“This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.”
Walk into the CCP exam with every domain mastered, every key formula memorised, and a clear plan for all five hours.
The Certified Cost Professional (CCP) is AACE International’s flagship credential in cost engineering—and the exam demands far more than professional experience alone.
You must complete 119 questions across seven knowledge domains, as well as a written communication memo, within a five-hour examination window. Success requires structured preparation, strong calculation skills, sound professional judgment, and the ability to communicate clearly under pressure.
This course brings all of those elements together in one complete, exam-focused preparation system.
A Complete Exam-Mapped Curriculum
The course includes:
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13 comprehensive modules
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49 structured lessons
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Detailed study guides
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Step-by-step numerical examples
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Exam-style practice questions
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Formula revision resources
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Communication memo preparation
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Full mixed-domain practice sets
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A complete five-hour exam strategy
Each lesson is supported by an in-depth study guide designed for serious exam preparation. The guides include:
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Clear explanations of essential concepts
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Dedicated formula boxes
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Step-by-step worked examples using realistic figures
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Exam-style questions with complete answer rationales
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Common traps and mistakes to avoid
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Practical links between related CCP domains
What You Will Master
Cost Engineering Foundations
Understand cost classifications, terminology, contingency, management reserves, cost engineering principles, and professional ethics.
Statistics and Data Analytics
Apply probability distributions, Z-scores, regression analysis, correlation, forecasting techniques, and learning-curve calculations.
Cost Estimating
Master estimate classifications and estimating methods, including:
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Capacity-factor estimating
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Parametric estimating
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Analogy methods
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Unit-rate estimating
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Detailed quantity take-offs
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Escalation calculations
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Location adjustments
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Basis of Estimate preparation
Budgets and Cost Baselines
Learn how budgets are developed and controlled, including the Project Management Baseline, contingency, management reserve, funding sources, change control, and baseline revisions.
Engineering Economics
Develop confidence using:
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Present Worth and Annual Worth
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Internal Rate of Return
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Benefit-cost analysis
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Economic equivalence factors
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Depreciation
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Tax effects
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Replacement analysis
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Investment decision criteria
Contracts and Commercial Management
Understand contract types, risk allocation, incentive arrangements, contract administration, commercial decision-making, and claims management.
Earned Value Management
Master the complete EVM calculation framework, including:
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Planned Value, Earned Value, and Actual Cost
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Cost and schedule variances
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CPI and SPI
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Estimate at Completion
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Estimate to Complete
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Variance at Completion
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To-Complete Performance Index
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Earned Schedule
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Productivity and forecasting analysis
You will also learn how to select the correct forecasting formula based on the conditions presented in the exam—not simply memorise equations.
Cost Reporting
Build effective reports using a clear:
Variance → Cause → Impact → Action → Forecast
structure, supported by reliable data, disciplined analysis, and professional communication.
Risk Management
Apply:
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Expected Monetary Value
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Decision-tree analysis
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PERT calculations
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Risk-adjusted decision-making
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Monte Carlo simulation interpretation
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Risk-response economics
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Contingency analysis
Planning and Scheduling
Develop practical competence in:
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Critical Path Method calculations
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Forward and backward passes
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Total and free float
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Schedule compression
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Crashing economics
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Resource considerations
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Delay analysis principles
The CCP Communication Memo
Prepare for the written communication requirement using:
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A proven five-part memo structure
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Annotated model answers
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Planning templates
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Professional writing techniques
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Timed and graded practice exercises
Comprehensive Exam Review
Consolidate every domain through focused revision, connected examples, domain summaries, and the Master Formula Compendium.
Exam Strategy and Practice
Enter the exam with a rehearsed approach covering:
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Five-hour time allocation
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The two-pass answering method
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Calculation-question management
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Memo planning and writing
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Formula recall
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Question-flagging strategies
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Final review and error checking
The course also includes two complete mixed-domain practice sets, with detailed rationales for every answer.
One Project Connects the Entire Course
A single $63.6 million project runs through the curriculum.
Throughout the course, you will:
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Prepare its estimate
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Establish its budget and baseline
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Evaluate its economics
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Analyse its contractual risks
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Measure earned value performance
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Forecast its final cost
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Assess uncertainty
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Develop its schedule
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Analyse delays
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Prepare professional management memos
This integrated case study helps you understand cost engineering as one connected professional system—not as seven isolated exam subjects.
Your Complete Exam-Week Toolkit
The course includes a practical collection of final-revision resources:
Master Formula Compendium
Every essential formula organised by knowledge domain, supported by guidance on when and how each formula should be applied.
Printable Formula Sheet
A concise standalone reference containing the critical equations and the fifteen-line exam-morning revision summary.
Exam Coverage Matrix
A complete mapping of exam domains to course lessons, supported by a twenty-topic readiness checklist.
Complete Course Index
A structured index that allows you to quickly locate any topic, formula, example, or revision section.
Two Mixed Practice Sets
Realistic cross-domain questions with full explanations, calculation steps, and answer rationales.
Personal Error-Log System
A structured method for turning incorrect answers into a personalised final-review checklist.
Final-Week Study Plan
A day-by-day preparation schedule covering the final week, the day before the exam, and exam morning.
Prepare With Structure. Practise With Purpose. Enter the Exam With Confidence.
This course is designed for cost engineers, estimators, planners, schedulers, project controls professionals, quantity surveyors, commercial professionals, and project managers preparing for the CCP examination.
By the end of the course, you will have reviewed every major domain, practised the essential calculations, prepared for the communication memo, and developed a complete strategy for managing the five-hour exam.
Disclaimer: CCP is a registered mark of AACE International. This is an independent examination-preparation course and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by AACE International. Examination formats, eligibility criteria, policies, and reference materials may change. Always verify the latest requirements through the official AACE certification handbook and website.
