Once AACE International (AACEI) clears your application, the next decision is where to sit the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) exam. You can go to a Kryterion test center or take the exam online with a remote proctor, and each option has its own rules. This guide explains both, shows where to find a test center and covers the scheduling rules that can cost you an attempt if you miss them.

CCP exam options at a glance

Where can you take the CCP exam?

You can take the CCP exam at a Kryterion test center or online, according to AACEI’s examination delivery page. Both options are run by Kryterion, and you schedule through your AACE profile once you are cleared to sit.

Which option is better?

Neither is better for everyone. A test center gives you a controlled room and no home setup, while online proctoring saves travel but needs a compliant room and computer. The checker later in this guide compares your setup with the online rules.

How do you find and use a test center?

Use Kryterion’s Locate Test Center tool, which lets you search by location and distance. AACEI does not publish its own locator, so confirm that the center you choose offers your exam when you schedule.

What do you need on the day?

AACEI states that you should arrive 15 minutes early with 2 forms of identification. One must be a valid government-issued photo ID, and the other can be a credit card, bank debit card or employee identification card.

When you schedule, you receive a confirmation email with a Test Taker Authorization Code. AACEI says to print the email and bring it, so the proctor can launch your exam.

What are the test center rules?

Phones and similar devices, flash drives and other memory devices are prohibited. Personal items are not permitted in the testing room, including bags, purses, keys, wallets, hats, books, watches and weapons. Eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted at the testing site, and staff monitor the room throughout.

Copying or communicating exam content can lead to disqualified results.

What are the online proctoring rules?

Online proctoring has setup rules before exam day and conduct rules during the exam. AACEI points candidates to Kryterion’s system check and test taker guide on its examination delivery page, so use those before you book.

What should you set up before exam day?

Make sure your computer meets the system requirements before you schedule. AACEI recommends a personal computer rather than a work computer. Install Kryterion’s secure testing environment and complete your biometric profile (facial recognition) well in advance. AACEI allows an internal built-in camera, although Kryterion’s standard requirement is an external camera unless the test sponsor says otherwise.

How does check-in work?

The Launch Exam button appears in Webassessor about 10 minutes before the start time and stays for about 15 minutes after it. The proctor asks you to scan the room and your work surface, and to show everything on your desk, such as your calculator, scratch paper, pen or pencil and clear liquid.

What is allowed and not allowed?

You may have a stand-alone, battery-operated calculator, loose blank scratch paper, a pen or pencil, and water or clear liquid in a clear container. You may not use dual monitors, have food or drink other than clear liquid, or have personal items on you or your desk, such as wallets, keys, hats, phones, watches, bracelets, necklaces or lanyards. Bulky clothing such as heavy coats and hoodies is not allowed, no other people may be in the exam area, and reading aloud or talking is not permitted.

What if something goes wrong?

Contact Kryterion’s live chat or its online proctoring support page, which AACEI describes as the quickest way to get a response during an exam.

Test center or online: how do they compare?

The table below puts AACEI’s stated rules side by side. The rules on breaks are the same in both options, and AACEI states that the exam timer keeps running during a bio break.

Which option suits you?

Tick what is true for you and the checker shows which option fits. It uses the main online rules above, a private room, a stable connection, a personal computer with a camera and a single monitor.

How do you schedule and change your exam?

You schedule through your AACE profile after clearance, and you can reschedule or cancel without forfeiting the fee only if AACEI receives notice exactly 72 hours before the exam date. AACEI has a strict no-refund policy.

What counts as a no-show?

You are a no-show if you do not cancel, arrive after the start time or cannot present the proper identification. You forfeit the scheduling fee, and the missed appointment counts as one of your exam attempts, so a missed slot can cost you a retake.

Does your exam date affect when you get results?

Yes. AACEI states that grading begins on the 15th of each month, and that to be included in a cycle you must complete your exam the day before it starts, for example on the 14th for the 15th cycle. Plan the date with that cutoff in mind.

How can 3FOLD Training guide you?

3FOLD Training can guide you through the choices in this article, and our program includes support with your AACEI application. We help you decide between a test center and online proctoring, pick a date that fits your study plan and avoid the 72-hour and no-show mistakes.

What can you do before you book?

Follow our AACE CCP study plan to choose a realistic date, and read the CCP exam format guide so you know how long the exam runs. Practise under timed conditions with the CCP mock exam guide, and work through the CCP sample exam questions and the CCP study guide in the weeks before.

FAQ: CCP exam locations

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), with 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. LMS access terms and the current course fee are on the course page.