Estimating Standards

Access over 100 Recommended Practices and the Total Cost Management Framework — the industry's most comprehensive body of knowledge for cost estimating, scheduling, and project controls.

Recognized Credentials

AACE certifications, celebrating 50 years in 2026, are recognized by owners, agencies, and contractors worldwide as the benchmark for competency in cost and project controls.

Professional Network

Connect with cost engineers, estimators, project controls professionals, and owners through local sections, an annual conference, regional symposiums, and sector-specific forums.

Ongoing Education

Online courses, webinars, certification prep, and continuing education units keep your team sharp and your credentials current — on your schedule.

CCP

Certified Cost Professional

A 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. CCPs also demonstrate the ability to research and communicate aspects of TCM principles and practices to all levels of project or program stakeholders, both internally and externally.

CEP

Cost Engineering Professional

A CEP is a professional with vital expertise to contribute to the economic evaluation of potential projects by supporting the development of budgets, project resource requirements,and value engineering. By applying the estimating body of knowledge as outlined in AACE’s Recommended Practice 46R-11, the CEP estimates costs of a determined scope in order to advise management on project funding decisions. The CEP’s ability to clearly communicate cost estimates, both verbally and written, to all project stakeholders is critical to their success.

CFCC

Certified Forensic Claims Consultant

A CFCC is an experienced claims professional working in the construction dispute resolution and litigation support arenas who has demonstrated the knowledge, experience, education, and skills necessary to qualify as a testifying expert. With emphasis on claims arising from design and construction projects in countries with common law or mixed law, where common law is part of mixed law, the CFCC represents practitioners and specialists who meet a demanding set of claims preparation and dispute resolution criteria comprising of experience, education, and compliance with industry-accepted ethical requirements.

EVP

Earned Value Professional

An EVP is an Earned Value practitioner with advanced expertise in applying contract requirements, structuring project scope, and planning, scheduling, and budgeting work using integrated cost and schedule tools. EVPs monitor performance using an Earned Value Management System (EVMS), analyze cost and schedule data, generate and interpret reports, and manage scope changes or deviations throughout the project lifecycle. They also communicate EV insights clearly to stakeholders at all levels across public and private sector projects.

DRMP

Decision & Risk Management Professional

A DRMP is a senior-level practitioner with business experience in life cycle asset and project management, exhibiting knowledge and skills ranging from analytical to socio/psychological to management. A DRMP also has extensive technical experience with specialized tools and services, including decision analysis, cost-sk and uncertainty analysis, and schedule risk analysis. DRMPs demonstrate strong communication skills to connect with all levels of project stakeholders and are increasingly employed by owners and stakeholders in their decision-making process – whether it is for a go, no-go decision on an investment interest or determination of time and cost contingency amounts for capital projects.

PRMP

Project Risk Management Professional

A PRMP is a skilled and knowledgeable practitioner whose role is to establish an effective risk management plan and implement that plan in accordance with the project/program/portfolio’s objectives. It is the PRMP’s responsibility to clearly communicate in verbal and written forms, both internally and externally.

PSP

Planning & Scheduling Professional

A PSP is a skilled planning and scheduling professional with advanced experience in project planning, and developing, monitoring, updating, forecasting and analyzing integrated project schedules. The PSP leads the planning and scheduling process within the AACE International Total Cost Management (TCM) framework. A PSP is able to communicate effectively with all project stakeholders, both internal and external.

CCT / CST

Certified Cost Technician / Certified Scheduling Technician

AACE offers two technician-level certifications: CCT and CST. A CCT demonstrates proficiency in the foundational skills and knowledge of total cost management, while a CST demonstrates proficiency in the general skills and knowledge of project scheduling within the AACE International Total Cost Management (TCM) framework. Both certifications are often pursued by early-career professionals building experience toward advanced credentials such as the CCP or PSP, as well as by mid- to late-career professionals seeking formal recognition of their cost engineering or scheduling expertise.

2026 AACE International's 70th Conference & Expo — Las Vegas, NV

Join thousands of cost and project controls professionals June 28–30 at the MGM Grand. This year marks AACE's 70th Annual Conference and the 50th Anniversary of AACE Certification. Member registration and group registration rates available.

Webinars, Online Courses & Certification Prep

Flexible online education including certification review courses, fundamentals of cost estimating, Recommended Practice Spotlight webinars, and a growing library of on-demand webinars — all designed to fit around a project schedule.