Certified Cost Professional (CCP) - AACE
The training course Certified Cost Professional (plus exam!) will prepare you for the official Certified Cost Professional certificate of AACE, the International Association of Cost Engineering. You will earn the worldwide acknowledged title CCP!
Structure of the AACE - Certified Cost Professional (CCP) training course
The Certified Cost Professional (CCP) training course consists of:
- 5 consecutive days in-class training course in Amsterdam (40 hours)
- 21 hours of live online training (spread over 4 half days), consisting of:
- review of CCP training topics including 100 sample questions
- CCP mock exam: 119 questions
- 2 hours of individual/personal online mentoring prior to the CCP exam
- The official AACE - Certified Cost Professional (CCP) exam
AACE (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering)
AACE International is the largest organization serving the entire spectrum of the cost management profession.
This Certified Cost Professional (CCP) training course is delivered under the Authorized Education Provider (AEP) accreditation program by AACE International. Your instructors are highly qualified and experienced international experts in the fields of cost engineering and project management.
Why should you attend this training course and earn your Certified Cost Professional (CCP) title?
Project capital budgeting is the process by which organizations make strategic and long-term investment decisions on projects. Selecting and investing in 'the right projects' among various mutually exclusive or synergistic alternatives is therefore a key priority for project-based organizations. In making these business-critical decisions, you should follow a process that ensures efficiency, predictability, and auditability of the investment. This process should be based on best practices and be supported by appropriate tools and techniques.
The Certified Cost Professional (CCP) training course will teach you the techniques of cost estimating, project planning, and cost control for the various stages of both CAPEX and OPEX projects. Besides providing you with the appropriate knowledge to successfully complete the exam, the instructors will provide you with a solid understanding of the requirements and skills of a Certified Cost Professional (CCP). The program incorporates the best international practices and utilizes procedures, and a methodology based on AACE and other outstanding associations.
Practical examples will illustrate the content, and hands-on, detailed practical exercises will help you apply the theoretical concepts to real-world situations. Upon completion of the CCP training course, you will be able to apply your newly acquired knowledge immediately.
The Certified Cost Professional (CCP) designation is one of the most recognized certifications in the field of cost engineering and cost management globally!
What is a Certified Cost Professional (CCP)?
A Certified Cost Professional (CCP) is an experienced practitioner with advanced knowledge and technical expertise to apply the broad principles and best practices of Total Cost Management (TCM) in the planning, execution, and management of any organizational project or program. Specifically covering aspects of cost engineering, the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) certification also includes the wider integration of project controls, incorporating cost estimating, planning & scheduling, cost control, and risk management.
Certified Cost Professionals (CCP) also demonstrate the ability to research and communicate aspects of Total Cost Management (TCM) principles and practices to all levels of a project or program, both internally and externally. The Certified Cost Professional (CCP) certification will demonstrate that you are a cost professional who has the skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact on revenues for your organization.
About The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE)
AACE International is a non-profit, leading-edge professional association, founded in the USA. AACE International is the largest organization serving the entire spectrum of the cost management profession. It is a member-driven organization that is serving the profession around the world. Members get the resources to enhance their success over the span of their career. There are over 10,000 members around the world in 100+ countries. Members include cost management professionals in disciplines such as: cost engineering, cost estimating, planning and scheduling, decision and risk management, project management, project control, cost/schedule control, earned value management, claims, and more.
When you are a Certified Cost Professional (CCP), you show that you meet today's highest professional standard in the industry!
Who should attend the Certified Cost Professional training?
The Certified Cost Professional (CCP) training course is suitable for everyone who is part of any team involved in CAPEX/OPEX projects. The training is aimed at cost controllers, (cost) estimators, project and program managers, project (cost) engineers, project control professionals, contract administrators, members of the purchase department, members of a tendering team, work preparators, project sponsors and all who are involved in technical projects, cost estimation, cost control, and contract review in their organization, as well as those who are associated with project planning and scheduling.
The AACE International salary survey reveals that Certified Cost Professionals (CCP) earn more throughout their whole career than those without certification!
Prerequisites to become a Certified Cost Professional (CCP)
To become a Certified Cost Professional (CCP) you must have at least 8 years of professional experience. Of those 8 years, 4 years of appropriate college-level/academic education count as acceptable professional experience. To maintain your certification, you must also satisfy continuing certification requirements. If you do not (yet) have the required working experience, you may choose to first earn the Certified Cost Technician (CCT) title.
Differences between the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) and the Certified Cost Technician (CCT) title
The AACE International portfolio of certificates includes a Technician (Certified Cost Technician) and a Professional (Certified Cost Professional) level. The initial difference between the two is the minimum years of experience and/or level of education required to be eligible to take one of the two exams. Depending on your experience and qualifications, you could either choose to do the Certified Cost Technician (CCT) exam or the more advanced Certified Cost Professional (CCP) exam.
Cost engineers at both the technician and the professional level are often required to demonstrate the same knowledge and skills. Therefore, the Certified Cost Technician (CCT) and the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) training courses are identical, only the exam differs.
Certified Cost Professional (CCP) – exam
The Certified Cost Professional examination is a broadly desired and demanding exam. The exam can be daunting if you are not well prepared. The Certified Cost Professional (CCP) exam contains 2 components: the multiple-choice exam and a communication domain comprised of 1 memo writing assignment with a given scenario and instructions for writing a response in an onscreen textbox. The CCP exam is a closed-book exam, tests 4 modules, consists of 119 multiple-choice and compound scenario questions and takes 5 hours.
To pass the exam you must meet the overall average score of 70% or higher. The 4 domains that are tested on your CCP examination are:
1. Cost management (55 exam questions)
2. Interfacing with other disciplines (24 exam questions)
3. Performance (40 exam questions)
4. Communication (memo writing assignment)
With testing centers all over the world, Kryterion serves as an approved (online) examination proctor for the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) exam. You can take your computer-based exam any day and anytime that suits you. The official AACE-CCP exam is included in the training, and we will support all participants in applying for their exam.
How to maintain your Certified Cost Professional (CCP) certification?
Those holding the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) certification are required to recertify every 3 years from the date listed on their initial certification. To be eligible for recertification, certification holders must have earned at least 12 CEUs over a 3-year period. You can also recertify by taking and passing the CCP exam again.
Certified Cost Professional (CCP) – study materials
You will receive the AACE International Certified Cost Professional (CCP) certification Study Guide, AACE's Recommended Practices, AACE's publication 'Skills & Knowledge of Cost Engineering' (6th edition), and AACE's Total Cost Management Framework. Moreover, you will receive the CCP candidate Handbook, how to write a CCP memo, procedure templates and CCP mock exam.
PDUs from the Project Management Institute (PMI)
For professionals already holding professional certifications granted by the Project Management Institute (PMI®), the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) training can be submitted as an educational activity, granting you up to 40 PDU's.
Supplies for the CCP training
You are required to have a laptop with Microsoft Excel installed. Ideally, it should also include Microsoft Project.
Reviews
Some remarks of former participants:
"The training provided key perspectives to improve my work function and prepare for the exams. I loved how passionate the trainer was. I enjoyed the estimating part of the training."
"The training was very interesting and educative. It covers mostly our financial operations."
"I enjoyed the training and think the trainer is quite knowledgeable."
"Very useful training. I enjoyed the entire training as well as the financial mathematics aspect of it."
"The training was very thoughtful and exciting."
Henry Dashin, Funding Advisor
"Very informative and applicable to my job."
"Excellently delivered course."
Also of interest!
All our courses are delivered in-class, unless otherwise stated. Below is a selection of courses that may also be of interest to you:
- Certified Cost Technician - CCT (AACE)
- Cost Estimating Foundation
- ISO 31000 Risk Management
- Certified Data Management Professional - CDMP (DAMA)
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals (ISACA)
- Cybersecurity for Industrial Automation and OT
- Identity Management & Access Control - IAM
- Contract & Procurement Fraud (ACFE)
- Bribery & Corruption (ACFE)
In-company
With at least 5 participants an in-house training could be your best option! An in-company training, customized to the needs of your organization, has many advantages and:
- saves you and your colleagues time
- enables you to train in the comfort of your own working environment
- saves travel and accommodation expenses
- can be arranged at a time convenient for you
- sensitive issues can be discussed openly since no outsiders are present
Do you prefer an in-company training? Please call us at +31 (0) 40 246 02 20 or send an e-mail to info@imfacademy.com for more information. We are more than happy to discuss the various possibilities with you!
We have organised in-company trainings all around the globe, among others in the following countries: Aruba, Azerbaijan, Curaçao, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Suriname, Switzerland, Türkiye, Uganda.
Content
CERTIFIED COST PROFESSIONAL (CCP) – PROGRAM
The Certified Cost Professional (CCP) training course is an interactive mix of lectures. Many practical exercises are included in the training so that you can immediately put your newly acquired knowledge into practice. In addition to the course training days, you should take into account 8 - 14 hours of self-study.
The Certified Cost Professional (CCP) training course is composed of 2 modules:
- Module I – 5 consecutive days Cost Engineering Principles and Practice (40 hours)
- Module II – Certified Cost Professional certification exam – 21 hours of live online training (spread over 4 half days) plus 2 hours of online mentoring per delegate prior to the CCP exam
The live online training days (module II) consist of:
- Review of CCP training topics including 100 sample questions
- CCP mock exam: 119 questions
COURSE PROGRAM MODULE I
Module I consists of 5 days in-class training
1. Introduction to project capital budgeting and control
- What is the project capital budgeting process?
- The importance of capital budgeting controlling during project execution
- Disciplines involved in capital budgeting and control
- International standards and recommended practices
2. Financial mathematics and the time-value of money
- Interest - from concept to quantification
- Converting interest rates for different time periods
- Calculating present value, future value, and annuity
- Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)
- PRACTICAL EXERCISE
3. Project evaluation and selection methods
- Project economic evaluation indices
PRACTICAL EXERCISE - Project scoring models
PRACTICAL EXERCISE - Project portfolio optimization
PRACTICAL EXERCISE
4. Depreciation methods and types of costs
- What is economic depreciation and why it matters
- Depreciation methods and types of costs
- PRACTICAL EXERCISE
5. Comparing project alternatives for replacing versus improving assets
- Elaborating alternative cash flow scenarios
- Evaluating and selecting the best alternative
- PRACTICAL EXERCISE
6. Cost and schedule estimating with risk contingency
- Principles of estimating
- AACE International Recommended Practices 17R-97 and 27R-03
- Cost estimating techniques
PRACTICAL EXERCISE - Parametric estimating and modelling
PRACTICAL EXERCISE - Schedule estimating techniques
PRACTICAL EXERCISE - Estimating the contingency reserve
PRACTICAL EXERCISE - Documenting the basis of estimates
7. Developing the project baseline and cash flow funding requirements
- Integrating the cost estimates, project schedule, and risk contingencies to develop and consolidate the project Performance Management Baseline (PMB) using Earned Value Management (EVM)
- Deriving the cash flow funding requirements from the project baseline
- PRACTICAL EXERCISE
8. Capital budgeting monitoring and control
- Project cost and schedule performance measurement and analysis using EVM
- Project risk performance measurement and analysis
- Managing project changes
- Using performance measurements to update the cost and schedule estimates
- Updating the project funding requirements and the benefits realization cash flows
- Updating and monitoring the project evaluation models and indices
- PRACTICAL EXERCISE
9. Final discussion
COURSE PROGRAM MODULE II
Certified Cost Professional (CCP) certification exam preparation
21 hours of live online training (spread over 4 half days) plus 2 hours of individual online mentoring.
Certification process and requirements (1 hour)
DAY I – Webinar (5 hours)
- Probability and statistics/basic business and finance/inflation
- Optimization
- Break - 30 minutes
- Communications
- Cost engineering areas of study/computer operations/operations research
DAY II – Webinar (5 hours)
- Elements of cost/costing and pricing
- Cost indices and escalation factors/estimating data sources
- Break - 30 minutes
- Cost, quality, resource, and productivity management
DAY III – Webinar (5,5 hours)
- Organizational structures/management theories, behavioural science, motivational management
- Planning & scheduling
- Break - 30 minutes
- Basic scheduling and present/future work analysis/metrics
DAY IV – Webinar (5,5 hours)
- Value engineering
- Depreciation
- Break - 30 minutes
- Cost management
Webinar –Memo question response CCP Exam (1 hour)
- How to write the memo question response
Additional online materials for self-study
- Productivity adjustment/learning curve/capital equipment purchase, lease and rental (1 hour)
- Contracting and contract administration/societal/legal issues of management/constructability analysis (1 hour)
- Engineering economics/time value of money (1 hour)
- Comparative economic studies/forecasting (1 hour)
Preparation
To prepare for the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) training course, you should read and work out some problems in 'Skills and Knowledge of Cost Engineering' (6th edition) and the 'Certification Study Guide' (2nd or 3rd edition). These publications are included in the course fee. You should also reacquaint yourself with college algebra, including logarithms and exponents.
Certificate
As a participant of the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) training course, you will receive a Personal 
Certificate. When you successfully pass the official AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP) exam, you are entitled to put the title CCP after your family name.
Trainer(s)
This Earned Value Professional (EVP) training course is delivered under the Authorized Education Provider (AEP) accreditation program by AACE International. Your instructors are highly qualified and experienced international experts in the fields of cost engineering and project management. They will provide you with a unique blend of theoretical information and practical challenges and make sure that you will successfully pass the EVP exam! Your instructors are:
Alexandre G. Rodrigues, Eng PhD PMP
Dr. Alexandre Rodrigues has over 30 years of professional experience and is the founder and executive partner of PMO Projects, a consulting firm highly specialised in modern project management practices, with a special focus on areas such as performance measurement based on the Earned Value Management (EVM) method, cost engineering, project planning and scheduling, integrated risk management, and benefits management in large programmes and portfolios. PMO Projects has been operating in the international market for over 20 years, providing services to some of the most prestigious international organisations in the adoption of these practices and in a wide range of industry sectors, including defense, IT, mining, energy, pharmaceuticals, the public sector, and infrastructure.
Alexandre is one of 150 internationally recognised leading experts from the Cutter Consortium, a renowned international IT research company member of Arthur D. Little. He is president of the Portuguese Section of AACE International and has been coordinator/collaborator for the development of ISO 21500/21508 (EVM)/21511 (WBS) standards until September 2024, an initiative to which he continues to contribute as a volunteer. He was the lead author of the EVM standards published by the Project Management Institute (PMI), including the ANSI/PMI 19-006-2019 standard currently in force. Throughout his career, Dr Alexandre Rodrigues has lectured to undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA courses at various universities in Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, South America, and Africa.
Dr. Sean T. Regan, PhD CCP FAACE CEP EVP MRICS
Dr. Sean Regan has over 40 years of experience in planning, scheduling, estimating, cost engineering, contract administration, risk management, project management and Total Quality Management (TQM). He is experienced in implementing project management and construction project control systems for transportation, facilities, hospitality, telecommunications, power, infrastructure, mining & metals, nuclear, and petrochemical projects in over 56 countries in all 7 continents. Sean has experience with FIDIC, DTRA/DCMA/FAR, IMF, World Bank, EBRD and Asian bank policies, and tendering in support of projects.
Sean Regan is an active member, author and presenter for AACE, PMI, ACostE, FIDIC, and Project Controls Guild. He is association member (TAG) of ISO and ISO Work Group Voting Representative on project and programme management for ANSI standard 21506, 21508, 21511 and 21512. Sean is also lecturer at Anglo American University and has been a professor at international and US universities.
Start date(s)
The Certified Cost Professional (CCP) training course consists of 5 in-class training days, plus 4 live online half training days (21 hours) and 2 hours of personal online mentoring. Every in-class training day starts at 09.00 CET in the morning until approx. 17.00 CET in the afternoon. The training course will be held in Amsterdam (or surroundings). You can attend the training on:
Training 1 - Certified Cost Professional (CCP)
- 13 - 17 April 2026: 5 consecutive in-class training days
- 11 - 15 May 2026: live online sessions
- 1 - 5 June 2026: individual sessions
Training 2 - Certified Cost Professional (CCP)
- 26 - 30 October 2026: 5 consecutive in-class training days
- 16 - 20 November 2026: live online sessions
- 7 - 11 December 2026: individual sessions
Fee / Registration
The fee for the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) training course is € 7,980 (VAT excl.) per person. The CCP training course consists of 5-days in-class training plus 4 live online half training days (21 hours) plus 2 hours of individual/personal session prior to the CCP exam. All official training materials and AACE standards, the official AACE-CCP exam, lunches and drinks are included in the fee.