Your AACE International (AACEI) Certified Cost Professional (CCP) certification lasts 3 years, and recertifying by CEUs (continuing education units) means proving you earned 12 of them in that window. The count is simple, but the rules on categories, caps and deadlines are where applicants slip. This guide settles how many CEUs you need, how to earn them and when to apply.

CCP recertification at a glance

How many CEUs do you need to recertify the CCP?

You need 12 CEUs in each 3-year certification period to recertify the CCP by CEUs, according to AACEI’s Recertification by CEUs page. Recertification is every 3 years.

What is a CEU?

CEU stands for continuing education unit. One CEU equals 10 contact hours of participation in organized continuing education classes, training or meetings. So 10 hours of professional development equals 1 CEU.

Which CEUs count?

Only CEUs earned within the certification evaluation period count. That period is the 3 years since you were certified or last recertified, and CEUs do not carry over from earlier periods.

What are the 4 CEU categories?

AACEI groups CEUs into 4 categories, A to D, and caps how many CEUs each category can contribute. Your 12 CEUs must also include at least 1 full CEU from at least 2 categories.

Does working in the industry count toward CEUs?

Yes. Industry employment, self-employment and full-time teaching each earn 2 CEUs per year under Category A. Category A is capped at 6 CEUs.

Three years of industry work can cover half of your 12 CEUs.

This matters for freelancers and consultants, because self-employment earns the same 2 CEUs per year as employment. If you are still building your experience record, read our guide to CCP eligibility for self-employed professionals. The remaining 6 CEUs must come from categories B, C or D.

How many CEUs have you earned so far?

Add your activities by category and compare the total with 12 CEUs. The checker below applies the category caps and the minimum-spread rule.

How do you earn the remaining CEUs?

Earn the remaining CEUs through professional development, industry contribution or volunteer service. The table lists common activities and their values.

These values come from AACEI’s Recertification Value Sheet, which you can download from the Recertification by CEUs page. Check the current sheet before you rely on a value.

Is there a quick way to reach 6 CEUs in Category B?

Yes. At 0.10 CEUs per hour, 60 hours of professional development earns 6 CEUs. A new certification, license or degree earns 3 CEUs on its own.

When and how do you apply?

Apply through the AACEI portal once you have met the minimum CEUs and are within 6 months of your expiration date. AACEI also publishes a Recertification Program Handbook and an application guide on its Recertification by CEUs page.

How long does review take?

Allow 2 to 3 weeks for review and processing after AACEI receives your application.

What if AACEI audits your application?

If AACEI selects your application for audit, you must submit verification documentation for every CEU you claimed. Keep certificates, attendance records and letters as you earn each CEU, so the evidence is ready.

Do you need a separate application for each certification?

Yes. You must submit an application for each certification you hold, and CEU eligibility depends on each certification’s own evaluation period.

What happens if your CCP expires?

A certification that is not renewed by its end date enters a 6-month grace period, and you can still recertify by CEUs or by exam during it. After the grace period, the certification is decertified and is not eligible for further extension. AACEI then removes you from its certified directory, and you can no longer use the AACE designation.

Can you recertify by examination instead?

Yes, if you are currently certified and have not accumulated enough CEUs. AACEI gives you one attempt with no resit, and you must pass before your certification end date or the end of the grace period. See AACEI’s Recertification by Examination page for details. Our AACE CCP study plan shows how to structure your preparation.

FAQ: CCP recertification CEUs

Where does 3FOLD Training fit?

3FOLD Training is an AACEI Approved Education Provider, licensed by KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) in Dubai. If you choose to recertify by examination, our CCP exam preparation program is a self-paced program on the 3FOLD Learn LMS (learning management system), with full-length mock exams and a complete CCP study guide. 3FOLD Training was established in 2008. 3FOLD Training has prepared 30,000+ learners. LMS access terms are listed on the course page. You can also read the self-paced course review or our CCP eligibility guide.