Eligibility « GPCI

Eligibility

The GPC examination is designed as a test for a “generalist” who 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:
1.      Education
2.      Experience
3.      Professional Development
4.      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.

Eligibility Criteria to take the GPC Certification Examination * indicates minimum requirement
EDUCATION		GRANT-RELATED EXPERIENCE		PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT		COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Post Secondary Education from an accredited institution		Minimum experience required		Must be grant related Recognized Professional Development Activities. Member of professional organization (e.g. GPA, AFP, NGMA). Attendance at training (e.g., Grantsmanship Center, Management Concepts, Grants USA). Attendance at Conference (e.g. GPA, AFP). Academic coursework at accredited institution. Speaker at conference. Author. Contributor to Journal or other publication. Note: The above must occur within past two years		Does not have to be grant-related. Recognized community involvement activities: Serve on a board of directors. Provide pro bono work. Serve a volunteer (20 hours a year). Must occur within past two years.
		Employment
		Employed as a practitioner (developer or manager), educator or trainer. Self-employed as a consultant, mentor, practitioner, educator or trainer. * MINIMUM YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT TO SATISFY ELIGIBILITY IS THREE YEARS. Note: Employment must occur within the past five years.
		Grant Development
		* MINIMUM NUMBER OF GRANTS TO SATISFY ELIGIBILITY IS FIVE (5) GRANTS. Note: Successful grants must have been awarded in past seven years.
Point System
EDUCATION	Pts	EXPERIENCE	Pts	PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT	Pts	COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT	Pts
AA/AS degree	20	Five grant awards and three years experience in the field	50	Each activity will receive points as noted here: 3 hours/half day 6 hours/full day Multiday	5 10 20	Each activity	10
BA/BS degree or higher	40	Each additional grant or year of employment	10
Maximum Allowable Points	40	Maximum Allowable Points	70	Maximum Allowable Points	40	Maximum Allowable Points	20

Following online registration, the candidate will be instructed to submit an Eligibility Packet, which should demonstrate specific experiences in three of the four categories (education, grant-related experience, professional development and/or community involvement). The form for submitting the packet may be found by downloading the Eligibility Packet.

If you have questions about the Eligibility Packet – please download the Eligibility Packet Frequently Asked Questions.

Affidavit – Prior to the examination, the candidate will sign an Affidavit that all representations in the application process were truthful, assuring adherence to the GPA Code of Ethics and understanding that ongoing professional development is necessary to maintain GPC certification.

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