Emily Long, Head of Professional Standards at the Association for Project Management, joined us for a webinar to share more information on the newest route to becoming an APM Chartered Professional for those already with the PMI PMP. This has opened up the opportunity for project professionals to become chartered worldwide.
What is APM Chartership?
The reigning Monarch grants Royal Chartership to recognise bodies that work in the public sector and demonstrate pre-eminence, stability, and permanence. The APM’s vision and missions encompass these values as they strive to advance the project management profession. Queen Elizabeth II awarded the APM the Royal Charter in 2017.
Although the accolade has been awarded in the UK, it is widely recognised. It has encouraged corporates worldwide to work with the APM as corporate partners to support their Senior Project Professionals as they work towards their next career step.
You can read more about this here.
What is the importance of Chartership in your project management career?
The Chartership is for everyone in a project role—not just project managers but all those with experience and knowledge across the dimensions of professionalism within project management. Despite this UK-awarded accolade coming from the Privy Council, it has a considerable amount of global credibility. In the short space of 7 years, the Chartership has seen a huge amount of recognition across corporate companies, especially global corporate companies, to expect their more senior project managers to be able to validate their experience by achieving the chartered standard.
Individuals who achieve Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) can:
- Demonstrate their commitment to the profession through independent assessment
- Join a unique peer network for collaboration and support. There are now over 4,000 Chartered project professionals.
- Can command higher rates of pay – the APM 2023 Salary Trends survey showed that 58% of ChPP earned over £70,000. Lots of companies
Eligibility and the new pathway for PMI PMP holders
APM has introduced a streamlined pathway to chartered status for project managers holding the PMI PMP qualification. It aligns its chartered standard with the widely recognised PMI PMP certification, recognising the escalating global demand for project management expertise. This new route simplifies the process for PMP holders to attain chartered status, requiring a shorter application and interview than those without existing qualifications.
Acknowledging the rigorous standards and practical experience demonstrated by PMP certification, APM is building a more inclusive and accessible pathway to professional recognition for project managers worldwide. This move underscores APM’s commitment to advancing the project management profession and promoting global collaboration within the industry.
To become chartered, candidates must pass all eligibility criteria and demonstrate their ability across the project management theory, experience practising their specific discipline, up-to-date industry knowledge, and active involvement in the wider profession.
The new pathway provides a streamlined path to becoming a ChPP. Key differences to the regular route are:
- Fewer competencies need to be covered in the written application (8, not 12)
- A shortened interview process (1hr, not 2)
Some items remain the same, such as the need for two endorsements, the CPD (PDU) level remains as is, and they must all sign the APM code of conduct.
Has anyone gone through the APM Pathway 3 process yet?
While the new Charter status pathway won’t officially open until September, APM is already encouraging potential applicants to start preparing. Interested individuals can sign up for updates via an expression of interest form on the APM website. The chartered status process operates cyclically, with application deadlines and result dates determined in advance. To maximise their chances of success, APM recommends that those considering applying begin familiarising themselves with the required competencies and gathering evidence to support their claims.
Is there a certain amount of hours individuals have to spend collecting information
There is no strict time requirement for gathering information for the chartered status application. While the full application process might typically take around 30 hours, the new pathway for PMP holders is estimated to require less time, perhaps 15-20 hours. However, the time investment varies depending on individual writing style and ability to articulate one’s experiences. Focusing on personal accomplishments rather than team achievements is essential, which can be challenging but crucial for a successful application.
Do you have to demonstrate a certain amount of CPD (continuous professional development)?
Yes, demonstrating continuous professional development (CPD) is required to achieve chartered status. While the CPD requirements for the PMP qualification can be used as a foundation, applicants still need to complete a specific CPD form for the chartered status application. This form requires a reflective statement on how the CPD has been applied to professional practice. APM encourages ongoing professional development and provides resources such as mentoring schemes to support members in this area.
Is there a route to get support for Chartership?
APM offers several resources to support individuals in their journey towards chartered status. While there are no formal training programs, the organisation provides free webinars and a self-assessment matrix to help applicants understand the requirements and structure their applications. Mentorship is a key component of the support offered, with volunteer mentors available to guide applicants. Additionally, APM’s chartered team is on hand to answer questions and provide general assistance.
What are the benefits of becoming Chartered when you already have the PMI PMP?
Chartered status offers a distinct advantage over the PMP qualification by providing a formal assessment of project delivery capabilities. While the PMP demonstrates knowledge and expertise in project management methodologies, chartered status further validates an individual’s ability to apply this knowledge in real-world projects. This external validation enhances career prospects, particularly in global organisations where chartered status is increasingly recognised as a proficiency benchmark. Chartered status can open doors to leadership roles and higher-level positions by differentiating you from other PMP holders.
In Conclusion
The need for project management professionals is growing worldwide. The APM, working alongside the other leading body associations to provide a route to Chartership, will ensure that as the profession evolves, it is seen as a strategic discipline in organisations, delivering real value in delivery and appearing in role descriptions and hiring adverts.
Regardless of locality, Chartership demonstrates an individual’s ability to deliver complex projects, which is advantageous for both the individual and the hiring organisation.
Download Emily’s slides from the webinar.
