What I learnt from the APMG PPP Certification Program

Alas!! I can now proclaim to be a Certified PPP (CP3P) Professional. I recently completed the CP3P Foundation, Preparation & Execution levels under the APMG PPP Certification Program. This program was developed as a partnership between MDBs such as Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the World Bank Group (WBG) and part funded by the Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF) with a shared vision of enhancing PPP performance globally.

My experience and background: 20+ years in PPP projects over varied sectors viz. roads, tunnels, bridges, automated car park, education, metro rail, airport, sports stadium and commercial building, across multiple countries - India, China, Philippines, Indonesia, UAE, Qatar, Ukraine, Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, Botswana, Colombia, Mexico and USA. Over these years, I have worked over numerous ventures in nearly all stages of PPPs i.e. drafting PPP framework, project identification, project appraisal, project structuring, risk assessment, concession agreement drafting, bid participation & negotiations, financial closure, project construction and project O&M. I have been able to work in all these stages of a PPP cycle given my cooperation with the public sector & participation in the private sector – for setting up PPP frameworks, Project documents drafting, bid submission, acquisition in PPP projects and implementation across several projects.

With my experience, one might believe that passing the CP3P examination ought to be a cakewalk. I thought of it to be the same, but, I was wrong. While the foundation examination touches briefly upon all aspects of PPP, the 2nd level (Preparation level) & 3rd (Execution level) exam places the examinee in the decision making position for a specific project situation, to test the candidates’ knowledge of the specified subject. Hence, passing the Foundation level exam is a pre-requisite for attempting the Preparation and Execution level examination. Thorough understanding of every stage of PPP is absolutely vital to be able to answer the Level 1 and Level 2 examination questions.

The study material captures each perspective of PPP suitably bolstered with genuine project life examples and reference material well listed at the end of each chapter. This enables the reader to get a good & thorough understanding of the PPP cycle with guidance material to clarify any further doubts. The study material is a valuable document which can be used as a ready reckoner for all practical purposes with modifications as per jurisdiction & local laws. For starters, I would strongly recommend to take the time to read and understand every chapter thoroughly and prepare short notes. While the study material captures in detail the activities to be fulfilled (with a check list) while Preparation & Execution of PPP project from a Government perspective, the checklist should be incorporated by the private sector as part of their corporate governance while undertaking Project due diligence to shortlist the project for participating in the bid process.

Throughout reading the study material, I learnt usage of some concepts and terminologies which before I would otherwise use very loosely assuming all words to be similar – for example, the word “funding” & “financing” has been used for specific purposes, similarly - CBA & VfM, etc. Having read the study material and passed the three levels, I believe to be in a better position in being able to communicate through a unified PPP language i.e. in utilizing the right word in the right context so as to avoid any misunderstanding or even lack of understanding while communicating with other PPP professionals globally. Now, I also believe that standardization is necessary to align PPP practices internationally in order to deliver a well-structured PPP project successfully.

With the support of MDBs, this has been a big leap forward. I congratulate all stakeholders and contributors for drafting and implementing a precise & elaborative program. All in all, a very well thought out & devised certification program and informative webpage. Kudos to the team.