My “APM Registered Project Professional (RPP)” Project

Having recently attained the APM’s Registered Project Professional (RPP) I wanted to share my experience with others who might be thinking of applying.

Without wishing to sound contrive, for me the journey to gain the standard has been bit like managing a project.  Hence why I have entitled this blog ‘My “APM Registered Project Professional (RPP)” Project

What is APM Registered Project Professional (RPP)?

There was no question that as soon as I heard about RPP that I wanted to gain the standard.  For me it was the opportunity to have (what will hopefully soon become Chartered Project Professional) a PM designation that is equal to those of the longer standing professional bodies.
Saying that, I did think long and hard before committing to the process.  Did it pass the ‘Lara Taylorson’ business case?   As I was part of the pilot I needed to sign-up to the timescales and I needed to be sure I could deliver within the time.  What were the risks?  What would be the benefits?
Having completed the complexity questionnaire, the results of which told me I would be eligible to apply, I decided to go for it.

Implementation phase…..

The proforma provided by the APM was split into a number of sections which I looked at to understand exactly what I needed to do – my plan!   Having identified the section that may have the longest lead-in (referees) I contacted my chosen two to ask them to help (stakeholder management).  In my usual way I then went for the easiest part, section 1 – Personal Details.  Took about 50 seconds but meant I had a tick in the box as complete!!
Onwards and upwards, as they say, and onto the next sections – CPD, qualifications and professional memberships. A little more thought required but still relatively straight forward.  Now for the tricky sections – my project CV and the competence statements.  Deep-breath in and off we go!  This did require a lot more work – for me around 30 hours (I was just at the end of my maternity leave so the brain cells weren’t working as fast as they once did!).  The trick was succinctly providing evidence to meet the criteria whilst staying within the limits of the word count.
After at least 6 reviews the portfolio was ready to be submitted.
I then needed to prepare for my interview.  This involved giving a presentation on my career (interesting to me but I needed to make sure it was interesting to others) as well as prepping for questions against any of the competences. Yikes! Remembering the STAR (Situation, Task, Actions, and Results) technique was a great way to answer questions – and yes I practiced this a lot!
Finally the interview arrived and it was over in what felt like a ‘blink of an eye’.  Nothing more I can do now but wait (and try not to go over the things I forgot to say!).

Realising the Benefits……

When I received the news I was successful I was over the moon. For me this has been an extremely rewarding experience.  Not only did I attain the standard, got to meet a wonderful group of people in the process but it has also enhanced my career.  Clients recognise its value and there is definitely I buzz about it.  I have since been successful in becoming an RPP Assessor for the APM and I can now offer others coaching all of which is helping in my new career as a consultant. Follow this link for more workshops to help you prepare for APM Registered Project Professional