My journey to becoming a Chartered Project Professional

With over a decade of experience in project management – spanning high-rise residential, industrial and commercial projects – I had reached a stage where I felt the need to validate my professional journey in a more structured and globally-recognised manner. Having earned my PMP in 2020, a natural question emerged: What next? I wanted a credential that not only recognised my experience but also reassured me that I was progressing on the right career path.

I was introduced to the APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard while searching for a globally-respected, industry agnostic chartership. Chartership, to me, has always represented a mark of professional excellence and the highest standard of ethical practice. Over the years, I had admired the concept after seeing several peers pursue different chartered routes within the project and built environment domains.

However, given my evolving profile in project controls and financial projects – and my earlier experience in construction – I wanted a credential that would not limit me to any specific sector. As I explored further, ChPP’s growing global relevance and its competence‑based assessment framework resonated strongly with me. I read numerous testimonials on the APM website and reached out to professionals in India and abroad who had already completed the journey. Their experiences and insights solidified my decision.

Choosing the right pathway was made easier by the clarity offered on the APM website. The introduction of Pathway 3 in September 2024 – giving PMP and PMQ holders a route to Chartership– aligned perfectly with my background.

APM’s support throughout the journey was equally significant. The Chartership clinics were immensely helpful. I attended multiple sessions, asked questions and received detailed clarifications. The guidance notes and self-assessment tool enabled me to map my career, shortlist projects and articulate my experiences with clarity and precision. Additionally, several APM Fellow members (FAPM) willingly shared their insights through various platforms, making the process less overwhelming.

The journey, however, was not without challenges. Balancing a full-time professional role with family responsibilities meant that time was a constant constraint. I worked on my application after work hours and on weekends. Another challenge was condensing years of diverse experience, rich with technical details, into concise yet precise narratives: 500‑word project overviews and 250‑word competency statements.

Simplifying technical jargon and aligning my writeup to APM’s Competency Framework required deliberate effort. Preparing for the interview brought its own nervousness, especially since I hadn’t faced one in over a year. Multiple mock interviews with mentors and revisiting concepts from the APM Body of Knowledge helped me strengthen my confidence.

Reflecting on my experience, I realised early that I had the breadth and depth required for ChPP. I had worked on complex projects, navigated challenging stakeholder environments, addressed risks and consistently demonstrated ownership of deliverables. My focus on adding value—to my organisation and to society—reinforced my readiness for chartership.

Achieving ChPP has been transformative. It has validated my capability, broadened my perspective and strengthened my confidence. It motivates me to uphold the chartered standard and continued professional development. Today, colleagues and peers see me as a trusted professional and a role model for pursuing excellence. The credential has enhanced my organisational responsibilities, expanded my network and reaffirmed my commitment to leading high performing teams and delivering impactful outcomes.