials 
Figure 1 shows that each of the two levels of  and exercises. 
certification require different parts of the  2. Practice with your advisor to gain proficiency. 
examination. The Value Methodology Associate  Strive to use action verbs and measurable 
(VMA) candidate is required to take the first two  nouns. 
parts and the Certified Value Specialist (CVS)   
candidate all seven parts. Each part is graded  Part III. FAST Work Problem ‐ The candidate 
separately on the basis of 100 points. A minimum of  will be required to express the common object 
70 percent is required to successfully pass each part.  illustrated in function terms; classify the functions as 
Candidates will be required to retake only those  basic, secondary, supporting, assumed and higher 
parts failed. Re‐examinations can be taken at the  order functions, to prepare a FAST diagram using 
candidate’s convenience, not to exceed one year  those functions. Sixty percent (60%) of the grade for 
from the previous examination. However, the policy  Part III tests your ability to identify the proper 
is that no more than two re‐examinations will be  functions for a project and its component elements 
allowed. A CVS candidate who is currently certified  (parts). Also included is credit to properly classify 
as a VMA is required to take only those sections of  functions. Ten percent (10%) of the grade tests your 
the examination not previously successfully  knowledge to properly label a FAST diagram. All 
completed.   remaining credit (30%) tests your knowledge of 
  creating a FAST diagram using proper function logic 
Completion times shown in the individual parts of  (How/Why) and proper placement of functions in 
the examinations are shown only as a guide. The  the chosen FAST diagram model.  
candidate may allocate time as required to each part   
so long as the examination is completed in the total  Sources: 
allowed time.  1. Review Module I and Module II texts and class 
  exercises. 
Preparation for Examination  2. Practice with your advisor, using all three (3) 
  main types of FAST diagrams. 
3. Learn the labeling by studying the material in 
Part I. Fundamentals ‐ The 40 multiple choice  Appendix B. 
questions test your comprehension of the history of  4. Download and review the Function Monographs 
the value methodology, including the job plan,  on the SAVE website. 
function analysis, FAST diagramming, function cost,   
function worth, creativity, evaluation techniques, 
program management, certification program and 
Part IV. Team Building ‐ This part of the 
implementation techniques.   examination recognizes the vital role that teams play 
  in successful value studies and implementation of 
value proposals. The 25 questions are aimed at 
Sources:  
testing your knowledge of attributes of team 
1. Review text materials from the Module I course. 
members, team dynamics, consensus building, 
2. Review the Certification & Recertification 
habits and attitudes, roadblocks to creativity, and 
Manual and this Study Guide. 
making an effective presentation. 
 
 
Part II. Function Analysis ‐ The 40 multiple  Sources: 
choice questions require the candidate to answer  1. Review text materials from Module I and II 
questions about the common object illustrated in  courses. 
function terms; classify the functions as basic,  2. "Contemporary Value Management Leadership 
secondary and higher order functions, their  Characteristics", RA Fraser, PhD, 1996 SAVE 
placement on a FAST diagram, and understanding  International Proceedings.
the value index.  
 
 

2
 Certification Exam Study Guide 

3. “Using Function Analysis to Give Criticism and   Clarity of Presentation (20%) ‐ Has the essay 
Influence the Behavior of Teams”, Rea Gorin  presented the material logically and in an easily 
Cook, CCC, CTM, 1997 SAVE International  understood order? 
Proceedings.   
  Sources: 
Part V. Certification Program ‐ These 20  1. Read a text on creative writing and prepare 
questions are aimed at testing your understanding of  several essays relating to the unique concepts of 
the general requirements for certification,  the value methodology. 
recertification, workshops and seminars.  2. Review Appendix C: “What is an Essay?”. 
   
Sources:  Comprehensive Review 
1. Module II course material.   
2. Review the Certification & Recertification  While there are number of extremely valuable texts 
Manual, Workshop/Seminar Manual and Study  available in the value methodology, the one that 
Guide.  stands out for covering all aspects of VM is Value 
  Engineering Theory, by Donald E. Parker (available 
Part VI. Financial ‐ Currently there are two sets of  from the SAVE International bookstore) and its 
questions. One set (five questions) addresses  companion, Instructor’s Guide for Value Engineering 
industrial financial analysis. These questions test  Theory Course. It provides not only a comprehensive 
categorizing costs, calculate value study costs and  text, but it will furnish excellent review questions 
returns on investment, understanding of initial costs,  and answers for each of its 11 basic lectures. 
recurring costs and break‐even analysis is tested.   
  In addition, there are several other texts that will be 
The second set (seven questions) addresses financial  valuable in understanding the value methodology 
analysis. These questions test categorizing  and passing the examination. All are available from 
contractor costs, calculate value study costs and  SAVE International. 
returns on investment, prioritizing value objectives   
using calculated value indices (value index), and life  Value Engineering for the Practitioner, by J. Jerry 
cycle costs.  Kaufman is aimed at productivity improvements by 
  increasing the value of products and services to the 
Source:  markets and communities. 
1. Review Module II text and class exercises.   
2. Review this Study Guide and the Value Standard.  A third one to consider is Value Analysis in Design by 
  Theodore C. Fowler. Fowler's focus is on how 
Part VII. Essay ‐ The candidate is asked to prepare  modern methods emphasize customer needs to 
an essay on one of seven value methodology related  prevent product denigration by inappropriate cost 
questions. As an aid in preparing for this question,  reduction. 
the criteria used in grading the question are:   
  If you want to search for specific aspects of the value 
 Content Relevance (60%) ‐ Has the essay  methodology, the SAVE International Knowledge 
demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of  Bank offers a comprehensive collection of 
the subject?  conference technical papers, Value World papers, 
 Ingenuity of Presentation (20%) ‐ Has the essay  and newsletter articles. The Knowledge Bank is 
presented the material in an interesting format  located on the SAVE International website.  
that will inspire the reader? 
 

3
 

Appendix A – FAST Diagramming 
 
In the Value Methodology, functions are defined with two words, a verb and a noun. This enhances specific 
understanding.  The noun, if possible, should be measurable and thereby permit quantification for establishing 
worth. 
 
EXAMPLES 
 
Items      Activity      Function     Unit of Measure 
   
Table      Holds Items    Support Weight    pounds 
Screwdriver    Insert Screws    Transmit Torque    ft/lbs. 
Electric Wire    Connect Parts    Transmit Current   amperage 
Structural Beam    Hold Floor    Support Weight    pounds 
Report      Mail Report    Communicate Data  words 
 
The first step is to define all the functions that the value study team believes are involved in the project. Then 
functions are classified as basic or secondary. For small projects, this is a relatively easy task. For complex projects 
it becomes more involved and literally hundreds of functions can be defined on this random basis. It was for these 
complex projects, that FAST diagramming was developed. 
 
FAST (Function Analysis Systems Technique) is a technique which specifically illustrates the relationships of all 
functions within a specific project utilizing a How‐Why logic pattern based on intuitive logic. The original FAST is 
referred to as Classic FAST. The second, known as Technical FAST, was developed to separate functions occur only 
one time, and those "all the time" functions that are active whether the system is operative or not. These "all the 
time" functions are shown separately from the main function logic. The third and latest, User/Customer FAST, is 
always headed by four supporting functions, Assure Convenience, Satisfy User, Assure Dependability and Attract 
User. 
 
The following pages illustrate the format and labeling of the three types of FAST diagrams. 
 
Hint: If doing a question on FAST, use the information to draw a FAST first! 

4
 PROJECT
HOW OBJECTIVES/ WHY
SPECIFICATIONS
MINOR FUNCTION LOGIC PATH

INDEPENDENT DEPENDENT
FUNCTION FUNCTION

INDEPENDENT
FUNCTION
CONCEPT

BASIC DEPENDENT LOWER

HIGHER ORDER
FUNCTION FUNCTION FUN
FUNCTION
The Classic FAST Model

CONCEPT
ACTIVITY ACTIVITY
MAJOR FUNCTION LOGIC PATH

SCOPE OF PROJECT UNDER STUDY

HIGHER ORDER FUNCTIONS

WHEN
LOWER ORDER FUNCTIONS

5
 HOW DESIGN ONE TIME ALL TIME
OBJECTIVES FUNCTIONS FUNCTIONS

CRITICAL PATH OF FUNCTIONS

HIGHER ORDER BASIC REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED

FUNCTION FUNCTION SECONDARY SECONDARY SECONDARY
FUNCTION FUNCTION FUNCTION
The Technical FAST Model

Caused by or
happens the
same time as

UNWANTED
FUNCTIONS

6
 FUNCTION ANALYSIS SYSTEMS TECHNIQUE
Customer-Oriented FAST

HOW? WHY?

Basic Functions
Secondary
Basic
Primary
Basic
Secondary
Basic
SCOPE LINE

TASK Supporting Functions/Sell Functions

Higher Order
Assure
Functi on
Convenience Third Level
Supporting
Secondary
Supporting
Assure
Dependability Third Level
Supporting
Secondary
Supporting
Enhance
Product

Please
Senses

Primary Secondary Third Level

Functions Functions Functions

7
 

Appendix B – What Is An Essay? 
 
Introduction: Statement of Thesis 
Essays like paragraphs develop one main idea. The main idea of an essay is called a thesis statement, and it is 
expressed in the introduction, usually at the end of the introduction. Like the main idea of a paragraph, a thesis is a 
general statement. The statement that serves as a thesis for an essay is often more general than the topic 
sentence of a paragraph but not as general as a thesis of a book. 
 
An introduction serves as a contract between a writer and his or her readers. In the introduction, a writer makes 
specific commitments that must be fulfilled. The most important of these is the thesis statement, which commits 
the writer to a specific focus. In effect, it provides the reader with an accurate expectation of what the writer plans 
to do – the main idea that the writer plans to develop. 
 
In general, a good introduction accomplishes three purposes: 
1. It attracts the reader’s interest, 
2. It provides the reader with background definition, 
3. It focuses the reader’s attention on the main idea of the essay. 
 
Body: Development of Thesis 
The body of a unified coherent essay consists of a number of related paragraphs that develop the thesis.  
 
The individual sentences within each paragraph support the main idea (topic sentence) of the paragraph and the 
paragraphs support the main idea (thesis) of the essay. 
 
A writer develops the topic sentence of a paragraph by discussing, explaining and expanding the idea that it 
expresses. A writer develops the thesis of an essay in the same way. Both topic sentences and thesis statements 
are general statements that must be supported by specific facts, details, and examples. In an essay, a writer 
usually devotes a paragraph to each major supporting point. Each of these supporting points is directly related to 
the thesis and helps develop it. But each major supporting pint is also developed individually as a paragraph. 
 
Writers often develop the paragraphs that make up the body of an essay by using the familiar methods of 
development – narration, description, illustration, comparison/contrast, classification, cause and effect, and 
definition. Although sometimes you may use a single method for an entire essay, it is much more likely that you 
will use a combination of methods. 
 
Conclusion: Re‐emphasis of Thesis 
The conclusion of an essay, like the conclusion of a paragraph, gives the reader a sense of completion. Conclusions 
usually refer back to the introduction or, at least re‐emphasize in some way the thesis stated in the introduction. 
Often the conclusion briefly summarizes the thesis and the major supporting points. A good conclusion always 
confirms the audience’s understanding of what they have read by reminding them of the writer’s purpose. Like 
introductions, conclusions provide readers with an overview. 
 
Adapted from Contexts: Writing and Reading by Jeanette Harris and Ann Mosley. 
 

8
VALUE
METHODOLOGY
STANDARD
March 2015

SAVE International gratefully acknowledges
the VP Education team and, in particular,
Fred Kolano, (SAVE International Director of
Standards and Resources), Randall Sprague,
and Dr. Roy Woodhead for their
contributions and additions to the original
standard developed by the Paul Revere
Chapter and John W. Bryant in May, 1997.
Foreword
This Standard was originally drafted in May
1997. It has been updated periodically to
address changes in the business
environment and technology and to meet
future integration with the International
Standards Organization. The Value
Methodology Standard is intended to
provide a practical guide for applying the
principles of the value methodology in a
consistent manner. It may be used by both
practitioners and management.
The value methodology can be applied to a
wide variety of applications, including
industrial or consumer products,
construction projects, manufacturing
processes, business procedures, services,
and business plans.
The value methodology is commonly
applied under the names Value Analysis
(VA), Value Engineering (VE), and Value
Management (VM). These terms can be
used interchangeably with value
methodology throughout the standard and
this document. Other value improvement
processes also qualify as value studies as
long as they adhere to the Value
Standard’s Job Plan and perform Function
Analysis as part of their total process.
This Standard has been prepared by the
SAVE International® Standards and
Resources Director, a member of the SAVE
Value Methodology Standard
International® Vice President of Education’s
team. It is approved by the SAVE
International® Certification Board and the
SAVE International® Board of Directors. It
seeks to state the minimum that clients and
providers should expect when the value
methodology is applied to a project.
This Standard will assist managers, value
program managers, practitioners, and
trainers in applying value methodology in
their organizations in a consistent, standard
manner. It may also assist those who
procure value methodology services to
develop proposal requests that ensure they
receive complete and useful value
methodology services.
The nomenclature used throughout this
Value Methodology Standard is as follows:
Value Study -- The overarching objective of
a value study is to improve the value of the
project.
Job Plan – Provides the structure for the
Value Study which is part of a three-stage
process (see Figure 1):
 Pre-Workshop preparation
 Value Workshop which applies the
Six Phase Job Plan
 Post-Workshop documentation and
implementation
Value Methodology – Provides the process
and structure that is used to apply the Value
Job Plan used in the Workshop.
Value Methodology Standard –
Establishes the specific six-phase sequential
Job Plan process and outlines the objectives
of each of those phases. It does not
standardize the specific activities that are
used to accomplish each phase.
 Value Methodology Standard

with contract language, including

Purpose and seeking legal guidance.

Users of the Value Methodology

Scope of the
Standard
The purpose of this document is to:
1) Define the steps and components that
constitute a valid Value Study.
Standard should be aware that some
governing bodies require that value
engineering facilitator hold specific
licenses or other credentials not
identified by the Value Standard. If so,
the user should identify such
considerations when soliciting and
contracting for value methodology
services.

2) Document supporting information

that defines a generic methodology,
common terminology, and standard
practice to guide practitioners and
managers in effectively applying
value methodology to improve the
value of their projects.
A Value Study is the formal
3) Guide the practitioner and manager application of a value
in determining at what point to apply methodology to a project in
value methodology to a project in order to improve its value. This
order to maximize: application is also referred to as
value engineering, value
a. the benefits of team analysis, value planning, or
innovation skills and value management. For
purposes of this standard, the
b. implementation of
subject of a Value Study
alternative(s) that add value to
whether it is a product, process,
the project.
procedure, design, or service
This document may be used by both will be referred to as the
practitioners and managers as a guide “project.”
for applying value methodology.

The Value Methodology Standard allows

for the tailored application of value
methodology and related practices to
suit the intended application.

The Value Methodology Standard has

not been prepared as a legal document.
If the user intends to use the Value
Standard for procurement purposes the
user should consult expertise familiar

3 SAVE International Value Standard, 2015 edition

 Value Methodology Standard

performance requirements and

The Value resource limits.

5. Development Phase
Methodology The team develops the selected ideas
into alternatives (or proposals) with a
Standard sufficient level of documentation to
allow decision makers to determine if
the alternative should be
The value methodology is a systematic
implemented.
process that follows the Job Plan. A
value methodology is applied by a
6. Presentation Phase
multidisciplinary team to improve the
value of a project through the analysis of The team leader develops a report
functions. and/or presentation that documents
and conveys the adequacy of the
The Job Plan consists of the following
alternative(s) developed by the team
sequential phases. (See Figure 1)
and the associated value
improvement opportunity.
1. Information Phase
In order to qualify as a Value Study,
The team reviews and defines the
the following conditions must be
current conditions of the project and
satisfied.
identifies the goals of the study.
A. The Value Study Team follows an
2. Function Analysis Phase
organized Job Plan that includes, at
The team defines the project a minimum, the six phases identified
functions using a two-word active in this standard. Function Analysis, as
verb/ measurable noun context. The defined in this document, is
team reviews and analyzes these performed on the project.
functions to determine which need
B. The Value Study Team is a
improvement, elimination, or creation
to meet the project’s goals. multidisciplinary group of
experienced professionals and
3. Creative Phase project stakeholders. Team members
are chosen based on their expertise
The team employs creative and experience with the project.
techniques to identify other ways to Sometimes individuals who have
perform the project’s function(s). relevant expertise; but are not directly
involved with the project are added to
4. Evaluation Phase provide a different point of view.

The team follows a structured C. The Value Team Leader is trained

evaluation process to select those in value methodology techniques and
ideas that offer the potential for value is qualified to lead a study team using
improvement while delivering the the Job Plan. The SAVE
project’s function(s) and considering International® Certification Board

4 SAVE International Value Standard, 2015 edition

 Value Methodology Standard

certifies, with the designation
Certified Value Specialist® (CVS®),
those individuals who have met
specified training requirements and
have demonstrated competency in
the application of the Job Plan. The
Team Facilitator shall be a CVS®, or a
VMP serving under the guidance of a
CVS® as defined by SAVE
Certification criteria, or shall be the
holder of another active certification
recognized by SAVE International®.
Figure 1 illustrates the Job Plan process
flow. Each of the Job Plan phases must
be performed in sequence because each
phase provides information and
understanding necessary for the
successful execution of the next phase.
As the team gains additional knowledge
about the project, a previous phase may
be revisited.
References
 The Value Methodology Body of
Knowledge is comprised of the Value
Methodology: A Pocket Guide to
Reduce Cost and Improve Value
through Function Analysis (ISBN 978-
1-57681-105-4)
 ASTM Standard Practice E1699-13 for
the Value Methodology
 SAVE International®® website:
http://www.value-eng.org
 Miles Value Foundation website:
http://www.valuefoundation.org
 Principles of Value Analysis/Value
Engineering by Lawrence D. Miles.

Pre
Study
Activities
Stage 1 - Pre Workshop/Study
Stage 2 - Workshop/Study (Value Job Plan)

No

Function
Information Creative Evaluation Results
Analysis
Phase Phase Phase OK?
Phase

Yes
Presentation Development
Phase Phase

Stage 3 - Post Workshop/Study

Results No
OK?
Yes Value Study
Phases
Implementation Follow Up
Phase Activities
Additional
Activities

5 SAVE International Value Standard, 2015 edition