Professional Designation

The Certified Public Participation Professional (CP3) Program is a professional designation available to IAP2 Canada members. The CP3 and MCP3 designations prove, through independent assessment, that you have demonstrated the basic knowledge and skills required to perform the role of public participation (P2) professional. IAP2 created the Certification Program in response to requests by members and practitioners around the globe for a professionalization of the field and standards for practitioners. 

The first step in the Program is a confirmation that you have the skills required to meet the Five Core Competencies. This evidence based assessment ensures that you meet IAP2's standards as a professional in the field.

Professional certification requires a formal and independent assessment that an individual meets industry-defined standards for performance. CP3s and MCP3s are required to submit a recertification application for review by an Assessor every three years.

Applications for future CP3 designation processes will be announced when in the near future.

Following our recent announcement about the review of the Certified Public Participation Professional (CP3) designation program by IAP2 Canada, we are excited to share the next step in our mission to uphold our dedication towards ensuring professional development and certification for our members.

We are thrilled to announce a partnership with IAP2 USA, aimed at supporting our Canadian CP3 and MCP3 candidates on their journey to achieving the CP3 or MCP3 certification. In recognition of our shared commitment to fostering growth and excellence in our field, we have established an equivalency agreement with IAP2 USA on the CP3 and MCP3 designations. This partnership will allow Canadian CP3 and MCP3 candidates to continue their certification journey seamlessly through IAP2 USA while IAP2 Canada continues to review its CP3 program.

All Canadian candidates who successfully complete their CP3 or MCP3 designation through IAP2 USA will be recognized by IAP2 Canada. Canadian candidates who achieve their designation through an IAP2 USA certification process will maintain their designation through IAP2 Canada.

This collaboration signifies our unwavering commitment to nurturing professional development within the public participation community, opens up new opportunities and fosters collaboration between professionals across borders, promoting the highest standards of practice in public participation.

The CP3 Program offers two levels of professional designation: