Very big news was announced on 1st April this year, as APM (Association for Project Management), was officially awarded chartered status. A very fitting accolade after many years of hard work and commitment. So, what exactly does this mean for APM as an organisation and how will this change the future of project management as a whole? There is much to tell and much that will be happening in the near future but we’ll try and keep to the important points.
What is chartered status?
The status of chartered is a ‘hard won’ seal of approval from none other than the Monarchy. Chartered status is awarded directly from the monarchy but is governed or approved by the Privy Council. Professions that are awarded chartered status, like accountancy or surveyancy are perceived as thought leaders with the highest standards of excellence. In short, this is 'kudos' for project management as a profession. Likewise, professionals who are registered within these organisations convey high standards of excellence in their career, especially as there are minimum requirements for attaining this.
What are the changes for APM?
Since April 2017, APM became Chartered body for the project profession, a new charity that replaces its previous charity status. APM are committed to raising the bar for project management as a profession and the impact that the profession can have on communities and society as whole. How exactly is it going to achieve this?
- *Enhancing the status and recognition of project management as a means of delivering effective change that improves our economy and society.
- Raising standards through a robustly assessed Register of Chartered Project Professionals who are committed to professional development and a code of conduct.
- Facilitating continued collaboration and research with other professions to develop the practice and theory of delivering successful change across sectors and industries.
- Offering assurance to users of project management services through the association’s regulating authority.
- Providing a framework for improving project performance. (from APM website)
In a nutshell, APMs attainment of chartered status for project management means that it can now get on with the task of enhancing and improving the status of project management for the benefit of the profession itself, the professionals within it and the communities and society that it aims to serve.
What does this mean for the profession?
- Kudos! - Prestige! Distinction! There are many words that can describe the impact of the accolade but basically, having a register and code of conduct will greatly increase the perception of the industry as a whole.
- Expertise – with chartered status comes a clear professional route for talented individuals to seek out project management as a career choice. The retention and increase of talent can only mean the retention and increase of success in the profession.
- Positive change – Raising the standards and the level of success in project management will have a profound effect on many industries and the sectors they are based in. Choosing a professional that has chartered status will also increase the level of trust an organisation has in receiving the very best level of project management skills.
What does this mean to you?
As a project manager who may wish to gain Chartered Project Professional status, there are many potential benefits:
- CCPs will be considered to be the elite professionals that are at the top of their game and have the highest levels of experience and quality attributed to their work. This can only enhance career prospects.
- CCPs will also have the ability to ‘make a difference’ to their profession representing the interests of the community at large as well as the project management profession.
- Continued quality – adhering to the code of conduct and continual professional development requirements will ensure that CCPs are always up to date on specialist knowledge.
How do I become a Chartered Project Professional?
Being a member of APM will not automatically ensure CCP status. Potential candidates will be subject to the following before status can be achieved:
- A rigorous entry process (including peer review)
- Commitment on CPD and the required number of points (to be confirmed)
- Undertaking to comply with the Code of Professional Conduct (from APM website)
What’s next?
The next steps for APM are very exciting indeed for those in the project management profession as they will reveal the details of how to attain (and maintain) CCP status and when applications will be considered.
- November 2017 – Chartered Project Professional (CPP) standard published following consultation
- Spring 2018 – Applications open for the Register of Chartered Project Professionals
Watch this space for more details when they are revealed and good luck if you are going to consider applying
Click here to see what APM courses SPOCE have to offer. We are currently offering £250 off any 4-5 day classroom courses that complete before 30th September 2017. Contact us if you would like to qualify for this discount:
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* Ref courtesy of APM website. All trademarks are used under the permission, and remain the property, of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.
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