The GPC examination is designed as a “generalist” test. A “generalist” is defined in broad terms as a person who is experienced and competent in the fundamentals of grantsmanship. The “generalist” designation represents the minimum standards required to successfully develop, prepare and manage a grant activity. Generalists may (and often do) possess proficiency at the mastery or distinguished level. This examination, though, does not provide data to distinguish a generalist from a master grants professional.
Successful candidates will require minimum knowledge and skills related to all aspects of grant development and management, including but not limited to such areas as grant preproduction, grant construction, public sector funding, private sector funding, ethics and grant accountability.
In order to successfully pass the GPC examination, GPCI believes that the candidate must bring to the test a slate of prerequisite professional qualifications. These qualifications, described as criteria in the chart below, represent four professional areas:
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Education
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Experience
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Professional Development
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Community Involvement.
Test eligibility is based on a point system that reflects these four professional areas. The minimum number of points needed for eligibility is 120 points. This point system requires a successful candidate to have specific experience or activity in three of the four categories. Only one category, “experience” has a minimum required threshold that must be satisfied for eligibility.
Find more detail and examples in the charts below. Also, for more specifics on how to document your qualifications, refer to the Eligibility Packet Template.