Certification Program FAQs
AACE Member vs. Non-Member
- Do I have to be a member to take a certification exam?
You are not required to be an AACE member to sit for an AACE certification exam. However, AACE membership has many benefits, including discounted certification exam fees, discounted recertification fees, discounted study materials, free downloadable Recommended Practices, free downloadable TCM Framework, and much more.
Cost & Payment
- Do I pay before or after my application is accepted?
Application review is included in the exam fee, so payment is due when you submit your application.
- If I change my mind, can I get a refund?
No refunds are permitted. Please see AACE’s No-Refund Policy.
- I paid for my resit. What do I do next?
Once your payment has been processed, you will receive another clearance email with instructions for scheduling your resit exam.
- It is past my six-month registration period. Can I resit?
You may retake the exam once you are past your registration expiration, but you are no longer eligible for the reduced fee. You must begin a new registration and pay full exam fees.
- Will I receive a refund for a canceled exam?
AACE has a strict No-Refund Policy indicated in the Terms & Conditions you agreed to when you applied for your exam; no refunds are given.
Eligibility & Application
- If I cannot contact my former employer for employment verification, what can I do?
Most employers do a preliminary background check as a condition of hire. We will usually accept their verification of your past work history. If you have specific questions about your eligibility, please contact us at certification@aacei.org.
- My diploma is not in English. Will you accept my typed translation?
No. We will only accept a translation made by an official translation service.
- How long must I wait to be cleared after I submit my application?
AACE has up to 45 days to review your expertise (CFCC and DRMP) application upon submission. Barring application issues, you should receive clearance technician- and professional-level certifications within a few business days.
Resources & Preparation
- Are there any courses to prepare me to take an exam?
AACE offers several online courses, as well as virtual and in-person seminars. Please visit our Upcoming Events page for the latest or contact the Education Department at education@aacei.org for current courses offered and all pertinent details.
- Are preparatory courses required to take an exam?
Preparatory courses are not required to take an AACE certification examination.
- Do I have to buy all the recommended resource material to take an exam?
You are not required to purchase any recommended resources. However, many candidates find the associated Recommended Practices (RPs), study guides, and other recommended resources helpful in their certification endeavors.
- What study materials does AACE provide to prepare for a certification exam?
Each certification has a list of Recommended Study Materials, but it is at the candidate's discretion to select which study materials they wish to purchase. AACE members benefit from complimentary downloads of Recommended Practices (RPs) and the Total Cost Management (TCM) Framework.
- How long does it take to prepare for an exam?
This is something that AACE cannot determine because it differs for each candidate and largely depends on your experience level. We encourage you to complete your study before registering for the exam to take full advantage of your six-month registration period.
Examination & Testing
- Where can I take an exam?
AACE certification exams are delivered at Kryterion-designated testing centers (over 900 worldwide). You may preview the cities/states/countries by clicking here. You may also select to take your exam via online proctoring (OLP) if your computer meets the system requirements.
- What is the difference between taking my exam at a testing center or via online proctoring (OLP)?
- If you decide to take your exam at a testing center, you will have the benefit of an onsite proctor who can help you if you encounter any issues. You will use the center’s equipment that is to the standards set forth by Kryterion.
- If you decide to take your exam via OLP, you may take it at home or office, but it must be in a secluded, quiet location. You will use your own computer, but we recommend not using a work computer due to possible firewalls and lack of administrative rights. There will be a proctor who will monitor you throughout your exam and help if necessary.
- Who do I contact if I have issues scheduling an exam?
Kryterion candidate services are available 24/7 (except otherwise noted) and can be reached directly by: - Can I arrange for an exam at my company?
No. Exams are only conducted at select testing centers that deliver AACE exams.
- I am in an isolated area with no testing centers within 3-5 hours. Can I still take an exam?
If your computer meets the system requirements, you may take your exam via online proctoring (OLP).
- How long do I have to take an exam?
Once you receive your clearance email, you have six months to take your exam up to three times—twice at a reduced fee. We recommend scheduling your exam soon after receiving clearance so you can take advantage of your entire six-month registration period, if necessary.
- How many questions are on an exam?
- The CCT & CST exams have 100 simple multiple-choice questions.
- The CCP, CEP, DRMP, EVP, PRMP, and PSP exams have 119 simple and complex multiple-choice questions plus one written memo question.
The CFCC exam has 100 simple and complex multiple-choice questions and 4 written essays.
- Do I need to take my clearance letter from AACE to an exam with me?
You are not required to take your AACE clearance letter to the testing center. However, you must take the confirmation email from Kryterion you received when you scheduled your exam. This contains the authorization code the proctor will need to launch your exam.
- Do I need to know my AACE ID# to take an exam?
If taking the CCP, CEP, CFCC, DRMP, EVP, PRMP, or PSP exam, you must know your AACE ID#. You must provide this number in your written memo/essay response(s). It is best to have your AACE ID# memorized, as you are not permitted to bring any outside materials (except for the CCT, CFCC, or CST, which are open-book exams).
- What is the difference between canceling and rescheduling an exam?
- Cancellations shall be deemed any change made exactly 72 hours or less before the originally scheduled exam and incurs a fee.
- Rescheduling shall be deemed any change made greater than exactly 72 hours before the originally scheduled exam and does not incur a fee.
- What if I have to cancel a scheduled exam?
- If you need to cancel your exam and you are within 72 hours of your scheduled exam, you must contact AACE certification staff at certification@aacei.org or +1-304-296-8444, ext. 1110. A fee may apply if there is less than 72 hours’ notice.
- If you need to cancel your exam and are outside the 72-hour window before your exam, you can log into Webassessor and cancel the exam yourself.
- What if I have to reschedule a scheduled exam?
- If it is more than 72 hours' notice, you will log in to your Kryterion test taker profile and reschedule the exam to another date, time, and location (if desired) with no additional fees.
- If it is less than 72 hours’ notice, you must contact certification staff at certification@aacei.org or +1-304-296-8444, ext. 1110. A fee will apply.
- Am I allowed to take food and/or a drink into an exam?
- You will not be permitted to take anything into the exam with you except a calculator (CCT, CST, and CFCC will be allowed their open-book items). The exam center will provide a location to store your personal items until your exam is complete.
- If you are taking your exam via online proctoring (OLP), you may have a clear beverage in a clear container during your exam.
- What do I need to take with me to the exam center on exam day?
You will need to take two IDs, one of which must be a government-issued photo ID and your Candidate Authorization Code found in your exam confirmation email. You may also take a stand-alone, battery-operated calculator (one will not be provided).
- What can I have with me during my exam?
- For onsite exams at a testing center, you may have a stand-alone, battery-operated calculator; if your exam is open book (CCT, CST, and CFCC only), you may have your resources. They must be bound, meaning if you do not have a hard copy of the book, you must have it printed and put into a ring binder. No loose paper will be allowed.
- For online proctored (OLP) exams, you may have a stand-alone, battery-operated calculator, blank, loose scratch paper, a pen or pencil, and a clear beverage in a clear container.
- There was a disruption that occurred during my exam. Whom should I contact?
In most situations, you will immediately contact your proctor. If you are taking your exam via OLP and have been disconnected, contact Kryterion’s Live Chat immediately. Please review AACE’s Disruption Policy for more specific instructions.
Results & Scores
- When do I get my exam results?
- CCT & CST exam results are given immediately upon exam completion.
- CCP, CEP, CFCC, DRMP, EVP, PRMP, & PSP exam results are not given immediately, as the written portions of the exam (memo/essay) must be graded and averaged with your multiple-choice exam result. Memos and essays are graded during monthly grading cycles (on or around the 15th, depending on what day it falls), and results are given approximately 2-3 weeks following. Please see AACE’s Expected Results Calendar to help plan your exam.
- What score do I have to get on my exam to pass?
You must receive 70% for your overall result to pass.
- Will I get a numerical score for my exam?
It is the policy of the Certification Board, in accordance with our accreditation authority, to release results on a Pass/Fail basis only; therefore, no individual scores will be given.
Disputes & Appeals
- How do I file a dispute regarding certification matters?
Any candidate or certificant with a dispute or complaint about testing centers, examination results, policies and procedures, staff, or board members may file a formal dispute or complaint to report the issue. The online form is found by clicking here.
Complainants will have the opportunity to appeal any dispute or complaint decision.
Recertification & Maintenance
General
- What is recertification?
Recertification is the process by which professionals maintain their certification by meeting specific requirements set by the certifying body. Recertification is necessary to verify continuing competence for maintaining AACE certification for an additional certification term.
- How often do I need to recertify?
- Recertification is every three years.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Who is eligible for recertification?Individuals who hold a current AACE certification, including CCP, CEP, CFCC, DRMP, EVP, PSP, and PRMP. CCT and CST certifications are not renewable.
- I have multiple certifications. Do I have to make an application for each one?
Yes, you must submit an application for each certification you hold. To avoid re-entering your information for each application, complete one application in its entirety first. When you create your subsequent applications, the details will be automatically copied, and any applicable items within the recertification period will be included.
Process and Documentation
- How do I recertify?
Recertification must occur before your expiration date. To recertify by activity, you must complete an application through your AACE profile. To recertify by examination, please email recertification@aacei.org.
- Can I recertify if my certification has expired?
You have a 6-month grace period to recertify by activity or by exam. If recertification has not been achieved by the end of your grace period, the certification is immediately decertified and not eligible for further extension.
Timing and Deadlines
- When should I start the recertification process?
You can create a recertification application and begin tracking your activities from the day you become certified or recertified. Also, you can recertify as early as six months before your expiration date.
If you have acquired at least 12 CEUs in more than one category and are within six months of expiration, you can complete and submit your application today.
- When does my recertification start?
Your recertification begins at initial certification, the day you become certified.
Recertification by Activity (CEUs)
- What is a CEU?
CEU stands for Continuing Education Units, which are used in the recertification process. Other groups may refer to these as Professional Development Units (PDUs) or Professional Development Hours (PDHs).
- What constitutes one CEU?
One CEU equals ten contact hours of participation in organized continuing education classes, training, or meetings. A contact hour is equivalent to one 60-minute interaction between an instructor or presenter and the participant.
- How do I convert PDUs to CEUs?
10 hours = 1 CEU
- How many CEUs can I claim for AACE's Conference & Expo?
This depends on the total hours of technical sessions. Once the program is finalized, the total CEUs are listed on our website. Typically, the average range is 1.5 to 1.8 CEUs.
- How many CEUs do I need to recertify by Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
You must show that you have accumulated a minimum of 12 CEUs for the past three-year certification period.
Recertification by Examination
- Can I recertify by exam?
Yes, this option requires registration for a certification examination and payment. You must pass the examination to renew your certification for three additional years.
- When can I recertify by exam?
You can recertify by exam up to six months before your end date.
- How long do I have to take my recertification exam?
You must have taken and passed your recertification examination before your expiration date (grace period expiration) unless other arrangements have been made and approved by AACE Certification Staff.
- How many attempts do I have to pass my Recertification by Examination?
You get one attempt to pass your Recertification by Examination.
Support and Resources
- I am significantly short on CEUs and do not want to recertify by re-examination. Are there ways to earn additional CEUs through AACE?
Our annual Conference & Expo gathers the industry's leading cost professionals for learning, sharing, and networking. The technical presentations aim to enhance your management, planning, scheduling, and technology implementation skills. Recordings of these presentations, with audio overlaid on the slides, are available and contain 70-100 hours of material on various topics. Watching each presentation will earn you 0.1 CEUs toward AACE recertification. To explore Product Bundles, click here.
- Are there any no-cost ways to earn CEUs through AACE?
Providing volunteer support to the AACE International Certification program is a great way to lend your expertise in the areas of certification while earning recertification credits to maintain your credentials. To explore certification-related volunteer opportunities, click here.
For more information on volunteer opportunities throughout AACE, please click here.
To remain strong and responsive to the needs of certified members and other cost professionals, the public, and the AACE International Certification Institute, our certification programs solicit input from all interested individuals and organizations regarding the policies and procedures used in administering the Association’s certification programs. Please address any comments you may have regarding the administration of certification programs to the Certification Board via e-mail to certification@aacei.org or U.S. mail at Certification Board, AACE International, 726 East Park Avenue #180, Fairmont, WV 26554 USA