Certified Cost Engineers and Consultants

AACE Certification

Cost Engineering is defined as the area of cost/management practice where judgement and experience are used in the application of scientific principles and techniques to problems of cost estimating, cost control, business planning and management science, profitability analysis, project management, planning and scheduling

The purpose of any professional certification or licensing program is to provide official and public recognition of the capabilities of an individual in a professional area. Certification is not licensing or registration and does not provide legal authority to practice a profession.

Certification indicates demonstrable expertise in the most current skills and knowledge of the profession. Individuals designated as Certified Cost Engineers (CCE) or Certified Cost Consultants (CCC) are recognized as having capabilities detailed within the definition of cost engineering. Certification in these areas is rapidly becoming the industry standard.

Further, AACE requires recertification every 3 years, allowing the individual to demonstrate that he/she has maintained his/her expertise through work experience, continuing education, professional development, and active involvement in the profession.

Objectives :

• To raise the professional standards and improve the practice of cost engineering by giving special recognition by their peers to those who, in fulfilling prescribed standards of performance and conduct, have demonstrated and maintained a high level of competence and ethical practices.
• To identify for employers, clients, and the public, persons with a broad knowledge of cost engineering, and the capability to professionally apply the principles of total cost management.
• To establish a program with the goal of continuous improvement of individual cost engineering skills and professional development.
• To clarify the skills and knowledge and standards of conduct for the practice of cost engineering.

Questions and Answers

Why is certification important?

In today's world of intense competition in the workplace, the need for proficiency in the principles and practices of total cost management is the concern of all businesses and companies. Certification is verification of that proficiency. It provides assurance that the person performing the work is qualified and up-to-date on the latest techniques and has the experience and knowledge to apply them. Certification is an investment in your career.

What specialty areas are included in AACE's Certification Program?

AACE's Certification Program encompasses specialties in cost estimating, cost control, business planning and management science, profitability analysis, project management, planning and scheduling, and other cost management specialties.

What is the difference between a CCE and a CCC?

The difference is only in the underlying professional and educational qualifications. Testing requirements are the same for both certifications. The Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB), the accreditation agency for specialty engineering certification programs requires that the title CCE be used only by those who hold a 4-year degree from an accredited engineering program. CESB accreditation for the companion Certified Cost Consultant (CCC) designation applies to those who have a degree related to cost engineering such as construction technology, project management, business, and others. The two designations are considered equal in all other respects. A degree is not required if appropriate professional experience has been acquired. In addition, AACE's Certification Program is also accredited by the International Cost Engineering Council (ICEC).

What are the requirements to become certified?

Certification requires that the individual has the education and work experience in a related field. Then the candidate must demonstrate acquired knowledge through successfully passing a written exam and preparing an acceptable technical paper on a total cost management subject. (See summary of Certification Requirements.)

How do I apply for certification?

An application is available on our website (www.aacei.org) or by contacting the AACE Certification Office at (800) 858-COST (2678) or (304) 296-8444. The form, accompanied by the exam application fee, may be filed at any time with the certification office. Please note, however, that all applications must be received by the certification office 40 days prior to sitting for the exam. Applications received after the application deadline will be scheduled for the next exam. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements, have submitted a completed application form (with appropriate verification of education and work requirements), and have paid all fees.

What supporting information must be supplied with the application?

All items on the application form must be completed and copies of degrees, registration or licensure documents, etc., provided. The Certification Board will verify supporting documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all statements are true and verifiable, and that all requested information is provided.

What if the application is approved?

After the Certification Board has approved the application, the applicant will be formally advised of the place and date of the next certification examination, and will be issued an exam ID number. You will be expected to take the exam as scheduled, or cancel prior to the application deadline.

What if my application isn't approved?

If your application is not approved, you will be notified. You will have an opportunity to correct any deficiencies at that time. Failure to respond to the Certification Board's request for additional information could prevent you from taking the examination.

Summary of Certification Requirements

• Eligibility
  CCE: At least 8 full years in the profession, of which up to 4 years may be substituted by an engineering degree or a PE license.
  CCC: At least 8 years of relevant experience in the profession, of which up to 4 years may be substituted by a 4-year degree in a related discipline. Related degrees include building construction, construction technology, quantity surveying, business, accounting, construction management, architecture, computer science, mathematics, etc. Contact the certification office if you have questions about the degree requirements.
• Application and payment of fees
  Members US$295.00 Nonmembers US$345.00.
  Late fee Members US$345 Nonmembers US$425.
  The application (with appropriate verification) and fees must be received at least 40 days before the examination date so that you may be scheduled at an appropriate exam site. (Fees subject to change.)
• Verification of experience / education
  Applications are reviewed and experience education is verified. Please submit a copy of college degree(s) and/or professional engineer's certificate with your application, plus any letters that could expedite the verification process.
• Preparation of an acceptable technical paper
  Each candidate is expected to write a professional paper (original and one copy) of approximately 2,500 words on a cost engineering-related subject, which must be submitted at the time of the examination. Papers previously authored within the prior three years may be used if they meet the specific technical and length requirements.
• Passing the examination
  To become certified, a passing grade of 70% must be achieved on the 7-hour exam. In addition, the technical paper you've authored is graded on a pass/fail basis, and must also be approved by the Certification Board.