Become Certified as a Decision and Risk Management Professional (DRMP)

Stand out as a leader in project risk analysis and decision-making. AACE’s DRMP certification validates your expertise in managing uncertainty and driving informed project outcomes.

 

What Is DRMP Certification?

The Decision and Risk Management Professional (DRMP) certification is a credential offered by AACE International that recognizes advanced expertise in identifying, analyzing, and taking responsible action in managing project risks. It demonstrates your ability to apply decision-making tools and risk management practices to improve project outcomes, making it ideal for senior professionals in cost engineering, project controls, and risk analysis.

Eligibility Requirements

  • 4-year degree OR substitute options

  • 4 years industry experience

  • 4 years in decision and risk management (with 18 months recentdemonstrated by providing any combination of the following:

    • Three (3) letters of recommendation from a client (past or present) describing the complexity of the project, type of risk management implemented on the project, and the candidate’s role as primarily responsible in the implementation or providing such risk management services. All letters submitted must include the duration of time the candidate was actually in responsible charge of tasks related to decision and risk management. If three letters of recommendation and no work products are submitted, those durations must sum to 4 years of combined experience.
    • Three (3) work products personally produced by the candidate that demonstrates having performed any aspect of the risk management work (decision analysis, schedule and cost risk analyses, implementation of risk management programs, risk workshops, etc.) on his or her projects to sum 4 years. The candidate must demonstrate that he or she was the primary author/contributor in developing the work product. Merely being a junior-level participant or member of a larger team without being the lead is not an adequate demonstration of a senior-level practitioner. NOTE: A candidate may provide a total of three (3) letters of recommendation or three (3) work products, or combine two (2) letters of recommendation and one (1) work product, or one (1) letter of recommendation and two (2) work products, etc.

    NOTE: A candidate may provide a total of three (3) letters of recommendation or three (3) work products, or combine two (2) letters of recommendation and one (1) work product, or one (1) letter of recommendation and two (2) work products, etc.

    Depending on the combination that works for your application, keep in mind that at least one recommendation letter or one work product must demonstrate recent experience within the past 18 months.

    *Applicant may substitute a 4-year of college degree with an additional 4 years of industry related experience or one of the following professional certifications: AACE’s CCP; CEP; EVP; PSP; Certified Construction Manager (CCM); Certified Professional Constructor (CPC); Professional engineer (PE); Registered Architect (RA); or Chartered Surveyor.

    NOTE: Click here to review the Application Policy & Procedure before submission

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The only prerequisite for an AACE International examination is meeting the above eligibility requirements. Candidates are never required to purchase or participate in training offered by AACE International, AACE International Certification Institute, or any AACE-affiliated companies as a prerequisite for certification. Candidates are also not required to purchase study materials offered by AACE International. However, many candidates find the study guides and other recommended resources helpful in their preparation for achieving this certification. The following recommended resources are available for you to purchase and use at your discretion.

DRMP Examination Investment

While AACE membership is not required for certification, members receive the benefit of reduced examination fees.

  • US$250 application fee for members, followed by US$400 examination fee
    Total investment of US$650 for members
  • US$300 application fee for non-members, followed by US$465 examination fee
    Total investment of US$765 for non-members
  • US$260 resit fee (member and non-members)

All fees are due upon submission of an application and are non-refundable. The fee includes our eligibility documentation review and computer based testing (CBT) fee.

Helpful Pre-Check Information

Click the buttons below to learn more


Testing Center Location Check


Online Proctored Exam System Requirements


Online Proctored Exam System Check

Exam Structure

  • 5 hours maximum
  • 119 simple multiple-choice and compound scenario questions
    • Basic Cost Engineering & Statistics and Economic Analysis – 42 questions   
    • Decision & Risk Practices – 35 questions
    • Risk Management – 42 questions
  • 1 Domain: Communication. Comprised of 1 memo writing assignment with a given scenario and instructions for writing a response in an onscreen text box
  • Closed Book
  • Any style, battery operated calculator permitted (not provided by the testing center)

Earning the Certification

  • An overall average score of 70% or higher is needed to pass the exam
  • The final exam result is achieved by averaging the score of all four domains.

Please note that it is the policy of the Certification Board, in accordance with our accreditation authority, to release results on a Pass or Fail basis only; therefore, no individual Domain or overall exam scores will be given.

 

Where and How to Take the Exam

The exam can be taken at a designated testing center or through online proctoring. Before scheduling, candidates should verify system compatibility using AACE’s testing center locator and online system check tools.

Recertification & Maintenance

DRMP certification is valid for 3 years and must be recertified through the accumulation of 12 CEUs in at least two categories or through reexamination. Click here to learn more about recertification.

Why Choose DRMP Certification?

DRMP certification showcases your expertise in managing project uncertainty through risk analysis, modeling, and decision-making strategies. Recognized globally, it strengthens your credibility in cost engineering and project controls. Once certified, your credential remains valid for three years, with flexible recertification options available. Starting your DRMP journey not only builds professional recognition, but it also supports long-term career growth. 

Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Begin your certification process by submitting your application through the AACE International Certification Portal. Take the lead in construction claims and elevate your career with the prestigious DRMP credential.

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If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to certification staff. 

Contact Us

To remain strong and responsive to the needs of certified members and other cost professionals, the public, and AACE International Certification Institute, our certification programs solicit input from all interested individuals and organizations as to 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 via U.S. mail at Certification Board, AACE International, 726 East Park Avenue #180, Fairmont, WV 26554 USA

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