ASCSP Membership Levels — What They Mean
The American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP) represents individuals across a broad range of roles within the cost segregation industry.
While all members support the profession and its advancement, ASCSP membership levels reflect different experience thresholds, testing requirements, and professional responsibilities.
Certified Member (CCSP)
The Certified Cost Segregation Professional (CCSP) designation is ASCSP’s highest credential—the top tier for practitioners who have proven, through deep experience and rigorous vetting, that they can deliver defensible, standards-driven cost segregation work. CCSPs have met extensive experience and education requirements, passed a comprehensive exam, and completed a rigorous application and review process—and only Certified Members in good standing are permitted to certify cost segregation reports in accordance with ASCSP standards, reflecting advanced technical proficiency and accountability.
CCSP candidates must demonstrate 7,000 hours of direct cost segregation experience over at least seven years (or 9,000 hours over nine years without a qualifying degree), pass the CCSP exam, and complete a rigorous peer-reviewed application process. This designation is reserved for elite, highly seasoned professionals with proven depth, breadth, and technical excellence in cost segregation.
Member
Members are technical professionals actively engaged in cost segregation services who have satisfied ASCSP’s education, experience, and examination requirements. Eligibility requires a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct cost segregation experience, accrued over no fewer than one year, performing ASCSP-defined “Approved Cost Segregation Activities.”
This level signifies meaningful participation in the preparation, analysis, and execution of cost segregation studies and reflects a demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and ASCSP’s technical and ethical standards.
Associate Member
Associate Members include individuals who support or are entering the cost segregation profession, as well as professionals in related fields such as accounting, government, or vendor services. No prior cost segregation experience is required. Associate Members may participate in ASCSP conferences and educational sessions and contribute to ASCSP committees, demonstrating engagement with the profession and its standards.
Why This Matters
Understanding ASCSP membership levels helps taxpayers and advisors identify the
depth of experience, testing, and professional qualification behind an individual. While
all members support the industry, certification signifies a higher level of demonstrated
technical expertise and responsibility when selecting a professional to perform and certify a cost segregation study.
