#FAQ A few frequently asked questions

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The Certification Program was launched in response to the need to enhance knowledge around PPPs and in the absence of a global certification program on PPPs. The Certification Program is an innovation and a collaboration between the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the World Bank Group (WBG). The program is part funded by the Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF).

This is the first time the Multilateral Development Banks have come together to support a global curriculum on PPPs, which is accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
The ultimate aims of the program are to develop the capability of individuals responsible for the management of PPPs, supporting them to meet infrastructure demands and stimulate economic development, which are key to the UN’s vision of ending extreme poverty.

CP3P (Certified PPP Professional) is the credential awarded to candidates who have passed all three exams within the Certification Program. Candidates are permitted to use this credential following their name so they may be recognized for their knowledge of PPP.

Candidates who complete all three exams are awarded the globally recognised CP3P credential which is endorsed by the Consultative Committee. This support along with collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the World Bank Group (WBG) and part funded by the Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF), points to its potential for global acceptance.

The audience for the Certification Program includes individuals working on PPPs. or individuals interested in learning about PPPs, regardless of discipline or sector. Anyone can apply to take the exams leading to gaining the CP3P credential, however in order to be eligible to take the Preparation and Execution exams, you must have already passed the Foundation exam. Some previous knowledge or experience in the topics covered in the PPP Guide, related to PPPs in general will be advantageous, but lack of experience should not prevent anyone from taking part in the Certification Program.

It enables candidates at all levels from the Public and Private sectors to participate effectively in PPP teams at whichever phase of the Certification Program they are involved. It enables effective team building through bringing different disciplines together and provides career paths through attaining credentials.

Being an innovation of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Inter-American Development Bank(IDB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), World BankGroup and is part funded by the Public Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF); it carries global credibility for multilaterals and public authorities to provide competitive advantage. It is based on subject matter experts’ experience at all levels in all EMDE regions. The Certification Program covers activities throughout the PPP lifecycle.

The PPP Certification Program Guide (the PPP Guide) compiles good practices in the PPP industry and is organized into eight modules that reflect the stages a PPP project lifecycle. It was written by a team of experts, chosen for their experience in PPP programs and projects in the target markets. Authors are listed on this website. Contents of the PPP Guide have been peer reviewed by a wide group of PPP practitioners and leaders with relevant expertise. It will be updated periodically to reflect the needs, opinions, lessons and changing culture of the industry it serves. There is no need to get recertified every time the PPP Guide is updated.

Demonstrated competence and understanding of the PPP Guide is the basis for the certification. Participants earn the CP3P credential following testing based on information in the PPP Guide. Specifically, the exams will test participants' understanding of the principles and methods used in PPPs and the ability to analyse situations.

The PPP Guide compiles good PPP practices from a wide variety of regions and sectors and provides the basis for courses and examinations. This publication has undergone a robust peer review process. It was reviewed by a panel comprising a wide range of PPP practitioners and MDBs covering all regions and sectors.

  • The Foundation exam covers chapter 1 of the PPP Guide: Introduction and Overview. This is a compulsory module and exam in order to proceed to next stages.
  • The Preparation exam covers chapter 2 to chapter 5; and
  • The Execution exam covers chapter 5 to chapter 8.

  • The CP3P Foundation training course will typically be delivered over two-three days, and this may include time to sit the exam.
  • The Preparation and Execution exams will each be typically delivered over five days and this may include time to sit each exam.

  • The Foundation exam is a simple multiple choice exam with 50 questions which must be completed in 40 minutes. The pass mark is 50% (25 marks out of 50).
  • The Preparation exam is a complex multiple choice exam with 4 questions, each worth 20 marks, which must be completed in 2.5 hours. The pass mark is 50% (40 marks out of 80).
  • The Execution exam is a complex multiple choice exam with 4 questions, each worth 20 marks, which must be completed in 2.5. The pass mark is 50% (40 marks out of 80)

There are various options available to allow candidates to book their exams, including the option of booking an online exam which can be taken at home or at your workplace. Candidates will also be able to take exams via PPP Training Online as part of a training course.

Translations of the exam will be considered in line with demand.

  • The Foundation exam is available in English, Albanian, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, French, Japanese, Latin American Spanish and Russian and Serbian.
  • The Preparation exam is available in English, Chinese and Russian.
  • The Execution exam is available in English, Chinese and Russian.

If you, unfortunately, do not pass an exam on your first attempt you are permitted to take it again at any time; there is no restriction on how soon you can re-take the exam or the number of times you attempt the exam. The full exam fee will be payable each time.

Yes, candidates will automatically be sent an electronic certificate within two business days of receiving formal confirmation of their exam result. If you have not received your certificate within this timeframe please contact us on revati@ppptrainingonline.com

Electronic certificates are environmentally friendly, but can be printed if required. It is also very easy to share them with employers and other third parties. You will receive an email from APMG with a link to your registered email address. APMG uses the Credly platform where all certificates are available. Certificates will have the CP3P logo, APMG logo and the logos of the supporting MDBs.

Where candidates are sitting an examination in a language which is neither their main language nor their mother tongue, additional time can be permitted.

  • For the Foundation exam, an additional 10 minutes can be added to the exam time.
  • For the Preparation and Execution exams, and additional 40 minutes can be added to the exam time.

  • Candidates who successfully pass the Foundation exam can use either ‘CP3P Foundation’ or ‘CP3P F’ after their name.
  • Candidates who successfully pass the Preparation exam can use either ‘CP3P Preparation’ or ‘CP3P P’ after their name.
  • Candidates who successfully pass the Execution exam can use either ‘CP3P Execution or ‘CP3P E’ after their name.

Candidates should avoid using just ‘CP3P’ after their name until such time that they have passed all three examinations within the certification program.
Candidates are also encouraged to display their digital badge to demonstrate that they have passed the exam(s).

PPPTO offer Self-paced study options for all three levels.

  • The Foundation Self-paced course will allow you 60-days access to the Academy.
  • The Preparation and Execution Self-paced courses allow you 90-days access to the Academy.

PPPTO invigilate online exams using Microsoft Teams. On the day and time of the exam, the candidate will join the MS Teams link and ensure that the laptop camera is on for the entire duration of the exam. Candidates will complete the exam using the APMG online exam system.