How India is Redefining Project Management: The AppliedPM & CPI Partnership
- appliedpm
- Sep 7
- 2 min read
India's project management landscape is about to experience a significant transformation. With billions invested in infrastructure, technology, and large scale initiatives, the need for competent, future ready projects leaders has never been greater. In this context,The Centre of Applied Project Management (AppliedPM), launched by ARC Pune in September 2024, has partnered with the prestigious US-based Center for Project Innovation (CPI) to bring world-class project management education and certification to Indian professionals.
This alliance combines world-class expertise with local insight, providing Indian professionals with a powerful opportunity to rise as internationally recognised project leaders. They can deliver measurable results in complex, high-stakes environments.
The Center for Project Innovation: Global Authority, Proven Impact
The Center for Project Innovation (CPI) is a leading authority in project management standards and certification frameworks in the United States. With years of experience developing proven certification methodologies, CPI has established credibility through rigorous assessment standards and real-world application focus. Their certifications are recognized for producing professionals who don't just pass exams—they deliver successful projects.
CPI is providing its global standards, expertise, and certification framework to help make this vision a reality in India, bringing the same quality and rigor that has made their certifications respected in the US market.
The Centre of Applied Project Management: Global Meets Local
The Centre of Applied Project Management represents a groundbreaking approach to project management education in India. This ARC initiative brings together internationally recognized, U.S accredited project certifications with real-world learning designed specifically for the Indian market.
CAPM offers three comprehensive certification levels designed for career progression:
CPO (Certified Project Officer): For those starting their first project
CPM (Certified Project Master): For leaders managing teams and complexity
CPD (Certified Project Director): For executives driving strategic portfolios
Unlike many certification systems that remain theory-heavy, CAPM emphasizes hands-on learning, experiential case studies, and real-world application. This ensures participants not only gain certifications but also the confidence and capability to lead projects effectively.
The Indian Project Management Gap
This partnership addresses a critical gap in the Indian market. Many professionals invest in certifications that offer credibility without capability. Fees can be high, completion rates for online programs remain low, and organizations often continue to miss deadlines, budgets, and strategic goals despite having "certified" staff.
AppliedPM addresses these issues by combining CPI's proven certification framework with ARC's deep understanding of local business realities. This means Indian project managers get:
Global Recognition: US accredited certifications with international credibility
Local Relevance: Programs designed for Indian business contexts and challenges
Practical Focus: Real-world application rather than theoretical knowledge
Career Progression: Clear pathway from entry-level to executive project leadership
Proven Results: Assessment methods that ensure actual competency development
A Mission to Get Projects "Done"
The Centre of Applied Project Management, officially launched in July 2025, exists to help professionals take projects to the finish line — to "Done." This partnership is not just another certification offering. It is a commitment to reinvent the way India manages projects, bringing international best practices into local contexts while nurturing a new generation of project leaders.
For Indian project managers ready to advance their careers with globally recognized, practically focused certifications, this partnership opens doors to world-class project management education right at home.
Learn more about CAPM programs at appliedpm.org
