The GPC exam is a generalist test designed for the individual who demonstrates mastery and experience. It is not considered an entry-level exam so a GPC exam candidate should not need to spend a great deal of time studying or preparing. However, studying and reviewing materials may be helpful if you specialize in one area (i.e., you only write federal proposals and not foundation proposals) and need to enhance your knowledge in other areas.

Competencies and Skills

The GPC Exam is based on the Competencies and Skills developed and continually updated by subject matter experts within the field. It is intended to give employers and contractors an objective view of a grant professional for hire. A review of this document and the skills listed will provide value insight to the types of questions that will appear on the exam.

GPCI Literature Review

The GPCI Literature Review may be helpful to GPC candidates looking to refresh knowledge or fill experience gaps in the grants field. This review contains general grant information as well as a list of books, journal articles and websites that may be of interest.  Please make sure to allow enough time to review all these resources.

Michael Wells, author and grants consultant, originally prepared the GPCI Literature Review as a tool in developing the credentialing examination and has recently updated it for use by grant professionals who wish to refresh their knowledge prior to taking the exam.

Study Guide

A number of GPC Candidates have asked us about a study guide. GPCI does not promote any specific study guide related to the exam. One of the outcomes of GPC Study Group sessions organized by various GPA chapters and other grants groups as they worked together to prepare for the exam is the development of study materials – some formal, some not-so-formal. One set of these materials has been published and is now available for sale in the Grant Professionals Association Store.  Because examinees have asked us for information, we have provided it, however, to be clear, this is not a requirement for taking the exam, nor is this an endorsement of the materials themselves. We are simply pointing to what currently is the only publicly available study guide created to address the GPC Exam. Should other publications become available, we will make those known to you, to the best of our ability.

For more information about the exam, please email exam@grantcredential.org.