Foundation Exam

The Foundation certification is designed to measure whether a candidate has sufficient knowledge and understanding of the PPP Guide to act as an informed team member of a PPP finance project. 

This exam is aimed at individuals who are involved in PPP projects, who require a working knowledge of the key principles of financing PPP projects and who need to know the terminology used and some of the theory behind the PPP financing structures, as described in the PPP Guide.   

The Foundation exam is based on chapter 1, appendix A and the glossary of the PPP Guide. 

Foundation Exam Format:

  • Multiple choice
  • 50 questions per paper
  • 25 marks required to pass (out of 50 available) - 50%
  • 40 minutes duration
  • Closed-book

Exam languages available in: Albanian, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Serbian, Ukrainian, Spanish, Romanian and Russian

Register for the Foundation online exam

Please note all proctored online exams will be conducted by English-speaking proctors. If the exam language selected is not English, the proctor service will still be provided in English.

View Sample Foundation Exam Questions

For Chinese-speaking Foundation exam candidates, please click below to download guidance on taking a Foundation exam.

Download Chinese Foundation Exam Guidance

Preparation Exam

The Preparation exam is intended to assess the knowledge and skills that demonstrate proficiency in applying and analysing the PPP Framework and PPP project identification, screening, appraisal and preparation processes

The Preparation exam is aimed at individuals involved in the development or implementation of Public-Private Partnership frameworks or the initiation and preparation of PPP projects.

Preparation Exam Format:

  • Complex multiple choice
  • 4 questions – 20 question items per question, each worth one mark
  • 40 marks required to pass (out of 80 available) - 50%
  • 2½ hours duration
  • Open book (PPP Guide only)
  • Exam languages available in: English, Chinese, Russian and Brazilian Portuguese
     

Register for the preparation exam

The PDF icon Candidate Guidance provides further information on the format and structure of the Preparation exam.

The Preparation exam is based on chapters 2 to 5 of the PPP Guide. 

Execution Exam

The purpose of the Execution exam is to confirm whether the candidate has achieved sufficient understanding of how to apply the structuring and drafting Process of PPP tender documents and the PPP contract, the tendering and awarding of PPP contracts, and the management of PPP contracts during the Construction and Operations Phases.

The Execution exam is aimed at individuals involved in the structuring and tendering of PPP projects, and the management of PPP contracts.

The Execution exam is due for launch in the first half of 2018 and the exam format is detailed below.

Execution Exam Format:

  • Complex multiple choice
  • 4 questions – 20 question items per question, each worth one mark
  • 40 marks required to pass (out of 80 available) - 50%
  • 2½ hours duration
  • Open book (PPP Guide only)
  • Exam languages available in: Chinese, English, Russian.

Register for the Execution Exam

The PDF icon Candidate Guidance provides further information on the format and structure of the Execution exam.

The Execution exam is based on chapters 5 to 8 of the PPP Guide.

Candidates that pass the examination(s) will be issued with a certificate confirming their achievement and a digital badge. Candidates who pass the exam(s) can also choose to have their name included on the Successful Candidate Register.

The Foundation certification is also a pre-requisite for the two Practitioner certifications. Whilst the Foundation exam tests the knowledge of and recall of the PPP Guide at Foundation level, the two Practitioner level exams will test PPP concepts and their implementation to a given infrastructure scenario.  

Candidates who have self-studied in preparation for their exam have the option to sit the exam(s) at their home or workplace online, using the remote ProctorU facility. This system allows a live proctor access to your exam as you take it so they can monitor the exam environment through your computer's webcam and microphone. It's just like having the proctor in the exam room with you but you don't need to travel.

Once registered for the exam, candidates will be able to access a complete sample exam paper to practice on. Candidates should be aware that clicking the button below initiates a process to register and choose a booking date and time to take the exam up to a year in the future.  Please note that not all time slots may be available and that you eill be able to schedule your exam session 1 hour after registering. 

For candidates that wish to have training before taking the exam, please click here to access the list of accredited training providers.

Exam Fees and Vouchers 

If you chose to sit the online exam, you can find out the price of the exam for your region, by visiting our website: APMG Public Bookings

  •  You will need to scroll down the list of examinations until you reach Certified PPP Professional

  • Please click on the exam level you wish to take (Foundation, Preparation or Execution)

  • The exam price in a regional currency will be shown on the right-hand side of the page

However, exam vouchers can be purchased in bulk by eligible organisations, such as government departments and PPP units, at a discount. These vouchers can then be redeemed when booking an online exam or via a training provider.

The exam fee payable when purchasing vouchers in bulk will depend on the country in which the exam is being taken, based on the World Bank country and lending groups.

For further information on purchasing exam vouchers in bulk, please contact partnerships@apmg-international.com.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Michael Klein, David Baxter and Pradeep Singh for giving up their spare time to review the Foundation syllabus of the APMG PPP Certification Program and provide us with feedback on its contents during the scheme development phase. We would also like to thank David Baxter for taking the time to provide us with feedback on the Preparation exam during this development.

FAQs