General | Certification | CPM | Grading | Miscellaneous

General

What is IAPPM's Mission and Vision?

IAPPM's vision is to become a leading project service organization that provides (1) Certification in higher project business education on a global basis to project and program managers and (2) become a center of excellence for needed project and program knowledge. Our mission is to educate project and program practitioners in all practical facets of project and program business management through certification and ongoing education. We do not want to replicate any other project organizations 'Body of Knowledge' or 'Standards', rather IAPPM would like to supplement practitioners with useful practical methods for achieving project success!

What makes IAPPM a credible organization?

IAPPM has built upon its foundation for being honest, reputable and fair to all its Association members, without any discrimination against candidate or organization. IAPPM is a young and growing organization with plenty to learn. IAPPM also upholds its founding principles by promoting project and program management globally, by participating in parent bodies and adheres to a Code of Ethics as stipulated on our website. Credibility will be based upon member feedback, reviews and media events. To date, this has been proven the case.

What is Program Management?

Program Management is defined as the management of a group of projects as a portfolio, often, but not always, leading to organizational change.

What is Project Management?

Project Management is best defined as a significant one time event, which often exceeds a forty hour work week, and is managed within scope, time and quality. Projects may or may not be funded.

What is general IAPPM membership?

General membership at IAPPM as defined as a increments of twelve months based on a standard calendar year. Membership rates once paid includes certain benefits and IAPPM intends to upgrade membership benefits in the coming years at all levels.

How do I pay for membership?

The latest rate structure as determined by IAPPM per calendar year involves members to be invoiced for an annual membership rate calculated at a twelve month basis. Payment can currently only be made online. IAPPM is working to upgrade to an online payment system to include a dynamic payment protocol. In return for payment, members privileges will be maintained for the next twelve months..

What is included in my membership?

IAPPM offers tremendous benefits to its new and continuing members. Apart from joining a prestigious project organization and its networking benefits, each member is sent his or her own IAPPM CD Toolkit with over 130 tried and tested project templates to use on their projects. Regular online newsletters and a printed magazine will also be sent to members. Discounts and online "members-only" pages also allow one to browse through tools, book reviews and a knowledge repository of links, lessons learned and more.

Does IAPPM offer any scholarships?

IAPPM does not offer scholarships at this time, but will be raising this as a item for consideration in the coming months. This question has been raised a few times and the Council is addressing this item. The aim would be to provide underprivileged students with an interest in project management to study at a recognized educational school or college. IAPPM is aware of the fact of its community and social responsibilities and will act so accordingly.

Certification

What is CPM Certification?

IAPPM offers its own prestigious Certified Project Manager (CPM) credential to its members. The credential is currently open to all applicants wishing to pursue this credential. In the near future IAPPM will be offering the Certified Project Auditor (CPA) certification, allowing individuals to audit their organizations and companies to IAPPM standards.

Why should I become Certified?

Certification has tremendous benefits, especially when it comes to promotion, advancing ones career or leveraging the fact that you are amongst a select few who can articulate project and program management matters

How long does the Certification process take?

The certification process should take between 3-4 weeks, as IAPPM requires all applications to be verified and assessed by the Association. Once completed, newly certified members will be mailed their certificate and acknowledgement letter from IAPPM.

What is the Board of Governors?

IAPPM is managed by a Board of Governors, as elected by the IAPPM every three years. The Board of Governors decide upon the IAPPM partnerships, certification standards, education, membership and general rules of the Association.

What happens to my Application once I send it to IAPPM?

Upon submission of your application, IAPPM assesses all documentation and makes the necessary inquiries of stated referees and ensures that all information in the resume and forms are accurate and relevant.

What is the Referee letter?

The referee report is compiled and authorized by either an employer or a character reference, who can vouch for an applicant's ability concerning project or program management. This is an important document as it is considered a testimony on the characters ability on past or current projects/programs.

How are Referee letters submitted?

Referee reports are submitted together with the candidates application and resume / curriculum vitae.

What is the best way to document my Project experience?

All project or program management experience should be documented in a resume or curriculum vitae. The format does not matter, except for the fact that it should contain start and end date of the stated project or program.

What qualifies as a Project degree or Certificate?

There are many educational bodies awarding project degrees and certificates. Candidates applying for certification should make an official copy of their qualifications and send them to IAPPM for review.

What if I don't have a degree?

IAPPM does not discriminate between members that have degrees and those that have suitable experience. IAPPM recognizes the fact that many of today's best project or program managers have gained their knowledge through experience and on-the-job training.

What if I don't receive my Certificate by Mail?

IAPPM member services will ensure that all CPM certificates will be sent to candidates throughout the world by registered mail. A tracking number will be emailed to each candidate to track the routing of the mentioned mail package. If for some reason, the mail does not arrive at the stated destination, the IAPPM will investigate the matter with the courier company (UPS, FedEx or USPS) and make a determination to either issue another certificate. If it is found that the mailing address was inaccurate, the shipping charges will be charged accordingly, as it is each members responsibility to maintain their mailing address.

CPM

Do I need to take any courses in order for me to be CPM?

Yes, a 9 hours CPM Preparation course

Why 9-hours course can become CPM while other certificate require a 35-hour course?

CPM is a certificate focus pragmatic application of skills, tools, techniques, work experience, and hence explanation of the theory would be kept to minimum.

Is there any preparation materials for the examination

- CPPM Guide
- CPPM Guide Reference

What is the passing score for CPM?

75%

What is the Examination Structure?

Paper based (2 hours 100 MCs)

What is the meaning of certification period?

36 calendar months on the approving date of your CPP status

What is the turnaround time of the application

< 2 months

Is the CPM certificate well recognized?

Internationally recognized

How many CPM in Hong Kong?

> 100

How many CPM in the world

> 10,000 while the certificate has established for only 4 years

Can I get Grand-fathering of the certificate from US?

No, as long as your home/ correspondence address is in Hong Kong, mainland China, Macau, or Taiwan, your application would be handled and routed to our Chapter under the local policies.

Why CPM?

In the market, there are so many theories-driven PM certificates which require examination, but lack of focus on experience sharing and the application of the skills, tools and techniques. CPM was introduce to bridge the gap, and provide another option for professional to choose amongst other professional certification

Is there any cross-certification between PMI, IAPPM and APM?

At the moment cross-certification amongst different PM Professional societies are still under discussion

Grading

Why does IAPPM apply grading standards?

IAPPM does in fact apply strict grading levels between all members. It is sufficient to say that there is a distinct difference between a student applying for membership versus a senior program manager with ten years experience. Such differences are captured at time of application assessment and members are graded accordingly. Also, it provides IAPPM with a list of senior Fellows or Members who are able to assist junior Associates with mentoring.

What is the difference between Fellow, Member and Associate grades?

IAPPM recognizes three (3) different grades of membership. An Associate is a candidate with less than three years experience or in process of completing their studies. Candidates seeking a Member grading have more than four (4) post qualification experience. Candidates seeking the Fellow grading are those who have demonstrated themselves internationally and can demonstrate more than ten (10) years of practical PM experience.

Can I apply to be re-graded to a higher grading?

Yes, once a grade has been awarded by IAPPM, members can apply in writing to IAPPM member services, for a re-grade, if they feel that they have been disadvantaged.

Miscellaneous

Do I have access to IAPPM online technical support?

Yes. As a IAPPM Certified Professional, you have Advanced Access to SecureKnowledge, our online technical knowledge database. You access SecureKnowledge through your User Center account.

Can becoming a IAPPM Certified Professional improve my career or employment chances?

We believe that employers are looking for project management with training and hands on experience. According to a recent study,96% of managers reported that the single most important skill to have is a good knowledge base in the relevant area. 89% of respondents rated hands-on experience as the second most important factor when seeking a technology worker.

Managers are assured when hiring a certified professional that this particular individual has secured the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to perform tasks required on his/her job. In addition, individuals who become certified are perceived to be greater assets to employers as they tend to be more aggressive about new technologies and exhibit an inclination for lifelong learning.

Where do I go to access my benefits?

Benefits are accessed through your User account. To view or create a User Center account click here.