Introduction to APM qualifications and RPP standard Nov_2015

Editor's Notes

• #3: Outline of presentation Next slide supports intro by each speaker Admin – phones, fire exits, toilets, handouts/slides, Welcome questions and happy to make session interactive
• #4: Intro by each speaker
• #5: Overview of current qualifications available via APM Refresh complete for both Introductory Certificate and APMP, with alignment to the new APM BoK ver 6 from April 2014. PQ – two day residential assessment. CPM was withdrawn for new applicants at the end of 2011, but it is still valid for those people who have obtained the certificate. New IPMA Level B qualification has completed pilot stage and now in live testing with small group of candidates expected to undertake exams in next . Full release due in early 2016. APM new Level A qualification also in development. Remember to mention APM Project Risk Management Certificates – these 2 levels of qualification build on knowledge gained when obtaining the APMP
• #6: No prior knowledge or experience is required for this qualification which will offer the individual the knowledge to make a positive contribution to any project. The syllabus assesses the key elements of the project management lifecycle and covers knowledge areas from the APM Body of Knowledge, including planning and scheduling, communication, teamwork, resource management, project risk management and project reviews. Assessment is through a 60 question, multiple choice examination, taken over 1 hour. Full details of the examination process can be found in the Candidate Guidance Notes: You can study through our Accredited Providers who offer Introductory Certificate: The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification in many different formats including classroom, e-learning, distance learning, public and in-house courses. A number offer the exam online allowing you to take the exam any time, anywhere through live online proctoring.
• #7: The APM Project Management Qualification - is a knowledge based qualification that allows candidates to demonstrate knowledge of all elements of project management. Candidates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how these elements interact and how their project fits into their strategic and commercial environment. APMP is a qualification recognised both nationally and internationally giving candidates a qualification that can be carried from one job to another or from one industry to another. APMP is aimed at those wishing to achieve a broad level of project management knowledge sufficient to participate in projects from individual assignments through to large capital projects. Applicants typically have some pre-existing project management knowledge, although this is not essential. The APMP syllabus is available on line via the APM website and it assesses breadth of knowledge in all areas of project management and covers knowledge areas from the APM Body of Knowledge including budgeting and cost management, conflict management, communication, earned value management, leadership, negotiation, procurement, sponsorship and teamwork.
• #8: APMP develops knowledge and understanding beyond the learning gained from PRINCE2, to help candidates grow into a committed and capable project professional. It prepares candidates to deliver project success in critical areas such as budgeting and cost management, conflict management and teamwork. There are 73 assessment criteria from the APM Body of Knowledge 6th edition examined in the APMP syllabus. However, as 26 of these are covered by the PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification, P2 candidates will only be examined on the remaining 47 assessment criteria, including communication, earned value management, procurement and negotiation
• #9: The Practitioner Qualification is for relatively experienced professionals (project management practitioners) who can demonstrate an ability to manage a non-complex project. Candidates should typically have at least 3 years experience and hold either the APMP qualification or demonstrate a good understanding of the APM Body of Knowledge with relevant Continuing Professional Development. Assessment is against 30 criteria and candidates need to demonstrate they can: Understand project context and the overall business case; Effectively apply project management planning; Apply a risk management process competently to the project; Optimise project plans to respond to a major change; Monitor project progress and take suitable controlling action; Plan and conduct a suitable post project evaluation review; Work effectively as a team member.
• #10: New level B qualification has been developed Phase 1 - Proof of concept – complete Phase 2 - Pre-pilot testing with small number of candidates runs from Sept to Nov and on track to complete this month Phase 3 - Live pilot with candidates from selected organisations will run from early Nov to Jan 2016 Based on APM’s Competence Framework 2nd edition, it has been developed as a multi-paper qualification taken in stages covering 3 universal competences around governance, leadership and project controls, alongside one optional paper. The optional papers focus on specific project, programme or portfolio management competences, making it relevant to all project professionals, not just project managers.
• #11: Intro slide for 5 Dimensions
• #12: The point about the 5 Dimensions of Professionalism is an important one. This is the theme that runs through all aspects of APM’s products and services to ensure that they are aligned and to make professionalism ‘tangible’.
• #13: Click through slide to demonstrate the links between the components and the supporting materials on the right hand side of the slide
• #14: Wrap up qualifications session with final Q & A
• #16: Explain the topics: Context Definition of APM Registered Project Professional High level requirements and process Support resources for applicants Recognition Progress Links to info the content of the presentation.
• #17: Explains the context for launching RPP. Point 1 – Reference to the speech by Sir Peter Gershon made at the 2010 APM Conference. Video of the speech on APM website. Point 2 – Further information later in this presentation, but all interested parties confirm that launching the new professional standard is exactly the right thing to do for a professional body aiming for chartered status. Point 3 – The RPP standard is exactly the same as the standard defined for Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), there have been no changes to the process or the level of achievement required, so it is genuinely the chartered standard in all but name. If you wish, you can state that holders of RPP will automatically transfer to ChPP once APM becomes chartered. Point 4 – Current standards (e.g. Prince 2 Practitioner) rely on knowledge-based qualifications to define professional standards. These have their place, but the combination of knowledge, experience, ethics and leadership that are assessed in RPP raise the bar for professionalism to a new level which, thanks to the input of key stakeholders, we know to be what the profession requires.
• #18: Society Organisations Individuals
• #19: Developed in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders. Key opinion leaders in major organisations are supportive. APM is actively promoting the standard amongst employers and leading organisations to ensure that they are aware and understand the quality that RPP represents. High levels of interest and support across the community – reference the various blogs/websites.
• #20: Listed are organisations that were a part of the working group for RPP and gave their backing to the new standard.
• #21: This is the fundamental definition against which the portfolio of evidence is developed and the assessment is made, so its worth emphasising. NOTE – it’s important to talk about ‘a complex project’ and not ‘complex projects’, as that is a different level on the APM Competence Framework. The point about the 5 Dimensions of Professionalism is an important one. This is the theme that runs through all aspects of APM’s products and services to ensure that they are aligned and to make professionalism ‘tangible’.
• #22: This slide shows how RPP is positioned in relation to other qualifications, memberships and competence assessments in the market. PLEASE NOTE – RPP is NOT a qualification or membership grade. It is a professional designation. This chart positions RPP in line with what is considered the industry “standards”, but should not be seen as a way of categorising RPP with qualifications. Currently, the most recognised qualification in the UK market is knowledge-based (PRINCE2). As we know, the increasing drive for ‘professionalism’ means that employers are looking for more than a knowledge-based qualification. That is why we have launched RPP – to meet the requirements for an assessment that measures competence as well as ethics and leadership.
• #23: APM qualifications and certain levels of membership are recognised as satisfying some of the requirements for RPP. APM recognises these achievements as evidence of knowledge, CPD or competence, depending on the particular qualification or level of membership. Where the box is ticked in green it means that if someone holds that particular qualification or membership grade it satisfies that requirement for RPP. Where the box is ticked in orange it means that if someone holds that particular qualification it only partially satisfies that requirement for RPP. APM qualifications count for CPD if they have been achieved in the last 12 months. If you hold a qualification at APMP or above, or are MAPM, this is accepted as demonstrating the complementary competences. FAPM route for RPPs is now available- see additional notes. CPM holders are required to demonstrate CPD if they achieved CPM more than 12 months ago and to provide a currency statement (or a current CV) to demonstrate they are professionally active, as opposed to a project track record. CPM holders who achieved CPM less than 12 months ago just have to provide a currency statement (or a current CV), as opposed to a project track record. However, CPM qualification details must be included with a reflective statement of how acquiring CPM has improved or enhanced their project management skills, knowledge or performance.
• #24: Explain typical journey for RPP candidates using training provider OR self help and use of APM RPP Champions.
• #25: This chart provides an overview of the requirements. There are no minimum education or membership requirements and there is no requirement for ‘time served’. This recognises the diversity of professionals likely to apply and also that the requirement is for a robust standard and assessment with no process barriers. The competences have been selected from the APM Competence Framework – there are 47 competences identified. Red circle – The overall importance of the two critical competences: leadership and professionalism & ethics. These must be satisfied. Blue circle – The 29 core competences must be demonstrated in depth. The reason there are 29 is that they were selected by a group of pan-sector representatives to ensure that RPP meets the requirements of a pan-sector standard. Purple circle – For 18 complementary competences the working group agreed there was a knowledge only requirement at a level aligned with the requirements for full membership (MAPM).
• #26: Overview – covered in detail in the candidate guidance notes.
• #27: Overview of the process, full details in the candidate guidance notes. The professional review will be held with two RPP peer assessors and will be based on their portfolio of evidence. The professional review will take approximately 45 minutes. Candidates will need to prepare and present a talk of up to 10 minutes on why they meet the RPP standard at the beginning. Any supporting materials, including handouts and illustrative slides should be presented in hard copy only. The board approved a supplementary charge for members with the RPP designation to help cover the costs of making the register available to public scrutiny and of maintaining an appropriately comprehensive governance structure for it. The fee also covers the cost of auditing CPD. In 2015/16 this amounts to an additional £53 over the standard rate for full or fellow membership. As your membership subscription becomes due, you will be notified of the new rate.
• #28: There is a wide range of support available, designed to provide people with a self-service or supported route, depending on their preference. Point people to the APM website as the most thorough and up-to-date source of information. At events offer self for further information and guidance. Try to avoid offering ‘advice’ as this may raise the expectations of the audience that you are there to provide coaching or mentoring support.
• #29: There is a wide range of support available, designed to provide people with a self-service or supported route, depending on their preference. Point people to the APM website as the most thorough and up-to-date source of information. At events offer self for further information and guidance. Try to avoid offering ‘advice’ as this may raise the expectations of the audience that you are there to provide coaching or mentoring support.
• #30: Encourage people to join the online community to find out more about RPP so they can ask questions and post comments.
• #32: A bit of a helping hand on how to get started with the website, where to register and where to find some of the key information.
• #34: Wrap up qualifications session with final Q & A