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Chartered Standard - Frequently asked questions

How will the chartered standard bring value to my career?

The award of the Chartered Project Professional standard will bring value to you personally as a recognisable mark of quality and professionalism. The standard is also valued by employers who see the benefits in a competitive market of employing a team of chartered project professionals. Much of this value comes from the knowledge that there is a rigorous assessment process behind the award and that the chartered standard is a recognised professional designation across a range of professions.

What happens if I haven’t been directly involved in delivering projects for some time? Am I eligible to apply?

If your most recent experience of delivering projects is more than five years old, you can still apply. You will need to provide additional evidence to explain how you have kept current during this time. For more information about what is required please refer to the application guidance notes.

What support is available to help me to prepare?

A range of webinars and one-day workshops has been created to support you in preparing your application. These are available to all, with preferential rates for APM individual members and can be accessed here.

APM has created a helpful guidance document and checklist around the requirements for CPD for the ChPP application process.

What is the link between membership and ChPP?

Under the requirements of the Royal Charter applying for chartered status is open to all project professionals. The Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard has different requirements from membership of APM so there is no direct link.

Being a member of APM holds significant value in itself. It offers opportunities to attend our knowledge and networking events, become a part of our extensive volunteer community and access member-only resources. Membership also provides access to CPD opportunities which will help to support fulfilment of CPD requirements for maintaining ChPP.

You might also wish to consider becoming a Fellow of APM which offer recognition by your peers of a significant contribution to the development of the art and science of project management. APM Fellows are entitled to use the post-nominals (FAPM).

What is the link between APM Registered Project Professional (RPP) and ChPP?

If you already hold the RPP standard you may be eligible for the Pathway 4 option for applying for the chartered standard. This process for APM Registered Project Professionals is very straightforward.  As an RPP you are deemed to have already demonstrated your technical knowledge and professional practice so the chartered process simply asks for evidence of CPD and commitment to ethical and professional behaviour, plus validation of the application through a 30 minute phone interview. We hope that RPPs will be keen to become ChPP in line with the process which is compliant with APM’s Royal Charter.

What is the difference between Fellowship and ChPP?

Fellowship provides recognition for senior individuals who have made a significant contribution to the profession. Fellows can make use of the highly regarded FAPM post-nominals and gain access to APM’s network of other influential figures in the profession. ChPP is aimed at a broader range of candidates, including those early in their career as a project professional, and focuses on effective practice, i.e. delivery of projects, programmes or portfolios.

Why isn’t my qualification listed as a recognised assessment? 

Initially, a small number of qualifications have been confirmed as 'recognised assessments'.  Education providers are able to apply to APM to have their qualification recognised and these will go through a rigorous assessment process. If you do not hold a recognised assessment you will be able to apply through Pathway 1 which offers an opportunity to demonstrate your professional experience. You will be expected to provide written evidence to show how you meet the competences and technical knowledge will be tested through the interview process.

How will I use the ChPP postnominals once I become a Chartered Project Professional?

On becoming a Chartered Project Professional, you will be given the post nominals ChPP to use at the end of your name. Here are some examples on how you can use the post nominals:

If you hold ChPP: Your name ChPP

If you hold ChPP and are a member of APM : Your name ChPP, FAPM/MAPM/HonFAPM

If you hold ChPP and RPP: Your name ChPP RPP

If you hold ChPP, RPP and are a member of APM: Your name ChPP, FAPM/MAPM/HonFAPM, RPP

Are there any time limits regarding the process or reapplying?

Your interview must be completed within one year of your successful assessment. There are no time restrictions for reapplying if you are unsuccessful, although your should consider the currency of your submission and CPD, plus any feedback provided with your unsuccessful application.

If I require special dispensations, who do I inform?

Once you have registered online, please contact the chartered team to make them aware. A dispensation may be allowed for applicants with a medical or physical condition that prevents them from completing the assessment within the normal regulations.

Further details can be found in the Chartered application guidance under special arrangements.

What format should I use for my CPD log?

To help structure your CPD log, members are able to use the MyCPD area when logged into the APM website.

Both on- and off-line logs follow the below format:

If you would prefer, you can use another format, as long as you meet the mandatory requirements of the CPD scheme.

When submitting your log, you will also be required to include a statement on your plans for the next 12 months, outlining the areas that you’d like to develop.

What ‘counts’ as CPD?

There are a wide range of activities that can help with your professional development. These can be more traditional and formal, such as training courses, e-learning or qualifications. They can also be more informal, like on-the-job discussions, coaching, mentoring or website articles.

The crucial part about whether an activity ‘counts’ as CPD is whether you have learnt anything from the experience and are able to reflect on how it’s supported you in your career.

More information can be found on our Continuing Professional Development module on APM Learning.

Do I need to provide proof of my CPD activities?

We don’t ask for any certificates of attendance or other proofs that you’ve attended an activity. By submitting your CPD record, you are confirming that you have completed the activities that you’ve logged.

The key part of any CPD activity is that it has helped you in your professional development and you’re able to reflect upon your learning.

How should I write my reflective statements for CPD?

Reflective statements are your opportunity to consider how you have applied, or will apply, any learning to your project related career. This can be a helpful way to not just ‘do’ but to stop and consider the value of the learning, highlighting areas for further development, and new ideas.

Things that you may want to consider when reflecting on your CPD:

  • What did you learn that was new or surprising?
  • Did the experience confirm anything for you?
  • Are there any tips or techniques you can take away and apply?
  • How will you change your behaviour as a result of what you've learnt?
  • How has it encouraged you to learn more about the topic?

All of these prompts can be used for both positive and negative learning experiences – even if you do not feel that you benefited or got what you were hoping for from the learning, consider what that has highlighted for you – it may be, for example, that learning about a different method confirms that the method you are currently using is the best fit for your project work.

Reflective writing should:

  • Be about you – avoid generalisation or reflecting on others – relate it to your own experience.
  • Relevant to your role – CPD activities that intersect in some way with your career development or current practice.

Describe what impact an activity had on you – new ideas (perhaps methodologies or concepts that you will look to apply) and how this may affect future learning.

What needs to be included in my CPD submission?

Please find the checklist for your CPD submission below:

  • Does my CPD include a minimum of 35 hours?
  • Is the CPD within the past 12 months? (ensure it includes a start and end date and no ongoing or unfinished CPD)
  • Is the CPD related to my role in the profession? (if this is unclear, explain within the description and/or reflective statements)
  • Have I included reflective statements? (see additional guidance on reflective statements below)
  • Have I included a range of different types of activities?
  • Have I included a statement on areas I would like to focus on for the next 12 months?