Āpōpō is proud to announce that the Āpōpō Professional Practice Accreditation now aligns with the Global Certification Scheme governed by World Partners in Asset Management (WPiAM).
With one application you can gain both the New Zealand accreditation plus an international certification.
The Āpōpō accreditation scheme has been designed specifically for New Zealand’s infrastructure asset management workforce, drawing on our unique local context. Now, it also aligns with the Global Certification Scheme from WPiAM. That means when you apply for Āpōpō accreditation, you can minimise your effort for maximum benefit and also gain a certification that’s recognised globally – a wonderfully efficient way to demonstrate your capability both at home and abroad.
A Streamlined Pathway to Dual Accreditation
With a single application process, eligible candidates can be awarded both:
- Local Āpōpō accreditation – either Asset Management Associate (AMA) or Asset Management Chartered Professional (AMCP), and
- International GCS certification – one of five certifications, depending on your experience and competency.
The diagram below shows how New Zealand’s local accreditation sits alongside the internationally recognised GCS designations:
Note: The CEAM and CFAM certifications are awaiting final release from WPiAM.
This structure supports practitioners at every stage of their career – from those who are just getting started, to experienced professionals looking to validate their leadership and strategic contribution.
Built on Solid Foundations
Āpōpō Professional Practice Accreditation is underpinned by the Āpōpō Competency Framework, which integrates the GFMAM Asset Management Landscape with te ao Māori principles through our unique Pou Herenga competencies. This ensures the scheme is a holistic model tailored to Aotearoa New Zealand’s needs.
The assessment process includes:
- A structured self-assessment using the Competency Framework
- Narratives and/or supporting artefacts to demonstrate your competency
- Interviews with you and your referees, and
- A moderation process to ensure consistency and fairness.
Successful applicants must also commit to ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and the Āpōpō Code of Conduct, helping to raise the standard of practice across the profession.
Who is it For?
Whether you are new to asset management, an experienced practitioner, or in a leadership role, there is a level for you:
- AMA (Asset Management Associate) – for those building their career in asset management
- AMCP (Asset Management Chartered Professional) – for those with established experience and impactplus (optional)
- GCS Certifications – five internationally recognised certifications awarded through the same process.
You must be an Āpōpō member to apply, and both new and existing members are welcome to begin the process today.
Ready to Apply? Here’s How to Get Started
Applying for professional accreditation with Āpōpō is straightforward – and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
- Make sure you’re a current Āpōpō member
Only members are eligible to apply for Āpōpō accreditation. If you’re not already a member, you can join here. - Explore the Āpōpō Competency Framework
This is the foundation of your application. You’ll be asked to assess your own competency across relevant subjects, so take time to familiarise yourself with the Framework. It reflects both global technical standards and New Zealand’s local cultural context. Read the Āpōpō Competency Framework. - Review the competency requirements
Head to professionals.apopo.co.nz and look through the competency requirements for the accreditation level you’re aiming for. Then download the form as a Word document so you can work through it offline, at your own pace. - Gather your supporting material
This will include your CV and, depending on your experience level, might include project examples, narrative descriptions, or other artefacts that demonstrate your competency. You’ll also need to nominate referees who can speak to your skills and character. - Submit your completed application online
When you’re ready, return to the website, upload your documents, and pay the application fee. We’ll take it from there.
The Āpōpō team reviews your submission and assigns qualified assessors. The full process for AMCP applications takes around six weeks, depending on availability for interviews.
Already have an International Certification?
For those who have already been awarded a WPiAM certification, you can use this in your application for Āpōpō accreditation. We take your certification as proof of competency in the technical asset management areas, so you just need to complete the rest of the process. Details are available at professionals.apopo.co.nz/pathway.
Still Deciding Which Level is Right For You?
Feel free to get in touch, and we’ll assign you a staff member to provide help and support along the way.
This is an Advantage For You
This alignment between the local Āpōpō accreditation and the WPiAM Global Certification Scheme represents a major step forward for infrastructure asset management professionals in Aotearoa. It brings international recognition to our local workforce, without compromising the uniquely New Zealand values and context that underpin our profession.
For the first time, you can gain both local and global recognition through one streamlined process – saving time, demonstrating your credibility, and opening doors across industries and borders.
Check out the details at professionals.apopo.co.nz
