What Version 2.0 Delivered (2023)

The CC-P® Version 2.0 curriculum was developed and validated through a two-year peer review process by the CC-P® Study Guide Editorial Board, comprising recognized experts and CC-P® professionals across sectors and geographies. The transition from Version 1.0 to Version 2.0 took effect on May 1, 2023.

Version 2.0 incorporated:

• Updates to standards, science, and common practices

• More illustrative examples and enhanced graphics

• Insights from CC-P® professionals and practitioners

• Samples and details from across geographic regions

• Broader incorporation of equity and justice implications throughout course modules

• A revised live online training program with updated homework assignments, exercises, and recommended resources

Course Module Updates in Version 2.0 of the CC-P®

All course modules in the CC-P® curriculum were updated. The following provides an overview of some of the specific updates:

• Climate-101: Understanding Climate Science & the Latest Projections
  Incorporated updated climate change science and prospective scenarios, the latest studies on public understanding/opinion, and strategies for communicating

• Climate-105: Climate Change Impacts on Natural and Human Systems
  Replaced the Climate-103 module providing a broader perspective on climate change impacts on natural and human systems

• GHG-102: The Fundamentals of the Energy, Water & Food Nexus
  Updated with expansion of data on the energy-water-food nexus

• GHG-201: Establishing GHG Reduction Goals & Management Structures
  Integrated updates to greenhouse gas management and goal setting practices

• Governance-103: Ethics, Liability and Professionalism
  Restructured of training on ethics, liability and professionalism and was more fully aligned with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct

• Economics-101: The Economics of Climate Change
  Revamped macro and microeconomic content and updated economic impact resources and content

• Enterprise-201: Risk Assessment, Management, and Disclosure
  Incorporated updates in enterprise risk management (ERM), value-based ERM, revised content on materiality and the SEC, and additional methods and resources to assess risk

Implications for CC-P® Credential Holders and CC-P Candidates®

The CC-P® credential remains valid and active. The 2026 refresh keeps the Version 2.0 curriculum current; it does not create a new version, and credential holders are not required to re-test or complete bridge content. A program update will be deployed to existing CC-P credential holders as a continuing education requirement due by 2027.

Keeping Version 2.0 Current (2026)

Climate science, regulatory frameworks, and professional practice continue to evolve. The CC-P® curriculum needs to reflect that without churning between versions.

The 2026 refresh is administered by ACCO staff to maintain currency with developments since the 2023 publication. It is not a Version 3.0 release. The peer-reviewed foundation of the Version 2.0 curriculum, established by the CC-P® Study Guide Editorial Board, remains the authoritative basis.

Approach

The 2026 refresh is administered as a structured, module-by-module process. Each module's scope is reviewed against current frameworks, standards, science, policy and practice. Cross-module dependencies are tracked so that updates in one module flow consistently to others, as well as into exam questions.

Standing Principles

A consistent set of methodological commitments applies across all modules:

• Specific Date References: Where the curriculum references trends, observations, or developments, it names the specific years they cover. CC-Ps should know exactly what window of evidence from which they are working.

• Settled science distinguished from evolving science. Climate science is mature on core observations and trends, and actively developing on rate-of-change details, tipping-point thresholds, and regional projections. The curriculum specifies these so CC-Ps can engage credibly with both established consensus and active scientific debate.

• Fluency, not specialization. The credential prepares CC-Ps to engage substantively with climate scientists, GHG accountants, attorneys, and risk specialists (not to replicate their capacity). The refresh holds that line positioning CC-Ps as integrators and strategic planners; the CC-P curriculum trains for that role.

Implications for Participants Currently in the Testing Pipeline

The 2026 refresh will be implemented as a phased transition. The current Version 2.0 study materials and exams will remain in active use through September 30, 2026.

If you are working toward the CC-P® credential, you will need to complete your program requirements by September 30, 2026 to test under the current Version 2.0 curriculum. Progress made under Version 2.0 remains fully valid through that date.

Beginning October 1, 2026, only the refreshed curriculum, study materials, and exams will be in use. Candidates enrolling on or after that date will work through the refreshed program.

ACCO will give appropriate notice as the transition approaches. Detailed information for current enrollees on completion timelines, exam scheduling, and supplementary support will be communicated directly.