Test Page

How do I become a certified cost estimator?
To achieve one of ICEAA’s certifications, individuals must:

• Complete the online exam application
• Receive an approval notification from ICEAA that they have met the requirements to take the desired exam
• Pay the appropriate exam fee (See What is the cost to take the exam below)
• Pass your exam! PCEA® candidates must past Exam Part I; CCEA® candidates must pass both Exam Part I&II.

What are the eligibility requirements to take the exam?
To take the PCEA® exam, applicants must at least two years of hands-on cost estimating and analysis experience or related field and a college degree (in any discipline).For CCEA® certification, individuals should either have a college degree (in any discipline) and 5 or more years of relative experience, or without a degree have 8 years of experience.Acceptable related experience in cost estimating and analysis include: accounting, finance, mathematics, statistics, engineering, economics, accounting or related sciences. If you are unsure whether your experience will qualify towards the exam, please email us.

How do I apply to take the exam(s)?
Apply using our online application. Within a few business days of sending your application, you will be notified whether or not you have been approved to sit for the exam and will receive instructions on how to pay your exam fee.

How do I pay my exam fee?
Log into your ICEAA profile (or create an account), place the desired exam in your shopping cart and purchase.

Note: if you order both your exam and a membership at the same time, the member price will be reflected in the final purchase confirmation page.

What is the cost to take the exam?
Pricing for taking the exam(s) online are as follows. Offline, pen-and-paper exams can be arranged with a 20% surcharge on exam fees to cover printing, shipping, and other coordination.

• CCEA® Exam: $300/member rate, $475 non-member rate
• PCEA® Exam: $150/member rate, $275 non-member rate

ICEAA membership is $95.00 for one year.
Note: if you order both your exam and a membership at the same time, the member price will be reflected in the final purchase confirmation page.

I don’t live in the US. Can I still take the exam?
ICEAA’s online exam platform allows candidates across the globe to take the exam at the time and place of their choice. At this time, offline and paper-exams are only available in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Contact us if you need to take an offline/paper exam outside the United States.

Can I get a refund?
Should you need to cancel or reschedule your planned exam date, the following cancellation/rescheduling policy applies:• 16 or more business days before the exam: transfer to a new exam date or receive a full refund to cancel.
• 8-15 business days before the exam: transfer to a new exam date only. No refunds will be issued.
• 7 or fewer business days before the exam: no transfers or refunds are available.

What if I register to take the exam but then need to postpone?
Should you need to cancel or reschedule your planned exam date, the following cancellation/rescheduling policy applies:• 16 or more business days before the exam: transfer to a new exam date or receive a full refund to cancel.
• 8-15 business days before the exam: transfer to a new exam date only. No refunds will be issued.
• 7 or fewer business days before the exam: no transfers or refunds are available.

Is there a fee for cancelling or postponing my exam?
Should you need to cancel or reschedule your planned exam date, the following cancellation/rescheduling policy applies:• 16 or more business days before the exam: transfer to a new exam date or receive a full refund to cancel.
• 8-15 business days before the exam: transfer to a new exam date only. No refunds will be issued.
• 7 or fewer business days before the exam: no transfers or refunds are available.

Who do I contact to discuss additional accommodations I may need for taking the exam?
Contact us to discuss your options. You may be asked to provide additional documentation to support your accommodation request. All information provided will be treated confidentially.

What should I study to pass the exam?
ICEAA’s Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge, or CEBoK® (Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge) can be ordered online. Your copy of CEBoK® will be sent on a USB flash drive via the US Postal Service within two business days of ordering.CEBoK® can be purchased for $235/member rate; $335 non-member rate.Additional preparation resources can be found on our Testable Topics List. and list of additional resources.

Are there training sessions in my area?
ICEAA’s annual Professional Development & Training Workshop and other events throughout the year will often feature CEBoK® -based training that can augment your study. Check the ICEAA Chapters page to see if there is an ICEAA Chapter in your area, and contact that chapter for information about upcoming training session.

How do I purchase the training material?
ICEAA’s Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge, or CEBoK® (Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge) can be ordered online. Your copy of CEBoK® will be sent on a USB flash drive via the US Postal Service within two business days of ordering.CEBoK® can be purchased for $235/member rate; $335 non-member rate.Each copy of CEBoK® is limited to use by one user only. Contact us for information about bulk pricing options for orders of 6 or more copies.If you order both CEBoK® and a membership at the same time, the member price will be reflected in the final purchase confirmation page.

Is CEBoK a book?
No. CEBoK® is a collection of PowerPoint, PDF and Excel files designed to walk you through the 16 modules of study. CEBoK® is available electronically only; it is not a book, workbook, or otherwise available in hard copy.

Is CEBoK a course?
CEBoK® is a collection of PowerPoint, PDF and Excel files designed to walk you through the 16 modules of study. It is designed to work both as a self-study tool and to study in independent groups, but the files contained on the USB thumb drive do not have instructor-led video or audio files.

Who do I contact to discuss additional accommodations I may need for taking the exam?
Contact the International Business Office to discuss your options. You may be asked to provide additional documentation to support your accommodation request. All information provided will be treated confidentially.
(703) 642-3090
iceaa@iceaaonline.org

Can I take the exam online?
Yes! Submit your exam application for approval to take the exam and you will be sent a link to the online exam once your application is approved and exam fee is paid.

What is the format of the online exam?
The PCEA Exam/Exam Part I features 60 multiple choice questions worth one point each. The CCEA/Exam Part II features 50 multiple choice questions worth one point each. Each section is two hours in length.

How do I register to take the exam online?
Complete and submit your application on our website. The application provides the option of taking the exam Online or Offline. Offline exam fees are increased by 20% to cover printing, shipping, and other coordination required to provide the paper exam.

Can I take the online exam anytime?
When applying, you will indicate a date on which you would like to take the exam. The link will be valid from the date the link is issued until 11:59pm on date you are scheduled to take the exam.

Do I need my own proctor for the exam?
No. The exam software uses advanced analytics for AI proctoring. The AI proctor will monitor you through your computer’s integrated webcam and microphone to watch for distractions or instances where the test-taker may be cheating. The AI proctor will flag if another person is detected in your camera’s field of view, if the user is looking away from the screen for long periods of time, if additional devices (like mobile phones) are detected, or if any other websites or programs are launched during the exam. If one of these flags are raised, you will receive one warning that possible cheating has been detected. On the second instance, the exam will be closed and locked.
Examples of behaviors flagged by the AI proctor:

If you would like to learn more, this video provides a detailed explanation and demonstration of the AI proctoring software.

Do I have to go to a testing center to take the exam online?
You may take the exam from your home, office, or anywhere there will not be distractions that the proctoring software may pick up on. We do not recommend taking the exam any place where you will be distracted by others or where people may walk into the AI proctor’s field of view.
Examples of behaviors flagged by the AI proctor:

If you would like to learn more, this video provides a detailed explanation and demonstration of the AI proctoring software.

Can I use my own computer?
You may use any desktop or laptop that has an integrated microphone and webcam. The exam is not supported on mobile devices (cellphones, smartphones, iPads or tablets).

Can I use my company issued computer or laptop?
Yes, but your organization may have limitations on the sites you are able to visit using their network or blocks on what you are able to download. Download ICEAA Online Exam System Requirements and forward to your IT professional to find out if you can take the exam using your company’s network.

Network and computer security are very strict at my organization. Will I still be able to take the online exam?
If you find you can’t take the online exam using your work computer, forward the IT Requirements for ICEAA Online Exam document to your organization’s IT department for assistance. If you are unable to use your employer’s network or company-issued computer, you may take the exam at home or elsewhere using a personal computer.

If you do not have access to a personal computer, you can schedule to take the online exam with an approved live proctor, or a written, pen-and-paper exam for an additional 20% surcharge on your exam fee.

What if I do not have a webcam-enabled computer? Can I still take the exam online?
If you do not have a webcam or can’t use the online exam program for any other reason, you may arrange an in-person exam with an approved proctor. In-person exams are subject to a 20% surcharge to cover preparation, shipping, and manual scoring of paper exams.

Do I need special software to take the exam online?
You will need a computer with an integrated camera and microphone and the latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. You may be required to download a browser extension when you go through the pre-test system check, and give the exam website access to your camera and microphone.

When should I perform the pre-test system check?
You should perform the system check as soon as you receive the exam link, ideally during business hours. Any issues that are revealed during the check (URL/IP blocking, camera and microphone issues, etc.) can then be addressed prior to your taking the exam.

If you organization’s environment blocks certain IP addresses or has other measures in place to prevent your taking the exam at your office, it is recommended that you contact your IT department or consider taking the exam at home or other location where there will not be distractions that the proctoring software may pick up on . These things will flag your exam for further review by ICEAA prior to communicating your results. Once your system check is successful, the system will provide ample warning that you can return to complete the exam later. If you are not ready, do not start the exam.

How do I perform the pre-test system check?
Once your application has been approved and your exam fee has been paid, you will be sent a link to the exam, which is the same link that will be used for your system check. Find a time during business hours, at least two business days before you plan to take the exam to click the link and follow the system check instructions.

Once you complete the system check, you can close your browser and when you are ready to take the exam, use the same link. Do not begin the exam unless you are ready to complete it; once you start the exam, you must complete it in the time provided.

Do I have to take the exam right after I perform the system check?
No. We encourage you to conduct your system check at least one week prior to taking the exam and perform the check during business hours so that you can reach out to ICEAA or your company’s IT department if you have issues. The system will provide ample warning that you can return to complete the exam later. If you are not ready to start the exam, do not continue – once you start the exam you must finish it in the time allotted.

How do I take the exam online?
Once the system compatibility check is successful, you will click the green “Start Test” tab to be redirected to the test page where you will provide your registration details. You will go through the process of taking your profile picture, a picture of your photo ID and to show that you have only blank paper, with no formulas or other documentation with you and begin the exam. Once you have started the exam you must complete it in the time limit provided.

What should I bring to the exam?
You will need a photo ID that shows your name and photo to scan and compare to your face. The system will walk you through the steps to match your ID to your face.

You may bring one blank sheet of paper and writing instrument. You will be required to show that your paper is blank on both sides, containing no formulas or notes.

Can I use my own paper to work out calculations on?
You may use one sheet of paper for calculations during the exam. At the beginning of the exam, you will be required to show that your paper is blank on both sides, containing no writing, formulas, or notes.

Do I need a calculator?
No. The online exam provides an onscreen calculator to use. The monitoring software may interpret a separate calculator as an additional device and flag your exam for using outside resources.

If you plan to use a laptop that does not have a number pad, we recommend using an external keyboard for ease of use. Note: To enter a negative number in the calculator, use the “+/-” key to toggle the sign between positive and negative.

Who do I contact if I have technical difficulties while taking the online exam?
Completing the system check and compatibility test should eliminate most possible technical issues, but there is a phone number at the bottom of each screen of the exam that you can call for technical assistance with the exam software or connectivity problems.

What if I have technical difficulties during the exam, such as a power outage, loss of internet connection or browser crash?
The testing software continuously saves your exam answers so no information will be lost due to internet connectivity issues or power outages. Once an issue is corrected, you will be able to restart the exam where you left off within the 24 hours provided. If your technical issue extends beyond the time frame you have been given to take the exam, contact ICEAA for further instructions.

What if I get locked out of the exam because the AI proctor thinks I’m cheating, but I did not cheat?
If the monitoring software detects an additional person, device, or other violation you will be given a warning. If a second perceived violation occurs, the exam will shut down. You can request to challenge the AI proctor’s judgement and ICEAA will review your footage to consider allowing you to retake the exam.

What if I do not finish the exam within the given time limit?
You will only receive credit for questions answered within the time provided. A countdown clock showing the time you have remaining will show in the upper right-hand corner of the screen during the entire exam. You will be given a warning when the exam time is almost up.

What is the format of the offline exam?
The PCEA Exam/Exam Part I features 60 multiple choice questions worth one point each. The CCEA/Exam Part II features 50 multiple choice questions worth one point each. Both parts of the exam are recorded by hand using pencil and paper. Each section is two hours in length.

How do I take the offline exam?
If you want or need to take the exam offline, you will need to arrange an approved proctor who will monitor the distribution of the exam booklet and ensure there are no distractions and no resources are used during your exam. All proctors must be CCEA-certified individuals. Offline exam fees are increased by 20% to cover printing, shipping, and other coordination required to provide the paper exam.

What can I bring to the exam?
Acceptable calculators may feature:
• Basic arithmetic keys
• Branding as a “scientific” calculator
• Logarithm, exponent, universal power, memory, and parentheses keys
Calculators may NOT:
• Have preprogrammed statistical functions
• Have graphing capability
• Be the TI-83/84 series
The TI-83/84 series calculators are NOT permitted and may not be used during the exam.
• Be on a cell phone or other device with data or internet connectivity
An example of an acceptable calculator can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Casio-Scientific-Calculator-FX-260-SOLARII-S-IH/dp/B071R3H9WB/. It is the sole responsibility of the examinee to bring an appropriate calculator. Calculators will not be provided at the exam site.

Can I use my laptop during the offline exam?
No, laptops are not allowed during the offline exam. If you would like to take your exam online, you can request an online exam when you complete your application.

Can I bring notes?
No, candidates may not bring notes or reference materials of any kind into the exam room.

Can I use my own paper to work out calculations on?
No, candidates may not bring anything into the exam room but writing utensils and an approved calculator. You may use any available space on the exam booklet to work out your calculations.

When will I have my exam results?
Your pass/fail results will be emailed to you within three weeks after the exam date.

How will I receive my exam results?
Your exam results will be emailed to the address indicated on the exam application.

Do I receive a certificate?
Your certification certificate will be emailed as a PDF.

How can I prove to others that I have my certification?
A list of current ICEAA certified cost estimators and their expiration date is featured on the ICEAA website. Once a certification expires, the name will be removed from the list. Anyone who has either passed the exam(s) or renewed their certification but has not paid the exam fee will not be listed on the website.

How long is my certification valid?
CCEA® and CCEA®-P certification is valid for five years, but can be renewed with continuing education credit and other activities via a points system. (See Renewing my Certification).PCEA® Certification is valid for three years and may only be extended by re-taking the PCEA® exam.

How can I look up my certification status?
A list of current ICEAA certified cost estimators and their expiration date is featured on the ICEAA website. Once a certification expires, the name will be removed from the list.

What if I lose my certificate?
We will be happy to email you another one.

What if I don’t pass?
Candidates may schedule re-takes of the exam(s) they did not pass. We recommend allowing a least a few months of additional study before re-testing. The CCEA® may be re-taken an unlimited number of times.

Pricing is as follows.

• CCEA® Exam: $115
• PCEA® Exam: $65
• CCEA® Part 2: $75

Any exams taken offline using a live proctor and paper test materials are subject to a 20% surcharge to cover printing, shipping, and other coordination.

If I do not pass the first time, when can I take the exam again?
Candidates may schedule re-takes of the exam(s) they do not pass. However, we recommend allowing a least a few months of additional study before re-testing.

What is the cost to re-take the exam?
Pricing for re-taking the exams are as follows.

• CCEA® Exam: $115
• PCEA® Exam: $65
• CCEA® Part 2: $75

Any exams taken offline using a live proctor and paper test materials are subject to a 20% surcharge to cover printing, shipping, and other coordination.

How many times can I take the exam?
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the exam, whether online or in-person, but each time you wish to take the exam you will be subject to an exam fee or re-take fee.

Pricing for re-taking the exams are as follows.

• CCEA® Exam: $115
• PCEA® Exam: $65
• CCEA® Part 2: $75

Any exams taken offline using a live proctor and paper test materials are subject to a 20% surcharge to cover printing, shipping, and other coordination.

What if I only pass Part I?
If you are only looking to achieve your PCEA® certification, you only need to pass Part I. For those interested in the CCEA® certification who only pass Part I will be granted the PCEA® designation until they successfully re-take Part II.

What if I only pass Part II?
Candidates passing only Part II will receive neither the PCEA® or CCEA® designation until Part I is passed.

What if I pass both parts but have less than five years’ experience?
Should a less-experienced candidate take and pass both parts of the exam, they will be awarded the PCEA® designation until the 5-year experience mark is met. For example, if someone with 3 years of experience passed both parts of the exam in 2020, they would be a PCEA® until 2022, at which point their designation would be upgraded to CCEA®.

Will I see the answers after the exam? Will I know what questions I got wrong?
Answers to exam questions or information on which specific questions were answered correctly or incorrectly is not available. Should you not pass the exam, you will be provided with the three lowest-scoring topic areas to give extra attention to when prepare for your exam retake. You will not receive the specific questions answered incorrectly or the correct answers to them.

Will I get partial credit for questions I answer incorrectly but show some understanding of the concepts in question through notes or formulas?
No. Partial credit is not provided for any incorrect answer, regardless of effort or other work shown.

How do I renew my certification?
During the five years that your certification is active, keep a log of the continuing education courses, relevant seminars or workshops, ICEAA membership, and other qualifying activities listed on the ICEAA Recertification Application. We suggest keeping all of your records in an email folder, share drive, or other safe place for ease of reference. Starting six months before your certification is set to expire, ICEAA will remind you via the email address we have on file to record your points-earning activities on the ICEAA Recertification Application. Once your recertification application is approved, you will receive instructions via email on how to pay the $125 recertification fee. Recertification applications will be accepted up to six months (180 days) after your expiration date. Anyone who fails to accumulate the 30 required recertification points, or does not complete their recertification application in time, may reinstate their CCEA® certification by passing both parts of the CCEA® exam again. The PCEA® certification is not renewable via points, but can be extended beyond the three year term by taking and passing the PCEA® exam again.

How many points do I need to recertify?
CCEA® certificants must achieve 30 points over five years to recertify. Allocation of points for qualifying activities is outlined on the ICEAA Recertification Application.

What types of things can I do to earn points toward recertification?
CCEA® Certificants can claim points for years worked in a cost profession, maintaining their ICEAA membership, participating in cost-related continuing education courses at universities, ICEAA events, or events held by other organizations providing relevant programs. Points will be awarded for volunteer contributions to ICEAA and our chapters, for serving as a proctor for others’ exams, and more. Allocation of points for qualifying activities is outlined on the ICEAA Recertification Application. If you are unsure whether or not an activity will qualify for points, contact us with a description and supporting documentation and we will review for relevance.

Does ICEAA keep track of my recertification points for me?
No. Individuals are responsible for maintaining their own records of activities that qualify for points throughout their 5-year term. We suggest keeping all of your records in an email folder, share drive, or other safe place for ease of reference.

I don’t have enough points to recertify and I expire soon!
If you don’t believe you have enough points to recertify, take a closer look at the Recertification Application to see if there are any qualifying activities you may have left off. If you have some time before you need to recertify and are looking for ways to get more points, contact us for information on volunteering opportunities that will qualify, such as serving as a proctor for other exams, or participating in chapter or international events. If you are unsure whether or not an activity will qualify for points, contact us with a description and supporting documentation and we will review for relevance.

What does it cost to renew my certification?
To renew your certification by application, $125.

To renew by retaking the exam, the standard exam fees apply:
CCEA: $300/member rate, $475 non-member rate
PCEA: $150/member rate, $275 non-member rate
CCEA-P: $450/member rate, $750 non-member rate

Will you remind me when I need to recertify?
Starting 6 months before your certification is set to expire, ICEAA will remind you via the email address we have on file. Log into your ICEAA profile to confirm and update your email as necessary. We strongly recommend maintaining a current email address with ICEAA, but ultimately you are responsible for remembering to renew your certification on time.

My certification expires in a month, when should I submit my renewal application?
It is recommended that you submit your recertification application within the month that your certification expires. ICEAA offers a 6 month/180-day grace period in which to submit your paperwork however, your certification listing on the website will not be updated until your application has been approved and your fee paid.