Conduct Performance Measurement and Analysis is the third-largest domain on the AACE International (AACEI) Certified Cost Professional (CCP) exam. It tests how you measure progress against a plan. For example, you work with earned value, variances and profit margins. This guide lists the 13 skill areas in AACEI’s May 2026 blueprint. Then it groups them into 5 themes, so you can study them one at a time.

Performance Measurement and Analysis at a glance

What does the domain cover?

AACEI’s CCP Examination Blueprint (May 2026) lists 13 skill areas under this domain, labelled 4.A to 4.M. The blueprint itself calls them tasks. The table shows each one in AACEI’s wording, while the theme column is our own grouping.

How can you group the skill areas?

We group the 13 skill areas into 5 themes. This makes the domain easier to study, because each theme is small. However, the definitions below are general, and they are not AACEI quotations.

1. Baselines and monitoring

First, you develop a baseline for performance measurement. Next, you measure and monitor performance against it. You also track cost performance. A baseline is the plan that you compare actual results with.

2. Quantities and physical progress

Here you review the quantities that teams report each day or week. The blueprint names earned value management (EVM) and a schedule of values (SOV) as examples. In addition, you check that earned value matches the physical progress on site.

3. Earned value and control analysis

This theme has 2 skill areas. You perform cost and schedule control analysis. Then you analyze earned value. In short, earned value compares the work planned, the work done and the money spent.

4. Variances, validation and improvement

You validate cost analyses and analyze cost variances and trends. A variance is the gap between plan and actual. Finally, you recommend performance improvements, such as change orders.

5. Profit and margin

These skill areas look at the money side. You analyze the impact on profit margin. Moreover, you perform profitability analyses, such as margin enhancement.

Where does productivity fit?

The blueprint does not use the word productivity in this domain. However, related ideas appear. For example, you review quantities reported each day or week. You also check earned value against physical progress. In addition, you recommend performance improvements.

AACEI’s CCP Certification Study Guide also has a chapter titled Performance and Productivity Management. So expect to meet productivity ideas while you prepare.

Progress on site must match progress in the numbers.

Where does it sit in the 2026 blueprint?

This domain is the third-largest of 6 question domains. Also, a seventh domain, Communication, is assessed through a memo. The table shows the blueprint weightings and skill area counts. It also shows the multiple-choice counts from AACEI’s CCP details page.

The domain is weighted 17%, against 36% for Managing Project Costs and 24% for Interface with Other Disciplines. AACEI states that you need an overall average of 70% to pass. In addition, the final result averages the scores of all 7 domains.

How does it link to the other domains?

It builds on the cost work in our guide to the Managing Project Costs domain. Also, it links to the people side in our guide to the Interface with Other Disciplines domain.

Which themes should you revise first?

Tick each theme where you already feel confident. Then the checker counts them and lists the ones to revise first.

How do the exam rules affect this domain?

First, the exam is closed book. Also, onscreen formula sheets are available, and you may use a battery-operated calculator. However, the testing center does not provide the calculator. AACEI describes the questions as multiple-choice and compound scenario questions. Therefore, expect questions built around a project situation.

What does a question look like in this domain?

For example, a question may give you planned and actual figures. Then you must decide what the variance or trend tells you. In short, you need to calculate and interpret. Our guide to the CCP exam format explains the rest of the structure.

How do you study this domain?

Work through the 5 themes one at a time. Then test yourself on each theme. Our CCP exam preparation program is self-paced, so you can study around work. It includes 40 on-demand video lessons, a complete CCP study guide, 3 full-length mock exams, and a formula sheet and glossary.

What should you practise?

Our AACE CCP study plan shows how to structure the weeks. In addition, our CCP study guide explains what to study. Next, use the CCP sample exam questions to test yourself. Finally, use the CCP mock exam guide to practise a full paper.

FAQ: Performance Measurement and Analysis

About the domain

About the exam and your study

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.