About CPFP
The purpose of the Certified Public Fleet Professional credential is to promote excellence in fleet management by advancing the knowledge and practice of public fleet professionals to benefit communities through quality fleet services.
Who Might Be a Public Fleet Professional?
For the experienced public fleet management professional, and for those with experience in the field who are interested in a credential that will promote a career in public fleet asset management services.
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Steps to Certification
Step 1: Eligibility and Preparation
Eligibility Requirements
To demonstrate eligibility, candidates must document the following.
- Completion of one of the following education and work experience pathways:
- High school graduation or equivalent and seven years of relevant work experience (with a minimum of four years in public fleet).
- Trade school certificate or associate degree and five years of experience (with a minimum of three years in public fleet).
- Bachelor’s degree or higher and three years of relevant work experience (with a minimum of two years in public fleet).
- Agreement in writing to adhere to the APWA Standards of Professional Conduct.
- Payment of the application fee.
Eligibility Application Process
- Complete and save the CPFP Eligibility Application.
- Email the completed digital version to certification@apwa.org.
- APWA will confirm receipt of the applications and notify the candidate of the status of their application via email within 20 business days.
- If proven eligible, the candidate will have 24 months (two years) to sit for the exam before having to requalify.
Eligibility Tools and Resources
Eligibility Application Fee
APWA Members: $195
Nonmembers: $245
Preparing for the Exam
The expectation for earning the CPFP is a minimum level of competence across all areas of public fleet management:
- Financial Management
- Fleet Operations
- Project Management
- Data/Asset Management
- Risk Mitigation
The CPFP Content Outline details the full list of tasks that are assessed on the exam. The candidate should use the CPFP Examination Self-Assessment Form to determine the areas for which additional study may be warranted and develop a study plan focusing on those areas.
No preparatory materials are prerequisites to earning APWA certifications, nor does review of the suggested materials provide any guarantees that the candidate will pass the exam. However, reviewing materials can refresh and improve the candidate's understanding of the processes and functions.
Preparation Tools and Resources
Step 2: Scheduling and Taking the Exam
Scheduling the Exam
- The candidate must sit for the CPFP exam prior to expiration of their eligibility period.
- Review the Exam Administration FAQs.
- Select the desired date from the available dates on the Certification Exam Schedule. The exam must be scheduled at least 30 days prior to the candidate's preferred exam date.
- The candidate should determine and secure the preferred location and proctoring administration. The exam can be administered directly to the candidate's place of employment or a testing center of their choosing.
- Complete and save the CPFP Exam Application.
- Email the completed digital version to certification@apwa.org.
- APWA will confirm receipt of the application and initiate discussions with the proctor to ensure they are trained, prepared, and software is loaded.
- The candidate and proctor will be notified of the specifics of the schedule within 10–14 days of the scheduled exam date.
Taking the Exam
- The computer-based, proctored exam consists of 130 multiple-choice questions and 20 unscored multiple-choice questions based on the CPFP Content Outline.
- The candidate is given a maximum of four hours to complete the exam.
Exam Tools and Resources
Exam Fee
Place of employment administration: $500
Testing center administration: $500 plus any testing center fees paid directly to the center
Step 3: Navigating Certification and Recertification
Congratulations! Earning the CPFP is a significant achievement.
Share the Success
A newly certified individual is encouraged to:
- Add their digital badge and certification to their LinkedIn profile.
- Share their accomplishment on social media.
- Add their credential to their name and signature on email, business cards, and social media profiles.
- Send a press release to their local paper.
- Write an article or record a testimonial.
Find Other CPFPs Using Our Interactive Map
Recertification
Certification is valid for five years. To maintain certification, the individual must complete a minimum of 100 credits (20 credits per year) earned through a combination of continuing education and contributions to the profession.
Applying for Recertification
Recertification requests must be initiated prior to the end of the individual's certification term. To recertify, the individual should:
- Track their progress via the CPFP Recertification Tracking Form.
- Complete and save the CPFP Recertification Application.
- Email the completed digital version to certification@apwa.org.
Recertification Tools and Resources
Recertification Application Fee
APWA Members: $195
Nonmembers: $245
CPFP Certification Spotlight On:
Gerald V. Byington, CPFP, City of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and member, APWA Fleet Management Committee
“Having the CPFP certification shows potential employers that you have gone through the steps and worked to become one of the best in your field.”
Questions About the Certification Programs?
Reach out to the Certification team at certification@apwa.org or by phone at 800-848-2792.
Please note: APWA Education is independent of APWA Certification. APWA certification programs are governed by the Certification Commission, a semi-independent certifying body of APWA. In adherence to certification industry standards, the Commission volunteers are independent and not involved in the development of preparatory programs.
Certification Program Governance