Many cost professionals have years of site experience but no degree. They often ask if that stops them from taking the AACE International (AACEI) Certified Cost Professional (CCP) exam. The short answer is no. However, the route without a degree needs more experience. This guide explains both routes and helps you check where you stand.

CCP eligibility at a glance

What does AACEI require?

AACEI sets 2 routes on its CCP details page. You need to meet one of them. The table shows both.

Which route is shorter?

The degree route is shorter, because it needs 4 years of experience. However, it only helps if your degree is industry related. If it is not, the experience route still works.

How does the route without a degree work?

You need 8 years of industry-related experience. That is double the 4 years of the degree route. For example, a cost controller with 8 years of project work meets the experience on paper. AACEI then clears your application before you can schedule the exam.

Does a diploma or part degree help?

The AACEI pages that we checked do not say. They do not state whether a diploma, an associate degree or a degree in another subject counts. Therefore, ask AACEI before you assume. Email certification@aacei.org with your question.

Meanwhile, remember one point. With 8 years of experience, you meet the experience route whatever your qualification.

What counts as industry-related experience?

The AACEI pages that we checked do not define this term. As a practical test, compare your work with the CCP exam domains. They cover managing project costs, working with other disciplines, creating reports, measuring performance, supporting scheduling and informing risk management.

If your roles match those areas, describe them clearly in your application. This is our suggestion, not an AACEI rule.

Describe each role in terms of the work you did.

How do you prove your experience?

AACEI offers a Certification Application Verification Form. Your employer can use it to confirm your current and past experience. If you were self-employed, our guide on CCP eligibility for self-employed professionals lists the documents to prepare.

What if a former employer cannot be contacted?

AACEI says it will usually accept verification of your past work history from a preliminary background check. However, confirm this with AACEI before you rely on it.

What about a diploma that is not in English?

This applies to the degree route. AACEI accepts only a translation made by an official translation service, so a typed translation will not do.

Which route fits you?

Enter your years of experience and choose your degree. The checker then shows which route you meet and how many years you still need.

What happens after you apply?

After AACEI clears your application, you can schedule the exam. You then have 6 months to take it up to 3 times, with 2 attempts at a reduced fee. After the 6 months, you must begin a new registration and pay the full exam fee.

How should you prepare?

Start early, even while you finish your application. Our AACE CCP study plan shows how to structure the weeks. In addition, our CCP exam format guide explains what the exam contains, and our CCP mock exam guide shows how to practise.

FAQ: CCP exam without a degree

About eligibility

About proof and next steps

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