The role of a Certified Chief Quantity Surveying Officer (CCQSO) is central to the financial integrity and commercial success of construction and infrastructure projects. The CCQSO is responsible for leading cost estimation, budgeting, procurement strategy, contract administration, and commercial risk management throughout the lifecycle of a project. This executive role ensures that project investments are optimized, resources are allocated efficiently, and financial risks are mitigated through sound commercial oversight. The Certified Chief Quantity Surveying Officer (CCQSO) certification is a globally respected credential that affirms a leader’s expertise in cost control, valuation, claims management, and construction economics.

The CCQSO certification, awarded by the American Institute of Construction Management (AICM), represents the highest standard of achievement in quantity surveying and commercial construction management. This credential validates a candidate’s ability to oversee complex cost structures, negotiate contracts, analyze variations, and ensure that project outcomes align with financial objectives. Certified professionals are recognized as trusted stewards of capital efficiency and commercial performance in the built environment.

Certification Program Objectives:

• Lead enterprise-level cost planning, budgeting, and procurement strategies for construction and infrastructure programs
• Oversee quantity take-offs, cost estimation, tender documentation, and valuation of works for payment certification
• Manage contract negotiation, administration, dispute resolution, and claims evaluation
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, contractual obligations, and local or international cost control regulations
• Advise executive leadership on project financial health, cash flow forecasting, and commercial risk exposure

Certification Eligibility Criteria:

To be considered for this certification, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Possess a Master’s degree from a recognized institution.
• Have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience at a senior management level.

Note: Exceptional candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree with at least 15 years of senior management experience may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Certifying Assessment / Examination:

To earn the Certified Chief Quantity Surveying Officer (CCQSO) certification, candidates must undergo a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation designed to assess their leadership in managing financial aspects of construction with precision and accountability.

As part of this assessment, candidates may be required to deliver a 30-minute executive presentation incorporating cost control frameworks, procurement strategy, contract administration methods, valuation processes, and dispute resolution approaches. This will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session to evaluate their analytical capability, contract governance, and leadership in commercial construction.

For candidates pursuing a C-Level Professional Certification, this assessment may be substituted with a comprehensive examination consisting of 80 multiple-choice questions to be completed within a 3-hour timeframe. This examination rigorously evaluates knowledge in cost planning, tendering processes, FIDIC/NEC/JCT contracts, change management, claims, BOQs, and lifecycle cost analysis.

The assessment methodology ensures that the American Institute of Construction Management (AICM) upholds the highest standards of professional certification, recognizing leaders who bring clarity, control, and commercial value to construction programs.

Certification Modules:

• Module 1: Construction Cost Planning, Estimation, and Budgeting Strategies
• Module 2: Tendering, Procurement Methods, and Market Analysis
• Module 3: Contract Administration, Claims, and Dispute Avoidance
• Module 4: Project Valuation, Payment Certification, and Lifecycle Cost Management
• Module 5: Executive Leadership in Commercial Strategy, Cost Risk Management, and Stakeholder Reporting

* The modules of the certification are constantly updated and are subject to change.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The Certified Chief Quantity Surveying Officer (CCQSO) certification is ideal for professionals responsible for leading financial, contractual, and commercial functions within construction and infrastructure projects.

• Experienced Quantity Surveyors and Commercial Managers: Professionals managing project costs, contracts, and valuation will gain global recognition and executive-level frameworks
• Aspiring Commercial Executives: Senior cost consultants and contract administrators preparing for C-suite leadership roles will benefit from governance tools and strategic insight
• Developers and Infrastructure Owners: Project sponsors and investment leads will gain improved oversight into financial control, contract execution, and procurement integrity
• Government Officers and Public Procurement Leaders: Authorities managing large-scale public works and PPP initiatives will benefit from advanced methodologies for transparency and value management
• Consultants and Contract Advisors: Professionals advising on cost control, procurement audits, or claims resolution will enhance their capability, reputation, and delivery impact

Earning the CCQSO certification signifies your leadership in delivering construction excellence through disciplined cost control, effective contract management, and optimized project value. Whether you are certifying payments, managing claims, or forecasting project finances, this certification empowers you to lead commercial operations with clarity, control, and strategic foresight.