CPPD
AIPM Certified Practising Project Director
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How do I prepare for AIPM's CPPD?
CPPD (Certified Practising Project Director) isn't a multiple-choice exam — it's AIPM's RegPM workplace-based competency assessment for senior program directors, assessed against AIPM's own Competency Standards using real documentary evidence from your programs, not an exam paper. PassNova's free overview covers eligibility and how the assessment works; PassNova Premium (£4.99/month, 7-day free trial) unlocks a deeper preparation guide — choosing your qualifying evidence, compiling a convincing portfolio, and avoiding the most common reasons candidates are marked 'not yet competent'.
Question bank last updated
Jobs and roles this helps you get
AIPM's certification for people who direct projects and manage programmes.
Project director
Valued by employersAIPM: for those who regularly direct projects or manage programmes.
Official sourceProgramme manager
Valued by employersAIPM: requires accountability for at least two programmes of interdependent projects in the last three years.
Official sourceRequirements are checked against the National Careers Service, the relevant regulator or the awarding body — follow each source for the current rules.
How CPPD is actually assessed
CPPD (Certified Practising Project Director) is a RegPM™ certification from the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) — for senior professionals who direct programmes or multiple major, interdependent projects. It is not a sit-down exam.
How the assessment works
CPPD is a workplace-based competency assessment. You compile documentary evidence — real deliverables from your own programme(s) — mapped against AIPM's own Competency Standards, typically drawn from around 15–20 key deliverables across the programme lifecycle. An AIPM assessor reviews your evidence and returns one of two outcomes: competent, or not yet competent (with a development pathway back to resubmission if the latter).
Who it's for and eligibility
- Direct accountability for managing programmes in your current role
- At least two programs consisting of multiple subordinate, interdependent projects in the last three years
- You've produced higher-level programme management plans, not just project plans
- You've directed subordinate project managers across the project lifecycle
- AIPM membership is required to certify
Once you apply, the assessment process runs to a 6-month window — worth planning around before you start gathering evidence.
Where the real assessment comes from
PassNova's guide is independent preparation. You apply for and complete the official CPPD assessment directly with the body that runs it.
ℹ️ AIPM certification requires AIPM membership — see AIPM's site for current fees and the application process.
External official sites — fees and booking are handled by the provider, not PassNova.
PassNova is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by AIPM.
CPPD: your questions answered
What jobs can I do with CPPD?
AIPM's certification for people who direct projects and manage programmes. Project director: AIPM: for those who regularly direct projects or manage programmes. Programme manager: AIPM: requires accountability for at least two programmes of interdependent projects in the last three years.
Does PassNova have CPPD practice questions?
CPPD isn't assessed with a multiple-choice exam, so there's no question bank to practise here. Instead, PassNova has a Premium preparation guide covering how the assessment actually works, evidence and portfolio guidance, and assessment-day prep.
What's included in PassNova Premium?
Premium unlocks every Premium course in full, the CPPD preparation guide, Nova (the AI study tutor), a study planner and downloadable PDF study guides — for £4.99/month or £39.99/year. Cancel anytime.
Is this the official CPPD assessment?
No — PassNova's guide is independent preparation content. You apply for and complete the official CPPD assessment directly with the awarding body, linked below.
Get ready for your CPPD application.
A deeper prep guide — evidence, portfolio and interview tips — unlocks with Premium.