The Ch.E® project: putting economics into practice
The applied project is the final step to earning the Ch.E® designation — the point where six modules of learning translate into demonstrated, real-world economics competence.
Applied project: from knowledge to demonstrated competence
The Ch.E® applied project is a hands-on assessment that requires candidates to apply the economics knowledge and skills developed across all six programme modules to a real or realistic analytical challenge.
The Ch.E® programme is structured around three qualities: Knowledge, Skills, and Application. The e-learning modules develop knowledge and skills. The applied project is where Application is tested — and where you demonstrate that you can do the work of a Chartered Economist, not just describe it.
A Chartered Economist’s core tasks include collecting and scrutinising data; studying economic trends in sectors such as energy, finance, trade, and labour; preparing reports with tables, charts, and policy recommendations; and presenting economic concepts clearly to decision-makers. The project is designed to give candidates direct experience of one or more of these tasks before the designation is awarded.
The project draws on the full scope of the curriculum: the analytical rigour of Applied Microeconomics and Advanced Macroeconomics; the quantitative and statistical toolkit from Modules 3 and 4; and the sector-applied knowledge of Module 6. Candidates whose project touches on a specialised sector — energy, petroleum, financial markets, health, or industrial organisation — may find this a natural foundation for pursuing one of the seven Ch.E® specialised designations after certification.
All three requirements must be met before the designation is awarded
The Ch.E® is awarded by AAFM USA directly to the candidate only after all completion criteria are satisfied.
Complete all e-learning modules
Work through the six modules on the USA-ACER platform — Applied Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, Quantitative Techniques for Economics, Statistical Techniques for Economics, Industrial & International Economics, and Applied Economics. Demonstrate mastery through module quizzes, assessments, and course material completion.
See full module content on the Curriculum page.
Pass the Ch.E® examination
Sit the 115-minute, 100-mark examination at a Pearson VUE test centre (5,000+ centres globally, including across India). The examination tests all six modules in three sections totalling 55 questions. The passing mark is 50%. There is no negative marking. Results are displayed on screen immediately after submission.
Full examination details — scheduling process, grading, and exam pattern — are on the Examination page.
Submit and have approved your applied project
After clearing the examination, complete the Ch.E® Certification form and pay the certification fees to AAFM India. Submit your applied project within the timeframe confirmed by AAFM India. On approval of the project, AAFM USA issues the Chartered Economist® designation directly to you.
Alongside these academic requirements, all candidates must agree to the AAFM Code of Ethics and professional conduct standards before the designation is conferred.
Building project-ready skills through the curriculum
The Ch.E® curriculum is designed so that candidates are project-ready by the time they complete Module 6. Applied exercises and case studies throughout the programme prepare you for exactly the kind of analysis the project requires.
The curriculum’s three pillars — Knowledge, Skills, and Application — are sequenced deliberately. By the time you reach the project phase, you will have worked through hands-on exercises in econometric modelling, regression analysis, statistical quality control, industrial organisation, and sector economics. The 2,000+ pages of reading material, mock tests, and case studies on the USA-ACER platform reinforce each concept with worked examples.
Candidates are encouraged to begin thinking about their project topic while completing the later modules of the curriculum — particularly Module 5 (Industrial & International Economics) and Module 6 (Applied Economics). Both modules introduce the analytical frameworks most commonly used in applied project work: exchange rate analysis, sector forecasting, economic policy evaluation, and firm-level decision economics.
From the curriculum
The curriculum equips you with: economic analysis and forecasting methods; econometric and statistical techniques for data-driven research; sector-level economics across energy, finance, health, industrial, and international trade domains; and report-writing and presentation skills to communicate findings clearly to non-specialist audiences.
Support available
AAFM India provides active support throughout the programme. The USA-ACER platform is accessible throughout your study period, including during project preparation. For specific guidance on your project topic or scope, contact AAFM India directly.
From project approval to your Ch.E® designation
Once your project is approved by AAFM India, the final step is the issue of your Ch.E® designation directly from AAFM USA.
On project approval, AAFM USA issues the Chartered Economist® certificate directly in your name. You may then append the Ch.E® post-nominal to your professional profile — on your business card, email signature, LinkedIn profile, and CV — and your credential becomes verifiable online through the AAFM authentication system.
Designation holders become members of AAFM’s global network of 3,00,000+ certificants and 50,000+ Chartered Economists in 151 countries, with access to corporate tie-ups, professional networks, and continuing professional development resources.
Holders who wish to specialise further can progress to one of seven Ch.E® specialised designations: Chartered Petroleum Economist (Ch.PE®), Chartered Industrial Economist (Ch.IE®), Chartered Managerial Economist (Ch.ME®), Chartered Financial Economist (Ch.FE®), Chartered Energy Economist (Ch.EE®), Chartered Health Economist (Ch.HE®), or Chartered Economic Policy Analyst (CEPA®). Details of all tracks are on the Ch.E® Overview page.
Have questions about the project requirements or timelines? Book a free advisory call with AAFM India, or contact the office directly. Current candidates can also refer to the Examination page for the full post-exam process.
Explore every step of the Ch.E® journey
The Chartered Economist pathway is a connected set of pages — start anywhere, each links back here.
Become a Chartered Economist® — apply economics to real decisions
Give a course advisor 15 minutes and walk away with a clear plan, fee options and your next batch date — no pressure, no jargon.
Frequently asked questions — Ch.E® project work
Yes. To be awarded the Ch.E® designation, candidates must complete all e-learning modules, pass the examination with a minimum of 50%, and submit and have approved their applied project. All three requirements must be met before the designation is issued by AAFM USA.
Project submission takes place after you have passed the Ch.E® examination. Once you clear the exam, you complete the Chartered Economist Certification form, pay the requisite certification fees to AAFM India, and then submit your project within the timeframe set by AAFM India.
The project is assessed by AAFM India on behalf of the AAFM Board of Standards. Assessment focuses on application of economics knowledge and skills to a real or realistic problem — demonstrating that the candidate can perform the analytical and advisory functions of a Chartered Economist.
The broad subject area is applied economics, consistent with the six modules of the curriculum. Candidates are expected to choose a topic relevant to their professional context or area of interest. Contact AAFM India for current guidelines on topic selection and scope.
AAFM India will provide feedback on project submissions that do not meet the required standard. Candidates are permitted to resubmit following revision. Contact AAFM India for the current retake and resubmission policy.
AAFM India provides active support throughout the programme, including the project phase. The USA-ACER e-learning system contains case studies and applied exercises that serve as preparation. For specific guidance on your project, contact AAFM India directly by booking a free advisory call or writing to the office.
Start your Ch.E® journey today
Request a call back and our counsellors will share the full syllabus, specialisations, fees, batch options and the next start date — and help you choose the right path.