Walking the Talk: Why I pursued APMP Professional Certification
Written by Railene Turner, CPP APMP
There’s an art and a science to proposal management. That’s what I love about this profession—it’s strategic and challenging, dynamic, and rewarding. I didn’t set out to work in this field, but I fell into it and never looked back. We sit at the crossroads of communication, collaboration, and commercial insight. We influence business outcomes, guide strategy, and deliver value. And yet, for all the knowledge and experience we bring, there’s always more to learn.
That’s why I pursued APMP Professional Certification—the third and highest level of accreditation offered by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals. It wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was an intentional step in my growth as a practitioner, leader, and mentor in this field.
What It Involves
For those unfamiliar, APMP’s certification path moves from Foundation to Practitioner to Professional. Each tier reflects a deepening understanding of the discipline and a growing ability to lead and influence others.
The Foundation Certification is a multiple-choice, open-book exam that tests base-level knowledge and understanding of best-practice proposal management principles.
The Practitioner Certification is a more challenging 2.5-hour scenario-based, open-book exam, requiring candidates to interpret complex situations, apply judgement, and demonstrate a strong grasp of process and context.
The Professional Certification consists of three parts:
1. A Professional Reference – your chosen referee completes a formal reference, rating you across nine behavioural and attitude-based competencies.
2. A Professional Impact Paper – a structured, evidence-based paper of your choosing, designed to demonstrate your impact on your organisation or profession. It must align with specific criteria, and you need to score at least 41 out of 48 points to pass.
3. A Panel Interview – if your paper is successful, you’re invited to a virtual panel. You’ll present your impact paper in 20 minutes, followed by a 25-minute Q&A session.
This is a thorough process that assesses more than just technical skills. It measures your ability to communicate strategically, lead teams, manage senior stakeholders, and drive commercial outcomes. You must provide both qualitative and quantitative evidence of your impact.
It’s rigorous, and rightly so. You’re required to reflect on your achievements, articulate them clearly, and demonstrate real, measurable influence. That alone is a powerful development exercise.
What I Learned
One of the biggest lessons through this journey was just how much value we create that often goes unrecognised—by others and, sometimes, by ourselves. The certification process forced me to zoom out and assess the broader impact of my work: the strategies I’ve led, the efficiencies I’ve driven, the teams I’ve coached, and the outcomes I’ve influenced.
I learned how to speak the language of impact more fluently. It’s one thing to know you’re good at what you do; it’s another to be able to demonstrate that in a structured, evidence-based way.
It also deepened my appreciation for the proposal profession itself. We are change agents, problem solvers, and storytellers. We shape the way organisations win work and grow. That’s not an admin task—it’s a strategic function.
How It’s Making a Difference
Attaining Professional Certification has reinforced the importance of advocating for best practice, even when it's uncomfortable. And it’s helped open new doors—for influence, for leadership, and for mentoring others on their journey.
It also delivers real value to my clients. They benefit from a more structured, strategic, and outcomes-focused approach—grounded in globally recognised standards and continuously refined through professional development.
As someone who actively mentors proposal professionals at various career stages, this certification is also about integrity. If I’m encouraging others to pursue growth, challenge themselves, and reach higher, I should be doing the same. Walking the talk matters.
Why It’s Worth It
For anyone considering the APMP Professional Certification: yes, it’s challenging. Yes, it requires time and reflection. But it’s absolutely worth it.
It validates your expertise and codifies your knowledge. It differentiates you in a competitive market. More importantly, it invites you into a global community of professionals who are committed to excellence. You don’t just have the certification—you become part of something bigger.
It also sends a message: Proposal management isn’t just a stepping-stone or support role. It’s a career in its own right, deserving of investment, development, and recognition. The more of us who pursue and promote this standard, the stronger our profession becomes.
Final Thoughts
At its core, being certified satisfies two of my deepest professional drivers: my commitment to my own development, and my commitment to the development of others. This certification was never about a title—it was about what it represents: mastery, momentum, and meaningful contribution.
To those still on the path—keep going. Whether you’re at Foundation, Practitioner, or eyeing the Professional level, every step is a step forward. And to those already certified—use it. Use it to elevate your teams, your organisation, and the profile of our profession.
Proposal management is a career worth fighting for. Let’s raise the standard—together.
