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Gain the knowledge required to be recognized as a highly competent bid and proposal professional.

Developed by The Association for Proposal Management Professional (APMP) – this certification confirms you have the core competencies corresponding with the skills and scenarios often encountered by bid and proposal professionals.  

APMP certified professionals are best placed for winning business through proposals, bids, tenders and presentations. 

Certify your ability to:

  • Utilise the latest best practices for proposal and bid management.
  • Improve client management and negotiation planning skills.
  • Submit winning proposals by developing a structured content plan and write compelling proposal text.
  • Win business through information research and management, planning, development and sales orientation.

Levels of Bid and Proposals expertise

  • APMP Foundation
  • APMP Practitioner
  • APMP Capture Practitioner
  • APMP Professional

Broadcast your certified knowledge online with new APMP digital badges.

APMP Certification Badges
APMP Certified Foundation Logo

APMP Foundation

Demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of best practices as a Bid/ Proposal Professional.

Client Engagement, Enhanced Professional, Information Management & Analysis, Process Improvement, Quality Standards, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategy
Before you begin - What is required?
  • A minimum of one year's experience working in a bid and proposals related environment - verified by a reference of your choosing.
What does the APMP-Foundation certificate validate?
  • Your understanding of the fundamentals of proposal planning and development.
  • Your ability to write persuasive proposals.
  • Your ability to interface directly with internal clients or external customers.
  • Your knowledge of contemporary sales methodologies.
Exam format:
  • Multiple choice
  • 75 questions per paper
  • 42 marks required to pass (out of 75 available) – 56%
  • 60 minutes duration
  • Open book, unrestricted materials 
APMP Certified Practitioner Logo

APMP Practitioner

Validate your mastery of bid and proposal techniques. Demonstrate mastery of how to apply best...

Client Engagement, Enhanced Professional, Information Management & Analysis, Leadership and Management, Process Improvement, Quality Standards, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategy
Before you begin - What is required for APMP Practitioner?
  • APMP Membership
  • The APMP-Foundation certificate
  • A minimum of three years' experience in a bid and proposals environment
What does the APMP Practitioner certificate validate?
  • You are committed to enhancing your professional bid and proposal skills.
  • Your mastery of bid and proposal best practices and your ability to effectively lead and coach teams people in their use.
  • You can assemble and manage teams that can communicate consistent winning strategies – which positively impact customers’ decisions.
  • You are a highly effective bid and proposal professional.
The APMP Practitioner Exam format:
  • 6 questions
  • 12-16 question items per question each worth one mark, total of 80 marks
  • 2-and-a-half-hour examination (150 minutes) no additional reading time
  • Pass Mark of 40+/80 to pass (50%)
  • Open book, unrestricted materials. 
APMP Capture Practitioner Logo

APMP Capture Practitioner

Validate your mastery of bid and proposal techniques. Demonstrate mastery of how to apply best...

Client Engagement, Enhanced Professional, Information Management & Analysis, Leadership and Management, Quality Standards, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategy
Before you begin - What is required for APMP Capture Practitioner?
  • APMP Membership 
  • A minimum of three years' experience in the capture, sales, bid and/or proposals fields
  • Submission of a completed Capture Practitioner Examination Application
What does the APMP Capture Practitioner certificate validate?
  • You are committed to enhancing your professional bid and proposal skills.
  • Your mastery of bid and proposal best practices and your ability to effectively lead and coach teams people in their use.
  • You can assemble and manage teams that can communicate consistent winning strategies – which positively impact customers’ decisions.
  • You are a highly effective bid and proposal professional.
What is the difference between the Practitioner (2015) and Capture Practitioner (2019) Objective Test Examination?

The Bid Practitioner Objective Test Examination (OTE) is designed to test the abilities of those candidates who are mostly involved in the practical activities associated with producing bid and proposal documents.  The Capture Practitioner (OTE) is designed to test the practical application abilities of people who are mostly involved in coordinating the pursuit of complex business winning opportunities.

The APMP Capture Practitioner Exam format:
  • 8 questions
  • 10 question items per question each worth one mark, total of 80 marks
  • 2-and-a-half-hour examination (150 minutes) no additional reading time
  • Pass Mark of 40+/80 to pass (50%)
  • Open book, unrestricted materials 
APMP Certified Professional Logo

APMP Professional

Confirm your status as an elite bid and proposals professional. Demonstrate significant...

Client Engagement, Enhanced Professional, Information Management & Analysis, Leadership and Management, Quality Standards, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategy
Before you begin - what is required?
  • APMP Membership
  • The APMP Practitioner or Capture Practitioner certificate.
  • A minimum of seven years' experience in a bid and proposals environment.
  • A reference of your choice - who will be asked to rate you on competencies in managing and motivating others.
What does the APMP-Professional certificate validate?
  • You have achieved the top-level certification in your profession - achieved by very few professionals.
  • Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
  • That you've made significant contributions to an organization and/or the bid and proposals profession.
  • Innovation and your ability to lead others in achieving ambitious goals.
The APMP-Professional Assessment
  • There is no exam for APMP-Professional.
  • Instead you complete a Proposal Professional Impact Paper (PPIP) - providing evidence of having made a significant impact on your organization and/or the bid and proposals profession.
  • Once you have completed your PPIP - register for the APMP-Professional Assessment online to arrange your interview.
  • You then participate in a 45-minute panel interview to discuss your PPIP.

Rate your experience with us...

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Advanced options

SFIA Framework

Visit SFIA
The SFIA Framework is the global common reference for skills and competency for the digital world
SFIA is a globally recognised framework that “identifies skills needed for the Information age”. This APMG certification has been mapped against the SFIA Framework to help you see which certifications are most relevant to your professional development.
APMP Foundation
Knowledge
This certification confirms (endorsement)
Selling up to level 3
...
This certification would be useful for (development)
Same as above plus Selling up to level 4
...
APMP Practitioner
Knowledge
This certification confirms (endorsement)
Selling up to level 4
...
This certification would be useful for (development)
Same as above plus Selling up to level 5
...
APMP Capture Practitioner
Skills
This certification confirms (endorsement)
Selling up to level 4
...
This certification would be useful for (development)
Same as above plus Selling up to level 5
...
APMP Professional
Competency
This certification confirms (endorsement)
Selling up to level 5
...
This certification would be useful for (development)
Same as above plus Selling up to level 6
...

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TESTIMONIALS

A little over a year ago, I convinced my employer to move me from my Marketing Manager position (bidding part-time) to RFP & Diversity Programs Manager so I could concentrate on full-time bid sourcing and proposal management. Even though I have previous proposal experience, I have never worked on a proposal team and don’t have peers to brainstorm or learn from. I pursued certification to learn more about the industry and its standards and to take advantage of the community to share ideas. It has been extremely helpful to feel like I have a “team” behind me!

Amy Stephens - RFP & Diversity Programs Manager

Pursuing this certification was important to me for a few reasons. By expanding my knowledge and learning current best practices, I can share this information and make important contributions to the team as it relates to proposal management. Also, with my original background in Sales and over the last year and half in Proposal Management, the training received has helped me to be able to mentor my colleagues on those best practices. As I have benefited from guidance of others all my life, I now can share what I have learned and assist my team in presenting the best product for my company and its customers.

Mary J Becker - Account Manager

Achieving the APMP Practitioner certification marks a significant milestone in my career, underscoring my dedication to the highest standards of proposal management. This qualification not only bolsters my professional standing but has provided me with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of proposal development and leadership. My motivation for pursuing this certification was to enrich my understanding and proficiency, ensuring my contributions are both impactful and aligned with public sector strategic objectives. I am eager to leverage the comprehensive insights and skills gained to bolster the Cabinet Office’s efforts in delivering exceptional governance and service to the public.

Matthew J. McVicar, Commercial Specialist

Achieving my APMP Practitioner Certification is an important milestone that demonstrates my commitment to excellence in proposal management and understanding of the industry's best practices. As someone who is process-driven, dedicated to continuous learning, and committed to delivering high-quality proposals, this achievement reflects my passion for my work and my desire to stay ahead of the competition. I am proud to have earned this certification, and I look forward to leveraging my knowledge and skills to drive our competitiveness in the industry.

Letisia Cruz, Proposal Practice Leader

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FAQs

How can I train for the APMP Bid & Proposal Management Certification?

You can refer to the APMG Accredited Training Organisations to book a training course and exam, or if you wish to self study, you can book your exam via the Public Exams Portal

Do I have to receive training to complete the exam/assessments?

No, however this is recommended. In addition to receiving accredited training, individuals also have the option of self-study to prepare for the examination. APMG administers public exam sessions around the world to accommodate those who self-study.

How do I sit the exams?

APMP exams can be sat in person on paper, or remotely online. For more information, please click here.

How much does it cost to sit the APMP exams?

If you are sitting the examinations through an accredited training organization, the costs of the exams are generally included in the course fee.

When can I expect the results of my APMP Examinations?

Provisional results for the examination are fed back to candidates either orally if in person or on-screen at the end of an online exam.

For online exams APMG will formally process and confirm results via the Candidate Portal within 2 working days of receipt of the completed papers.

What are the main publications for APMP and when can I access them?

APMP has one main manual supporting the qualification scheme, published by APMP, called the Body of Knowledge.

The APMP Body of Knowledge (BOK) is available to APMP members in good standing who are logged into the APMP website. Be sure you are signed in to access the APMP BOK here.

How do I become an APMP Member?

APMP membership is not purchased or overseen by APMG. This is via APMP directly by emailing: membership@apmp.org

For further information please visit the official APMP website: https://www.apmp.org/page/MembershipHome

How long are the APMP certifications valid for?

There are no expiry dates on the certificates however candidates are expected to complete CEU credits each year to keep up to date and maintain certification. More information can be found here.

When will I receive my certificate?

Candidates will be able to claim their digital badge and electronic certificate from their APMG Candidate Portal within two business days of their exam result being issued.

How do I become an APMP Accredited Training Organisation?

The details for becoming a Training Provider is available from APMG, please get in touch here. 

How do I access my digital badge and/or certificate?

You can always access all your electronic certificates and badges via the APMG Candidate Portal. Once you have logged on to the Candidate Portal, click on the ‘Badges and Certificates’ option from the menu bar at the top of screen. From here you should click on the ‘Create Badge/Certificate’ button. This will take you to the Credly platform to create and account and download your badge and certificate.

Step-by-step guidance is available to download from the ‘Badges and Certificates’ area in your Candidate Portal.

Electronic certificates are environmentally friendly, but you can print the certificate yourself at home or work, if required.

If you have any problems with accessing your digital certificate, please contact our Customer Interaction Team - servicedesk@apmg-international.com

Can I earn PMI® PDUs for attending an accredited training course?

It is possible to earn PMI Education PDUs for attending third-party provider training (training courses not offered by a PMI Authorized Training Partner), as long as the training meets the requirements around the skill areas of the PMI Talent Triangle. Please check the PMI website (https://www.pmi.org/certifications/certification-resources/maintain/earn-pdus/education) for further details on how to record your PDUs and what supporting evidence is required.

Which languages are the APMP examinations available in?

The APMP Foundation exam is currently available in English & Japanese. 

The APMP Practitioner & Capture Practitioner exams are currently available in English. 

What are the ProctorU alternatives for the Practitioner exam?

Candidates can nominate an approved individual to Proctor exams should they wish to not use ProctorU. A Line Manager or Member of your HR Team. The nominated person can Proctor the exam online, or paper based.

If an online exam is to be done, we will need to ensure all combability checks are completed on the computer/connections at least 36 hours prior to the exam commencing.

If paper exams are used (to avoid connection issues), a full pack will be sent to the nominated Proctor 36 hours before the exam so they can print all documentation. After the exam they would need to scan and return the answer sheets and shred the remaining documentation.   

Briefing sessions can be set up with operations team on this process.

Or you can request more details on the APMG In Person Proctoring (AIPP) service.

Please contact us on: operations@apmg-international.com should you wish to take the exam this way.

More information can be found here.

 

What is the difference between the Practitioner (2015) and Capture Practitioner (2019) Objective Test Examination?

The Bid Practitioner Objective Test Examination (OTE) is designed to test the abilities of those candidates who are mostly involved in the practical activities associated with producing bid and proposal documents.  The Capture Practitioner (OTE) is designed to test the practical application abilities of people who are mostly involved in coordinating the pursuit of complex business winning opportunities.

Where can I find more information on the APMP Micro-Certifications?

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