Certified Cost Technician

Interim Cost Consultant Certification Program (ICC)

A Preliminary Step to becoming a Certified Cost Consultant / Certified Cost Engineer.

Interim Level Certification Program

The Interim Level Certification Program was established to allow recent graduates or those who have had at least 4 years experience in cost management to actively pursue the certification process and become recognized professionally for their understanding of cost engineering principles.

The benefits of becoming an ICC are:

• AACE's validation of your cost engineering skills and professional potential.
• Your identification as an Interim Cost Consultant by the right to use ICC after your name.
• Being set apart from your peers to employers, clients, and the industry by becoming certified as an ICC.
• Increasing your awareness of cost engineering principles by preparing for the exam.
• Verification of your skills and the identification as an ICC is a nice addition to your resume.

After earning the ICC designation, AACE International will maintain a list of those certified and will provide publicity for recognition of their achievement. AACE will document the ICC's accomplishments toward earning certification as a Certified Cost Consultant or a Certified Cost Engineer during the next four years, if membership in AACE International is maintained.

AACE Certification

Cost engineering is defined as the area of cost/management practice where judgment 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, and planning and scheduling. Certification in these areas is rapidly becoming the industry standard, and AACE is helping define the standards for these skills.

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 Interim Cost Consultants (ICC) are recognized as having significant capabilities detailed within the definition of cost engineering, but not those of an experienced, fully-trained professional.

To proceed to the next level of skills and knowledge credentialing beyond the ICC, AACE requires meeting the certification requirements to become a Certified Cost Engineer or Certified Cost Consultant. This program requires additional professional experience of at least four years more than that required for the ICC. When obtaining the CCC/CCE certification, the individual demonstrates improved capability through additional responsible work experience, continuing education, professional development, and active involvement in the profession. The CCC/CCE certification program is accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards and the International Cost Engineering Council.

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.

Initial Application

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.)

The first step is to review and determine if you meet the program's eligibility requirements.

The second step is the application to sit for the exam, which must be completed (plus any supporting documents) and submitted with the exam fees to AACE for scheduling.

Next, the candidate must be scheduled for an exam site. The test is typically offered twice a year, in early December and late June. (Call AACE for specific dates at 800-858-COST or 304-296-8444.)

The Exam Process

The ICC candidate's exam will consist of a total of 100 multiple-choice questions from the following areas: Skills & Knowledge, Cost Estimating and Control, Project Management, and Economic Analysis.

After passing this exam, the individual will have earned the designation of Interim Cost Consultant (ICC). The ICC should then choose a mentor (as a professional assistant) to help guide them while continuing to develop their professional skills, and moving toward the next higher level of their career during the next four full years. If needed, AACE International will supply a list of volunteer mentors. Preferably, the mentor will be a CCC or CCE. The ICC's work supervisor or a college professor also might be appropriate.

During the time between successfully earning the ICC designation and taking the CCC/CCE certification exam, membership in AACE International is recommended. Maintaining membership and working in a cost-related professional field will automatically meet the eligibility requirements for CCC/CCE in four years. Those who do not maintain membership will be required to provide verification from employers of their responsible work during that time.

After the four-year period, the ICC will apply to sit for the final certification exam. The candidate also will have to write a minimum 2,500 word technical paper, which can be submitted anytime from the date of application to the exam date. The ICC will pay the designated application fee for the certification exam at that time.

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 are the requirements to become an ICC?

Any individual with 4 full years of verifiable experience in a cost/schedule related field may apply for interim-level certification. This experience may consist of appropriate college-level academic training directed toward a degree (engineering, construction, management, quantity surveying, architecture, science, mathematics, finance, or others accepted at the decision of AACE International). The verified four full years can be a combination of academic training and experience.

Practical cost engineering experience for credit must consist of one or more of the following activities, verified by the employers of the candidate or by other appropriate sources:

• Continuous employment in a cost engineering effort directed towards the application of the principles and techniques of cost engineering.
• Regular employment in an area directly related to the techniques of cost engineering.

How do I apply to take the ICC certification exam?

An application will be available on our website (www.aacei.org), from local AACE sections, Certification Board members, or by contacting the certification office at AACE Headquarters 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 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 to take the examination must meet the eligibility requirements, submit a completed application form (with appropriate verification of education and work requirements), and pay 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 happens when the application is approved?

After the Certification Board has approved the application, the applicant will be advised formally 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. If your application is not approved, you will be notified.

Summary of Certification Requirements

• Eligibility
  ICC: To sit for the exam, at least 4 full years of experience in a cost/schedule related field is required, of which up to 4 years may consist of appropriate college-level academic training.
• Application and payment of fees (subject to change)
  Members US$100.00 Nonmembers US$150.00
  Late application Members US$150 Nonmembers US$200
  The application (with appropriate experience 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.
• Verification of experience / education
  Applications are reviewed and experience/education is verified. Please submit a copy of college degree(s)/transcripts and/or letters from employers that could expedite the verification process with your application.
• Passing the examination
  To become certified, a passing grade of 70% must be achieved on the 3 1/2-hour exam. After passing the exam, the ICC will receive a certificate suitable for framing. AACE International Headquarters will maintain the ICC's file for at least 4 years, or until the ICC's certification expires or they become a Certified Cost Consultant/Certified Cost Engineer.

The ICC Certification Program is an Interim-level certification program. It has a maximum life of six years. It was developed to help individuals just starting in their field to be recognized as having fundamental to intermediate cost/schedule skills in the eyes of potential employers or co-workers.