APM – The First Royal Charter Institution in Project Management

On April 1, the Association for Project Management (APM) became a full Chartered body. The Royal Charter is a mark of quality for APM, and is a huge achievement for project management, given this profession is relatively new.

What is a Royal Charter?

Royal Charters are a way of incorporating bodies that meet high standards, and are now reserved for bodies that work in the public interest. Other guidelines include:

• Financial stability
• Representing a field of activity unique to other professional bodies
• Proof that its members have a track record of achievement
• At least 75% of the corporate members should be qualified to a first-degree level standard

What does it mean for APM?

As a Chartered body, APM will have more oversight from the government. This is because Chartered bodies have to protect the public interest over their members' interests. In exchange, APM gets the international recognition that comes with a Chartered status, and  allows them to do more to set the standards of professionalism for project management. It also guarantees a level of quality to those with an APM qualification.

What does it mean for you?

APM is developing a Chartered standard for project managers, which will come with a register of Chartered Project Professionals (ChPP). The new standards will be published in November 2017 and ChPP applications will open in spring 2018.

Until November, we can’t say what the new standard will look like, however, here are just a few of the benefits you can expect with an APM qualification:

• A clear professional development route, starting with the Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ)
• Commitment to continuing professional development and a code of ethics
• Professional recognition of your expertise
• A recognisable mark of quality, which sets the standards of professionalism and performance
• Assurance to employers, contractors and the public, leading to greater influence and responsibilities

And if that wasn’t enough, the Chartered status is acknowledged worldwide – so if you become APM certified, you too, will benefit from global recognition.

If you’re interested in a certification from project management’s first ever Chartered body, we provide fully accredited APM training and exams in e-learning, classroom and blended learning formats.