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

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.