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ACCO Credentialing    Core Competencies    CCP®    4-Step Process    Exams    Costs

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Earning the CCP® Credential

 

ACCO has established a 4-step process for earning the CCP® credential.  You can track your progress using the CCP® Checklist.  When you are ready to begin taking exams, simply visit http://exams.ACCOonline.org.

  1. Prepare for the Exams. We have identified the subject matter areas and competencies covered in each of the 4 CCP® Exam modules, and have provided you with a list of recommended prep materials for each exam. When you’re ready for an exam module, simply move to step 2.  Read options for preparation below.

  2. Taking the 4 Exam Modules: We have simplified the tests so that you can satisfy this requirement one step at a time. You can pay as you go for each exam or purchase the exam bundle. Read the exam guidelines below.

  3. Meet Your Elective Requirements: Take 14 hours of coursework that meets ACCO’s updated elective guidelines (see below).  Read the elective guidelines below.

  4. Submit Your Application: You’ve passed the 4 exams and met your elective requirements, the last step is to Apply for the CCP through our web site. You’ll need to save the CCP Checklist and provide documentation for any electives taken at third-party institutions. Include a version of your resume or curriculum vitae that demonstrates you meet the CCP eligibility requirements (see below).

 

Preparing for the Exams

ACCO recommends preparing for the 4 CCP® Exams, though you are not required to do so or to document your training. The following options can be considered with corresponding cost estimates:

  • Taking coursework through ACCO's online library: ACCO offers a robust suite of training modules through live live online and on-demand programming.
    > ACCO members: Free
    > All others: $25-100 per online course (approximately 11 prep courses recommended)

  • Taking coursework through ACCO's Climate Fundamentals Academies: ACCO is offering a series of 2-day training academies to enable attendees to prepare for exams and satisfy elective requirements in order to earn the CCP® Designation.
    > Each 2-day workshop is $295-595 per workshop
    > The full series of 3 workshops is $995-$1,495 per workshop

Exam Guidelines:

  • Taking the Exams: Each exam will take approximately 25-35 minutes to complete.  You take each exam one at a time. If you don’t pass an exam module the first time you take it, you can try 2 more times* within 1 year of the first exam, though must wait at least 30 days between each try for a specific exam.
    > ACCO premium members: Free
    > ACCO general members: $75 per exam / $290 for the     4-exam bundle
    > All others: $    105 per exam / $405 for the 4-exam bundle

  • Confidentiality and Agreements: All CCP® Exam content, specifically questions, answers and materials describing and supporting the exams, are the proprietary and confidential property of the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO).  They may not be copied, reproduced, modified, published, uploaded, posted, transmitted or distributed in any way without the express and written authorization of ACCO.  All exam candidates will be required to read and abide by the terms and conditions of the CCP Exam before beginning the examination.  This agreement applies to all exams.  Signing and adhering to this agreement is required to earn and maintain the CCP® credential.  Candidates first must accept these terms and conditions during the registration process and again prior to taking the exams.  Failure to accept the terms of this Agreement will result in a terminated exam and forfeiture of the exam fees.  You can download the CCP® Exam Non-Disclosure Agreement here.

Meeting Your Elective Requirements

ACCO requires you to take 14 hours of electives in order to earn the CCP® Exam.  All elective courses must have a clear set of learnibg objectives covered under the scope or relating to the Core Competencies for Climate Change Officers and Professionals and should not be redundant to subject matter and competencies covered by the 4 CCP® Exams.

For the 14 hour requirement, there is a strong preference for satisfying 3.5 hours oriented toward your geographic region or region type (e.g. coastal community, high altitude, desert), 3.5 hours oriented toward your employer's sector and 3.5 hours toward your occupation or professional responsibilities.  If such training does not exist or is not reasonably accessible, ACCO will waive that requirement, though you will still need to satisfy the overall 14 hour requirement.

  • Taking coursework through ACCO's online library: ACCO offers a robust suite of training modules through live live online and on-demand programming.  Courses that have not been identified as recommended prep materials for CCP® Exams can be leveraged to meet elective requirements.
    > ACCO members: Free
    > All others: $25-100 per online course (approximately 11 prep courses recommended)

  • Taking coursework through ACCO's Climate Fundamentals Academies: ACCO is offering a series of 2-day training academies to enable attendees to prepare for exams and satisfy elective requirements in order to earn the CCP® Designation.  Completing the full series of the Academies enables participants to satisfy the full range of elective requirements.
    > Each 2-day workshop is $295-595 per workshop
    > The full series of 3 workshops is $995-$1,495 per workshop

  • Satisfying electives through ACCO Accredited Providers and Events: ACCO will be designating a group of events and organizations as accredited providers.  Course offerings and training activities that meet the above-referenced elective requirements are eligible for satisfying the elective requirements.
    >     Costs dependent upon the provider

  • Satisfying electives through other third-party providers: Candidates are welcome to satisfy elective requirements through third-party institutions, though will be required to provide sufficient documentation reflecting provider, venue, date, content and instructors. ACCO reserves the right to decline any training that does not meet its guidelines for relevance and rigor.  Consult ACCO for more information.

Eligibility Requirements & Submitting Your CCP® Application

In order to eligible for the CCP® credential, you must first meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • If you have a masters or post-graduate degree, you should have 2+ years working extensively on climate change, sustainability or related initiatives;

  • If you have a 4-year degree, you should have 4+ years working extensively on climate change, sustainability or related initiatives; and

  • If you have a secondary (high school) degree, you should have 7+ years working extensively on climate change, sustainability or related initiatives.

Upon successful completion of the 4 CCP® Exams and elective requirements, you should begin preparing your CCP® Application.  You'll need to pay the $195 application fee (unless you have already done so through a membership or training package) and submit the following materials:

  • CCP® Application

  • CCP® Checklist
    > If you have taken your elective training through third-party non-accredited providers, you will need to provide the supporting documentation referenced above.

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae documenting satisfaction of the above experience requirements

  • Code of Ethics

Useful Resources

>  New! Simple 4-Step Process for Earning the CCP®
>  New! About the CCP® Exam Modules
>  New! Costs
>  New! CCP® Exam Non-Disclosure Agreement
>  Updated! CCP® Requirements Checklist
 

Summarizing the Value
of the CCP®

Recognition & Endorsement

Earning the CCP® designation means recognition of your capacity to effectively contribute to an organization's climate change initaitives.

   

Increased Earnings

Becoming a CCP® is a key step on your way to greater earnings as they enable you to stand out amongst peers and competing job applicants, increase your responsibility within the organization and provide greater value to your employer.
   
Certification Benefits

Capacity to effectively integrate climate change into your professional responsibilities is increasingly in demand across sectors. A globally recognized professional credential shows employers that you have the fundamentals knowledge, skills and training to be a meaningful contributor to the organization's efforts.
   
Be Part of a Community of Leaders

Being a CCP® makes you a part of the premier community of leaders tackling climate change and gives you access to the best collection of insights, experience and expertise in the world.