Certified Public Participation Professional (CP3)

The designation Certified Public Participation Professional (CP3) is the assurance that you meet a set of internationally-recognized criteria. Credentials are awarded upon completion of a three-step assessment based on Five Core Competencies developed through a membership consultation process. 

What's Involved? 

The completion of the 2-module Foundations in Public Participation training is the first step towards becoming a CP3, where a certificate of completion is issued from IAP2.

Certification is achieved through a three-step process where assessors evaluate candidates’ performance based on the Core Competencies. A candidate must pass each step before they can proceed to the next step:

Step 1: Application

Requires a detailed resume with job history, professional references, three project descriptions, and responses to questions that correspond to specific criteria. Download and fill out the application form.

Step 2: Case Study 

A hypothetical Case Study will be provided. A detailed Public Participation (P2) plan will be prepared for the Case Study.

Step 3: Assessment Centre

Three-four assessors work together to conduct each Assessment Centre and the assessors are expected to make their final determinations by consensus. Elements include:

• Interviews
• Presentation
• Group Work

Upon the successful completion of the Assessment Centre the designation of CP3 is awarded to the candidate.

Key Documents 

• Download and review the 2022 Information Kit and Frequently Asked Questions.
• Review the Five Core Competencies - evaluation is based on meeting these criteria.
• Download and fill out the application form. 
• For detailed information on the Program, please review the Policies and Procedures Manual.
  
• Learn more about how to fill out the application form in this webinar.
• Documentation en français : Trousse d'informations, Foire aux questions, Cinq compétences essentielles, Demande de candidature.

What does it cost?

• $250 – Application review
• $450 – Case Study review
• $1,800 – CP3 Assessment Centre

The total cost of certification is $2,500.

Key Dates in 2022

The Application process is rolling so you may apply at any time. 

June Assessment Centre (In-person)

Application deadline: January 31

In-person Assessment Centre: June 10 (half day) and June 11 (full day)

Location of the in-person Assessment Center will be based on where the applicants are from. Please note that this may change based on current circumstances.

November Assessment Centre (Virtual)

Application deadline: July 18

Virtual Assessment Centre: November 25 (half day) and November 26 (full day)

Recertification

Certified Professionals are required to submit a recertification application for review by an Assessor every three years, along with the recertification fee of $250.

For More Information

Meet our CP3s to learn more about their experiences and backgrounds.

If you are still wondering “What exactly is professional certification?” and why it is different from the Five-Day Foundations (formerly Certificate) training, read all about it in this blog by Wendy Lowe, US Certification Task Force Chair and Canadian assessor; and WATCH her video.