If you are preparing for the Certified Cost Professional (CCP®) credential, understanding the exact CCP® exam format is critical.
Unlike many certification exams that rely only on multiple-choice questions, the CCP® exam from AACE International combines technical questions with a written communication component.
This guide explains:
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CCP® exam structure
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Number of questions
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Domain breakdown
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CCP® exam duration
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Passing score requirements
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Memo component details
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Exam conditions and calculator rules
Overview of the CCP® Exam Format
The CCP® certification exam is designed to evaluate applied cost engineering competence, not just theoretical knowledge.
Key Exam Details
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Maximum duration: 5 hours
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Total multiple-choice questions: 119
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One written memo assignment
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Closed book exam
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On-screen formula sheets provided
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Battery-operated calculator permitted
The combination of objective and written components makes the CCP® exam more analytical than many standard professional exams.
CCP® Exam Structure and Domain Distribution
The 119 multiple-choice questions are distributed across three technical domains, plus one communication domain.
1. Cost Management – 55 Questions
This is the largest domain and carries the highest weight.
Topics include:
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Cost estimating classifications
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Budget development
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Cost control systems
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Earned value analysis
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Forecasting methods
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Risk quantification
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Financial evaluation
Because this section contains nearly half the questions, it requires strong conceptual depth.
2. Interfacing with Other Disciplines – 24 Questions
This domain tests how cost engineering interacts with:
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Project management
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Engineering disciplines
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Procurement
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Contract administration
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Organizational systems
Candidates must understand integration across project functions.
3. Performance Analysis – 40 Questions
This section focuses on:
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Performance measurement
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Variance analysis
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Trend identification
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Forecasting accuracy
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Financial reporting interpretation
Expect scenario-based analytical questions.
4. Communication Competency – Memo Assignment
In addition to 119 multiple-choice questions, candidates must complete one written memo.
The memo evaluates:
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Ability to communicate cost analysis clearly
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Professional business writing
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Structured explanation of cost issues
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Logical reasoning
This component is graded separately and included in the overall average score.
CCP® Passing Score Explained
To pass the CCP® exam:
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You must achieve an overall average score of 70% or higher.
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Scores from all four domains are averaged together.
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Results are reported on a Pass/Fail basis only.
Important detail:
It is possible to fail one domain but still pass the exam if the overall average reaches 70%.
This means balanced performance across domains is essential.
CCP® Exam Duration and Time Management
The maximum exam duration is 5 hours.
Within that time, candidates must:
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Answer 119 multiple-choice questions
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Complete the written memo
Effective time allocation is crucial.
Recommended strategy:
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Allocate approximately 3.5 to 4 hours for multiple-choice
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Reserve 60 to 90 minutes for the memo
Rushing the memo often leads to unnecessary score reduction.
Is the CCP® Exam Closed Book?
Yes.
The CCP® exam is a closed book examination.
However:
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On-screen formula sheets are provided
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Stand-alone battery-operated calculators are permitted
You cannot bring reference books, printed materials, or notes.
Preparation must focus on conceptual mastery rather than dependency on reference documents.
When Are CCP® Exam Results Released?
Because the exam includes a written memo:
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Memo grading occurs during scheduled grading cycles
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Results are typically released several weeks after grading
Unlike fully objective exams, CCP® results are not instant due to the written evaluation process.
How Difficult Is the CCP® Exam?
The CCP® exam is considered technically rigorous because it tests:
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Applied analysis
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Quantitative calculations
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Scenario interpretation
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Professional written communication
It is not an entry-level certification. It is designed for experienced cost engineering professionals.
Candidates who rely solely on memorization often struggle.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make
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Underestimating the memo component
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Focusing only on Cost Management domain
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Ignoring performance analysis calculations
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Poor time allocation
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Studying formulas without understanding context
Structured preparation reduces these risks significantly.
How to Prepare for the CCP® Exam Format
Because the CCP® exam structure is multi-dimensional, preparation should include:
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Domain-weighted study planning
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Practice with scenario-based questions
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Earned value calculations mastery
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Risk quantification exercises
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Timed mock exams
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Memo writing practice
3FOLD Training offers a fully online, self-paced CCP® preparation program aligned with the official exam structure defined by AACE.
Structured preparation helps candidates build analytical confidence before exam day.
Frequently Asked Questions About CCP® Exam Format
How many questions are in the CCP® exam?
There are 119 multiple-choice questions plus one memo assignment.
How long is the CCP® exam?
The maximum duration is 5 hours.
What is the CCP® passing score?
An overall average of 70% or higher is required to pass.
Is CCP® exam open book?
No. It is a closed book exam with on-screen formula sheets provided.
Is the memo mandatory?
Yes. The memo is a required component and included in the overall scoring.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the CCP® exam format is a critical step toward certification success.
With 119 technical questions, a written memo, and a 70% passing requirement, the CCP® exam demands structured preparation and analytical clarity.
For experienced professionals in cost engineering and project controls, mastering the exam structure increases confidence and significantly improves performance.
