APM Registered Project Professional (RPP)

The APM Registered Project Professional (RPP) 2nd edition standard is a pan-sector standard aligned to the APM Competence Framework 2nd edition which recognises the diverse paths individuals take into the profession. It allows holders to demonstrate responsible leadership and the competencies necessary for effective project, programme or portfolio management - including the ability to manage a complex project and ability to use appropriate tools, processes and techniques.

RPP robustly assesses all elements of the APM FIVE Dimensions of Professionalism and raises the bar of project professionalism, thereby enhancing professional status and recognition.

NOTICE: Association for Project Management (APM) applications for the RPP standard is now closed.

The standard will remain valid to existing RPP holders, and the register will continue to be active. This means that those who hold RPP and continue to meet the requirements of maintaining the standard will remain on the register. 

APM has made this decision as it focuses its attention to its recent status as the global chartered body for the project profession and introducing the Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard in 2018. This is based on market demands and APM’s strategy to set and maintain a global leading standard for the profession.

If you have any questions please read our FAQs.

Jo Durrans
Senior project manager
Costain

“RPP is an excellent benchmark that I think is worthwhile for any aspiring or experienced project professional”

Mike Wallace
Managing consultant
PA Consulting

“My clients benefit from the confidence in the capabilities I have as recognised by RPP”

Stacey Dawson 
Senior programme manager
General Dynamics

“I’d recommend becoming an RPP, especially early on in your career. There is an increasing demand for RPPs within the industry”

Who should apply?

APM Registered Project Professional recognises the diverse paths individuals take into the profession.

RPP is for anyone who has either:

• a minimum of 7 years’ experience of working in project, programme or portfolio management or in a key control function or;
• achieved the APM Project Professional Qualification (PPQ) or APM Practitioner Qualification (PQ). Holders of these qualifications will undertake a reduced written submission.

This offers applicants the opportunity to achieve RPP based on prior experience or via a structured training and development route recognised through APM’s professional qualifications. RPP is available to anyone, from any professional background or industry sector, with experience of managing others in a project environment.

Full members of APM (MAPM) will have satisfied the seven years' experience criteria if they have been a member for two years or more. This is because you would have been required to have five years' experience to apply for Full membership.

Why become a RPP?

There is a growing recognition of the value that competent and capable project professionals can offer to all areas of society. APM Registered Project Professional sets project professionals apart through a robust assessment of the APM FIVE Dimensions of Professionalism, delivering benefits to individuals and organisations.

• For the individual it is a demonstration of their competence, ethical behaviour and commitment to continuing development that makes them stand out from the crowd.
• For employers, developing and recruiting APM Registered Project Professionals is a visible investment in their desire to deliver competitive advantage through improved project delivery.
• A recognised route to becoming a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP).

Successful candidates will be entered onto the APM Register of Project Professionals. The register demonstrates to users of project management services and the wider public those professionals who have met the standard for RPP.

Individual benefits

• Professional status allowing you to stand out from the crowd.
• Public recognition on the APM Register of Project Professionals.
• Use of the post-nominal RPP setting you apart in the profession.
• Instant recognition from employers and clients as a professional with a high level of competence.
• The opportunity to reflect on your career and achievements through a robust assessment process.
• Recognised Assessment through route 2 to qualify as a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP).

Employer benefits

• Greater likelihood of project success.
• Competitive advantage.
• Enhanced delivery to clients.
• External recognition of an organisation’s project, programme and portfolio management capability.
• Visible investment in staff.
• Raising the profile of the project, programme and portfolio management community within the organisation.