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 in partnership with MDBs 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 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 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 public sector & participation in private sector – for setting up PPP framework, Project documents drafting, bid submission, acquisition in PPP projects and implementation across several projects.
CP3P Program:
With my experience, one would need to 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 upon briefly all aspects of PPP, the level 2 (Preparation level) & 3 (Execution level) examination places the examinee in the decision making position for a specific project situation, to test the candidates’ knowledge to the specified subject. Hence, passing the Foundation level examination 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 and is 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 and 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 time to read & understand every chapter thoroughly and prepare short notes. While the study material captures in detail on activities to be fulfilled (with a check list) while preparation & execution of PPP project from a Government perspective, the checklist should be incorporated by private sector as part of their corporate governance while undertaking Project due diligence to shortlist the project for participating in the bid process.
Need for CP3P Program
After reading the study material, I have learnt usage of some concepts & terminologies, which I would earlier 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.
Conclusion
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.
Suggestions
Study Materials: There is a free online training course which is basic but adequate. More sophisticated training is available from Accredited Training Organisations for a cost. MDBs and APMG should collectively approach PPP qualified professionals to seek suggestions in improving the program. This should include seeking feedback from Certified PPP (CP3P) Professionals. There is a comment box at the end of each Chapter of the guide to leave feedback.
Certification Requirements: Finally, I suggest MDBs to make it mandatory for a Certified CP3P Professional with a minimum PPP experience to be deployed for every PPP Project for the Project to be eligible for consideration for MDBs participating/support. This will drive a country PPP Unit and private sector to develop their staff with the required skill set under CP3P Program. Similar qualification/credentials should be made mandatory for a CP3P Examination trainer as well.
I am a Freelance Consultant & Director - Deal Advisory, Cities Forum, and have 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 the globe.