The Certified Contract Estimation Professional/Manager (CCEP)™/(CCEM)™ certification program is a globally relevant and professionally structured qualification designed for individuals involved in contract estimation, cost planning, and financial evaluation of projects and commercial engagements. In today’s competitive and cost-sensitive business environment, accurate contract estimation is critical to ensuring project viability, profitability, and risk control. Organizations rely on skilled estimation professionals to develop realistic cost forecasts, support bid decisions, and protect margins while meeting contractual and operational requirements.

Contract estimation goes far beyond basic cost calculations. It involves understanding contract scope and requirements, applying appropriate estimation techniques, assessing risks and uncertainties, planning resources, and producing clear and defensible estimation documentation. This program equips participants with structured methodologies, analytical tools, and best practices for developing reliable cost estimates across various industries and contract types. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, transparency, risk awareness, and alignment between estimates, budgets, and contractual commitments.

Graduates of the CCEP™/CCEM™ program will be capable of preparing, reviewing, and managing contract estimates with confidence, consistency, and professional judgment in both operational and managerial roles.

Certification Program Objectives:

Upon completing the Certified Contract Estimation Professional/Manager (CCEP)™/(CCEM)™ program, participants will be able to:

• Understand Contract Estimation Fundamentals – Develop a strong foundation in estimation principles, terminology, and the role of estimation in contract and project success.
• Interpret Contract Requirements and Scope – Analyze contract documents to clearly define scope, assumptions, constraints, and cost drivers.
• Apply Cost Estimation Methods and Techniques – Use appropriate estimation approaches such as bottom-up, top-down, parametric, and analogous estimating.
• Assess Risks and Plan Contingencies – Identify cost risks and uncertainties and incorporate contingency planning into estimates.
• Develop Budgets and Allocate Resources – Translate estimates into practical budgets and resource plans aligned with project and contract requirements.
• Prepare Professional Estimation Documentation – Produce clear, auditable, and well-structured estimation reports and supporting documentation.

Certification Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for certification from The American Institute of Business and Management (AIBM) and its allied institutions, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

And/or

• 0–4.9 years of relevant experience for Professional level (CCEP)™, or 5+ years of relevant experience for Manager level (CCEM)™

Note: Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree but possess exceptional professional experience and hold significant positions within their organizations in a relevant field may also be considered for certification on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of the AIBM evaluation committee.

Certifying Examination:

• To be certified as CCEP™/CCEM™, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by AIBM.
• The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
• Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Contract Estimation
• Module 2: Understanding Contract Requirements and Scope
• Module 3: Cost Estimation Methods and Techniques
• Module 4: Risk Assessment and Contingency Planning
• Module 5: Budgeting and Resource Allocation
• Module 6: Estimation Documentation and Reporting

* The Certification Title and its modules are regularly reviewed, updated and may change in alignment with evolving industry needs and regulatory standards.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The Certified Contract Estimation Professional/Manager (CCEP)™/(CCEM)™ certification is ideal for professionals and graduates who want to develop structured expertise in cost estimation and contract-related financial planning. It is particularly valuable for:

• Cost Estimators and Estimation Engineers responsible for preparing bids, tenders, and project cost estimates.
• Contract and Commercial Professionals involved in pricing, budgeting, and financial evaluation of contracts.
• Project Managers and Project Controls Professionals overseeing budgets, cost planning, and financial performance.
• Procurement and Tendering Professionals supporting bid preparation and supplier evaluation.
• Quantity Surveyors and Construction Professionals involved in cost planning and contract estimation.
• Finance and Planning Professionals supporting project and contract budgeting decisions.
• Consultants and Advisors providing cost estimation and commercial advisory services.
• Graduates and Career Switchers aspiring to enter estimation, commercial, or project cost management roles.

Key Benefits of CCEP / CCEM Certification:

• Professional Recognition – Establishes credibility as a qualified contract estimation and cost planning professional.
• Career Advancement – Supports progression into roles such as Cost Estimator, Estimation Manager, Commercial Manager, or Project Controls Manager.
• Improved Estimation Accuracy – Enhances ability to develop realistic, defensible, and risk-aware cost estimates.
• Stronger Contract and Financial Control – Improves alignment between estimates, budgets, and contractual commitments.
• Risk-Aware Cost Planning – Strengthens understanding of cost risks and contingency management.
• Professional Documentation Skills – Builds capability to produce clear, auditable, and stakeholder-ready estimation reports.
• Cross-Industry Applicability – Relevant across construction, engineering, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, IT, and professional services sectors globally.

The CCEP™/CCEM™ certification empowers professionals to approach contract estimation with analytical rigor, structured methodology, and sound judgment. By mastering estimation fundamentals, scope analysis, cost techniques, risk planning, and documentation practices, certified individuals are well-positioned to support successful bids, controlled project execution, and sustainable commercial outcomes.