CCP Communication domain: how the memo is assessed and what it tests
What AACEI says the memo tests, what it does not publish about scoring and how to check your own memo against the guidance.
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The Certified Cost Professional (CCP) exam has a domain that is not multiple choice. Communication is assessed through a memo. Candidates therefore ask how the memo is assessed and what it tests. This guide explains what AACE International (AACEI) says, and it is clear about what AACEI does not publish.
Quick answer
The AACE International (AACEI) Certified Cost Professional (CCP) Communication domain is assessed through one memo. AACEI says that it tests effective and efficient communication with a project manager or other stakeholder. AACEI does not publish a scoring rubric or point values, so use its published guidance as your checklist.
The Communication domain at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Awarding body | AACE International (AACEI) |
| Credential | Certified Cost Professional (CCP) |
| Domain | Communication, assessed through 1 memo |
| Questions counted | Not part of the 119 multiple-choice questions |
| Reader | A project manager, project executive or other stakeholder |
| Scoring rubric | Not published by AACEI |
What does the Communication domain test?
The CCP exam has seven domains. Six of them use multiple-choice questions, but the seventh, Communication, is assessed through one memo. AACEI’s memo guidance says that the memo tests effective and efficient communication with a project manager, project executive or other stakeholder.
The task behind the memo
First, the memo gives a summary analysis of a problem and makes a recommendation. However, the information is incomplete or conflicting. Also, the reader knows less about the issue than you do.
The skills it reflects
In short, the domain tests clear framing, fair comparison, sound judgment and a clean handoff. Also, these are the skills that cost professionals use every day.
Want help with the memo? The program includes a memo writing guide.
How is the memo assessed?
AACEI does not publish a scoring rubric, point values or a pass threshold for the memo. Therefore, nobody outside AACEI can tell you exactly how the points are split. However, AACEI does publish guidance on what the memo should contain.
What the guidance covers
For example, the guidance covers the header, the five parts of the body and the standard of language. It asks for professional and precise language. In addition, it says that a memo that follows the guidance is likely to be successful.
What about a partial memo?
However, an AACEI reply on the guidance page says that the portion of the memo you complete is scored. AACEI does not publish point values. Therefore, aim to complete every part.
Use the guidance as your checklist, because no rubric exists.
What does each part of the memo need?
The table below follows AACEI’s guidance. However, the third column is our reading of what each part tests, so it is not an AACEI scoring scheme.
| Part | What AACEI’s guidance asks for | What it tests (our reading) |
|---|---|---|
| Header | To, From, Date, Subject and Project Name, with titles | Following instructions and format |
| Introduction | A stand-alone statement of the issue and its project impact | Clear framing of the problem |
| Solutions | Each potential solution from the problem statement, with neutral pros and cons | Fair comparison of options |
| Analysis | Cost, schedule and/or quality impact of each option, plus corrective actions | Handling imperfect or conflicting data |
| Recommendation | A first sentence that states the choice clearly and unambiguously | Sound judgment |
| Summary and handoff | A stand-alone summary that passes the decision and implementation to the project manager | Clear next steps for the reader |
Also, for the exact layout, see our guide to the CCP memo format and structure.
Does your practice memo follow the guidance?
Tick what your practice memo already does. Then the checker shows what to fix first.
Memo guidance checker
For practice only. AACEI publishes no scoring rubric, so this checks your practice memo against AACEI’s guidance and not against a score. Tick what your memo already does.
About this example: it starts with the header, the subject line and the introduction ticked. As a result, it shows 5 items still to fix.
Want to practise under exam conditions? Full-length mock exams show where you stand.
How much is the memo worth?
The sources differ on this point. First, AACEI’s CCP details page says that the final result averages all seven domains. However, an AACEI reply on the memo guidance page says that the memo is 25% of the overall exam result.
Also, our guide to the CCP exam format explains the pass rule.
How do you prepare?
Practise with the guidance beside you. First, learn the five parts and the header. Then practise on scenarios with incomplete data, and check each practice memo against the list above.
Use the course
In addition, our CCP exam preparation program includes a memo writing guide. It also includes 3 full-length mock exams, so that you can see how the memo fits with the questions. Our CCP mock exam guide explains how to use them.
FAQ: the CCP memo
About the assessment
How is the memo assessed on the AACE International (AACEI) Certified Cost Professional (CCP) exam?
AACE International (AACEI) does not publish a scoring rubric, point values or a pass threshold for the memo. It does publish guidance on what the memo should contain. Therefore, use that guidance as your checklist, because it is all that AACEI publishes.
What does the AACE International (AACEI) Certified Cost Professional (CCP) Communication domain test?
AACE International (AACEI) says that the memo tests effective and efficient communication with a project manager, project executive or other stakeholder. It asks for a summary analysis of a problem and a recommendation based on incomplete or conflicting information.
How much is the memo worth on the AACE International (AACEI) Certified Cost Professional (CCP) exam?
The sources differ. First, the AACE International (AACEI) CCP details page says that the final result averages all seven domains. However, an AACEI reply on its memo guidance page says that the memo is 25% of the overall exam result. Check AACEI before you plan around either figure.
About the format
Is a partial memo scored on the AACE International (AACEI) Certified Cost Professional (CCP) exam?
An AACE International (AACEI) reply on its memo guidance page says that the portion of the memo you complete is scored. AACEI does not publish point values, so aim to complete every part.
What goes in the AACE International (AACEI) Certified Cost Professional (CCP) memo header?
AACE International (AACEI) guidance asks for To, From, Date, Subject and Project Name, with the title of each named person. The subject line should show the nature and importance of the problem.
How long can the AACE International (AACEI) Certified Cost Professional (CCP) memo be?
AACE International (AACEI) guidance says that the memo should be no longer than one full page. A longer memo also costs time that you need for the other parts of the exam.
Where does 3FOLD Training fit?
3FOLD Training is an AACEI Approved Education Provider, licensed by KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) in Dubai. Our CCP exam preparation program is self-paced on the 3FOLD Learn LMS (learning management system). It includes 40 on-demand video lessons, a complete CCP study guide, 3 full-length mock exams, a memo writing guide, a formula sheet and glossary, and support with your AACEI application. 3FOLD Training was established in 2008. 3FOLD Training has prepared 30,000+ learners.
Next step
Ready to prepare for the CCP exam? The program is self-paced, so you can study around your work.
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