shruti deshpande
It was announced today at the 3rd China PPP Financing Forum that World Bank Group (WBG) and China Public Private Partnerships Centre (CPPPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) stating that both parties will work together regarding PPPs and promoting APMGs PPP Certification Program CP3P in China.
CPPPC will be responsible for the policy research, consultancy and training, capacity building, financial support and informational cooperation related to public-private partnerships (PPPs). CPPPC aims to develop cooperation and communication of best practices with respect to PPP work with international organisations and institutions. It plans to do so by promoting WBGs PPP Certification Program in China that is delivered by APMG.
The World Bank Group (WBG) along with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) - 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 Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) have contributed towards developing the PPP Certification Program with part funding from the Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF).
The APMG PPP Certification Program aims to foster a common knowledge and understanding amongst individuals working on PPPs. The PPP Certification Program Guide, which is the core of the Certification Program, has been authored by a team of international experts working in the PPP sector. This is a free, easy to download PPP Guide and essential reading material for those studying for the CP3P certification program.
This Certification Program involves three stages to help professionals within the PPP industry to achieve the CP3P credential; Foundation, Preparation and Execution exam.
“The guidance incorporated into the PPP Certification Program will be invaluable in increasing the breadth of dependable, qualified PPP practitioners in China. It’s impeccable timing for the MOU as China continues to invest in infrastructure and healthcare. I’m confident that China will become the benchmark for the successful delivery of PPPs,” says Richard Pharro, CEO, APMG International.
The MOU coincides with APMG’s announcement that the PPP Certification Program’s Preparation exam are now available. The Preparation Level builds on the program’s Foundation Level and is aimed at candidates looking to further progress their PPP careers. Candidates can choose to self-study or go on a training course with one of APMG’s Accredited Training Organisations (ATOs). Training courses are available in 61 countries.
For more information on the WBG/APMG PPP Certification Program visit https://ppp-certification.com/
About APMG International
APMG International is an award-winning, global examination institute that offers a broad portfolio of professional certifications for knowledge-based workers. APMG certifications are designed to provide professional career development for individuals, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to help them and their organizations perform more effectively.
In addition, APMG provides accreditation services for individuals and organisations around the world that provide high quality training and consultancy services in support of our certifications.
Committed to quality, APMG’s certification and accreditation processes are developed and managed in accordance with a robust quality management system accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). www.apmg-international.com
Marketing Campaign Manager, APMG
The much-awaited Preparation exam for APMG’s PPP Certification Program was launched today at the Regional Round Tables on Infrastructure Governance, in Cape Town, South Africa.
The Preparation exam is the first of the two higher level exams which enables PPP practitioners to demonstrate a higher level of understanding and experience in the field of PPPs. APMG’s PPP Certification Programme aims to strengthen PPP best practice through a global standard of knowledge. After passing the Foundation level exam, candidates can study further by taking the Preparation exam or the Execution exam which is due to be launched in 2018. Candidates that pass all three examinations will be entitled to use the Certified Public-Private Partnerships Professional (CP3P) credential.
About the Preparation exam
The Preparation exam is based on chapters 2 to 5 of the PPP Certification Guide and will test a candidate’s understanding of the PPP framework and application on PPP Project Identification, Screening, Appraisal and Preparation Processes in a given governmental context.
The exam is based on a fictional infrastructure PPP scenario and candidates will be required to apply their knowledge of the PPP Guide to the given situation. Candidates will be tested by a 2.5 hour complex multiple-choice exam with a pass mark of 50%. A pass on the Foundation exam is a prerequisite for the Preparation exam. A sample exam paper will be provided to candidates that register to take this exam.
Target audience for the Preparation exam
This exam is suitable for those involved in the development or implementation of Public-Private Partnership frameworks or the initiation and preparation of PPP projects. Public sector officials and PPP practitioners, as well as their advisors and consultants will find the exam beneficial to enhance their delivery of PPPs.
The private sector will also have an interest in this certification to better understand the PPP concept as an asset/business opportunity, government objectives and institutional arrangements.
Getting certified
Candidates will be able to take the exam at the end of an accredited training course via APMG’s network of Accredited training organisations (ATOs). A training course is typically five days long and includes time for candidates to sit the Preparation exam.
Candidates can also self -study by downloading chapters 2 to 5 of the PPP Guide prior to taking the Preparation exam.
The other higher-level exam of the Certification Program, Execution, is due to be launched in 2018. Candidates who successfully pass all three exams will be awarded the CP3P credential.
For more information contact the APMG PPP team via email partnerships@apmg-international.com or visit www.ppp-certification.com
About APMG International
APMG International is an award-winning, global examination institute that offers a broad portfolio of professional certifications for knowledge-based workers. APMG certifications are designed to provide professional career development for individuals, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to help them and their organizations perform more effectively.
In addition, APMG provides accreditation services for individuals and organisations around the world that provide high quality training and consultancy services in support of our certifications.
Committed to quality, APMG’s certification and accreditation processes are developed and managed in accordance with a robust quality management system accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). www.apmg-international.com
Marketing Campaign Manager, APMG
The PPP Certification Guide, a key reading material for APMG’s PPP Certification Program is now available in Spanish and in English. Candidates can download this PPP Guide by clicking on the ‘Download PPP GUIDE for FREE’ button on the PPP certification website.
This PPP Guide is a FREE downloadable resource to help candidates prepare for the PPP Certification Program. Two levels of the this three-tiered program are now released, Foundation and Preparation.
Candidates can self-study for this exam or can undertake training via 17 Accredited training Organisations (ATOs) worldwide.
For more information contact the APMG PPP team via email partnerships@apmg-international.com or visit https://ppp-certification.com.
About APMG International
APMG International is an award-winning, global examination institute that offers a broad portfolio of professional certifications for knowledge-based workers. APMG certifications are designed to provide professional career development for individuals, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to help them and their organizations perform more effectively.
In addition, APMG provides accreditation services for individuals and organisations around the world that provide high quality training and consultancy services in support of our certifications.
Committed to quality, APMG’s certification and accreditation processes are developed and managed in accordance with a robust quality management system accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). www.apmg-international.com
Marketing Campaign Manager, APMG
The PPP Certification Guide, a key reading material for APMG’s PPP Certification Program, is now available in Chinese. The PPP Guide is already available in Latin-American Spanish and English. Candidates can download this PPP Guide by clicking on the ‘Download PPP GUIDE for FREE’ button on the PPP certification website. To access the chapter 1 of the PPP Guide in Chinese click here.
This PPP Guide is a FREE downloadable resource to help candidates prepare for the PPP Certification Program. Two levels of this three-tiered program are now released, Foundation and Preparation, with the third exam, Execution, due in the next few months. More information on the certifications can be found here.
The Foundation exam is also being translated into Chinese, allowing candidates to take the exam in their local language as well. Availability of the translated exam will be announced in due course.
Candidates can self-study for this exam or can undertake trainings via 18 Accredited Training Organisations (ATOs).
For more information contact the APMG PPP team via email or visit www.ppp-certification.com.
About APMG International
APMG International is an award-winning, global examination institute that offers a broad portfolio of professional certifications for knowledge-based workers. APMG certifications are designed to provide professional career development for individuals, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to help them and their organizations perform more effectively.
In addition, APMG provides accreditation services for individuals and organisations around the world that provide high quality training and consultancy services in support of our certifications.
Committed to quality, APMG’s certification and accreditation processes are developed and managed in accordance with a robust quality management system accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). www.apmg-international.com
Marketing Campaign Manager, APMG
Matthew Perna is a PPP practitioner and one of our first successful APMG PPP Certification Program’s Preparation Exam candidate. We caught up with Matthew Perna to understand his PPP journey and how the PPP Certification Program adds value to his career. Matthew Perna is currently the president of Primer Construction Corp - a general contractor, constructing government projects in the NYC area, and Primer Construction Management Corp, which provides PPP consulting services, including construction risk analysis through site inspections and schedule analysis.
APMG: What first prompted you to get started in public private partnerships?
MP: Governments around the world are experiencing increasing demand for improved infrastructure. As they do not have the fiscal availability to invest in all projects, an alternate means of funding is required. We have created a company positioned to assist stakeholders in the analysis of PPP deals, utilizing our construction experience and finance experience. Prior to working in construction, I spent eight years working in finance as a portfolio manager and trader of securitized bonds. In this capacity, I performed credit analysis on individual deals and analysed the portfolio versus benchmarks. With college bachelor’s degrees in both finance and engineering and a masters degree in financial engineering, I was educated in both areas. Hence this felt like a natural progression.
APMG: Can you please give us a background on your (PPP) job role emphasising on the PPP sector that it is related to.
MP: I am the president of Primer Construction Corp, a general construction company that has been constructing municipal projects for over thirty years, including bridges, wastewater plants, parks, and roads. Primer Construction Management Corp is a consulting company that specializes in construction risks and performs analysis and site inspections to update and help mitigate.
APMG: What prompted you to get certified, how did you hear about APMG’s PPP certification program?
MP: As we see PPP projects as the future of construction due to financing needs and the expertise required, we wanted to have the certifications in this area to learn, as well as document our skills. To date, I have obtained my professional engineering license, project management professional certification (PMI PMP), and 6 Sigma Lean Black Belt certification. In researching all available PPP certifications on the internet, I located APMG’s program.
APMG: Take us through your thought process while deciding to get certified.
MP: Working in the construction industry, I have seen that performing work duties alone does not provide the necessary education required to advance. There are many aspects of the work that must be considered at all times. I wanted to become certified in order to have a consistent framework to utilize.
APMG: Why did you choose APMG’s PPP certification program and how did it help?
MP: APMG’s PPP certification program is the most comprehensive program that I have located. The program exams are modelled after the certification guide, which can be studied from and also be used as a reference guide while practicing. Other programs require individual courses and you would have to create your own guide, which would vary from other participants.
APMG: What are your key strengths and how have you used them in your current PPP role?
MP: I am excellent at multi-tasking, which makes me a great project manager. Being able to see the larger picture, I assist on everyday construction issues that arise, but ultimately focus on the project as a whole. My financial skills are very strong as well, from my education and previous experience managing billions of dollars for clients.
APMG: What factors of your role as a PPP practitioner are easy?
MP: While I would not consider any parts of being a PPP practitioner easy, there are certainly easier stuff to deal with than others. When projects happen according to plan, being a PPP practitioner can be easy. However as projects progress, there are numerous challenges to deal with; it is the preparation about how to deal with the unknown, what to do, and being agile that makes the job more challenging. Experience and a good framework to work with are very important.
APMG: What characteristics and skills do you think make a better PPP professional or a successful one?
MP: Having a good understanding of all aspects of PPP is extremely important. The combination of project management skills, knowledge of all PPP aspects, and experience make successful PPP professionals. Keeping informed of new developments in the area is important to remain successful.
APMG: What is next in line for you, how are you planning to utilise the knowledge gathered from doing the Foundations and Preparation exams of this PPP Certification Program?
MP: We are looking to further develop Primer Construction Management Corp and increase our consulting business to assist more PPP’s.
APMG: What is your advice for new comers or other PPP practitioners on helping deliver successful projects in the PPP world?
MP: Obtaining project management skills, analysing PPP projects and case studies, and obtaining APMG’s PPP certifications would help deliver successful projects in the PPP world.
ENDS
Marketing Campaign Manager, APMG
The PPP Certification Guide, a key reading material for APMG’s PPP Certification Program, is now available in French. The FREE to download PPP Guide is already available in Latin-American Spanish, Chinese and English. To access the chapter 1 of the PPP Guide in French click here.
This PPP Guide is a FREE downloadable resource to help candidates prepare for the PPP Certification Program. Two levels of this three-tiered program are now released, Foundation and Preparation, with the third exam, Execution, due in the next few weeks. More information on the certification can be found here.
The Foundation exam is also available in French, making the certification accessible to more PPP practitioners worldwide. Availability of the translated exam for the Preparation and Execution levels will be announced in due course.
Candidates can self-study for this exam or can undertake training via 18 Accredited Training Organisations (ATOs). For more information contact the APMG PPP team via email partnerships@apmg-international.com or visit the website www.ppp-certification.com
About APMG International
APMG International is an award-winning, global examination institute that offers a broad portfolio of professional certifications for knowledge-based workers. APMG certifications are designed to provide professional career development for individuals, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to help them and their organizations perform more effectively.
In addition, APMG provides accreditation services for individuals and organisations around the world that provide high quality training and consultancy services in support of our certifications.
Committed to quality, APMG’s certification and accreditation processes are developed and managed in accordance with a robust quality management system accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). www.apmg-international.com
Marketing Campaign Manager, APMG
APMG had the opportunity to chat with first ever successful candidates to have completed the Preparation exam of APMG’s PPP Certification course from our ATO in Korea - P3Korea, thus getting closer to achieving the coveted CP3P credential. Find out more about their experience and how they intend to use their knowledge in advancing their professional life.
Here we have, Ms. Joo Eun (Jener) Jeung, a specialist in Project Financing and Vice President of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Seoul, Korea.
and Mr Jon-Il Eum, Director of Dong - A Steel technology Company Ltd.
1. What's your future dream as a certified PPP expert?
Joo Eun (Jener) Jeung
After passing the Preparation exam of APMG’s PPP Certification program, I feel that I would like to continue the study of PPP, especially in relation to ethical investment / ESG standard and climate change. I am interested in these areas because Sustainable Development is an important agenda in our world today and because I believe PPP plays a role in these areas. In the long term, I’d like to work in providing PPP and project finance education to help produce the next generation of PPP experts who would together achieve Sustainable Development of the world through their projects.
Jong -Il Eum
When I decided to study the PPP Guide and further take the PPP exams, I assumed several scenarios for my future career i.e. to get a job in an international organization or multi-lateral development bank such as PPIAF, ADB, etc, or to remain employed in a private company as a PPP business development specialist. As I’ve proceeded with this program, I became more interested in the former scenario. The process of studying and taking a PPP specific course and exam has helped me gain a better understanding of how best I can implement it in my professional life.
2. Give us some thoughts into how you prepared and passed the PPP Preparation Exam?
Joo Eun (Jener) Jeung
I studied the APMG PPP Certification Guide which is an essential material for the exam. Attending classes at an ATO (P3Korea) was also very helpful for me. In addition, personally I was able to draw on my real-life experience as a PPP practitioner and to consolidate my knowledge based on such experience plus the written study materials.
Jong -Il Eum
As simple as it would be, no guaranteed or royal way to succeed in the exam. I tried not to just read but to understand the implied meaning of various concepts in the text books. I recommend candidates who want to pass the exam to invest significant amount of time and effort in researching and referring to relevant data during the preparation for both Foundation and the Preparation exams. It will be of great help.
3. What do you expect from the network of the international CP3P community once you have established yourself?
Joo Eun (Jener) Jeung
I think it would be helpful if the community members can share their experience (to the extent permitted by their confidentiality obligation, of course) in a particular country or sector, among themselves (on one-to-one basis, or through case study articles / seminars), so that members can keep expanding their PPP knowledge by mutual cooperation and apply such expanded knowledge towards resolving difficult problems and successfully closing their live projects.
Jong -Il Eum
I expect the so-called CP3P Community to play an important role in developing infrastructure worldwide, especially in EMDE countries, as a specialized entity equipped with PPP expertise. Also, it could be a core communication path between the ones who want to develop, who want to finance and who want to construct.
4. Do you think PPP knowledge and practice could be important resources for the development of infra-structure in EMDE countries?
Joo Eun (Jener) Jeung
Absolutely. Particularly, in view of the high demand for new infrastructure in EMDE countries that is forecast for the coming decades, I think it is essential to develop well-trained PPP professionals in sufficient numbers in-order to prepare and execute the projects in pipeline successfully. Therefore, the role of CP3P training and certification in fulfilling the infrastructure development goal of EMDE countries around the world would be very important.
Jong -Il Eum
Yes, I agree that the PPP knowledge and its practice is key to the development of infrastructure in EMDE countries. It is especially in these EMDE countries that governments find it difficult to secure necessary funding and match it to the ever-increasing infrastructure needs. Considering the dynamic economic growth in EMDE countries, the need for new infrastructure often grows exponentially but possibly without enough funding source. PPP could be an excellent substitute for the traditional tax-funded procurement and the governments should be well prepared with PPP knowledge for success.
5. What would you recommend aspiring PPP Professionals regarding APMG’s PPP Certification Program?
Joo Eun (Jener) Jeung
Given the forecast demand for new infrastructure as mentioned above, I think the CP3P certification has been introduced at an appropriate time and that it would be a highly relevant qualification for many years in the global PPP market. Therefore, I would recommend aspiring PPP professionals to make the effort to obtain this valuable certification. In my opinion, the PPP knowledge would be beneficial especially to government officials in countries with little PPP experience but ambitious infrastructure development programs.
Jong -Il Eum
We are in the middle of a transition period, I believe, from the long-lasting design-bid-build practice to a more innovative and flexible procurement system, PPP. Currently PPP occupies about twenty-five (25) per cent of overall global infrastructure projects and it has the potential to surely grow to a significantly higher level. It’s the right time to get involved in this CP3P program.
ENDS
You can find more information about P3Korea on their website www.p3korea.com
For more information on the PPP Certification Program Guide click here
For more information on the PPP Certification Program click here.
Marketing Campaign Manager, APMG
Since its launch in June 2016, APMG's PPP Certification Program has grown by leaps and bounds. This infographic provides a visual summary of the certification program so far. (As of 31 January 2018)
Marketing Campaign Manager, APMG
The European Network on Debt and Development, an NGO operating in the Public Private Partnerships sector, has called upon The World Bank Group (WBG) to stop funding and promoting PPPs, until they are thoroughly reviewed and confirm their effectiveness.
There has been sufficient evidence to highlight the concern over the failure of public service projects using PPPs. Over 80 signatories from across three continents have addressed an open letter to WBG highlighting the growing concerns over negative experience of PPPs. European auditors have said that EU public private partnerships are not economically viable and only have limited benefits, resulting in billions of euros being inefficiently spent.
The European Court of Auditor’s (ECA) reported that both value for money and transparency in the PPPs were “widely undermined” by unclear policy and strategy, inadequate analysis, off-balance sheet recording of PPPs and unbalanced risk-sharing arrangements. In 2017 more than 150 organisations signed up to Eurodad’s PPP Global campaign manifesto and Eurodad’s letter pointed in a UK National Audit Office report that, 'in some cases PPP projects costed 40% higher than those financed by government borrowing’. By contrast in his article Public-private partnerships offer transformative positive change, Laurence Carter, Senior WBG Director, states: PPPs are fully committed to helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The scale and ambition of these goals require new solutions, greater collaboration, and a global partnership that includes public authorities, civil society, communities, and the private sector.
PPP procurement needs to be well-prepared and well-executed. It is important that the public and private sectors align for successful PPPs. “The openness, transparency and good governance needs to sit at the heart of public private partnerships” suggests Andrew Burn, a PPP professional who has 20 years of PPPs expertise. To help get a common minimum level of knowledge and understanding amongst individuals working on PPPs, APMG International launched the APMG’s Public Private Partnership Certification Program in 2016. This Certification Program is an innovation of ADB, EBRD, IDB, IsDB, the MIF and WBG, and is part funded by the PPIAF.
The PPP Guide which is a fundamental Body of Knowledge for this certification and contains chapters that form part of the process to attaining the CP3P credential that certifies professional’s knowledge in the field of PPPs. The PPP Certification Guide was compiled by a team of internationally experienced PPP practitioners and has now been downloaded by over 80,000 interested parties. The certification scheme is designed to foster and maintain training infrastructure which will enable candidates to obtain quality training to achieve the certification. To date over 1400 people have passed the exams since its release.
Establishing a critical mass of well informed and qualified individuals will help to enhance the capacity for delivering well prepared and well executed PPPs for those infrastructure projects, particularly in the Global South countries of Latin America, Asia and Africa, referred to in the NGO’s Global Campaign Manifesto.
Find out more about APMG’s PPP Certification program.
Marketing Campaign Manager, APMG