Why Study with PlanetCert?
The Latest Questions
Practice questions and exam topics aligned with the current exam objectives.
Detailed Explanations
Go beyond the answer. Master the material with comprehensive learning and professional explanations for every concept.
AI-Powered Insights
Personalized preparation guidance that adapts to your performance and identifies weak spots automatically.
Exam Information
Official specifications published by C++ Institute
Exam Format
65 min
40
70
Professional
Registration
$295 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
lifetime
No recertification required - lifetime certification
CPP Exam Topics and Domains
CPP is organized into 9 weighted domains. Expect to work with Duplicate handling, Efficient searching, Advanced template usage, Algorithm integration, and more.
1
Sequence Containers and Container Adapters
13.25%
Sequence Containers
Purpose and characteristics of sequence containersContainer Adapters
- Identify and explain the purpose and characteristics of sequence containers
- Apply standard methods for common operations
- Use iterators to traverse and access elements
Container Operations
Element ManipulationUser-Defined Types
- Manipulate sequence containers with both simple and complex data types
- Access and modify container elements using member functions and iterators
2
Associative Containers
13.25%
Ordered Associative Containers
Set-based ContainersMap-based Containers
- Identify and explain characteristics of associative containers
- Apply standard methods for insertion, deletion, search, and retrieval
Associative Container Operations
Search and RetrievalIterator Usage
- Use associative containers with both simple and complex data types
- Traverse associative containers using iterators
- Perform operations using container-specific member functions
3
Algorithms: Non-Modifying Sequence Operations
13.25%
Iteration and Search Algorithms
For Each OperationsFind Operations
- Explain purpose of non-modifying sequence algorithms
- Apply std::for_each to iterate over ranges
- Use searching algorithms to locate elements
Counting and Comparison
Counting AlgorithmsComparison Algorithms
- Apply counting algorithms based on criteria
- Use comparison algorithms to compare ranges
4
Algorithms: Modifying Sequence Operations
13.25%
Copy and Fill Operations
Copying DataGenerating and Filling
- Apply algorithms for generating and copying data
- Use fill and generate algorithms effectively
Transformation and Removal
Transform and SwapReplace and Remove
- Apply replacement and removal algorithms
- Use transformation algorithms to manipulate elements
Sequence Reordering
Reversing and RotatingPartitioning
- Use sequence-reordering algorithms for rearranging elements
- Apply partitioning algorithms effectively
5
Algorithms: Sorting and Binary Search
16.5%
Sorting Algorithms
Standard SortingPartial Sorting
- Apply sorting algorithms with default or custom comparison
- Understand stability and complexity requirements
Binary Search Operations
Search AlgorithmsEqual Range
- Use binary search algorithms efficiently
- Apply bound-finding algorithms on sorted containers
6
Algorithms: Merge, Heap, Min, Max
16.5%
Merge Operations
Merging Algorithms
Apply merging algorithms to combine sorted sequences
Set Operations
Set AlgorithmsSet Differences
- Use set operations on sorted sequences
- Apply set algorithms for data analysis
Min/Max Operations
Element Finding
Apply algorithms for finding minimum and maximum elements
7
STL Functional Objects and Utilities
7%
Function Objects
Arithmetic FunctorsComparison Functors
- Apply STL functional objects with algorithms
- Use function adapters to bind functions
Function Adapters
Adapter Functions
Understand function adapter usage and modern alternatives
8
Advanced I/O
7%
Stream Operations
Stream ObjectsFormat Flags
- Apply advanced input/output operations
- Use stream format flags to control behavior
Stream Manipulators
Output FormattingNumber Formatting
- Apply stream manipulators to format output
- Control number and text formatting
9
Templates
7%
Function Templates
Template FunctionsTemplate Specialization
- Define template functions and specialized versions
- Understand template instantiation and deduction
Class Templates
Template ClassesNested Templates
- Define and instantiate template classes
- Use nested templates and operator overloading
How do I earn this certification?
Passing CPP earns the C++ Certified Professional Programmer certification. It sits in the C++ Programming track.
Alternative Paths
- CLP-21-02 - C Certified Professional Programmer Related low-level programming certification
- CLE-20-01 - C Certified Entry-Level Programmer Foundation in C programming
- CLA-21-02 - C Certified Associate Programmer Intermediate C programming skills
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for CPP is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2025-07-22
Updates
- C++ STL C++17/20 features Increased focus on modern STL algorithms and containers • Release date: 2025-07-22
- Templates Modern template techniques Enhanced coverage of template metaprogramming basics • Release date: 2025-07-22
- Functional Programming C++11/14 lambdas and functors Shift from deprecated ptr_fun to modern alternatives • Release date: 2025-07-22
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Professional C++ developers and Software engineers working with C++.
- CPA - C++ Certified Associate Programmer certification
- 2+ years of professional C++ programming experience
- Knowledge of C++ language and standard libraries
- Understanding of object-oriented programming principles
- Familiarity with software development methodology