Association for Project Management has highlighted the role Chartered Project Professional status could play in developing India’s project management workforce as demand for skilled professionals grows alongside the country’s economy.
An APM webinar brought together project professionals and employers to discuss the Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard, including its potential impact on career progression, professional credibility and client confidence.
APM said India’s continued economic expansion is increasing the importance of project delivery capability across the country. The Education Times of India has reported growing numbers of young people enrolling on courses teaching project management skills, while Indian careers platform Naukri Blog has ranked project management among the country’s highest-paying skills.
The webinar focused on how ChPP differs from course-based qualifications and how professionals can use the standard to demonstrate their experience and competence.
Project professionals share ChPP experience
Siva Prakash ChPP, Team Leader – PMO Operations at WSP India, discussed his experience of achieving chartered status and encouraged project professionals not to delay beginning the process.
“Don’t wait until you feel completely ready,” he said. “Start by looking at the competence framework on the APM website and asking yourself ‘what have I done to demonstrate this?’”
The ChPP standard is intended to recognise professionals who can demonstrate advanced technical knowledge and professional practice alongside ethical behaviour and continuing professional development.
Saurabh Varier ChPP, Manager – Project Planning and Controls at AtkinsRéalis, said achieving the status had helped him develop his professional network and take on greater responsibilities.
“It will give you the assurance that you’re going in the right direction. It has given me access to multiple professionals across the globe, in India and other parts of the world,” he said.
“My organisation trusts ChPPs to lead projects and high-performing teams. I’m now leading a bigger team and a larger portfolio. Clients also like to have chartered professionals handling their projects. ChPP gives them that confidence.”
Employers point to client confidence
The webinar also examined ChPP from an employer and client perspective, including its use as an indicator of professional competence when selecting people to lead projects.
Stuart Oliver, Executive Director at WSP India, said chartered status provided a way for clients to identify project professionals who had demonstrated their capabilities against a recognised standard.
“If I’m looking for someone to manage my project, I want to go to the professional who’s an expert,” he said.
“ChPP status is what I’d be looking for as a client to give me the confidence that this person is the right person to manage my project.”
Oliver also distinguished chartered status from qualifications gained primarily through completing courses.
“Other qualifications are academic – they’re courses that people can attend. But the ChPP standard, due to the way that’s governed, is what I would be looking for to give me the confidence that someone has the right credibility. And it’s globally recognised.”
APM’s focus on India comes as the country’s economic development creates opportunities for project professionals across infrastructure and other sectors, increasing attention on the skills, professional standards and leadership capabilities required to manage increasingly complex portfolios and programmes.
