The premier professional association for cost and management professionals, AACE International has offered top-notch certification programs since 1976. AACE's Certification programs are designed to help you establish outside professional credentials and give you a means to validate your skills and knowledge. With AACE Certification, you can be sure that you have met a high quality standard.

AACE's CCC^TM/CCE^TM, CCT^TM, EVP^TM, and PSP^TM certifications are independently accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards. Recommended study guides for the CCC/CCE, CCT, EVP, and PSP certifications can be found on this website. The CFCC exam has no recommended texts for study as the knowledge in which you would be tested is gained completely from experience.

The AACE Certification Program encompasses specialties in cost estimating, project controls, planning and scheduling, and other related cost management disciplines. The original certifications, the Certified Cost Consultant^TM (CCC^TM) and Certified Cost Engineer^TM (CCE^TM) cover all areas of Total Cost Management and require 8 full years of relevant experience. The Certified Cost Technician^TM (CCT^TM) covers only the fundamentals, and requires 4 full years of relevant experience.

Recognizing that individuals with a more focused career path need validation of their qualifications, AACE has developed the following additional specialty certifications:

• Certified Estimating Professional (CEP)
• Certified Forensic Claims Consultant (CFCC)
• Earned Value Professional (EVP)
• Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP)

What is a Certified Cost Consultant (CCC) / Certified Cost Engineer (CCE)?
Since 1976, AACE's CCC/CCE has recognized several thousand certified individuals as Certified Cost Consultant / Certified Cost Engineer. AACE's CCC/CCE is independently accredited by the Council of Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB). The intent is to recognize specialists who meet a demanding set of cost and management criteria by a rigorous examination, experience, education and ethical qualifications. The CCC/CCE requirements reflect the sophistication of individuals in today's cost and management industry and it fairly measures their knowledge, experience and adherence to best management practices.

CCC/CCE certification distinguishes cost and management professionals who have the knowledge and skills that impact the bottom line. AACE certification ensures a high quality standard.

Summary of CCC/CCE Certification Process
Candidates for the CCC/CCE designation must meet these minimum requirements:

1. Experience requirements
   At least 8 full years of professional experience, of which up to 4 years may be substituted by a college/university degree. Related degrees include: engineering, building construction, construction technology, business, economics, accounting, construction management, architecture, computer science, mathematics, etc.
2. Submit Application Instructions and fees
   AACE Members US$350.00 Non-Members US$500.00, subtract $50 for the early fee. Submit the Application Instructions, work/education verification and fees prior to the FINAL exam deadline date as listed on the Exam Calendar.
3. Submit professional paper
   Regularly scheduled exam candidates: The minimum 2500 word technical paper must be submitted electronically to AACE staff before the registration deadline.
4. Pass the examination
   To become a CCC/CCE, an overall passing score must be achieved, as determined by the Certification Board.

The exam is totally multiple-choice questions. Two parts are open book, two parts are closed book. Effective Spring 2010, they are as follows:

• Part I - Basic Cost Engineering Skills & Knowledge - open book
• Part II - Economic Analysis - open book
• Part III - Project Management - closed book
• Part IV - Cost Estimating and Control - closed book

Part I consists of 50 multiple-choice questions.
Parts II, III and IV consist of a combination of compound questions and multiple choice questions; all must be answered.

We recommend that your technical paper topic be something with which you are already familiar, such as a project you have done at work. The chosen topic is not as important as your ability to communicate through your paper. Be sure to follow the recommendations described in the Certification Paper Requirements (How to Write a Technical Paper) guide.

Recommended texts for study for CCC/CCE:
Most recommended texts, available in our Online Store:

• AACE International CCC/CCE Certification Study Guide, 3rd edition (or 2nd edition if you already have it)
• Recommended Practices (specifically RP 11R-88 and RP 10S-90)
• Skills & Knowledge of Cost Engineering, 5th edition (4th edition if you already have it)
• Total Cost Management Framework, An Integrated Approach to Portfolio, Program, and Project Management

For detailed information go to: www.aacei.org