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CCP Examination Updates & FAQs

Last Updated: July 30, 2026 10:46 AM ET

We have completed four rounds of analysis involving the June and July CCP grading cycles. The review encompassed 70 candidates: 51 from the June grading cycle and 19 from the July grading cycle.
 
The review was initiated in response to an identified pattern of unusually extensive textual similarity among candidate responses to memos. The analysis considered indicators such as identical or closely matching phrasing, extended matching word sequences, vocabulary overlap, and similarities in the organization and sequencing of responses. Common elements, including examination prompts, required facts and calculations, technical terminology, and the standard memorandum format, were excluded or appropriately accounted for in the analysis.
 
The review has resulted in the following outcomes: 

  1. Forty-four candidates from the June grading cycle have been cleared, and their examination results will be released. 
  2. Seventeen candidates from the July grading cycle have been cleared, and their memos will be released to graders for evaluation. 
  3. Seven candidates from the June grading cycle and two candidates from the July grading cycle remain under review. Their results or memos, as applicable, will remain on hold until the additional analysis is complete.  

In total, 61 of the 70 candidates have been cleared, while nine remain under further review. Each candidate will be contacted individually with information appropriate to their status.
 
The initial review prioritized the June and July grading cycles so that pending results and grading activities could be addressed promptly and the examination process could move forward. Because the identified similarity patterns may not be limited to these grading cycles, we also intend to conduct a retrospective analysis of CCP examination data covering July 2024 through May 2026. Any matters identified through that review will be evaluated individually and addressed in accordance with established Certification Board policies and appropriate due-process procedures.
 
In parallel with the additional analysis, we are working with our psychometrician and the Certification Board's CCP Committee to complete the steps necessary to reopen the examination. We anticipate announcing a reopening date soon.

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Last Updated: July 21, 2026 11:39 AM ET

AACE remains committed to conducting a thorough and fair review of the issue that led to the temporary suspension of CCP examination activities. We appreciate the patience and professionalism our candidates have shown throughout this process.

Since our last update, the investigation has progressed significantly. Our review has expanded to include historical examination data to ensure we fully understand the scope of the issue and can make informed decisions that protect the integrity of the CCP credential. This has required extensive data collection, organization, and analysis.

We have now completed the initial analysis phase and are conducting a detailed technical review of the results. This review includes careful evaluation by subject matter experts to ensure findings are accurate and appropriate before any decisions are made.

Our immediate priority is identifying candidates whose examinations can proceed through the grading process while the remaining review continues. Doing so will allow us to begin releasing results for eligible candidates and move toward reopening examination scheduling under enhanced procedures.

We understand the uncertainty this temporary pause has created, and we sincerely appreciate your continued patience. We remain committed to providing timely updates as meaningful information becomes available.

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Last updated July 14, 2026 at 12:33 PM ET

Our investigation into the June 2026 CCP examination anomalies remains ongoing. We continue to review the available information and are committed to conducting a thorough and objective evaluation before reaching any final conclusions.

At the same time, AACE is actively working closely with our examination delivery partner, Kryterion, to prepare for the reopening of the CCP examination. This work includes implementing additional security measures designed to further protect the integrity of the examination and strengthen safeguards for future administrations.

We appreciate the patience and support of our candidates, certificants, employers, volunteers, and other stakeholders. We will continue to provide updates as meaningful developments occur.

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Last updated July 8 at 4:30 pm ET

Joint Statement from Executive Director/CEO and Certification Board Chair 

The integrity of AACE certifications is the foundation of the trust placed in our organization by employers, credential holders, and professionals around the world. Protecting that trust is one of our highest responsibilities. 

 
Recently, during the grading process for the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) examination, AACE identified evidence that a portion of the examination process may have been compromised. Specifically, preliminary analysis indicates that responses associated with one examination memo appear to have been improperly shared or otherwise used by multiple candidates. Upon identifying this issue through our quality assurance processes, AACE immediately suspended CCP examination activities while a comprehensive investigation began. 
 
We recognize that this temporary suspension has created uncertainty and inconvenience for many candidates who have invested significant time and effort preparing for certification. We sincerely appreciate your patience as we work through this matter. Our priority is to resolve the situation thoroughly, fairly, and as quickly as possible while preserving the integrity of the CCP credential. 
 
The investigation is being conducted carefully to determine the scope of the issue, identify any violations of AACE’s certification policies, and ensure that appropriate action is taken. While the investigation remains active, we will not speculate on its findings or discuss individual cases. 
 
However, we want to be clear about one principle: any individual found to have knowingly participated in the unauthorized distribution or use of confidential examination materials will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with AACE Certification policies. Depending on the findings, such actions may include invalidation of examination results, revocation of certifications, suspension of future certification eligibility, or other appropriate sanctions. 
 
At the same time, we recognize that the vast majority of candidates pursue certification honestly and ethically. We are committed to ensuring that those individuals are treated fairly throughout this process. Registration periods, eligibility windows, and other certification timelines affected by this temporary suspension will be adjusted as necessary so that candidates are not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control. 
 
Although we cannot provide every detail while the investigation is underway, we are committed to communicating openly throughout the process. We will continue to provide updates as meaningful information becomes available and will notify affected candidates directly regarding changes to examination schedules, grading timelines, and registration periods. 
 
The CCP credential has represented professional excellence for decades because of the high standards expected of every candidate and every credential holder. Those standards will not be compromised. By addressing this issue promptly and transparently, we are protecting the value of the certification earned by thousands of professionals who have demonstrated their competence with honesty and integrity. 
 
We appreciate the continued trust, professionalism, and patience of our candidates, certificants, volunteers, and members as we work to resolve this matter. 
  
Sincerely,
KobylkaMike_signature 
Michael T. Kobylka, CAE
Executive Director & CEO
AACE Certification Institute


Charlie Bolyard
Charles E. Bolyard, Jr.,CFCC PSP FAACE Hon. Life 
AACE Certification Board Chair
AACE Certification Institute



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Frequently Asked Questions

Why were CCP exams paused? 

  • AACE temporarily paused CCP examination activities after identifying a potential issue affecting the integrity of a portion of the examination process. Protecting the credibility, fairness, and value of the CCP credential is a core responsibility of the AACE certification program. The temporary pause allows AACE to conduct a thorough investigation and implement any necessary safeguards or corrective actions before affected examination activities resume. 

What happened? 

  • During the June 2026 CCP grading cycle, AACE identified patterns among several examination memo responses that raised concerns about the security and integrity of examination content. These findings prompted a formal investigation.

    The investigation is ongoing. To protect the integrity of the review process and ensure a fair and thorough investigation, AACE will not discuss individual candidates or provide additional details until the investigation is complete. 

Was my exam affected? 

  • Yes. 
     
    CCP candidates are experiencing delays in examination scheduling, grading, results, and application processing during the temporary pause. The investigation is focused on a specific portion of the CCP examination, which affects the entire process.

    If the investigation identifies an issue requiring action related to your individual examination, AACE will contact you directly. 

Will I lose my eligibility? 

  • Not necessarily. 
     
    Candidates will not lose examination eligibility solely because of delays resulting from the temporary pause. AACE will review affected registrations and make appropriate adjustments to ensure candidates are not disadvantaged by administrative delays associated with the investigation.

    Any individual action resulting from the investigation will be handled separately and in accordance with established AACE Certification policies and procedures. 

Will registration periods be extended? 

  • Yes. 
     
    Any candidate whose registration period or examination eligibility is affected by the temporary suspension will receive an appropriate extension. Additional information will be provided directly to affected candidates as examination activities resume. 

When will exams resume? 

  • AACE is working to resume examination activities as quickly as possible while ensuring the security, fairness, and integrity of the certification process.

    At this time, AACE cannot provide a specific date. Examinations will resume when AACE determines that appropriate safeguards are in place to support the security, fairness, and integrity of the examination process.

    Updates will be shared through direct email communications and the AACE website as additional information becomes available. 

Will June results still be released? 

  • Yes. 
     
    AACE intends to release valid examination results following completion of the necessary review.

    The June grading cycle remains under review as part of the investigation. Results will be released when AACE has completed the necessary review and determined that the integrity of the examination and grading processes has been appropriately addressed.

    Affected candidates will receive updates directly regarding revised timelines. 

How will AACE conduct the investigation? 

  • AACE is conducting a comprehensive review using multiple methods, including analysis of examination responses, review of available examination data, and other appropriate investigative procedures.

    Each situation will be evaluated individually and fairly based on the available evidence. AACE will not reach individual conclusions until the relevant review has been completed. 

What disciplinary actions may occur? 

  • If the investigation determines that an individual knowingly participated in the unauthorized distribution or use of confidential examination materials or otherwise violated AACE Certification policies, disciplinary action may be taken. 
     
    Depending on the circumstances, and consistent with established AACE Certification policies and procedures, actions may include:
    • Invalidation of examination results
    • Revocation of certification
    • Suspension or permanent loss of eligibility to pursue AACE certification
    • Other actions authorized under AACE Certification policies and procedures

Any disciplinary decisions will follow a careful review of the facts and will be made in accordance with established certification policies and procedures. 

What steps is AACE taking to protect examination integrity? 

  • Protecting examination integrity is essential to maintaining the credibility, fairness, and value of the CCP credential. 
     
    AACE is reviewing examination security procedures, internal processes, examination data, and content protection measures as part of the investigation. AACE will implement appropriate safeguards and process improvements before affected examination activities resume.

    Examination security is an ongoing responsibility. AACE regularly reviews and strengthens its practices to support a fair and secure examination process for every candidate. 

How will I receive updates? 

  • AACE is committed to keeping candidates informed throughout this process. 
     
    Updates will be communicated through:
    • Direct email to affected candidates
    • Official notices on the AACE website 

We appreciate your patience and understanding while AACE completes this work. The temporary pause and related review are necessary steps to protect the fairness of the examination process and the integrity and value of the CCP credential. 

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