CCP Exam Passing Score Explained: 70%, 7 Domains and How Results Actually Work

Update (September 2026): AACE temporarily paused CCP exam scheduling, delivery and memo grading from July 8, 2026 while investigating an exam-integrity issue. Per AACE's official update, CCP applications reopen September 17, 2026 and exam delivery resumes October 1, 2026. The scoring model below is unaffected, but the results-timing and resit information reflects normal operation and will apply again once grading resumes — see AACE's CCP Examination Updates & FAQs page for the latest.

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.

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. Under normal operation, grading runs in monthly cycles beginning around the 15th, with results 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. (As of September 2026, CCP grading and delivery are affected by AACE's temporary exam-integrity review — see the update note above for current dates.) 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. AACE releases CCP results on a pass/fail basis only — per Certification Board policy, no domain-by-domain breakdown of your official result is provided, so you won't see exactly which domains pulled your average down. That's precisely where a well-built prep course earns its keep: full-length practice simulations with per-domain scoring give you the targeted revision list your official result can't. See our complete guide to what to do after failing the CCP exam for the full resit process, fees and a practical plan. Candidates who schedule their first attempt early in the registration window normally keep both resits realistically available — though as of September 2026, AACE has said it will extend registration periods affected by its temporary exam pause, so check the update note above if your window falls in this period. Prepare properly the first time with CCP Complete Self-Paced Preparation — three full-length simulations with domain-level scoring are built in.