Public Participation Certification Program

Become an IAP2 USA Certified Public Participation Professional!

The assessment process was developed by a Task Force of IAP2 members from USA, Canada, and South Africa in consultation with our membership. Thank you to our volunteers for making this happen! 

The program offers two levels of certification: Certified Public Participation Professional (CP3) and Master Certified Public Participation Professional (MCP3). The CP3 designation is awarded upon successfully completing a three-step assessment based on 5 Core Competencies. The MCP3 is an application process that responds to mandatory and optional criteria. You may apply for MCP3 Certification after obtaining CP3 Certification.

Interested? Take a look at the Professional Certification Program, Policies, & Procedures Manual


2024 CP3 Assessment Centers


2025 CP3 Assessment Centers

Assessment Center dates will be confirmed once we have received a sufficient number of applications to proceed. Tentative dates are listed below. Please check back for updates or contact us for further information.

2025 Application Deadlines:

  • January 9, 2025
  • May 1, 2025
  • August 14, 2025

Tentative 2025 Assessment Center Dates:

  • May 2-3, 2025
  • August 22-23, 2025
  • December 5-6, 2025

Cost:

  • $300 CP3 Application
  • $450 Case Study Review
  • $2,150 CP3 Assessment Center process
  • $425 MCP3 Application

    For More Information

    If you are still wondering “What exactly is professional certification?” and why it is different from the 5-Day Foundations (formerly Certificate) training then read all about it in this blog and WATCH a video from our Certification Taskforce Chair, Wendy Lowe.

    Wondering what the process is like and why you might choose to become certified? We encourage you to listen to Steven Wolf, an IAP2 USA Master Certified Public Participation Professional. Learn why he applied and the value he sees in professional certification.

    Questions?

    Please review the kit and FAQ carefully and let us know if you have any questions before applying. Contact us at Info@iap2usa.org – We would be pleased to help.

    We look forward to your participation in this exciting new program!

     Review the 2024 Information Kit and Frequently Asked Questions document
    ►  Review the Core Competencies - evaluation is based on meeting these 5 criteria
    ►  Download and review the CP3 Application

    ►  Download and review the MCP3 Application and Quality Standards
    ►  To learn more about the process, watch the Professional Certification Informational Webinar

    P2 Objectives Webinar P2 Objectives: Why they are essential in professional certification and how to prove you have the required capabilities


    Certification Scholarship Available

    The Debra Duerr Memorial Scholarship is available to eligible P2 practitioners. 

    Thank you to our donors for making this possible!

    More information   Scholarship Application 


    IAP2 USA Certified Public Participation Professionals

     

    Elaine Asal, CP3

    Principal | Senior Associate Strategy Director, Gensler
    Baltimore, Maryland



    Sara Dechter, CP3, AICP

    Comprehensive Planning Manager, City of Flagstaff, AZ
    Flagstaff, AZ

                Learn More


    Theresa Gunn, MCP3

    President at Gunn Communications, Inc
    Phoenix, AZ

    Learn More

    Leah Jaramillo, CP3

    Vice President, Public Engagement Professional
    Salt Lake City, UT

    Learn More


    Doug Sarno, MCP3

    President, Forum Facilitation Group
    Washington, D.C.


    Learn More



    Allison Wong, CP3

    Community Engagement Manager, Designing Justice + Designing Spaces
    Los Angeles, CA




    Susanne Bankhead, CP3

    Senior Vice President of Client Affairs, JPW Communications
    Carlsbad, CA


    Tina Geiselbrecht, CP3

    Research Scientist, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
    Austin, TX

    Learn More


    Cassie Hemphill, CP3

    President at ConfluenceTraining
    Missoula, MT


    Learn More

    Wendy Lowe, CP3

    Owner, P2 Solutions
    Idaho Falls, ID


    Learn More


    Catherine Smith, CP3

    Partner, CityWorks People + Places 
    San Diego, CA


    Learn More

    Steve Wolf, MCP3

    Chief, Public Affairs Office, US Army Corps of Engineers - Omaha District

    Omaha, NE 

    Learn More

    Chris Cannon, CP3

    Senior Principal Consultant of Community Engagement, UrbanTrans North America
    Atlanta, GA

    John Godec, MCP3

    Expert Communication Strategist and Facilitator
    Phoenix, AZ

    Learn More


    Maddie Hughes, CP3

    Urban Planner and Public Engagement Consultant, Shockey Consulting Services
    Kansas City, MO


    Patti Lux, CP3

    Director of Communications & Engagement, Sun Prairie Area School District
    Sun Prairie, WI



    Ken Smith, CP3

    Principal p2 Practitioner, Public Participation Matters 

    Gauteng, South Africa

    Professional Certification Webinar
    An Introduction

    Review the Certification process. Learn from the Assessors what they are looking for when you apply. They want you to be successful and they have included tips in this information webinar:


    Download the Powerpoint


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