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The CCMP Certified Change Management Professional certification is intended to validate that its holders have both the knowledge and the demonstrated ability to apply change management best practices. The CCMP is a professional certification credential created by the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) to signify that a practitioner has competency in both the knowledge and application of change management practices. The exam will transition to being aligned with the 2nd Edition of the Standard beginning April 1, 2026. Exams booked on or before March 30, 2026 will use the original Standard; afterward, new content, task weightings, and terminology from the updated Standard will be used.
The CCMP is intended for experienced change professionals across a variety of roles - not limited to a specific job title. Examples of professionals who might benefit include:
●Organizational change managers, transformation leads, or those overseeing change programs
●Project managers ensuring adoption and realizing benefits
●HR, communications, or training professionals involved in large-scale rollouts
●Knowledge management or continuous improvement specialists engaged in change efforts
Here is a high-level view of the application process:
Complete the online application
Provide details of your education, work experience, training, and how they align with the Standard. Respond to essay questions (you may choose 3 of 5 prompts). Sign a Statement of Understanding declaring your submission is truthful and that you will abide by ACMP’s Code of Ethics. Pay the application fee.
Application review and approval
ACMP assessors review applications, which may take up to 40 business days (though typically 2–3 weeks). If approved, you receive notification to schedule the exam.
Schedule and sit for the exam
After approval, you have one year to take and pass the exam. You can take it online (proctored) or in-person at a Kryterion exam center. If you fail, you can retake up to two additional times within your one-year eligibility window (i.e. up to three total attempts). Each re-exam attempt incurs a fee.
Receive results and credential
The exam provides immediate pass/fail feedback. Upon passing, within 48 business hours you can download your CCMP certificate from your Candidate Management System (CMS) account. You will also receive a digital badge (via Credly) that you can share on social profiles, resumes, etc.
The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that test both knowledge and application of the Standard and the Code of Ethics. You will have 3 hours to complete the exam. For online testing, you will use a proctored platform (through Kryterion). You’ll need an external webcam, a stable internet connection, and compliance with test security rules. For in-person testing, arrive early, bring government-issued ID, and follow exam center protocols. Upon completion, you immediately receive a pass/fail indication.
Master the Standard and Code of Ethics The Standard is the “skeleton” of the exam; understanding its domains, tasks, definitions, and how they are applied is essential.
Use Approved Training/Qualified Education Provider (QEP) courses Taking a QEP-aligned course helps fulfill the 21 training hour requirement and ensures alignment to the Standard.
Join or form a study group Working with peers helps you test one another, discuss scenarios, and improve understanding. ACMP encourages candidates to connect via local chapters or LinkedIn groups.
Practice with real questions and scenario-based items Because the exam tests application, scenario-based practice is especially helpful. Many training providers include mock exams.
Simulate test conditions Practice under timed conditions, with no external resources, to build speed and confidence.
Understand what exam version you will take If your exam is scheduled before March 31, 2026, you'll test on the original Standard; afterward, the version aligned to the 2nd Edition Standard will apply.
Once you pass, the CCMP certification is valid for three years.
During that period, you must earn and report 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) via activities such as attending courses/webinars, reading, giving back (e.g. volunteering), or working.
You submit your PDUs during your third year, along with a renewal application and fee.
If you fail to submit, your certification enters suspension for one year.
After suspension, if you still haven’t reactivated, the credential expires and you must reapply from scratch.
Validation of skills: Demonstrates to employers and stakeholders that you have both theoretical knowledge and real-world application capability in change management.
Global recognition: CCMP is a credential recognized around the world, helping you differentiate in a competitive market.
Professional credibility & networking: It aligns you with the ACMP community, which supports career development and thought leadership.
Career advancement and marketability: Many organizations look for credentials as a proxy for rigor; having CCMP may help with promotions, salary negotiations, or eligibility for leadership roles.
Time and effort: Preparing for the exam (and writing essays) requires solid reflection on one’s work, studying, and scenario practice.
Cost: The application and exam fees, plus the potential retake fees and training cost, are nontrivial (see below).
Keeping up with changes: The Standard is evolving (2nd Edition in 2025), meaning your preparation materials and knowledge must stay current.
The CCMP application fee is USD 595 for ACMP members and USD 745 for non-members. The renewal fee is USD 100 for members and USD 150 for non-members. If you need to reschedule the exam, there is a fee (for example USD 150). Re-examination (retake) incurs additional fees (for the 2nd and 3rd attempts) for both members and non-members. The cutoff for using the original Standard is March 30, 2026; from April 1, 2026 onward, the exam aligns with the 2nd Edition Standard.
The CCMP credential is one of the more rigorous, well-structured certifications in the change management space. It is grounded in ACMP’s Standard for Change Management and is designed not just to test knowledge, but to validate that practitioners can apply best practices in real-world change scenarios. For experienced change professionals, earning the CCMP can signal to employers, clients, and peers that you are committed to excellence and continuous growth in the discipline.
