Chartered Project

Professional (ChPP)
Application Guidance
Helping you to understand, decide and prepare for
the Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard
Becoming a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) will demonstrate
your commitment to professional standards, continued professional
development and ethical and professional conduct. It will provide
assurance for your employer and clients and help raise the profile
and value of project management as a professional practice.

This guidance will help you to decide when the time is right for
you to apply and will help you to prepare for an application now
or at a future date.

I hope that you will decide to make becoming a ChPP part

of your career development journey and we look forward to
welcoming you to a new community of project professionals.

Debbie Dore
Chief executive officer

Contents
Page 3 Introduction
Page 4 Why become chartered?
Page 4 Are you ready for chartered?
Page 6 The application process
Page 9 Helping you to prepare
Page 13 The interview
Page 15 Other things to note
Page 18 Appendix 1 – Professional practice
assessment criteria
Page 35 Appendix 2 – Technical knowledge
assessment criteria

2 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Introduction
This guide sets out to help you do three things:

Understand what being chartered means for you and the profession.

Decide if becoming chartered is right for you now, or at a later date.

Prepare your application.

If you are successful, you will join the Register of Chartered Project Professionals.

The chartered standard has been designed to be accessible, yet rigorous with different
assessment routes according to qualifications, previous assessments and experience.

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 3

Why become chartered?
For APM and the
profession it means For you it means For employers it means
Enhanced status of project Personal recognition from Proof of a high standard
management your peers in project of practice and ethical
management and other standards
Wherever you see Raised standards of practice
professions
‘project management’, Attracting the best talent
Improved project outcomes
this includes people Enhanced CV to stand out in by actively supporting
Better public understanding the job market chartered
working in project,
and confidence in what
programme or portfolio A framework for the A competitive edge
we do
management, or in a development of your career
A ready-made framework
key control or enabling Assurance and confidence
International recognition for developing your people
function such as PMO. for customers of project
management services Assurance for clients of Motivated team committed
high standards and ethical to continued professional
Opening the door to
practice development and ethics
collaboration with other
professions Use of the post nominal Increased status of
ChPP project management in
organisations/clients and
Increased understanding,
the public
helping you to work more
effectively

Are you ready for chartered?

You are professionally active with a proven track record of delivering projects,
programmes, portfolios or a key control or enabling function.

These projects, programmes or portfolios exhibit characteristics of complexity.

You have the required breadth of project experience to meet the requirements of ten
mandatory and two elective competences.

You have an advanced technical knowledge and are able to confidently evaluate and
analyse theory of current practices and methods.

You are committed to continuing professional development and an ethical way

of working.

4 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Are you eligible?
You need to be ‘professionally active’. This means:

a) having a proven track record delivering projects, programmes, portfolios or a key control
or enabling function; and
Technical knowledge
b) having up-to-date knowledge of current practices and methods; and
means: an advanced
c) being actively involved in the project management profession. technical knowledge and
understanding of how to
If the evidence provided in your application is more than five years old, you will be directed deliver projects, programmes
to complete a currency statement which explains how you continue to meet points b) and c) and portfolios. You could
above. think about this as the theory.

What is being assessed?

The application process is designed to assess the following areas, so consider whether you
can provide evidence of this now or if you need some more experience or learning first.
There is more detail later on in these guidance notes about the competences that support Professional practice
means: being able to provide
these areas. You will need to show:
evidence of applying the
Technical knowledge: advanced technical knowledge and understanding of how to technical knowledge (theory)
deliver projects, programmes or portfolios taking into account many interacting factors to practice. You could think
and different approaches that could be taken. about this as experience.

Professional practice: successful application of this knowledge to deliver projects,

programmes or portfolios that involved:

Uncertainty or conflicting objectives.

High levels of unpredictability or risk.

Multiple work packages, projects or programmes.

Multiple interdependent stakeholders, possibly with competing interests.

You will need to commit to professional ethics and show continuing professional
development (CPD). You will also need two proposers who support your application.

For the full details of competences that will be assessed, please see Appendices 1 and 2.

The next section tells you how to provide the evidence required.

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 5

The application process
The application process is designed to be as inclusive as possible with different routes according
to your qualifications, previous assessments and experience. The same requirements for technical
knowledge and professional practice apply to everyone but they are tested in different ways.

There are three routes and the online application process will guide you through according to
whether you have a recognised assessment and what it covers.

Route 1: for those who have a recognised assessment for technical knowledge.

Route 2: for those who have a recognised assessment for technical knowledge and
professional practice.

Route 3: an experiential route for those who do not have a recognised assessment but do
meet the eligibility criteria.

6 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

STAGE ONE
Do you have a recognised assessment?

ROUTE 1 ROUTE 2 ROUTE 3

Yes, I have a recognised Yes, I have a recognised No, I don’t have a recognised
assessment for technical assessment for technical assessment but I meet the
knowledge. knowledge and professional eligibility criteria and have the
practice. necessary experience.
Assessment of technical Assessment of technical Assessment of technical
knowledge is via the recognised knowledge and professional knowledge is via an extended
assessment that you hold. practice is via the recognised interview.
assessment that you hold.
Assessment of professional Assessment of professional
practice is via written submission practice is via written submission
and interview. and interview.

The next step is where you The next step is where you
provide evidence of professional provide evidence of professional
practice. practice.

There are three steps to this part: There are three steps to this part:

1 Decide which competences 1 Decide which competences

you are going to provide you are going to provide
evidence for. The full list and evidence for. The full list and
more information is later on more information is later on
in these notes. in these notes.

2 Give an overview (maximum 2 Give an overview (maximum

500 words) of up to four 500 words) of up to four
projects, programmes or projects, programmes or
portfolios that you will use to portfolios that you will use to
illustrate them. illustrate them.

3 Write up to 250 words 3 Write up to 250 words

for each competence, for each competence,
referring back to the project referring back to the project
overviews. overviews.

You will be asked to declare You will be asked to upload You will be asked to declare
that you have kept up to your CPD log (12 months), your that you have kept up to
date through CPD, give your proposers’ details and pay the date through CPD, give your
proposers’ details and pay the application fee. proposers’ details and pay the
application fee. application fee.

Your application will be assessed at this stage, and if successful you will be invited to interview.

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 7

STAGE TWO
Interview

ROUTE 1 ROUTE 2 ROUTE 3

Up to one hour face-to-face A phone interview (one Up to two hour face-to-face
interview (two assessors)* assessor) of up to 30 minutes. interview (two assessors)*

Professional practice: CPD Professional practice:

validates your written validates your written
If you are applying without Ethics.
submission. submission.
a recognised assessment Currency of mandatory
Ethics. Technical knowledge:
you will be tested on your competences.
technical questioning to
technical knowledge at assess your breadth of
interview. Make sure that knowledge.
you have prepared for this. Ethics.

A panel meets periodically to confirm results and award chartered status.

* It may be possible to arrange a Skype interview if you are unable to attend in person

A recognised assessment is one that has been reviewed and

approved by APM, and meets the requirements of the chartered
standard:

is at least at the required level for technical knowledge or

technical knowledge and professional practice;

is externally regulated by an approved body (such as Ofqual),

or aligns to the quality requirements of ISO17024; and

covers a minimum number of mandatory and elective

competences.

You can find the current list of recognised assessments here:

apm.org.uk/chpp. You will need to upload your certificate when
you apply.

For all recognised assessments that have a validity date, the

certificate needs to be current during the full assessment cycle that
an applicant applies under.

*Can’t see your assessment listed? Don’t worry, you can still apply
through the experiential route and provide evidence through the
written submission and interview.*

Find out more about APM’s recognised assessment scheme on the

APM website.

8 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Helping you to prepare
APM has commissioned a range of support services that are available to members and non-
members. Find out more by visiting apm.org.uk/chpp.

Completing the form Once you start the online

Your application will be completed online, get everything to hand before you start. Once you application you can save it
start the online application you can save it and come back so you don’t need to do it all at once. and come back so you don’t
There is also an ‘export to PDF’ option so you can pull off a copy for your records. need to do it all at once.

Checklist If needed:

Certificates from any recognised assessments Project overviews

Two proposers: name and contact information only Evidence of competences

Method of payment Your CPD record If you require any special

dispensations due to
If you are already registered on the APM website you will need to log in to begin. If you are a medical or physical
not already registered, it is quick and easy to do so. You will be asked to provide some basic condition, refer to page 15
information to complete the registration process. of the application guidance
‘special arrangements’.
The form has help available as you go but if this doesn’t answer your question, you can contact
the chartered team.

Personal information
You are asked to provide some basic personal information such as any professional memberships
and your employer (if applicable). We respect your information and will only use it in accordance
with data protection rules and our privacy policy; this is available on request and via the online
link when you register.

Recognised assessments
Select any recognised assessments from the drop-down list. This will determine the next steps
of the application process. You will be directed automatically to the parts you need to fill in
next. If you don’t have a recognised assessment you will go to the written submission stage and
technical knowledge will be tested at interview.

Be ready to upload any relevant certificates. If your most recent

assessment is more than
The current list of recognised assessments can be found here: five years old you will need
apm.org.uk/recognisedassessment. to provide a statement
If you have an assessment that covers both technical knowledge and professional showing how you have kept
practice, you can skip the next section and go straight to the section on continuing up to date with current
professional development. practice and methods and
been actively involved in
the project management
profession.

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 9

Project experience
Unless you have a recognised assessment that includes professional practice, you will need
to provide overviews of up to four projects, programmes or portfolios that give the contextual
evidence for your professional practice assessment. These overviews will be referred to as
your project experience throughout your application and you should only submit overviews
that are used as evidence within the competence section. You will need to refer to all project
If your most recent project, experiences in the competence section, but you can only refer to one project per competence,
programme or portfolio is so it is important to describe a project that will give you the best chance of meeting the relevant
more than five years old assessment criteria.
you will need to provide You must show what you were responsible/accountable for and show how the project,
a statement showing how programme or portfolio demonstrated the following characteristics:
you have kept up to date
with current practice and uncertainty or conflicting objectives;
methods and been actively high levels of unpredictability or risk;
involved in the project
management profession. multiple work packages, projects or programmes;

multiple interdependent stakeholders, possibly with competing interests.

You will be expected to write up to 500 words for each project overview.

10 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Competence selection and assessment
In this section you will show how you meet the competences. Most are mandatory but there
are also some choices. You will need to spend some time thinking about the evidence you will
need – don’t rush it.
Write up your project
The elective selection provides the opportunity for those in specialist roles to demonstrate how overviews and competence
they meet the chartered standard. statements offline so that
you can spell check, word
count and edit them easily.
Mandatory Nine competences
Then simply cut and paste
them into the application
Plus your choice of either budgeting and cost control OR financial
system.
management
Write your answers in the
Elective Your choice of two from a list of 15 first person. “I did….”

Avoid jargon and company

Total 12 competences
acronyms – remember the
assessors won’t know your
organisation so explain
For each competence assessed, you will need to cover a minimum of four professional practice things as clearly as you can
assessment criteria across the competence. State which project, programme or portfolio using plain English.
overview the evidence is from. The competences and assessment criteria can be found in
Appendix 1. Proofread your application.
It may help to go back
to it the next day with a
IMPORTANT NOTE: Each competence statement must relate to one project, programme fresh pair of eyes before
or portfolio detailed in the project experience section. You can’t refer to more than one submitting.
project experience within a single competence. If an overview in your project experience
section is not referenced in your competence section, please remove before submitting Make sure your proposers
your application. are happy and know that
they may be contacted.
Assessors will be looking for evidence of how you have attained and demonstrated the
competence, not how you have managed others to do it so you should use the first person, Avoid theoretical answers
‘I’, in your responses. All competences must be related to your own experience so avoid or repeating the
making statements about any team or corporate achievements which were not your own, competence statements and
any restatement of the assessment criteria, or coverage of knowledge and theory. assessment criteria.
Each of your answers can be up to 250 words.

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 11

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Your development as a project professional will continue throughout your career and you must
make a commitment to keeping up to date.

You will need to have completed 35 hours of CPD in the 12 months up to your application and
CPD: Things you might confirm that you will maintain this every year. All CPD must meet the requirements of APM’s
want to consider could CPD scheme which can be found here: apm.org.uk/cpd.
include: work-based
learning; distance learning;
special work projects,
writing technical papers; CPD
mentoring; voluntary work; You will either have to upload your record or self-declare (see
association activities or section above on the application process)
committee work; promoting
project management to APM will do an annual audit of a sample of ChPP CPD records.
young people; seminar/
conference presentations; You can use the APM CPD log, but this is not mandatory provided you meet the necessary
any relevant course or requirements. This includes a statement on the areas you would like to develop further over
private study. the next 12 months.

Your proposers
You must provide contact details for two proposers who can support your application.
Proposers could be another project professional or your line manager but can’t be a family
member.

Your proposers should believe you are suitable for consideration for ChPP and be happy to
confirm this if contacted by APM.

Code of Professional Conduct and online directory

In this section you will be asked to confirm that you have read, understood and will abide by
APM’s Code of Professional Conduct: apm.org.uk/codeofconduct. This will demonstrate your
commitment to the profession and ethical behaviour, and your willingness to support others.

You will also be asked if, subject to your application being successful, you would like your name
to be published on the APM website.

12 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

The interview
If your first stage application is successful, you will be invited to interview.
You must sit the interview
The interview is a mandatory part of the assessment process for all applicants. It is based on the within a year of receiving
information you provide in your application and will validate and explore your responses. See your successful written
the earlier step-through of the application process on page eight to check what your interview submission results.
will cover.

Interviews may be recorded or observed for quality assurance purposes with the applicant’s
permission.

The interviewers will make their judgements based solely on the information in your application
and your performance during the interview.
Keep a copy of your
Interviewers are experienced assessors and understand the requirements and criteria for ChPP.
application for your records
You will each be told one another’s names in advance of the interview to identify and prevent
and to review before the
any conflicts of interest. They won’t necessarily be matched to your market sector or area
interview stage. There is
of expertise, but will give a very brief introduction of themselves for your benefit before the
an ‘export to PDF’ link on
interview.
each page of the online
Interview format application form.

The interview format will take the form of a discussion. There are no trick questions and you
should structure your responses to questions using ‘I’ not ‘we’ or ‘the team’. The interviewers
will be seeking to understand your evidence. Appendix 2 summarises the technical knowledge
assessment criteria interviewers can select from.

Route 1 interviews
Your interview will be conducted by two assessors and the purpose of the interview is to
explore and validate your written submission. You are expected to provide detailed and specific
answers about actual events relating to evidence in your application. You will be asked:

clarification questions on your project overviews (if applicable);

clarification questions on your professionally active statement (if applicable);

questions on six competence areas from your written submission (these areas are chosen
by the assessors);

questions on ethics;

finally, if you have any additional evidence you would like to add to support your
application – you have up to five minutes to provide this.

You can find the technical

knowledge assessment
criteria in Appendix 2.

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 13

Route 2 interviews
Your interview will be conducted by one assessor and, as you already hold a recognised
assessment for technical knowledge and professional practice the purpose of the interview is to
explore currency, ethics and CPD. You will be asked:

clarification questions on your professionally active statement (if applicable);

clarification questions on your CPD submission (if applicable);

questions on how the CPD you have undertaken relates to a selection of mandatory
competences and/or examples, within the past five years, where you have used a selection
of mandatory competences within your project management related activity;

questions on ethics;

finally, if you have any additional evidence you would like to add to support your
application – you have up to five minutes to provide this.

Route 3 interviews
Your interview will be conducted by two assessors and the purpose of the interview is to
explore and validate your written submission as well as assess technical knowledge. You are
expected to provide detailed and specific answers about actual events relating to evidence
in your application with regards to professional practice. The technical knowledge questions
are designed to assess your breadth of knowledge against the criteria and answers to these
questions do not specifically have to relate to your own experience. You will be asked:

clarification questions on your project overviews (if applicable);

clarification questions on your professionally active statement (if applicable);

questions on six competence areas from your written submission in relation to professional
practice(these areas are chosen by the assessors);

questions on four competence areas from your written submission in relation to technical
knowledge(these areas are chosen by the assessors);

questions on ethics;

finally, if you have any additional evidence you would like to add to support your
application – you have up to five minutes to provide this.

14 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

What happens next?
Your assessors will make a recommendation which will then be referred to a panel for
approval. You will then be informed of the outcome.

If you are successful, you will receive a letter and a certificate from APM confirming
your achievement within eight weeks from the results release date. Your name will be
included on the Register of Chartered Project Professionals.

Your name will be published on the APM website if you have given permission for us
to do so.

If your application is not successful, we will write to you and explain the reason for the
decision. You will be given feedback and guidance to help you to resubmit.

If unsuccessful at interview, we will write to you and explain the reason for the
decision. You will be given feedback and guidance to help you repeat the required
process. If unsuccessful at interview against the professional practice criteria then you
will have to start the application process again, including your written submission..

Other things to note

Confidentiality
APM anticipates that you should be able to provide this information at a level of detail that does
not breach any necessary confidentiality. However, please note that all assessors have signed
confidentiality agreements.

Register and directory

APM will maintain a register containing details of all those who hold the Chartered Project
Professional designation. This will be managed by APM for the purposes of meeting the
requirements of the Royal Charter and this will not be publicly available. Those on the register
also have the option to have their names on a public directory. You can opt in or out of having
your name displayed on the directory.

Special arrangements
Medical and mobility

APM is committed to promoting a positive attitude towards people with special

learning and additional needs. It has a great deal of experience in facilitating individual
requirements and tailoring adjustments with the aim of removing any unfair disadvantage
that an individual may encounter as a consequence of their medical condition.

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 15

Access to the facilities or arrangements described here can be granted to applicants with
disabilities/learning difficulties who apply to the chartered team. A dispensation may be
allowed for applicants with a medical or physical condition that prevents them from
completing the assessment within the normal regulations.

Other aids/equipment available

Large print papers may be produced where required with prior arrangement with the
chartered team.

For assistance with any of the above, or for any other requirements, please contact the
chartered team at [email protected].

Assessment Results Enquiries/Appeals

By attending the interview candidates are confirming that they are fit to do so: no appeals will
be heard concerning a candidate’s wellbeing during the interview. For further information visit
us at apm.org.uk/apm-feedback-and-complaints-process/assessment-results-enquiry-process/

APM Support Services

APM run a range of monthly support clinics to assist you through your application to become a
Chartered Project Professional. These support clinics are available to all, and are free to attend
for APM individual members. https://www.apm.org.uk/chartered-standard/support-services/

There are other support services available by third parties, please note these have not been
endorsed by APM.

FAQs
For frequently asked questions, please visit the APM website at: apm.org.uk/chpp.

16 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Scoring model
Each chartered competence is marked out of 2 with:

0 = less than 2 professional practice assessment criteria provisionally achieved across the chartered competence

1 = 2 to 3 professional practice assessment criteria provisionally achieved across the chartered competence

2 = at least 4 of the professional practice assessment criteria provisionally achieved across the chartered competence

Route 2
Route 1 No scores provided Route 3
must successfully meet
the criteria at interview

Met criteria of fulfilling the 5 N/A Met criteria of fulfilling

characteristics the 5 characteristics

If unsuccessful the If unsuccessful the

competence which the competence which the
Stage 1: Project project relates to will score a project relates to will
0 score a 0
Written overview
submission If more than one project If more than one project
is referred to within a is referred to within a
competence, the relevant competence, the relevant
competence will score a 0 competence will score a 0

Professional Practice score a N/A Professional Practice

minimum of 20 score a minimum of 20
Competence Must not score a 0 against Must not score a 0
any competence areas against any competence
areas
Professional Practice: Score Professionally active Professional Practice:
22 or more (where applicable) Score 22 or more

Stage 2: Interview Ethics: Successfully meet the CPD Technical Knowledge:

criteria Score 8
Currency
Must not score a 0 against Ethics: Successfully meet
Ethics
any competence area the criteria

Must not score a 0

against any competence
area

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 17

Appendix 1:
Professional practice assessment criteria for
written submission
Note: If you are currently answering the written submission on professional practice these are
the assessment criteria.
In this document, the term ‘project’ is used as a generic term to relate to project, programme
or portfolio management or key control functions, with the exception of 1b Financial
Management, 11 Asset Allocation, 12 Benefits Management and 21 Resource Capacity
Planning, which are specific to programme and/or portfolio management.

18 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Mandatory competences
You must complete statements against the mandatory competences, and select either 1a Budgeting and cost control, OR 1b
Financial management.

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

1a Budgeting and You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
cost control assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 establish estimates for different costs associated with a instance, you could, for example,
project provide examples from one of
the projects within your project
PP1.2 establish and agree an overall budget for a project
experience, and explain how you
PP1.3 apply metrics to establish cost trends within a project established estimates for different
PP1.4 update and refine budget allocations based on a cost costs associated with the project,
analysis through the change control process applied metrics to establish cost
PP2.1 set up funding drawdown arrangements based on an trends, produced financial reports
appropriately and accurately informed cash flow forecast based on effective financial
performance monitoring, and
PP2.2 produce financial reports for stakeholders based on
ensured the completion of all
effective financial performance monitoring
financial transactions before the
PP2.3 ensure the completion of all financial transactions before closure of a project and produced
the closure of a project and produce final financial final financial reports on the
reports on the financial performance of a project for financial performance of the
distribution to relevant stakeholders project.

1b Financial You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
management assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 adopt a consistent approach to the investment appraisal instance, you could, for example,
of a programme or portfolio in line with organisational provide examples from one of
practice the programmes or portfolios
within your project experience,
PP1.2 ensure a consistent approach to estimating is used
and explain how you ensured a
across the programme or portfolio
consistent approach to estimating
PP1.3 establish control limits for the reporting and approval of across the programme or
budget variances portfolio, established control limits
PP1.4 establish arrangements for the release of funds at for the reporting and approval
appropriate stages in a programme or portfolio of budget variances, established
PP2.1 determine capital and revenue expenditure for a financial reporting milestones and
programme or portfolio ensuring alignment with the reviews, and adjusted the financial
organisation’s financial plan plan based on the progress of
a programme or portfolio and
PP2.2 establish financial reporting milestones and reviews for a
associated financial reviews.
programme or portfolio
PP2.3 produce financial progress reports based on the financial
information related to a programme or portfolio
PP2.4 adjust a financial plan based on the progress of a
programme or portfolio and associated financial reviews

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 19

Mandatory competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

2 Change control You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 establish, implement and maintain an appropriate instance, you could, for example,
change control process provide examples from one of
the projects within your project
PP1.2 capture and record proposed changes to the agreed
experience, and explain how you
scope and objectives of the project
established, implemented and
PP1.3 determine the high-level impact of proposed changes to maintained the change control
the scope and objectives of a project including reference process, undertook an impact
to relevant sources analysis with input from others,
PP1.4 use a trend analysis to improve the future performance developed recommendations on
of projects how to address the changes and
PP2.1 reach justified recommendations on the approval, how implemented changes were
rejection or deferral of proposed changes to a project communicated.
PP2.2 update plans and schedules to reflect approved changes
to a project ensuring configuration management is used
PP2.3 communicate implemented changes to relevant
stakeholders

3 Conflict You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
management assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 take a proactive approach to identify and address instance, you could, for example,
potential conflict situations which may impact on a provide examples from one of
project the projects within your project
experience, and explain how
PP1.2 take an impartial approach to investigating the cause of
you took a proactive approach
conflict
to identify and address potential
PP1.3 evaluate and implement conflict management measures conflict situations which may
including the role of colleagues and specialists have impacted on your project,
PP1.4 monitor the extent to which conflict management evaluated and implemented
measures are successful conflict management measures
PP2.1 support others to resolve conflict including the role of colleagues
and specialists, supported others
PP2.2 respond appropriately and promptly to conflict situations
to resolve conflict, and resolved
where intervention is required
conflict giving due respect to the
PP2.3 resolve conflict giving due respect to the views, opinions views, opinions and concerns of
and concerns of all parties all parties.

20 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Mandatory competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

4 Consolidated You can evidence this across a number of assessment criteria. To meet the minimum four
planning You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following assessment criteria in this
assessment criteria to show that you can: instance, you could, for
PP1.1 comply with organisational practice when establishing the example, provide examples
structure and format of an effective consolidated plan from one of the projects within
your project experience, and
PP1.2 consider constraints, assumptions, dependencies
explain how you considered
and governance arrangements when creating a
constraints, assumptions,
consolidated plan
dependencies and governance
PP1.3 include or refer to other relevant plans and arrangements when creating a
documentation consolidated plan, included or
PP1.4 create a consolidated plan which balances the referred to other relevant plans
fundamental components of that plan to meet the and documentation, applied
requirements of a project and ensure formal acceptance configuration management to the
of the plan plan once it had been accepted,
PP2.1 apply configuration management to a plan once it has and adjusted the plan making use
been formally accepted of change control.
PP2.2 continually monitor the progress of a project against the
consolidated plan
PP2.3 adjust the consolidated plan utilising a change control
process
5 Governance You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
arrangements assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this instance,
PP1.1 define reporting, decision-making hierarchies and levels you could, for example, provide
of authority for a project examples from one of the projects
within your project experience,
PP1.2 establish the relationship between a project’s
and explain how you defined
governance and the organisation’s governance
reporting, decision-making
structures
hierarchies and levels of authority
PP1.3 design the project governance structure taking into for the project, designed the
account context, complexity and potential impact project governance structure
PP2.1 ensure clarity of ownership and levels of authority by taking into account context,
agreeing the responsibilities and accountabilities with complexity and potential impact,
relevant individuals ensured clarity of ownership and
PP2.2 ensure effective reporting and decision making levels of authority by agreeing the
through maintained governance structures, staffing and responsibilities and accountabilities
maintenance of approved reporting and decision making with relevant individuals, and
ensured effective reporting and
decision making throughout.

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Mandatory competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

6 Leadership You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 select an appropriate leadership style based on the instance, you could, for example,
situation and/or context provide examples from one of
the projects within your project
PP1.2 collaborate with others to maintain the momentum of a
experience, and explain how you
project
selected an appropriate leadership
PP1.3 encourage others to adopt behaviours which builds style based on the situation
trust, confidence and collaboration within and between and/or context, encouraged
teams others to adopt behaviours
PP1.4 establish environments which present opportunities for which built trust, confidence and
empowered and autonomous working collaboration, maintained the
PP2.1 maintain a team’s understanding of, and commitment team’s understanding of, and
to the vision, values and objectives of a project through commitment to the vision, values
effective and open communication and objectives of the project
through effective and open
PP2.2 facilitate open discussions to support the identification of
communication, and addressed
potential or real difficulties and challenges to delivering a
difficulties and challenges
successful project
effectively and in a timely manner.
PP2.3 address difficulties and challenges effectively and in a
timely manner

7 Reviews You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 consider factors which need to be evaluated during a instance, you could, for example,
review provide examples from one of
the projects within your project
PP1.2 establish and implement a schedule of reviews
experience, and explain how you
incorporating key milestones during and after a project
considered factors which needed
PP1.3 obtain appropriate information from valid sources to to be evaluated during a review,
inform the review obtained appropriate information
PP2.1 maintain records of any deviations from plans to include from valid sources to inform
reasons for and responses to the deviations the review, communicated the
PP2.2 communicate the outcomes of reviews to relevant outcomes of reviews to relevant
stakeholders stakeholders, and implemented
agreed actions and updated the
PP2.3 confirm stakeholder understanding and acceptance of
lessons learned log.
proposed actions
PP2.4 implement agreed actions and update lessons learned
log

22 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Mandatory competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

8 Risk and issue You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
management assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 continually identify risks and issues within a project instance, you could, for example,
provide examples from one of
PP1.2 create a risk management plan including potential
the projects within your project
impact and suitable responses
experience, and explain how
PP1.3 record issues, how they were resolved, and their you continually identified risks
implications to inform planning for future projects and issues within the project,
PP1.4 transfer, accept or avoid unresolved risks at the end of a created a risk management plan
project including potential impact and
PP2.1 assess the probabilities and impacts of the risks within a suitable responses, assessed the
project and plan their responses probabilities and impacts of the
risks and planned their responses,
PP2.2 assess and plan responses to issues
implemented responses to
PP2.3 implement responses to risks and issues including risks and issues, addressing
escalation, addressing any implications for the future any implications for the future
including escalation.

9 Stakeholder and You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
communications assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
management PP1.1 determine stakeholder interests, requirements and instance, you could, for example,
levels of influence for a project provide examples from one of
the projects within your project
PP1.2 produce stakeholder management and communication
experience, and explain how
plans
you determined stakeholder
PP1.3 monitor the effectiveness of stakeholder management interests, requirements and
and communication plans levels of influence for a project,
PP1.4 adjust stakeholder management and communication monitored the effectiveness of
plans to respond to any changing needs of a project stakeholder management and
PP2.1 employ relevant communication methods and media to communication plans, employed
meet stakeholder requirements and expectations relevant communication methods
and media to meet stakeholder
PP2.2 disseminate clear, timely and relevant information to
requirements and expectations
stakeholders
and disseminated clear, timely
PP2.3 obtain, and respond to, feedback from stakeholders and relevant information to
which may have an impact on a project stakeholders.

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Mandatory competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

10 Team You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
management assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 agree team objectives and ways of working to achieve instance, you could, for example,
the vision and goals of a project provide examples from one of
the projects within your project
PP1.2 acknowledge levels of performance through
experience, and explain how
constructive feedback to individuals and teams
you agreed team objectives and
PP1.3 adopt a proactive approach to communication to ways of working to achieve the
establish networks of support and facilitate effective vision and goals of the project,
delegation adopted a proactive approach
PP2.1 meet the demands of a project through balancing to communication to establish
individual and team needs networks of support and
PP2.2 provide opportunities for coaching and mentoring to facilitated effective delegation,
members of a team met the demands of the project
through balancing individual
PP2.3 address performance issues likely to negatively impact
and team needs, and addressed
on the success of a project
performance issues that were
likely to negatively impact on the
success of the project.

24 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Elective competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

11 Asset allocation You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 determine changes required by the organisation’s instance, you could, for example,
strategic objectives provide examples from one of
the programmes or portfolios
PP1.2 categorise related projects and programmes in relation
within your project experience,
to an organisation’s strategic objectives
and explain how you determined
PP1.3 map the intended outputs, outcomes and benefits of changes required by the
related projects and programmes to an organisation’s organisation’s strategic objectives,
strategic objectives mapped the intended outputs,
PP1.4 determine gaps which may exist in the alignment of outcomes and benefits of related
related projects and programmes, either current or projects and programmes to an
proposed, to strategic objectives organisation’s strategic objectives,
PP1.5 establish appropriate measures to compare the likely established appropriate measures
value of, both current and proposed, related projects and to compare the likely value of,
programmes to an organisation’s strategic objectives both current and proposed,
related projects and programmes
PP2.1 use appropriate measures to prioritise related current
to the organisation’s strategic
and proposed projects and programmes
objectives, and considered the
PP2.2 consider the availability of finance and other resources availability of finance and other
when applying prioritisation measures resources when applying these
PP2.3 recommend whether projects and programmes should measures.
be initiated, maintained or closed to maintain a balanced
portfolio
PP2.4 communicate appropriately and effectively to
stakeholders any recommendations to inform decisions
about the maintenance of a balanced portfolio

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Elective competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

12 Benefits You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
management assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 demonstrate how the intended benefits relate to strategic instance, you could, for example,
objectives provide examples from one of the
programmes or portfolios within
PP1.2 establish measurable benefits which are meaningful to
your project experience, and
stakeholders
explain how you demonstrated
PP1.3 prioritise achievement of benefits based on their level of how the intended benefits related
contribution to strategic objectives to strategic objectives, prioritised
PP1.4 confirm dependencies between intended benefits and achievement of benefits based
the outputs, outcomes and related business changes on their level of contribution to
PP2.1 create a benefits management strategy which considers strategic objectives, created a
priorities, timescales and responsibilities, and monitoring benefits management strategy
methods which considered priorities,
timescales and responsibilities,
PP2.2 create a benefits realisation plan which considers
and monitoring methods, carried
funding options, key indicators, milestones and reporting
out effective monitoring against
schedules
the benefits realisation plan,
PP2.3 carry out effective monitoring against the benefits and took action to highlight
realisation plan recommended adjustments to
PP2.4 based on monitoring outcomes, take action to highlight maximise benefits realisation
recommended adjustments to maximise benefits based on the monitoring
realisation outcomes.

26 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Elective competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

13 Business case You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 determine the relevant factors which could influence the instance, you could, for example,
development of a convincing business case provide examples from one of
the projects within your project
PP1.2 support a persuasive argument through effective
experience, and explain how you
analysis of relevant factors
supported a persuasive argument
PP1.3 establish a benefits framework for a business case through effective analysis of
PP1.4 document a business case in a relevant format relevant factors, documented
PP2.1 gain initial and ongoing formal acceptance of a a business case in a relevant
business case format, gained initial and ongoing
formal acceptance of the business
PP2.2 monitor and refine a business case as circumstances and
case, and implemented a change
factors change
control process and configuration
PP2.3 implement a change control process and configuration management system when
management system when updating a business case updating the business case.

14 Capability You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
development assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 conduct a skills analysis on individuals within an instance, you could, for example,
organisation to identify gaps in competences required to provide examples from one of
deliver a successful project the programmes or portfolios
within your project experience,
PP1.2 develop a training and development strategy in relation to
and explain how you conducted a
project management
skills analysis on individuals within
PP1.3 implement a training and development strategy in relation the organisation to identify gaps in
to project management competences required to deliver a
PP2.1 use tools and techniques to determine an organisation’s successful project, implemented a
capability to support a project training and development strategy
PP2.2 apply relevant competency models to an organisation’s in relation to project management,
workforce in relation to project management applied relevant competency
models to the organisation’s
PP2.3 monitor and evaluate organisational learning against
workforce in relation to project
objectives
management, and monitored and
evaluated organisational learning
against objectives.

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Elective competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

15 Contract You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
management assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 effectively monitor supplier performance against agreed instance, you could, for example,
contractual obligations provide examples from one of
the projects within your project
PP1.2 ensure the organisation meets its contractual obligations
experience, and explain how
through effective monitoring
you effectively monitored
PP2.1 respond appropriately to ensure all parties comply with supplier performance against
the terms of a contract agreed contractual obligations,
PP2.2 manage contract variances promptly to resolve any responded appropriately to
contractual problems ensure all parties complied
PP2.3 effectively manage supplier relationships with the terms of the contract,
effectively managed supplier
PP2.4 effectively close a contract once all contractual
relationships, and effectively
obligations have been met
closed the contract once all
contractual obligations had
been met.

16 Frameworks and You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
methodologies assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 analyse potential frameworks/methodologies for the instance, you could, for example,
management of projects provide examples from one
of the projects within your
PP1.2 determine internal and external contexts which could
project experience, and explain
affect the use of a framework/methodology
how you analysed potential
PP1.3 identify the underlying framework/methodology frameworks/methodologies for
principles that will suit the management of projects within the management of the project,
the organisation determined the internal and
PP2.1 define the processes, standards and guidelines to external contexts which could
implement the framework and/or methodology over affect the use of a framework/
the lifecycle of projects, adopting these from existing methodology, defined the
sources, or developing them as required. processes, standards and
PP2.2 reflect on the strengths and limitations of a framework/ guidelines to implement the
methodology making refinements as required based on framework and/or methodology
experience over the lifecycle of projects,
adopting these from existing
sources, or developing them as
required, and reflected on the
strengths and limitations of a
framework/methodology

28 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Elective competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

17 Independent You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
assurance assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 effectively resource independent assurance activities instance, you could, for example,
provide examples from one of
PP1.2 agree the scope of and responsibilities for manageable
the projects within your project
independent assurance activities
experience, and explain how you
PP1.3 prioritise independent assurance activities based on a effectively resourced independent
risk assessment of the projects assurance activities, agreed the
PP2.1 conduct independent assurance activities making scope of and responsibilities
recommendations for corrective action where required for manageable independent
PP2.2 maintain effective two-way communication with all assurance activities, conducted
stakeholders such that corrective action is reported and independent assurance activities
concerns are addressed promptly making recommendations for
corrective action where required,
PP2.3 provide effective advice, guidance and support to the
and analysed patterns of change
implementation of recommendations
which could inform the future
PP2.4 analyse patterns of change which could inform the performance of projects.
future performance of projects

18 Procurement You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 establish the type, quality and quantity of the resource instance, you could, for example,
requirement provide examples from one of
the projects within your project
PP1.2 develop detailed specifications for the procurement of
experience, and explain how
resources for a project
you established the type, quality
PP1.3 evaluate technical and commercial options for fulfilling the and quantity of the resource
requirements requirement, developed detailed
PP1.4 agree a procurement plan with relevant stakeholders specifications for the procurement
PP2.1 negotiate and secure internal resources to effectively of resources for the project,
deliver a project agreed a procurement plan with
relevant stakeholders, and agreed
PP2.2 comply with organisational procedures when selecting and
viable contracts and statements
negotiating with suppliers based on a rigorous tendering
of work in line with organisational
process
requirements.
PP2.3 agrees viable contracts and statements of work in line
with organisational requirements

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Elective competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

19 Quality You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
management assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 establish agreed quality indicators for the processes and instance, you could, for
outputs of the project referring to the business case example, provide examples
from one of the projects within
PP1.2 prepare the quality management plan for a project
your project experience, and
through liaison with relevant stakeholders and in
explain how you established
accordance with the processes, culture and values of the
agreed quality indicators for the
organisation
processes and outputs of the
PP1.3 create a quality register for a project project referring to the business
PP2.1 manage the process of quality assurance for a project, to case, created a quality register
confirm the consistent application of the procedures and for the project, managed the
standards defined in the quality management plan. process of quality control for the
PP2.2 manage the process of quality control for a project to project to determine whether
determine whether success criteria are met. success criteria had been
met, and actioned outcomes
PP2.3 capture lessons learned during a project to contribute to
from the quality management
continual improvement.
process, implementing the
PP2.4 action outcomes from the quality management process, change control process where
implementing the change control process where required.
required.

30 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Elective competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

20 Requirements You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
management assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 conduct an analysis of stakeholder wants and needs to instance, you could, for example,
inform a schedule of requirements provide examples from one of
the projects within your project
PP1.2 prioritise stakeholder wants and needs based on effective
experience, and explain how
research
you conducted an analysis
PP1.3 through effective research, determine dependencies of stakeholder wants and
and constraints within a project which may influence the needs to inform a schedule of
approach to, and outcomes of, that project requirements, confirmed the
PP1.4 confirm the outcomes of all research through internal outcomes of all research through
and/or external experts internal and/or external experts,
PP2.1 produce a final schedule of requirements based on produced a final schedule of
effective negotiation with stakeholders requirements based on effective
negotiation with stakeholders,
PP2.2 clearly document the requirements agreed within the
and clearly documented the
schedule of requirements
requirements agreed within the
PP2.3 adjust the schedule of requirements during the project if schedule of requirements.
required using the change control process

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Elective competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

21 Resource capacity You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
planning assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 establish resource requirements for each project instance, you could, for example,
provide examples from one of
PP1.2 determine where related projects have dependencies
the programmes or portfolios
and similar deadlines, taking account of the schedule for
within your project experience,
realisation of benefits
and explain how you established
PP1.3 assess the total resource capacity for the duration of all resource requirements for
related projects each project, assessed the
PP1.4 phase the related projects to fully optimise resource total resource capacity for the
usage taking account of opportunities for shared duration of all related projects,
infrastructures and/or procurement built contingencies into relevant
PP1.5 build contingencies into relevant resource plans resource plans, and prepared and
delivered overall progress reports
PP2.1 establish reporting requirements and schedules for
to relevant stakeholders.
relevant project managers
PP2.2 inform the direction of project activities through
effective scheduling of phases, milestones and review
points
PP2.3 prepare and deliver overall progress reports to relevant
stakeholders

32 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Elective competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

22 Resource You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
management assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 establish resource requirements for all activities and instance, you could, for example,
events within a project provide examples from one of
the projects within your project
PP1.2 determine internal and external resources which are
experience, and explain how
available to support the delivery of a project and any
you established the resource
dependencies between those availabilities
requirements for all activities
PP1.3 prepare a schedule for resource use, reconciling and events within the project,
resource limits and time constraints by applying resource determined internal and external
smoothing and/or levelling resources which were available to
PP2.1 monitor resource use against the schedule during the support the delivery of the project
project and identify variances that require action and any dependencies between
PP2.2 refine a resource schedule using the change control those availabilities, monitored
process resource use against the schedule
during the project and identified
variances that required action,
and refined the resource schedule
using the change control process.

23 Schedule You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
management assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 define, in appropriate detail, activities and events to be instance, you could, for example,
completed during a project provide examples from one of
the projects within your project
PP1.2 determine relationships and dependencies between
experience, and explain how
activities and events, and their implications to the
you defined, in appropriate
organisation
detail, activities and events to be
PP1.3 develop duration estimates and critical dates for each completed during the project,
activity and event developed duration estimates
PP2.1 accurately document a schedule of phases, milestones and critical dates for each
and review points for a project, sufficient to inform the activity and event, accurately
direction of work and the monitoring of progress documented a schedule of
PP2.2 refines a schedule of activities based on effective phases, milestones and review
monitoring, implementing the change control process points for the project, sufficient to
when required inform the direction of work and
the monitoring of progress, and
refined the schedule of activities
based on effective monitoring,
implementing the change control
process where required.

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Elective competences

Competence Professional practice assessment criteria Additional guidance

24 Solutions You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
development assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 use appropriate tools and techniques to identify options instance, you could, for example,
to deliver the requirements for a project provide examples from one of
the projects within your project
PP1.2 use appropriate tools and techniques to evaluate and
experience, and explain how
select options to deliver the requirements for a project
you used appropriate tools and
PP1.3 document the requirements and selection option for techniques to identify options
delivery of the project to deliver the requirements for
PP2.1 implement an effective monitoring process the project, documented the
PP2.2 refine delivery options as required and implement the requirements and selection
change control process updating the configuration option for delivery of the project,
management system as and when required implemented an effective
monitoring process, and refined
delivery options as required
and implemented the change
control process updating the
configuration management system
as and when required.

25 Transition You need to demonstrate a minimum of four of the following To meet the minimum four
management assessment criteria to show that you can: assessment criteria in this
PP1.1 determine key staff required to support a transition instance, you could, for
process example, provide examples
from one of the projects within
PP1.2 establish the logistic requirements to support a transition
your project experience, and
process
explain how you determined
PP1.3 determine the knowledge transfer requirements for a key staff required to support the
transition process transition process, established
PP1.4 create a transition plan where priorities, potential the logistic requirements to
disruption and output ownership are key considerations support the transition process,
PP2.1 negotiate with stakeholders to gain agreement on the created a transition plan where
transition process plan priorities, potential disruption
and output ownership were key
PP2.2 negotiate with stakeholders to gain agreement on
considerations, and negotiated
staffing solutions, logistics and knowledge transfer
with stakeholders to gain
requirements
agreement on staffing solutions,
PP2.3 establish a benefit review process to monitor benefits logistics and knowledge transfer
realisation which meets the requirements of relevant requirements.
stakeholders

34 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Appendix 2:
Technical knowledge assessment criteria for
interview
(if required)
Note: If you are currently preparing for your route three interview including technical
knowledge these are the assessment criteria.
In this document, the term ‘project’ is used as a generic term to relate to project, programme
or portfolio management or key control functions, with the exception of 1b Financial
Management, 11 Asset Allocation, 12 Benefits Management and 21 Resource Capacity
Planning, which are specific to programme and/or portfolio management.

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Mandatory competences

Competence Technical knowledge assessment criteria Additional guidance

1a Budgeting and You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
cost control TK1.1 evaluate cost tracking tools and techniques to demonstrate evidence of
your knowledge in response to
TK1.2 evaluate the limitations of cost estimation in the context
questions from the assessor about
of a project
your understanding of project
TK1.3 discuss the value of cost analysis to a project management principles. For
TK2.1 evaluate the importance of cash flow and cash flow example, for the first criterion, this
forecasts in the context of a project could take the form of explaining
TK2.2 suggest why the monitoring of the financial performance why a certain model could be
of a project is important to project objectives used over another, demonstrating
evaluation of cost tracking tools
and techniques.

1b Financial You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
management TK1.1 critically evaluate methods for producing an effective to demonstrate evidence of
investment appraisal to a programme or portfolio your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 evaluate the importance of differing levels of financial
your understanding of project
accountability in a programme or portfolio
management principles. For
TK1.3 analyse sources and impact of estimation bias example, for the first criterion, this
TK2.1 evaluate the importance of aligning the financial plan of a could take the form of explaining
programme or portfolio to an overall financial plan why a certain method could be
TK2.2 analyse the extent to which adjusting a financial plan used over another, demonstrating
would be beneficial to a programme or portfolio and the critical evaluation of methods for
sources required to do this producing an effective investment
appraisal.

36 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Mandatory competences

Competence Technical knowledge assessment criteria Additional guidance

2 Change control You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
TK1.1 critically evaluate the features and benefits of using a to demonstrate evidence of
change control process your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 analyse ways in which to collate and record information
your understanding of project
from stakeholders
management principles. For
TK1.3 evaluate the extent to which trend analysis adds value to example, for the first criterion, this
the management of change within a project could take the form of explaining
TK2.1 critically evaluate methods of impact assessment and and evaluating the features and
options analysis in relation to change within a project benefits of using a change control
TK2.2 evaluate the importance of responding appropriately to process.
recommendations relating to the scope and objectives of
a project
TK2.3 analyse the importance of managing approved change
within a configuration management system

3 Conflict You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
management TK1.1 evaluate positive and negative conflict in the context of a to demonstrate evidence of
project your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 critically evaluate the causes of conflict
your understanding of project
TK1.3 analyse ways in which to effectively manage conflict in management principles. For
the context of a project example, for the third criterion,
TK1.4 evaluate the extent to which conflict could be a tool to this could take the form of
improve performance explaining ways that you could
TK2.1 evaluate the methods and techniques which could effectively manage conflict and
be used to manage and resolve conflict including why you might choose these
monitoring their effectiveness approaches over alternatives,
TK2.2 evaluate the importance of objectivity and impartiality demonstrating analysis of ways
when resolving conflict in which to effectively manage
conflict.

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Mandatory competences

Competence Technical knowledge assessment criteria Additional guidance

4 Consolidated You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
planning TK1.1 critically evaluate the purpose of a consolidated plan to demonstrate evidence of
your knowledge in response
TK1.2 analyse different formats for consolidated plans
to questions from the assessor
TK2.1 evaluate the importance of monitoring the relationship about your understanding of
between a consolidated plan and the progress of a project management principles.
project For example, for the second
TK2.2 analyse situations, potential or real, where a consolidated criterion, this could take the form
plan may have to be adjusted in the context of a project of explaining the different types of
plan that you could employ within
a project, and how you could use
them to meet different needs
and purpose, demonstrating
analysis of different formats for
consolidated plans.

5 Governance You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
arrangements TK1.1 critically evaluate the concepts of hierarchies and to demonstrate evidence of
organisational structures in the context of a project your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 analyse types of organisational structure
your understanding of project
TK1.3 evaluate the importance of establishing and maintaining management principles. For
timely reporting and decision-making hierarchies for a example, for the first criterion, this
project could take the form of explaining
TK2.1 evaluate the importance of establishing governance the hierarchies and structures that
structures, roles and responsibilities within a project you could employ within a project
TK2.2 evaluate the importance of establishing clear levels of and why those might be chosen
authority within a project over alternatives, demonstrating
critical evaluation of the concepts
of hierarchies and organisational
structure in the context of a
project.

38 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Mandatory competences

Competence Technical knowledge assessment criteria Additional guidance

6 Leadership You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
TK1.1 critically evaluate a range of leadership styles and when to demonstrate evidence of
to adopt them in a project context your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 evaluate the tools, techniques and behaviours,
your understanding of project
for gaining and maintaining trust, confidence and
management principles. For
collaboration of others
example, for the first criterion, this
TK1.3 evaluate the environments to encourage empowered could take the form of explaining
and high-performing teams the leadership styles that you
TK2.1 analyse ways in which leaders can effectively could adopt in project work, and
communicate the vision and values of the project with why they might be appropriate
team members and stakeholders at different times, demonstrating
TK2.2 evaluate methods for addressing difficulties and critical evaluation of the range
challenges, including escalation of leadership styles and when to
adopt them in the context of a
project.

7 Reviews You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
TK1.1 critically evaluate a range of factors during reviews, and to demonstrate evidence of
how these vary through the stages of a project your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 critically evaluate the importance of aligning reviews with
your understanding of project
organisational, legal and regulatory requirements
management principles. For
TK1.3 evaluate the validity of various sources of information example, for the first criterion, this
TK2.1 analyse situations, potential or real, where deviations to could take the form of explaining
a plan may occur in the context of a project and how to the range of what you could
determine suitable solutions consider during reviews, and how
TK2.2 critically evaluate the importance of stakeholder you might approach them across
engagement when implementing the outcomes of the different stages of the project,
reviews demonstrating critical evaluation
TK2.3 analyse the importance of managing updates to of the range of factors during
documentation impacted by reviews reviews, and how these vary
through the stages of a project.

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 39

Mandatory competences

Competence Technical knowledge assessment criteria Additional guidance

8 Risk and issue You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
management TK1.1 evaluate the function of a risk and issue management to demonstrate evidence of
plans and registers in the context of a project your knowledge in response
to questions from the assessor
TK1.2 analyse approaches to risk identification
about your understanding of
TK1.3 analyse qualitative and quantitative methods to assess project management principles.
risk in the context of a project For example, for the second
TK2.1 evaluate the importance of risk and issue impact criterion, this could take the
assessments within the context of a project form of explaining how you
TK2.2 critically evaluate approaches to impact assessments and could approach risk identification
response planning and when and why these
TK2.3 evaluate the function of a change control process in the approaches might be appropriate,
demonstrating analysis of
management of risks and issues
approaches to risk identification

9 Stakeholder and You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
communications TK1.1 critically evaluate the importance of stakeholder to demonstrate evidence of
management management and communication in the context of a your knowledge in response
project to questions from the assessor
about your understanding of
TK1.2 critically analyse the methods to identify stakeholders
project management principles.
and analyse their interests, requirements and levels of
For example, for the second
influence
criterion, this could take the
TK1.3 analyse ways in which to effectively engage with form of explaining how you
stakeholders could approach stakeholder
TK2.1 evaluate methods and media used to communicate with identification and analysis
stakeholders and when and why these
TK2.2 evaluate the importance of stakeholder feedback in the methods would be appropriate,
context of a project demonstrating analysis of
methods to identify stakeholders
and their interests, requirements
and levels of influence

40 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Mandatory competences

Competence Technical knowledge assessment criteria Additional guidance

10 Team You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
management TK1.1 analyse tools and techniques to develop and maintain an to demonstrate evidence of
effective team your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 evaluate the relationship between a team development
your understanding of project
cycle and motivated and co-ordinated teams
management principles. For
TK1.3 evaluate the role of performance feedback as a tool example, for the first criterion, this
TK1.4 critically evaluate styles of communication and their could take the form of explaining
adaptation during a project tools and techniques to develop
TK2.1 analyse ways in which individuals and teams can be and maintain an effective team,
supported during a project and why and when you might use
TK2.2 evaluate coaching and mentoring as development those over alternatives.
techniques
TK2.3 critically evaluate the relationship between performance
management and the success of a project

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 41

Elective competences

Competence Technical knowledge assessment criteria Additional guidance

11 Asset allocation You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
TK1.1 critically evaluate approaches to aligning programmes or to demonstrate evidence of
portfolios to strategic objectives your knowledge in response
to questions from the assessor
TK1.2 analyse measures which could be used to compare
about your understanding of
the likely value of, both current and proposed, related
project management principles.
projects and programmes to an organisation’s strategic
For example, for the forth
objectives
criterion, this could take the form
TK1.3 critically evaluate different categories or risk and how of explaining why a balanced
these might be appraised portfolio is important to achieving
TK2.1 evaluate the importance of a balanced portfolio to the strategic objectives.
achievement of strategic objectives
TK2.2 analyse approaches to maintaining a balanced portfolio
TK2.3 Evaluate methods of representing balanced portfolios

12 Benefits You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
management TK1.1 critically evaluate approaches to confirming and to demonstrate evidence of
categorising benefits against strategic objectives your knowledge in response
to questions from the assessor
TK1.2 critically evaluate approaches to establishing measures
about your understanding of
for benefits
project management principles.
TK1.3 critically evaluate approaches to identifying and For example, for the first
recording dependencies between benefits criterion, this could take the
TK2.1 evaluate the significance of a benefits management form of explaining how you
strategy and a benefits realisation plan could approach confirming and
TK2.2 analyse approaches to monitoring the progress of a categorising benefits against
benefits realisation plan strategic objectives, and why you
might choose these approaches
over alternatives, demonstrating
critical evaluation of approaches
to confirming and categorising
benefits against strategic
objectives.

42 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Elective competences

Competence Technical knowledge assessment criteria Additional guidance

13 Business case You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
TK1.1 critically evaluate the importance of understanding to demonstrate evidence of
organisational strategies and constraints when your knowledge in response to
developing a business case questions from the assessor about
your understanding of project
TK1.2 analyse methods of establishing a benefits framework
management principles. For
TK1.3 critically evaluate the importance of identifying optimism example, for the first criterion, this
bias and establishing confidence limits could take the form of explaining
TK2.1 analyse different formats of a business case that could be how you accommodated
used to engage with stakeholders to secure support organisational strategies and
TK2.2 evaluate the importance of monitoring and refining the constraints when developing
business case during the project your business, why this was
important and how it impacted
your work, demonstrating critical
evaluation of the importance of
understanding organisational
strategies and constraints when
developing a business case.
14 Capability You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
development TK1.1 critically evaluate the importance of conducting a skills to demonstrate evidence of
analysis on individuals who will be deployed on projects your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 evaluate the importance of an effective learning and
your understanding of project
development strategy to the creation of a competent
management principles. For
workforce employed on projects
example, for the first criterion,
TK1.3 analyse approaches to implementing a learning and this could take the form of
development strategy explaining why conducting a
TK2.1 analyse tools and techniques which could be used skills analysis was important
to determine an organisation’s capability to support and how it impacted your work,
projects demonstrating critical evaluation
TK2.2 evaluate the importance of applying relevant of the importance of conducting a
competence models to an organisation skills analysis on individuals who
TK2.3 critically evaluate approaches to monitoring and will be deployed on projects
evaluating organisational learning in relation to project
management

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 43

Elective competences

Competence Technical knowledge assessment criteria Additional guidance

15 Contract You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
management TK1.1 critically evaluate the importance of ensuring both parties to demonstrate evidence of
in a contract meet their obligations within that contract your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 critically evaluate methods and indicators for identifying
your understanding of project
supplier performance problems
management principles. For
TK2.1 analyse approaches for effective contract management in example, for the first criterion, this
the context of a project could take the form of explaining
TK2.2 critically evaluate ways of establishing and maintaining why it is important that both
productive relationships with suppliers parties in a contract meet their
TK2.3 critically evaluate approaches to the resolution of obligations, and how it could
contract problems including contract variances impact a project if this is not done,
demonstrating critical evaluation
of the importance of ensuring
both parties in a contract meet
their obligations to that contract.

16 Frameworks and You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
methodologies TK1.1 critically evaluate characteristics and limitations of to demonstrate evidence of
different frameworks and methodologies which could your knowledge in response
be used for a project to questions from the assessor
about your understanding of
TK1.2 evaluate approaches to tailoring frameworks and
project management principles.
methodologies
For example, for the first
TK2.1 critically evaluate the sources of information which could criterion, this could take the
inform the selection of an appropriate framework and/or form of explaining frameworks
methodology and methodologies that you
TK2.2 analyse the benefits and costs of prescribing frameworks could use for a project, and what
and methodologies to different aspects of projects characteristics and limitations
these have when implemented,
demonstrating critical evaluation
of characteristics and limitations
of different frameworks and
methodologies which could be
used for a project.

44 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Elective competences

Competence Technical knowledge assessment criteria Additional guidance

17 Independent You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
assurance TK1.1 analyse approaches to independent assurance to ensure to demonstrate evidence of
that these activities add value your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 critically evaluate the relationship between risk
your understanding of project
assessment and independent assurance activities
management principles. For
TK2.1 evaluate methods of communicating the outcomes example, for the first criterion, this
of independent assurance activities to relevant could take the form of explaining
stakeholders, and maintaining open communication approaches that you could use
about these for independent assurance, why
TK2.2 critically evaluate the importance of reinforcing these might be chosen over
recommendations with advice, guidance and support alternatives, and how you ensured
that these activities added
value, demonstrating analysis
of approaches to independent
assurance to ensure that these
activities added value.

18 Procurement You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
TK1.1 critically evaluate the implication of different to demonstrate evidence of
procurement options your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 evaluate the function of procurement specifications in a
your understanding of project
project
management principles. For
TK1.3 analyse approaches to identifying resources required example, for the first criterion, this
TK2.1 critically evaluate approaches to negotiate internal and could take the form of explaining
external resource approaches that you could use
TK2.2 analyse approaches to selecting suppliers for procurement, why these
TK2.3 critically evaluate the nature and implications of different were chosen over alternatives,
forms of contract and the implication of these,
demonstrating critical evaluation
of the implication of different
procurement options.

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 45

Elective competences

Competence Technical knowledge assessment criteria Additional guidance

19 Quality You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
management TK1.1 analyse the characteristics of effective quality to demonstrate evidence of
management processes your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 evaluate the importance and potential sources of
your understanding of project
effective quality indicators
management principles. For
TK1.3 critically analyse approaches for developing quality example, for the first criterion, this
management plans could take the form of explaining
TK2.1 analyse the importance of configuration management to key characteristics of quality
a project management processes that
TK2.2 evaluate principles and practical implications of continual you could use, and why these
improvement would or would not be effective,
demonstrating analysis of the
characteristics of effective quality
management processes.

20 Requirements You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
management TK1.1 evaluate methods and approaches to investigate and to demonstrate evidence of
select different possible requirements your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 evaluate the importance of engaging with stakeholders
your understanding of project
to inform requirements and confirm the outcomes of
management principles. For
research
example, for the first criterion,
TK2.1 critically evaluate the role of negotiation in confirming this could take the form of
requirements explaining what methods and
TK2.2 analyse the characteristics of well-specified requirements approaches you could use to
investigate and select different
possible requirements, and why
these methods and approaches
might be chosen over alternatives,
demonstrating evaluation of
methods and approaches to
investigate and select different
possible requirements.

46 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Elective competences

Competence Technical knowledge assessment criteria Additional guidance

21 Resource capacity You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
planning TK1.1 critically evaluate the role of resource capacity planning to demonstrate evidence of
in the context of multiple projects your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 analyse tools and methods which could be used to
your understanding of project
support effective resource capacity planning
management principles. For
TK2.1 evaluate the importance of effective co-operation with example, for the first criterion, this
project managers when scheduling resources deployed could take the form of explaining
within related projects the role that resource capacity
TK2.2 evaluate the role of milestones and reviews when planning has had in the context of
managing related projects your multiple projects, and how
you could use it to meet different
needs, demonstrating evaluation
of methods and approaches to
investigate and select different
possible requirements.

22 Resource You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
management TK1.1 analyse different characteristics of resources to demonstrate evidence of
your knowledge in response to
TK1.2 evaluate the role of assumptions in resource planning
questions from the assessor about
TK1.3 analyse methods which could be used to manage your understanding of project
resources used within a project management principles. For
TK2.1 critically evaluate the benefits to a project of constantly example, for the first criterion,
monitoring and refining a resource schedule this could take the form of
TK2.2 analyse the techniques to guide the choice, capture and explaining different resources
analysis of relevant data to effectively monitor resources that you could use in projects
and how they vary, and how you
could use them to meet different
needs, demonstrating analysis
of different characteristics of
resources.

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 47

Elective competences

Competence Technical knowledge assessment criteria Additional guidance

23 Schedule You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
management TK1.1 evaluate the importance of considering the approaches to demonstrate evidence of
taken and outcomes of other projects when scheduling your knowledge in response to
work activities questions from the assessor about
your understanding of project
TK1.2 critically analyse network analysis methods
management principles. For
TK1.3 analyse methods which could be used to establish example, for the first criterion, this
dependencies, estimates and confidence limits could take the form of explaining
TK2.1 evaluate appropriate tools and techniques which could why it is important to consider
be used to schedule and monitor phases, milestones and approaches to scheduling work
review points within a project including the outcomes of other
TK2.2 evaluate approaches to capturing and analysing relevant projects, and the possible impact
data to monitor and refine a schedule of not doing this, demonstrating
evaluation of the importance of
considering the approaches taken
and outcomes of other projects
when scheduling work activities.

24 Solutions You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
development TK1.1 evaluate possible tools and techniques which could be to demonstrate evidence of
used to identify options to deliver the requirements for a your knowledge in response to
project questions from the assessor about
your understanding of project
TK1.2 evaluate tools and techniques which could be used to
management principles. For
analyse and select options to deliver the requirements
example, for the first criterion, this
for a project
could take the form of explaining
TK2.1 critically evaluate the importance of modelling, tools and techniques that could
prototyping and testing be used to identify options, and
TK2.2 evaluate the importance of monitoring and refining why these might be chosen
delivery requirements and options within a project over alternatives, demonstrating
evaluation of possible tools and
techniques which could be used
to identify options to deliver the
requirements for a project.

48 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance

Elective competences

Competence Technical knowledge assessment criteria Additional guidance

25 Transition You need to show that you can: The interview is your opportunity
management TK1.1 critically evaluate the importance of assessing business to demonstrate evidence of
readiness in transition management your knowledge in response to
questions from the assessor about
TK1.2 analyse the use of change management models in
your understanding of project
transition management
management principles. For
TK2.1 critically evaluate the benefits to a transition process of example, for the first criterion, this
effective stakeholder engagement could take the form of explaining
TK2.2 critically evaluate the extent to which a benefits the importance of assessing
realisation plan adds value to a project business readiness and the impact
of not doing so, demonstrating
evaluation of the importance of
assessing business readiness in
transition management

Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 49

50 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance
Have a question? Need some help? Email [email protected] 51
52 The Chartered Project Professional Application Guidance
Association for Project Management
Ibis House, Regent Park, Tel (UK) 0845 458 1944
Summerleys Road, Tel (Int) +44 1844 271 640
Princes Risborough, Email [email protected]
Buckinghamshire HP27 9LE Web apm.org.uk

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