ICEAA Professional Certifications

ICEAA certifications recognize professionals who demonstrate expertise in cost estimating and analysis. Earning a PCEA^®, CCEA^®, or SCEC certification demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence and your ability to apply industry-recognized cost estimating practices.

Whether you are beginning your career, advancing as an experienced cost professional, or specializing in software cost estimating, ICEAA offers a certification path designed to validate your knowledge and skills.

Apply for Certification

Choose the Certification That Fits Your Career

ICEAA offers three professional certifications. Review the options below to determine which certification best matches your experience and career goals.

Certification	Best For	Experience Requirement	Exam Requirement	Validity
Professional Cost Estimator/Analyst (PCEA^®)	Professionals beginning their careers in cost estimating and related fields.	Candidates may take the exam before completing two years of experience. Two years of qualifying experience is required to receive the certification.	Pass PCEA^® Exam	3 years. Renewal requires retaking the exam.
Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA^®)	Experienced cost professionals seeking ICEAA’s primary professional certification.	5 years of relevant cost-related experience required for certification. Candidates with less experience may qualify for a CCEA-Eligible designation.	Pass PCEA^® Exam Pass CCEA^® Exam	5 years. Renewable through continuing education points or by retaking the exam.
Software Cost Estimating Certification (SCEC)	Professionals specializing in software cost estimating.	2 years of hands-on software cost estimating experience.	Pass the SCEC Exam.	5 years. Renewable through continuing education points or by retaking the exam.

Certification

Best For

Experience Requirement

Exam Requirement

Validity

Professional Cost Estimator/Analyst (PCEA^®)

Professionals beginning their careers in cost estimating and related fields.

Candidates may take the exam before completing two years of experience. Two years of qualifying experience is required to receive the certification.

Pass PCEA^® Exam

3 years. Renewal requires retaking the exam.

Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA^®)

Experienced cost professionals seeking ICEAA’s primary professional certification.

5 years of relevant cost-related experience required for certification. Candidates with less experience may qualify for a CCEA-Eligible designation.

Pass PCEA^® Exam

Pass CCEA^® Exam

5 years. Renewable through continuing education points or by retaking the exam.

Software Cost Estimating Certification (SCEC)

Professionals specializing in software cost estimating.

2 years of hands-on software cost estimating experience.

Pass the SCEC Exam.

5 years. Renewable through continuing education points or by retaking the exam.

How to Become ICEAA Certified

The certification process is designed to verify your education, professional experience, and knowledge of cost estimating and analysis principles.

Submit your application.
Complete the online certification application and provide information about your education and professional experience.
Receive approval.
ICEAA will review your application and confirm whether you meet the requirements to sit for your selected exam.
Pay your exam fee.
Approved candidates will receive instructions for purchasing their exam.
Prepare and take your exam.
Use ICEAA study resources and complete the required exam(s) for your certification.
Receive your certification.
Successful candidates will receive their certificate and be added to ICEAA’s list of certified professionals.

Certification Requirements at a Glance

PCEA^®

The PCEA^® certification is designed for professionals who are developing their cost estimating and analysis careers.

College degree in any discipline.
Employment in a cost-estimating or cost-adjacent field, including estimating, scheduling, budgeting, finance, data analysis, or project/program management.
Pass PCEA^® Exam.
Two years of qualifying experience are required to receive the PCEA^® certification.

Candidates who pass the PCEA^® Exam before completing two years of experience receive the designation PCEA-Eligible. Once the experience requirement is verified by ICEAA, the PCEA^® certification will be awarded.

CCEA^®

The CCEA^® certification is ICEAA’s primary professional certification and recognizes advanced proficiency in cost estimating and analysis.

College degree in any discipline.
Employment in a cost-estimating or cost-adjacent field.
Five years of qualifying experience for full certification (individuals without a college degree must demonstrate eight years of qualifying experience).
Passing score on PCEA^® Exam or existing PCEA^® certification
Pass CCEA^® Exam

Candidates with two to five years of experience may sit for the CCEA^® exam. Candidates who pass both PCEA^® and CCEA^® Exams before meeting the experience requirement receive the designation PCEA (CCEA-Eligible) until their five years of experience are verified.

Individuals may purchase both the PCEA^® and CCEA^® Exams at once for a discounted rate. Candidates may take both exams before receiving your scores for each or wait to take a purchased CCEA^® Exam until after their score for the PCEA^® Exam is received. To receive your CCEA^® certification, you must pass the PCEA^® Exam.

SCEC

The Software Cost Estimating Certification (SCEC) recognizes professionals who demonstrate expertise in software cost estimating practices and techniques.

College degree in any discipline.
At least two years of hands-on software cost estimating experience.
Proof of purchase of ICEAA’s CEBoK-S training material.
Pass the SCEC Exam.

Beginning January 1, 2024, all candidates seeking to take the SCEC exam must purchase or provide proof of purchase of CEBoK-S training material before sitting for the exam.

SCEC Certification Process Flowchart

Application Process

To begin the certification process, complete the online certification application.

Your application identifies the certification exam(s) you wish to take and provides ICEAA with the information needed to verify your education, employment, and experience requirements.

After submitting your application, ICEAA will review your qualifications. Approved candidates will receive instructions for purchasing their exam and scheduling their testing session.

Exam Registration and Fees

ICEAA certification exams are administered online using a secure testing platform with virtual AI proctoring.

ICEAA membership is $150 per year and provides discounted exam pricing.

Upcoming Price Increases: New exam, retake, and recertification rates take effect January 1, 2027.

Exam or Service	Current Rates — Through December 31, 2026		New Rates — Effective January 1, 2027
Exam or Service	ICEAA Member Rate	Non-Member Rate	ICEAA Member Rate	Non-Member Rate
PCEA^® Exam	$165	$275	$280	$435
CCEA^® Exam	$165	$250	$275	$430
CCEA^® & PCEA^® Bundle	$300	$475	$500	$675
SCEC Exam	$350	$515	$350	$515
Exam Retakes
PCEA^® Retake	$65	$65	$105	$260
CCEA^® Retake	$75	$75	$120	$275
PCEA^® & CCEA^® Retake	$115	$115	$185	$340
SCEC Retake	$170	$170	$170	$325
Recertification
CCEA^® Recertification	$125	$250	$175	$330

To register, log into your ICEAA profile or create an account. Select the desired exam and complete your purchase. If you purchase membership and an exam at the same time, the member discount will appear during final checkout.

Starting January 1, 2027, test links are valid for six months after exam fees are paid. Expired links may be reinstated by paying the exam re-take fee.

Preparing for Your Exam

Candidates should begin studying before their application is approved. ICEAA certification exams measure proficiency in the principles and practices of cost estimating and analysis as outlined in ICEAA’s Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge (CEBoK^®).

PCEA^® and CCEA^® Preparation

The primary study resource for PCEA^® and CCEA^® candidates is the Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge (CEBoK^®).
CEBoK^® provides comprehensive training in cost estimating and analysis concepts and covers the knowledge areas tested on the PCEA^® and CCEA^® exams.
CEBoK^® is available free to active ICEAA members through the ICEAA Portal.
The PCEA^® exam focuses primarily on terminology, concepts, and fundamental calculations. The CCEA^® exam includes more advanced calculations, applications, analysis, and evaluation of cost estimating scenarios.

Additional PCEA^® and CCEA^® Resources

ICEAA also offers CEBoK^® training videos and other educational resources through the ICEAA Store.

SCEC Preparation

SCEC exam questions are based on ICEAA’s Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge—Software (CEBoK-S).

CEBoK-S focuses on software cost estimating practices, including software sizing, development effort and cost estimation, sustainment and maintenance estimation, risk, uncertainty, data analysis, and evaluation of software cost estimates.

A PCEA^® or CCEA^® certification is not required to pursue SCEC certification; however, candidates should have a strong understanding of cost estimating principles.

All candidates must purchase or provide proof of purchase of CEBoK-S training material before taking the SCEC exam.

Taking the Certification Exam

After your application has been approved and your exam fee has been paid, ICEAA will provide instructions for accessing the online testing system.

Before your scheduled exam, you will receive a link to complete a system check. Complete this check in advance to identify and resolve any technical issues before exam day.

Exam Format

Exam	Format	Time Limit
PCEA^® Exam	60 multiple-choice questions	2 hours
CCEA^® Exam	50 multiple-choice questions	2 hours
SCEC	60 multiple-choice questions	90 minutes

Testing Best Practices

ICEAA has surveyed successful exam candidates and have observed thousands of professionals’ preparation and performance over the years and has compiled the following testing best practices:

Thoroughly review the CEBoK^® materials. ICEAA recommends approximately 3-4 months to fully absorb the material. Download our notional study plan.
Studying in groups is encouraged. Collaborative learning environments improve retention and provide peer support.
Commit to memory the formulas you will need for the exam. This information can be found in the Additional Resources Section for each module of CEBoK^®. Download the PCEA/CCEA Exams Formula Sheet
Review the Testable Topics table for each module

Technical Requirements

ICEAA certification exams must be taken on a desktop or laptop computer with an integrated webcam and microphone. Exams cannot be completed on mobile devices, tablets, or smartphones.

Latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
Working webcam and microphone.
Ability to install the required browser extension.
Reliable internet connection.
Ability to access the testing platform through your network.
Additional information can be found on the Certification FAQ.

Employer-provided computers and networks may restrict access to required websites or downloads. Review the ICEAA Online Exam System Requirements with your IT department if you plan to use a work computer. If your employer’s equipment or network is not compatible, you may use a personal computer.

Preparing Your Testing Environment

Before beginning your exam:

Complete your system check at least one week before your exam whenever possible.
Use a quiet location where you will not be interrupted.
Disconnect additional monitors.
Position your webcam so your face remains visible throughout the exam.
Remove headsets and earphones.
Remove phones, tablets, and other electronic devices from your testing area.
Clear your workspace of notes, books, and reference materials.
Do not use browser search functions such as Ctrl+F during the exam.

ICEAA exams are closed-book exams. Notes, reference materials, outside assistance, or unauthorized devices are not permitted.

Candidates may use one blank sheet of paper and a writing instrument for calculations. You must show both sides of the paper to the proctor before beginning the exam.

The exam software includes an integrated calculator. An external calculator is not required.

Additional information can be found on the Certification FAQ.

AI Proctoring Requirements

ICEAA certification exams use AI proctoring technology to help protect exam integrity. The system monitors your webcam, microphone, and computer activity during the exam.

The system may flag situations such as:

Another person appearing in your camera view.
Looking away from the screen for extended periods.
Use of additional devices.
Opening other websites or programs.
Other activity that may indicate a testing violation.

Candidates receive one warning if a potential violation is detected. A second violation may result in the exam being closed, locked, and marked as failed.

ICEAA recommends that candidates do not take exams in public locations, shared offices, or other areas where interruptions are likely.

For additional information, review the Certification FAQ.

Technical Issues During the Exam

The testing platform continuously saves exam responses. If a technical problem occurs, such as a temporary internet interruption or power outage, you will be able to continue after the issue is resolved.

Technical support for system or software-related issues is available 24 hours per day. If you have a problem that prevents you from completing your exam, ICEAA will review the situation within 24 business hours and provide further instructions.

Shortly after your application is approved, you will receive a link to a practice exam that will allow you to familiarize yourself with the exam layout and test your system capability. We especially recommend using the ScratchPad Practice link before your exam to become familiar with the on-screen spreadsheet tool that is available for use during the exam.

ScratchPad functions similarly to Excel but does not include the Excel interface, VBA/macros, graphing, or user-defined functions. Use of keyboard short cuts such as the ctrl+f, alt+tab, or other similar commands will be flagged as web browsing and will shut down the exam.

Additional information:

If your exam session is interrupted because of a suspected testing violation, ICEAA will review the available exam records. If an infraction is confirmed, the exam may be marked as failed and any retake will be subject to applicable retake fees and waiting periods.

If ICEAA determines that the exam was incorrectly invalidated, a retake may be permitted at no charge. In this case, the process for ICEAA to review the available exam records and coordinate with the exam software provider to reopen the candidates exam may take up to 48 hours. The exam will resume at the last completed question with all previous answers up to that point saved.

Testing Accommodations

If you require special accommodations to take the exam, contact the International Business Office to discuss your options.

You will be asked to provide additional documentation to support your accommodation request.

Any accommodations must be documented and completed before the exam attempt is scheduled; accommodations will not be considered once an exam is administered.

All information provided will be treated confidentially.

Contact:
703-642-3090
[email protected]

After the Exam

ICEAA will provide your exam result approximately 10 business days after your exam is completed. Results will be sent to the email address provided on your certification application.

Candidates who successfully complete the certification requirements will receive a PDF certificate and will be added to ICEAA’s list of current certified professionals.

Certification listings are maintained only for active certifications. Individuals whose certifications expire or who have not submitted required certification payments will not appear on the public certification list.

If You Do Not Pass the Exam

Candidates who do not pass an exam may retake the exam portion they did not pass, subject to ICEAA retake limits and applicable fees.

Exam	Maximum Attempts	Retake Fee
PCEA^® Exam	No more than two attempts in a six-month period or three attempts in a twelve-month period.	$65
CCEA^® Exam	No more than two attempts in a six-month period or three attempts in a twelve-month period.	$75
SCEC Exam	No more than two attempts in a six-month period or three attempts in a twelve-month period.	$170

Exam results are provided as pass/fail. Failing scores may be provided upon request.

For candidates who do not pass an exam, ICEAA will identify and communicate their three lowest-scoring topic areas to help guide future study efforts. ICEAA does not provide specific questions answered incorrectly, correct answers, or partial credit.

If a candidate passes both CCEA^® exam parts but has not yet completed the required five years of professional experience required for CCEA^® designation, the candidate may use the PCEA^® designation until the experience requirement is met and verified, and will be listed as PCEA (CCEA-Eligible) on the Current Certifications list.

Renewing Your Certification

Maintaining your ICEAA certification demonstrates your continued commitment to professional development and current cost estimating practices.

Certification	Validity Period	Renewal Method
PCEA^®	3 years	Retake the PCEA^® exam.
CCEA^®	5 years	Earn qualifying recertification points or retake the certification exam.
SCEC	5 years	Earn qualifying recertification points or retake the certification exam.

CCEA^® and SCEC holders may renew their certification by earning at least 30 professional development points during their five-year certification term. Applicants must submit a recertification application reporting qualifying activities completed within that period. Supporting documentation must be submitted where required, and records should be retained for possible audit. Certificate holders who do not earn the required 30 points must retake the associated exams.

Points are awarded for activities related to cost estimating, including:

Professional experience: Employment earns 3 points per year, up to 15 points over five years.
Membership and conference attendance: Professional association membership earns 1 point per year; conferences lasting at least two full days earn 2 points each.
Leadership, service, and recognition: Leadership roles, committee participation, event support, and professional awards qualify for points.
Education and training: Relevant college courses and association- or industry-sponsored training earn points.
Teaching and publishing: Presentations earn 1–2 points depending on length; qualifying published articles earn 3 points, or 5 points for peer-reviewed technical articles.

Review the CCEA^® and SCEC Recertification Application for details.

The PCEA^® certification is not renewable by points. Individuals looking to extend their PCEA^® certification beyond three years must re-take the PCEA^® exam.

Recertification Timeline

ICEAA will send reminders beginning approximately six months before certification expiration.
Recertification applications may be submitted up to six months (180 days) after expiration.
After approval, candidates will receive instructions for paying the recertification fee.

Candidates who do not complete recertification requirements may reinstate their certification by successfully retaking the applicable exam(s).

Additional Information and Resources

The following resources can help candidates plan, prepare, and complete the ICEAA certification process.

Trademark Notice:

CCEA^{^®} is a registered trademark owned by the International Cost Estimating & Analysis Association (ICEAA). USPTO: #4040978

PCEA^® is a registered trademark owned by the International Cost Estimating & Analysis Association (ICEAA). USPTO: #4040979

CEBoK^® is a registered trademark owned by the International Cost Estimating & Analysis Association (ICEAA). USPTO: #85209502