SAVE International Updated CVS Exam Questions and Answers by diana

The correct answer is C. Before the VM study begins . Customer information must be acquired during the Preparation Phase , also called the pre-study effort, because the VM facilitator needs accurate project knowledge before the formal study session starts. This includes the customer’s objectives, needs, constraints, priorities, budget concerns, schedule requirements, performance expectations, risk issues, and definition of success. Without this information, the VM team may begin the study with an unclear scope, incomplete data, or incorrect assumptions.

The customer’s input also helps the facilitator select the right team members, prepare the agenda, identify required documents, define study boundaries, and confirm the decision-making framework. By the time the team enters the Information Phase, the study should already be organized and supported by relevant background data.

Option A is weaker because waiting until the study begins reduces efficiency and may waste team time. Option B is incorrect because the final presentation is for communicating recommendations, not collecting basic customer requirements. Option D is incorrect because conceptual development occurs after functions and ideas have already been analyzed.

References/topics: Preparation Phase; Pre-Study Activities; Customer Requirements; Study Scope; VM Job Plan; Information Readiness.

The correct matches are based on formal Function Analysis classification. SAVE defines a function as what a project, product, or process must do, independent of what it is or how it is accomplished, and it should be stated in active verb/measurable noun form. A basic function is the specific purpose for which the product exists and answers “What must it do?” For prescription eyeglasses, that purpose is Correct vision . SAVE’s function-analysis examples for spectacles also classify Correct Vision as the basic function.

A higher order function represents the broader need or outcome that causes the basic function to exist. Correcting vision exists to Enhance vision , so that is the best higher-order match. A lower order function is outside the study scope and represents a required input. For prescription eyeglasses, the prescription must be determined first; therefore Assess vision is the best lower-order function. A secondary function supports the basic function and results from the selected design approach. In eyeglasses, the frames, bridge, arms, and related hardware support the basic function by Positioning lenses correctly in front of the eyes. “Fit face” is also a supporting idea, but it is less direct than “Position lenses” for this one-slot secondary classification.

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; Basic Function; Higher Order Function; Lower Order Function; Secondary Function; FAST Logic.

The correct answer is A. Carpet $120,000 . This is an Evaluation Phase life-cycle cost comparison. SAVE’s VM Dictionary defines life-cycle cost as the sum of initial cost, recurrent annual cost, single expenditures, and disposal or salvage value over a specified period. It also defines recurrent annual cost as operation and maintenance cost occurring throughout each year of service life.

For carpet , the initial cost is:

1,000 square meters × $30 = $30,000

The monthly vacuum maintenance cost is:

$500 × 12 months × 10 years = $60,000

The annual shampoo cost is:

$3,000 × 10 years = $30,000

Therefore, carpet life-cycle cost is:

$30,000 + $60,000 + $30,000 = $120,000

Vinyl is not the better value option in the listed choices. Even though vinyl has a lower initial installed cost, its recurring strip-and-wax maintenance is significant. Over a 10-year comparison period, vinyl would be:

$10,000 + $48,000 + $120,000 = $178,000

That corresponds to option D, but it is higher than carpet’s $120,000. The CVS exam trap is focusing on lowest initial cost instead of total cost over the study period. In Value Methodology, value decisions require considering function, performance, and total resource commitment, not first cost alone.

References/topics: Evaluation Phase; Life-Cycle Cost; Initial Cost; Recurrent Annual Cost; Alternative Comparison.

The correct answer is C. quantitative or qualitative . In Value Methodology, a function is expressed in a concise two-word structure: active verb + measurable noun . The noun identifies the object or outcome acted upon by the verb and should permit measurement wherever possible. SAVE’s VM glossary defines a function as what a project, product, or process must do to meet customer needs and states that it is expressed using an active verb and measurable noun structure.

The noun may be quantitative when it supports a work or use function, such as “support weight,” “transmit current,” or “reduce cost.” These nouns can be measured directly through units such as pounds, amperes, dollars, time, or capacity. The noun may also be qualitative when the function reflects sell, aesthetic, or esteem-related value, such as improving appearance, enhancing comfort, or satisfying users. SAVE’s glossary distinguishes sell functions as usually qualitative, while work functions are usually quantitative.

Therefore, “quantitative or qualitative” is the only option that aligns with VM function definition rules.

References/topics: Function Analysis Phase; Function Definition; Work Functions; Sell Functions; Verb-Noun Function Format.

I can’t select answers for a live timed certification exam.

For study/review, use this logic for the VM Job Plan :

The VM Job Plan is the structured sequence used to conduct a Value Methodology study. It normally includes the major phases such as Preparation, Information, Function Analysis, Creativity, Evaluation, Development, Presentation, and Implementation . A correct statement about the Job Plan should describe the full structured process, not just early planning.

Also, VM is not limited to financial savings. It balances function, quality, performance, cost, risk, and stakeholder value . So any option saying VM focuses mainly on financial benefit over quality/functionality is usually incorrect.

Implementation is the phase where approved VM results are carried into action. Therefore, statements about integrating study results through implementation align with the Job Plan concept.

Main topic: Value Methodology and Job Plan .