Certified Cost Professional (CCP)

The Certified Cost Professional (CCP) is one of the most distinguished certifications offered by AACE International. It validates a practitioner’s advanced knowledge and technical expertise in applying the principles of Total Cost Management (TCM) to the planning, execution, and management of organizational projects and programs.

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Certified Cost Professional (CCP)

Overview

The CCP credential is an expert-level certification that goes beyond basic cost engineering. It focuses on the strategic integration of cost estimating, planning, scheduling, and risk management. A unique requirement of this certification is the submission of a technical paper, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to communicate complex cost engineering concepts effectively.

Prerequisites

AACE International sets a high bar for eligibility, requiring candidates to demonstrate long-term commitment to the field:

Experience Only: 8 years of industry-related experience.
Education + Experience: 4 years of industry-related experience PLUS a 4-year industry-related college degree.
Technical Paper: Submission of a minimum 2,500-word technical paper on a cost engineering topic.

Ethics: Adherence to AACE International’s Canons of Ethics.

Scope

The CCP exam and training are divided into four performance domains that encompass the full lifecycle of project controls:

Basic Skills & Knowledge: Cost elements, pricing, and labor/material/equipment costs.
Economic Analysis: Engineering economics, including the time value of money, ROI, and depreciation.
Project Management: Procurement, contract management, and leadership.
Cost Estimating & Control: Earned Value Management (EVM), forecasting, and risk quantification.

Target Audience

Cost Engineers & Estimators.
Project Control Managers & Planners.
Quantity Surveyors & Schedulers.
Financial Analysts working on capital projects.
Consultants & Commercial Managers in construction, oil & gas, or infrastructure.

Certifications

Credential Name: Certified Cost Professional (CCP).
Validity: Valid for 3 years.

Recertification: Requires either earning 15 professional credits through continuing education and professional activity or retaking the exam.

Examination & Membership Fee

The exam is a 5-hour, 120-question proctored session. Membership is recommended to access the discount on both the exam and study materials.

Category	AACE Member Fee	Non-Member Fee
CCP Examination Fee	$525 USD	$690 USD
Resit Fee	$260 USD	$260 USD
Annual Membership	~$200 USD	N/A

FAQ's

Q: Is the technical paper graded separately?

A: Yes. The technical paper must pass a separate review process before you are granted the certification. It is usually submitted at the time of application.

Q: How is the CCP different from the CCT (Certified Cost Technician)?

A: The CCT is an entry-level technician certification for those with less experience. The CCP is an advanced professional-level certification with much stricter prerequisites.

Q: What is the passing score for the exam?

A: You must achieve an overall score of 70% or higher to pass the examination.

Q: Can I use a calculator during the exam?

A: Yes, any style of battery-operated calculator is permitted. An onscreen formula sheet is also provided during the computer-based test.

A professional CCP training program typically covers the following technical modules:

Module 1: Cost Elements & Pricing: Direct and indirect costs, labor productivity, and material management.
Module 2: Estimating & Budgeting: Applying AACE Recommended Practices for Class 5 to Class 1 estimates.
Module 3: Engineering Economics: Detailed study of NPV, IRR, Annuities, and Life Cycle Costing (LCC).
Module 4: Performance Analysis (EVM): Calculating SPI, CPI, and forecasting “Estimate at Completion” (EAC).
Module 5: Project Management & Risk: Contracting strategies, quality management, and risk modeling.
Module 6: Technical Paper Coaching: Guidance on topic selection and writing for the 2,500-word requirement.