GPM® Certifications
The GPM® Certification Process
Click on the video to watch a short presentation on how to apply for the GPM® Certification.
GPM Certification
Corporate Social Responsibility is playing an increasingly large role in how consumers, stakeholders, employees, and competititors view organizations and the demand for skilled project managers that can apply sustainable methods to projects is in high demand.
Organizations need to be assured the individuals that manage their projects can integrate methods to achieve sustainability goals and still achieve project specific objectives. Project Managers need credentials that validate their proficiency with these specialized qualities.
The GPM® Certification track for project and program managers provides the roadmap for professionals to learn, apply, and validate mastery of sustainability based project methods to meet these demands.
Which Certification is right for you?
Download this Matrix in PDF Format | Click Below the table for a detailed description.
Certification
Name
a) 2,000 hours of project work over a 4 year period.
b) Application + Exam
(Not Mandatory)
a) 6,000 hours of COMPLEX (CIFTER score >21) project work over a 6 year period.
b) Portfolio of Evidence required + Peer Review.
(Not Mandatory)
a) Pre-requisites GPM-B and (or) GPM®
b) 15,000 hours over a minimum of 10 years of combined experience in a supervisory, management, consulting, and/or general project management role.
c) Four(4) COMPLEX (CIFTER score >21) green/sustainability project work <prior projects submitted with GPM can be applied.
d) Portfolio of Experience (Evidence) required which includes project synopsis and resume /CV.
e) Three (3) Letters of validation of qualifications and experience including recommendation by supervisor, manager, or other qualified person.
f1) Option A: 3000 minimum word white paper on GPM pre-approved subject approved for publication on the GPM website and publishable in another medium (PMWJ) with ISBN as a professional white paper.
f2) Option: Approved presentation (minimum 45 minutes duration) made at a PM event such as an internationally recognized seminar, symposia, or conference.
g) Peer Review by two people. The peer reviewers would review all Project Evidence submitted and ask any questions or request specific examples. Reviewers would also randomly check the references.
Recommended 30 hour PRISM Practitioner Course as part of the 160 hours.
GPM-b Certification | Certified Green Project Manager Level b
The Certified Green Project Manager-b (GPM-b) is our foundational knowledge based certification that embodies the commitment of a project management professional to act as an agent of change to manage and direct efforts to maximize sustainability within the project life cycle, improve the construct and delivery of goods and services produced as a project deliverable, and thoroughly considering and accounting for environmental impacts in the project management roles assigned using measurable standards. Green Project Manager (GPM-b) certification is the first project management credential for individuals demonstrating knowledge in delivering projects using sustainable methods.
The Green Project Manager (GPM-b) certification is awarded to project managers who have successfully met the criteria for knowledge in project management and sustainability.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the GPM-b you must have a minimum of 2,000 hours experience managing projects and the sufficient knowledge to realize sustainable outcomes. We encourage, but do not require, candidates to take a PRiSM Practitioner course from an accredited training provider as the exam material is covered in the course. The GPM Handbook on Sustainability and Project Management, the official study and reference guide is available to our online subscribers at no cost.
The Certification Exam Format
To earn the Green Project Manager level B (GPM-b) credential, candidates must and pass the 150 multiple choice question examination with a minimum passing score of 75%. The Exam is broken down into two primary sections as listed below.
1. Project Management
- Project Management Standards based on ISO 21500
- Project Management Competencies
Project management Knowledge Areas- Key Terms and Concepts
2. Sustainability Integration
- Principles of Sustainability
- PRiSM™
- P5™
- Sustainability Management Planning
- Phases, inputs and outputs
- Sustainability ISOs
- ISO 21500 Guidance on Project Management
- ISO 50001 The Energy Management Standard
- ISO 14001 The Environmental Management Standard
- ISO 9001 Principles of Quality Management
- ISO 26000 Guidance on Social Responsibility
Preparation
Regardless of how advanced your project management experience or education might be, you should still prepare for the exam.
We recommend the following methods of prepariation.
A.) Complete a PRiSM Practitioner course through an accredited training provider and learn the concepts in a hands on environment using our EnVex learning method. On average, successful GPM-b candidates will spend 10 hours or more to prepare if they have taken a practitioner course as it is case study driven.
OR
B.) Self Study: The GPM Reference Guide To Sustainability in Project Management
- ISO 21500 Guidance on Project Management
- ISO 50001 The Energy Management Standard
- ISO 14001 The Environmental Management Standard
- ISO 9001 Principles of Quality Management
- ISO 26000 Guidance on Social Responsibility
- The PRiSM Project Methodology & P5™ Concept
Practice Exams area available for our subscribed members
On average, successful GPM-b candidates will spend 50 hours or more to prepare if they are preparing using the self study method.
Taking the Exam
The GPM-b Exam is available at exam.greenprojectmanagement.org The cost is $199.00 and there is no recertification costs.
GPM Global, the governing board for the credential, adheres to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ISO/IEC 17024:2003 standards for our certification process and is a member of the American National Standards Institute. There is no requirement for membership in any professional association or to attend any specific course to apply for the GPM-b.
For more information, email us at training(at)greenprojectmanagement.org
GPM® Certification | Certified Green Project Manager
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The Green Project Manager (GPM®) is an expert level certification that embodies the commitment of a project management professional to act as an agent of change by managing and directing efforts to maximize sustainability within the project life cycle, improving the construct and delivery of goods and services produced as a project deliverable, and thoroughly considering and accounting for environmental impacts in the project management roles assigned using measurable standards. Green Project Manager (GPM®) certification is the first project management credential for individuals demonstrating competency in delivering projects using sustainable methods.
The Green Project Manager (GPM®) certification is awarded to project managers who have met prescribed standards of performance that includes technical competency in sustainability and project management. GPM Global, the governing board for the credential, adheres to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ISO/IEC 17024:2003 standards for our certification process and is a member of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
There is no requirement for membership in any professional association or to attend any specific course to apply for the GPM® and the credential is open for application and award to both members of the GPM and non-members.
Why pursue this certification?
- Distinguishes as a specialized focus on SiPM or Sustainability in Project Management.
- Validates competency in the ability to manage complex projects while postively impacting the Triple Bottom Line.
- Improves marketability as a PM who can achieve Corporate Social Responsibility goals.
- The hightest ranking specialized project management certification in the world.
In the News!
- NEW A comprehensive study has ranked the GPM® as a top ranking credential with a PSCOR of 11033. Download the report here!
- Read the report on the GPM® in the Project Management World Journal!
Sample Certificate
GPM-m Certification | Certified Green Project Manager Level m (Master) 
Available January 1st, 2014
The Certified Green Project Manager-m (GPM-m) is our master’s level certification that embodies the commitment of a project management professional to act as an industry leader who sets the bar for change agents. Individuals who hold this certification have demonstrated their expertise in project delivery and application of sustainable principles.
A certified GPM-m has experience in managing large complex projects and is especially suited for energy effiicency, sustainability, and/or alternative energy projects as they bring a unique perpective in understanding and communicating the cost to benefit real and intangible success criteria for the project.
To be eligible for the GPM-m you must:
- Hold both the GPM-b and GPM® certifications.
- Have a minimum of 15,000 hours over a minimum of 10 years of combined experience in a supervisory, management, consulting, and/or general project management role.
- Submit four (4) COMPLEX (CIFTER score >21) case studies that outline green/sustainability project work (Prior projects submitted for the GPM certification can be applied. )
- Portfolio of experience (Evidence) required which includes project synopsis and resume /CV.
- A minimum of three (3) letters of validation of qualifications and experience including recommendation by supervisor, manager, or other qualified person.
- Minimum of 160 (classroom/courses) hours of advanced training in subjects related to Green/Sustainability and/or Program/Project Management within the previous 5 years
- Either of the following: Peer review by two people. The peer reviewers would review all project evidence submitted and ask any questions or request specific examples. Reviewers would also randomly check the references.
- Option A: 3000 minimum word white paper on GPM pre-approved subject approved for publication on the GPM website and publishable in another medium (PMWJ) with ISBN as a professional white paper.
- Option B: Approved presentation (minimum 45 minutes duration) made at a PM event such as an internationally recognized seminar, symposia, or conference.
GPM Global, the governing board for the credential, adheres to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ISO/IEC 17024:2003 standards for our certification process and is a member of the American National Standards Institute.
For more information, email us at certification(at)greenprojectmanagement.org
GPM® Certification Requirements.
Experience Requirements
Applicants must hold a four-year degree (bachelor’s or the global equivalent) and a minimum of 6,000 hours experience managing projects.
OR
A secondary diploma (high school or the global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience, with 8,000 hours managing projects.
Step 1: Evidence Submittal - Candidates must complete the online application, which includes a complexity self-assessment score and evidence of their project work (Case Study and CV). The case study must be on a project or program that the applicant managed and
- outline their application of sustainable methods in the project delivery,
- the outcome in terms of project objectives met,
- the standards and controls used to achieve the project deliverables.
Step 2: Assessor and Board Review - A GPMG Accredited Assessor will thoroughly review the evidence presented by the candidate and will be assessed against the following criteria.
- Project Complexity - A point system based on CIFTER (See chart Below)
- Sustainable Methods Employed (Measurable Standards and Controls)
- Sustainable Outcomes (Project Deliverables)
- Achievement of Project Objectives (Evidence of Sustainable Organizational Process Assets)
Step 3: Determination - If the candidate scores above 21 points, they are notified of their accreditation. If further evidence is required, an interview is scheduled with the candidate and one or more members of the GPM Review Board.
Assessment Criteria -Project Complexity
Why do we require a self-assessment?
In order for GPM assessors to get a better understanding of the project, it is required that applicants first assess their project using the Crawford-Ishikura Factor Table for Evaluating Roles, or CIFTER. The tool, is named after two major contributors to GAPPS (Global Alliance for Project Performance Standards), and is used to differentiate project manager roles based on the complexity of the projects managed.
A project classified as a “simple” project is too simple to be used as evidence of competence as a project manager against the GAPPS Project Manager Standard which is what the GPM® assessor, as prescribed by the review board, uses in the determination of a suitable case study for accreditation.
For more on GAPPS and CIFTER visit www.globalpmstandards.org or download the PDF
Project Complexity Chart
1. Stability of the overall project context | Very High (1) | High (2) | Moderate (3) | Low (4) |
2. Number of distinct disciplines, methods, or approaches involved in performing the project | Low (1) | Moderate (2) | High (3) | Very High (4) |
3. Magnitude of legal, social, or environmental implications from performing the project | Low (1) | Moderate (2) | High (3) | Very High (4) |
4. Overall expected financial impact (positive or negative) on the project’s stakeholders | Low (1) | Moderate (2) | High (3) | Very High (4) |
5. Strategic importance of the project to the organisation or organisations involved | Very Low (1) | Low (2) | Moderate (3) | High (4) |
6.Stakeholder cohesion regarding the characteristics of the product of the project | High (1) | Moderate (2) | Low (3) | Very Low (4) |
7. Number and variety of interfaces between the project and other organizational entities | Low (1) | Moderate (2) | High (3) | High (4) |
Assessment Criteria -Sustainability
Sustainable Integration and or outcomes using the GPM® P5™ Method
- If the project that is being submitted as evidence was by definition a "sustainability project", the case study should include the category, sub categories, and elements that were the focus and the outcomes.
- If the project that is being submitted as evidence was managed using sustainable methods for delivery, please indicate what P5 integrators were applied and the appropriate categories that were applied
- a.Example: Process Sustainability was a focus of my project. We employed project processes that incorporated Environmental and Social Sustainability through...
- b.Example, Project Sustainability was a focus as we broke down the project deliverables and made concerted efforts to ensure Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability through...
Click the image to download the PDF version
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Our certification process complies with ISO:17024 standards for certification
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