Certification quick facts
Certifying bodies:
7 major organizations
Common acronyms:
QCxP, CxA, CxM, BCxP, CxS
Maintenance:
Most require re-certification
Prerequisite:
Foundational cert often required first
The different commissioning certifications
The various certifications grant individuals the right to use their respective acronyms, such as QCxP, CxA, CxM.
There are several certifications that can be utilized to validate that you are a commissioning professional. The certifications are offered by various companies and organizations.
Commissioning certifications for individuals indicate that the person has a specific level of competence within commissioning. The "competence level" is defined by the certification requirements.
A common feature of most certifications is that they must be maintained - meaning that the holder of the certification must be re-certified at regular intervals.
What you'll learn about each certification
- Which organizations offer commissioning certifications and how their programs differ
- The prerequisites, training, and exam requirements behind each credential
- Which certifications require ongoing re-certification to stay active
- How to match a certification path to your role - technician, authority, or manager
The University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers five different certifications. Four of these are advanced certifications that require the basic certification as a prerequisite.
QCxP - Qualified Commissioning Process Provider (also QCP)
This is the foundational certification, which is a requirement to qualify for the advanced certifications. To obtain QCxP, five days of intensive instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is required, followed by two days of examinations.
CxAP - Accredited Commissioning Process Authority Professional (also CAP)
To achieve the CxAP certification, the applicant must have been responsible for multiple commissioning projects from the concept phase and one year into operation. The projects must meet certain size criteria - both financial and square footage - to be accepted. Additionally, all commissioning activities from G0 and STD202 must be documented.
CxM - Accredited Commissioning Process Manager
To achieve CxM, the applicant must have managed all of the client's commissioning activities.
CxTS - Accredited Commissioning Process Technical Service Provider (also CTS)
CxTS is awarded to specialists who have performed parts or specific commissioning activities.
GCxP - Accredited Green Commissioning Process Provider (also GCP)
This certification is for projects that have been carried out with sustainable solutions or sustainability certification and have undergone a complete commissioning process.
ASHRAE
ASHRAE offers two different certifications: a foundational certification, BCxP, and a recertification for individuals with CPMP, who then aim to achieve BCxP.
BCxP - Building Commissioning Professional
BCxP indicates that the certified individual possesses the competencies described in the Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines. To obtain a BCxP certification, an examination must be passed.
CMCP - Commissioning Process Management Professional Certificate
In 2017, the CMCP certification changed to align more closely with BCxP.
BCxA
The Building Commissioning Certification Board, sister company of BCxA, offers three different BCxA certifications.
Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP)
This certification, accredited by ANSI, is designed for commissioning professionals who oversee, organize, and manage teams to execute commissioning processes in both new and existing buildings.
Associate Commissioning Professional
For individuals beginning their career in commissioning or those looking to showcase their understanding of the commissioning process when working with commissioning providers or project teams.
Certified Commissioning Firm
For firms that follow industry best practices, deliver top-quality service to clients, and show a strong commitment to advancing the commissioning profession.
AABC Commissioning Group (ACG)
ACG promotes independent, third party, building systems commissioning and energy management services by providing members with industry leading certification, technical guidelines, education, training, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
Certified Commissioning Authority (CxA)
The CxA certification, accredited by ANAB and recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings® program and many federal, state and local jurisdictions, is designed for experienced commissioning professionals who oversee, organize, and manage teams to execute commissioning processes in both new and existing buildings.
Certified Commissioning Specialist (CxS) - formerly Certified Commissioning Technician (CxT)
As of May 2026, ACG retired the Certified Commissioning Technician (CxT) certification and replaced it with the Certified Commissioning Specialist (CxS). The CxS is designed for individuals who don't yet have enough experience to qualify for the CxA. Certificants have demonstrated their understanding of the commissioning process when working with commissioning providers or project teams.
Eligibility requirements are largely unchanged: candidates need at least two years of commissioning or closely related field experience (testing, controls verification, or systems verification), plus at least six months with an ACG member company. Licensed P.E.s and registered architects need only one year of experience. The old requirement to attend a workshop or webinar before applying has been removed.
The exam itself was rewritten to use terminology consistent with the CxA exam, ACG Guideline, and ASHRAE Standard 202, and now draws on updated study materials - the ACG Building Systems Commissioning Guideline (Part I) and ASHRAE/IES Standard 202-2024.
Existing CxT holders are automatically transferred to CxS and will receive an updated 2026 certificate. Continuing education is now required on a 3-year cycle, matching the CxA; current CxTs moved into CxS have a CEU deadline of December 31, 2028.
Through the end of 2026, ACG is offering every member company one free CxS application and exam fee (normally $250) using the promo code COMPANYCXS.
For the full breakdown of what changed, see our post: CxT Is Now CxS: What Changed and What You Need to Do.
AEE - Association of Energy Engineers
The Association of Energy Engineers was established in 1977 as a non-profit organization with the mission: "to promote the scientific and educational interests of those engaged in the energy industry and to foster action for Sustainable Development."
CBCP
To achieve the CBCP certification, the applicant must participate in a training seminar and pass an open-book exam.
NEBB - National Environmental Balancing Bureau
NEBB was established in 1971 with the primary goal: "Delivering High Performance Buildings and Systems: Solutions for Sustainable Spaces."
CxCP, CxCT, RCx CP
To achieve the certificates, the applicant must pass an exam and have documented experience in commissioning. NEBB certifications focus on commissioning new buildings and retro-commissioning.
BCCB - Building Commissioning Certification Board
The Building Commissioning Certification Board is an autonomous member-driven organization with the purpose: "It exists to serve the public and the profession of building commissioning through the establishment and maintenance of criteria and procedures for the certification of professional building commissioning service providers."
CCP
CCP indicates that you have met the requirements set by BCCB.
Where to learn more
Each certifying body publishes its own eligibility rules, exam format, and renewal timeline. Start with the organization that matches your role and region.
Want to track certifications, requirements, and re-certification deadlines alongside the rest of your commissioning process? Book a demo and we'll walk you through it with your own project setup.
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