0701-RegPM-CandidatesGuide

Candidate Guide to Applying for RegPM - 2007

Australian Institute of Project Management

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background
3. RegPM Application Process
4. Determining whether you are ready as a candidate
5. Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
6. If I have Project Management Qualifications, do they automatically allow me to gain a RegPM?
7. Do my Project Management Qualifications assist in achieving RegPM?
8. Right of appeal
9. How many sessions will I need?
10. What should I expect to pay for the Assessment for RegPM?
11. How do I know which level to apply for?
12. Are you ready for your RegPM?
13. Appeals Procedure
14. Candidate Evaluation of the Assessment Process

General Information for RegPM Candidates

Introduction

Hello and welcome to AIPM’s RegPM recognition programme. AIPM prides itself on being the only institute in Australia for recognition and development of project management.

We look forward to assisting you throughout your assessment and certification process and hope that your journey is both enjoyable and professionally rewarding.

Additional information regarding the products and services that AIPM can provide to you and your organisation is available at our website. www.aipm.com.au . AIPM and your Assessor hope you enjoy the RegPM journey!

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Background

The purpose of this information is to detail the RegPM Certification rules and assessment process and set clear expectations for candidates in relation for RegPM Certification from AIPM.

As from 1^st January 2007, you, the candidate will need to ensure that you have read and understood the terms of RegPM assessment before undertaking the assessment process.

AIPM and their Assessors are committed to high standards of assessment, in line with the Australian Quality Training Standards for Assessment. For your information, the Assessor Code of Practice can be found at www.aipm.com.au/html/Assessor_code_practice.cfm?view=print

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RegPM Application Process

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Determining whether you are ready as a candidate

The RegPMtakes a competency assessment approach and is based upon your recent  work based experience and practices, (although your past experience may assist you in your assessment). Therefore it is work that you are currently completing against which your assessment will be based. This is classified as Recognition of Current Competency (RCC). (see below definition and clarity around this)

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Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL/RCC recognizes the skills and knowledge that you have already gained through your project management experience. For example, if you have already worked in the field of Project Management and can demonstrate some (or all) of the competencies then you may gain credit for these competencies. Your Assessor will help you to decide what evidence you will need to provide for RCC/RPL/ For more information on RPL /RCC go to http://www.aqf.edu.au/rplnatprin.htm

Candidates need to be aware that although RegPM can be achieved based upon past experience, AIPM’s policy is on currency and candidates not currently working at the respective levels, may not be assessed at that level. For example, if you are not currently working at RPM level (regardless of your previous project management experience,) you cannot be certified as RPM and may be awarded QWPP. Similarly, if you are not currently working at MPD level, you cannot be certified as MPD and may be awarded RPM. This is not determined by your Assessors, but rather, is the ruling of AIPM.

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If I have Project Management Qualifications, do they automatically allow me to gain a RegPM?

Although there is an alignment between the RegPM certification process and the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF),Project Management Domain, the RegPM Certification evidence criteria is much more rigorous and based solely around your experience in the workplace. Your PM qualification may only require scenario based assessment and the RegPM requires actual work based experience.

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Do my Project Management Qualifications assist in achieving RegPM?

If you have already gained a PM qualification, this will assist. However, remember that your RegPM is based solely upon work experience and competency. You will need to discuss this with your Assessor, what additional evidence you will need to provide. Examples of possible evidence of project competence are as follows:

• Testimonial or reference from your employer/workplace supervisor
  A statement from your employer or supervisor containing their assessment of your skills against the competencies as outlined in attachment….. This can be provided from previous employers/ supervisors as well.
• Examples of your work
  Collect samples of your work or workplace documents which demonstrate your current competency.
• Interview with the Assessor
  Arrange an interview with your Assessor to answer questions to demonstrate that you are competent.
• Demonstration of the required skills
  Arrange to demonstrate work skills that support your current competency.
• Experiences in the industry
  Provide evidence of experience in the industry that supports your current competency.

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Right of appeal

In the event that an RCC claim is unsuccessful or partially successful, you have the right to appeal the decision. Details of how to appeal are available from your Assessor or you can contact AIPM on 8288 8756.

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How many sessions will I need?

The number of assessment sessions you have with your Assessor will vary you’re your individual experience. If you are able to collate much of the information yourself, this will of course minimize the number of sessions needed, however a “rule of thumb” is generally a minimum of 2 sessions, depending upon your evidence.

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What should I expect to pay for the Assessment for RegPM?

Fees for the Assessment of RegPM are not set by AIPM. However, you can find out an average fee by phoning AIPM on (02) 8288 8700. This fee is based upon the “average” cost of a “standard” assessment only and may not take into account individual needs.

Please note that Assessors may ask for a 50% of fee after the first interview and the balance at the end of the assessment prior sending their report to AIPM.

It is not recommended that you change Assessors, once you have begun the assessment process. If you are unhappy with your assessor for any reason, contact AIPM to discuss.

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How do I know which level to apply for?

It is quite easy for you to determine whether you are ready for the RegPM Assessment. Just read and complete the checklist below, based on your role within your workplace. Give this to your Assessor and they can assist you to decide which level is most appropriate. (Some Assessors may have their own checklist for you to complete)

Place a tick beside only one box within each row, then discuss with your Assessor.

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Are you ready for your RegPM?

Check this list.

It is AIPM’s policy that all assessments for the RegPM award are valid, reliable, fair and flexible However, from time to time there may be disagreement between the RegPM candidate for assessment and the Assessor on the processes being following or the outcomes being achieved. For such circumstances AIPM has instituted this Appeals Procedure as a means of describing the processes to be followed when escalating the issue to a higher authority for discussion and resolution.

The list of incidents and their respective resolution is not extensive nor is it designed as a substitute for open and honest communications between all parties. These procedures should only be applied when direct discussions have failed to resolve the issue. In all instances if such discussions have not taken place Appeals will not be escalated until such time as they have. In this way, an outcome can be achieved that is mutually satisfying and allowing for future advancement of both the RegPM award program and the assessments conducted as part of it.

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Candidate Appeals Procedure 

*Costs associated with these items will be borne by the candidate.

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Note to Candidate: Please take the time to answer all questions as fully as possible. Your feedback will help us to improve the assessment process. You may either fax it to AIPM, on the fax number above, or email it to wmiller@aipm.com.au (ask for a soft copy from AIPM).

The survey is available online here: http://www.aipm.com.au/html/regpm_survey_2005.cfm.

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