The APMG PPP Certification Program: Q&A with Abdul Nafi Sarwari

The APMG PPP Certification Program enables participants to take their skills to the next level, and the Certified PPP Professional (CP3P) credential is a means to officially convey that expertise and ability.

At the core of the program is the PPP Guide, a comprehensive Body of Knowledge that distills globally agreed-upon definitions, concepts, and best practices on PPPs. The program is an innovation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), and the World Bank Group (WBG), with financial support from the Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF).

Whether you’re thinking about signing up, or already enrolled, in this series we share some insight from practitioners who have already passed the test. This week, we caught up with Abdul Nafi Sarwari, a Senior Financial & Economic Specialist for PPPs with the Central Partnership Authority within Afghanistan’s Ministry of Finance. Read his answers below.

This is a unique certification program because it focuses on public-private partnerships (PPPs) and because it provides training and self-study testing to attain certification. What led you to pursue the CP3P credential?

As a senior finance specialist working on PPPs, it’s very essential to understand the core concepts behind the financial structure of PPPs. I pursued CP3P certification to gain that in-depth knowledge and also to learn about project bankability and viability. Additionally, the CP3P certification program is a complete package for new learners to elevate their PPP knowledge and understand the PPP standards followed across the globe.

Would you advise your peers to register, and why? 

I strongly recommend the CP3P certification for my peers, civil servants working with PPPs, and others interested in learning more about PPPs. The program is rich and designed in a practical manner, which will enable you to understand standard PPP practices used around the globe. It will also enrich your technical expertise.

Please tell us more about your career. How do you plan to incorporate what you’ve learned?

Within the newly established PPP Unit, it’s my responsibility to analyze the financial viability of PPP projects and bring technical issues to the top management to make appropriate decisions. Acquiring the CP3P foundation-level certificate has improved my understanding of critical financial issues that need to be considered for the purpose of decision-making. It will also enable me to provide better technical support to my organization in the area of financial and economic assessments of PPP projects.

As someone who has already passed the foundation-level certification exam, what advice could you share with people who are studying for it right now? 

I strongly recommend studying the course material carefully and taking the sample test to familiarize yourself with the exam structure. One thing more: don’t waste too much time on tricky questions, try your best to answer all the questions.

Any other test preparation tips? 

You don’t need to memorize all the course material. Instead, try to understand the rationale behind the key concepts.

Ready to Register?

PPP certification leads to fruitful project preparation and implementation. To register, visit the APMG Public-Private Partnerships Certification Program website, where you will find the free and downloadable APMG International’s CP3P training course. You can book your exam up to one year in advance. The 40-minute multiple-choice test can be taken online or in person at one of several Accredited Training Organizations. If you have any questions, please contact partnerships@apmg-international.com.

 

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