You may submit up to 30 CPE's in preparation (self-study, courses) for a certification. I submitted 30 CPE's when I prepared and passed the TOGAF v9 certification this year. When I called (ISC)2 this past July because I passed the CCSP, they told me even if I didn't pass, I can still submit the 30 cpe's for the preparation of taking the CCSP.
