How the CCP is scored
The 2026 exam blueprint structures the CCP around 7 domains. Your answers are scored per domain, the domain scores are averaged, and the average must reach 70%. AACE is explicit that all parts are considered together: it is possible to fail multiple domains and pass overall — and, conversely, to pass several domains yet fail overall. See our CCP syllabus guide for exactly what each domain covers.
| Domain | Questions |
|---|---|
| 1. Managing Project Costs | 43 |
| 2. Interfacing with Other Disciplines | 28 |
| 3. Create Reports and Documentation | 13 |
| 4. Conduct Performance Measurement/Analysis | 20 |
| 5. Support/Inform the Scheduling Process | 6 |
| 6. Inform the Risk Management Process | 9 |
| 7. Communication Competency | 1 written memo |
That distribution is strategic gold. Domain 1 alone carries 43 of the 119 questions — more than Domains 3, 5 and 6 combined. If your study time is limited, weight it accordingly.
Why the memo changes your results timeline
The multiple-choice portion is computer-scored, but the memo — typed into an on-screen text box during the exam — is graded by AACE volunteer graders against professional communication standards. Grading runs in monthly cycles beginning around the 15th; results are emailed per AACE's expected-results calendar, typically around the 5th of the following month. Sit your exam just after a cutoff and your memo rolls into the next cycle — plan your dates with that in mind. For the complete exam structure, see our CCP certification guide.
What a 70% average means for strategy
- You don't need perfection anywhere. A strong Domain 1 and 2 performance creates a cushion for weaker areas like risk or scheduling.
- Never write off the memo. Domain 7 is a full domain in the average. A weak memo drags the whole result; a competent one is one of the easiest domains to secure with practice.
- Track domain-level scores in practice. Full-length simulations with per-question results show exactly which domains sit below 70% — that's your revision list, not a generic syllabus. Our CCP mock exam strategy guide lays out the full protocol.
What happens if you fail
If your 6-month registration period hasn't expired, you can resit at a reduced fee of $260 — up to two resits within the period. Your results indicate performance by domain, so a resit is a targeted repair job, not a restart. Candidates who schedule their first attempt early in the registration window keep both resits realistically available. Prepare properly the first time with CCP Complete Self-Paced Preparation — three full-length simulations with domain-level scoring are built in.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fail one domain and still pass the CCP?+
Is the CCP exam curved or scaled?+
How soon do I get CCP results?+
How many questions is the CCP exam?+
Prepare with an AACE-Approved Provider
2026-blueprint study guide, video lessons, 3 full-length simulations, memo mastery — $590, 180 days.
Sources: AACE International CCP Candidate Handbook (rev. June 2026) and AACE's official CCP certification pages. CCP® is a registered mark of AACE International. More CCP articles →