Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Introduction

In 2003, the AIPM National Council introduced a recertification period of three years to ensure the currency of RegPM Candidates and from 2006 members will have found this date on their RegPM certificate.

In 2006, AIPM announced that recertification for its RegPM Members should be in keeping with other Professional Institutions who rely on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in order for their Members to be seen as a practicing and up to date professionals, within a competitive world.

AIPM has now established a process for their members to recertify their RegPM through a simple, yet comprehensive CPD process.  As there has been no formal process in place to remind candidates, an amnesty has been included during the initial period of CPD.

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 Why CPD?

“[1]CPD is the process by which a professional person maintains the quality and relevance of professional services throughout his or her working life. CPD = Currency and Competency . ([1] The CPD Certification Service, UK, 1999 (www.cpduk.co.uk).

It is important to keep up-to-date and be able to deal with new issues. As knowledge intensifies in the Project Management world of the profession, some have argued that the only real source of sustainable competitive advantage is the ability to learn faster than the competition.”

 The key features of effective CPD are that it is:-

• Continuous - throughout the practitioner’s working life
• Professional/Organisation focused – necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties and related to maintaining the quality and relevance of professional services
• Broad Based – knowledge and skills and the development of personal qualities
• Structured – systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of the person’s skills base

AIPM believe that RegPM Members have already shown broad capability through their original competency based assessment. However, in order to stay competitive, Project Managers (PMs) should be showing continuous professional development. We believe that the CPD program does this through a hierarchical, category based program which asks Project Managers to show how they have developed, whilst also giving them a choice of how to do this. This program is in keeping with other institution’s recognition of an original competency based assessment certification and successive ongoing CPD.

Whilst recertification through assessment only, can show some professional development, it exhibits more of an existing continuous capability at the same level, rather than continuous learning to expand skills, as CPD does.

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When does CPD start?

The CPD program will commence from 1^st July 2007. There will be an implementation period from July 07 to June 08, during which all Members will be able to adjust to the new system and ask questions. This means that members can begin collecting points from this time onward.

From 1^st July 2007, AIPM will also ensure that information regarding CPD is communicated to all RegPM Members through regular e-newsletters, the website and the Events Calendar

The first 12 months will be a ‘trial’ period during which time you will be informed of any changes which will occur. It is also a period where most RegPM Members will need to recertify through an Assessor unless they have sufficient points. 

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The Amnesty

As AIPM feel that the CPD process is an important initiative for all its RegPM Members, an amnesty is in place until 1^st July 2008 whereby members can recertify via an Assessor.  This will also allow time for members to fully understand their obligations under the new CPD rules.  After this amnesty period, all RegPM Members who have not either recertified through an Assessor, or gained sufficient CPD points, will lose their RegPM status and continue as AIPM Members.

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How many points do I need to recertify?

The CPD program and points system is not definitive and is subject to change.  AIPM welcomes feedback from members regarding the relevance and suitability of the  and may modify the program as a result of suggestions.  Please send all suggestions/feeback to our CPD Administrator.

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Recertification - A Choice of Paths

As indicated, recertification of your RegPM is due every three years. You can choose to do this by either:

1. Collecting CPD points Only or
2. Recertifiying via an Assessor; or
3. Upgrading to the next level of RegPM

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 Recertification through CPD Only

Members choosing to recertify through CPD only need to collect an allocated number of points according to their RegPM level as indicated. The CPD Categories and Points Table outlines the activities and points available.

Note: the new Exec RegPM Standards are under development and will be launched at the National Conference in October 2007.  Click here for details. 

 Re-assessment through an Assessor

Members can also recertify via an Assessor until July 2008.  In order for the Assessor's costs to be minimised at $330, members need to follow the procedure below.  Anything outside of this procedure will incur extra costs.  For reassessment members will need to:

• Update their CV
• Include examples of what they have been doing since original assessment
• Obtain reference for current
• Contact their original RegPM Assessor by clicking on the attached link  Find an Assessor
• Complete the application form and pay the $110 RegPM recertification fee.  To lodge and pay click here

Please note: Random audits will occur annually on evidence obtained.

From July 2008 assessment via an Assessor will count towards some but not all points required for recertification.   The remainder must come from CPD. 

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Upgrading to the next level of RegPM

Members upgrading to the next RegPM level will have to undertake a full assessment via an Assessor in the usual way. 

 Log your CPD Activities Online

To recertify through the CPD program Members must collect the relevant number of points for their RegPM level within their current Certification period prior to completing the RegPM renewal application form. Login to the website to log your CPD Activities online via the Member Activity Summary. Please download the CPD Categories and Points Table for more information. If you have any queries or require assistance please contact the CPD Administrator.

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The renewal fee for RegPM is $110 including GST.  To complete the recertification application form online & pay your renewal please click here .

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CPD Categories and Points

The following table lists the CPD categories and points available for members to collect for their recertification which falls due every 3 years.  Alternatively AIPM can provide members with a hardcopy version.  Please contact our CPD Administrator if you wish to be emailed a hardcopy.   Whichever you choose, remember that members may be required to support their application for CPD when it comes time for renewal, so we advise members to file evidence to assist in the event they are audited. Click here to download the CPD Categories and Points Table.

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FAQs

What do you think? 

AIPM welecomes feedback from members.  If you have any comments or suggestions on the CPD program please send it to cpd@aipm.com.au

Still need help?    Contact Us

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