The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) was originally founded as the "Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering" in 1956 by 59 estimators and cost engineers during an organizational meeting at the University of New Hampshire, United States. AACE International's headquarters are located in Morgantown "Morgantown (West Virginia)", Virginia, United States.[1] AACE was founded as a 501c3 non-profit professional association.

AACE is also the publisher of "Cost Engineering", a monthly technical magazine, the journal "Cost Engineering Skills and Knowledge", and the study guide "...for AACE Certifications"; as well as 14 professional practice guides; and even more importantly, the "TCM Framework"[2]​.

AACE International offers the following certification programs:[3]​.

However, the certification must be continually regulated, as there is a possibility of losing it.

The CCP, CCE, CEP, CFCC, EVP and PSP certifications require continuous certification, subject to an evaluation each time they are applied, since there is the possibility of losing them if not done so.

Individuals certified in the CCP, CCE, CEP, EVP and PSP programs must report and document their professional experience and evaluate their knowledge in the area to maintain their certification. Because in 1990 AACE International became a concessional member of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialties Board (CESB); CCP, CCE, EVP and PSP certifications are accredited by the latter.[4][5]​.

At the end of 2012, AACE International reported approximately 8,000 members, 11 technical sub-committees and 17 "Special Interest Groups" (SIG). Each GIS focuses on a specific industrial area (for example: academic, construction or manufacturing), and serves as a resource for individuals to develop, identify and resolve similar problems.[6]​.