What is case writing?

Has memorizing the PMBOK ever helped you navigate a difficult stakeholder conversation or recover a project falling behind schedule? The Center of Applied Project Management uses case writing as a fundamentally different evaluation approach—one that proves you can actually do the work, not just recognise the right answer.

What is Case Writing?

Case writing is a detailed written submission where you document and analyze an actual project you've managed or contributed to significantly. It's your opportunity to demonstrate how you've applied the tools, frameworks, and knowledge from your coursework in real project management situations.

Unlike hypothetical scenarios or theoretical essays, case writing requires you to present authentic project experiences with concrete details: actual timelines, budget ranges, team sizes, stakeholder names and roles, and measurable outcomes. You're not writing about what a project manager should do—you're documenting what you actually did and why.

The case writing prompt is based directly on course content you've covered, such as project communication, stakeholder management, risk assessment, or other modules from your specific learning path. This ensures your submission demonstrates mastery of the concepts you were supposed to learn.

How Case Writing Evaluates Differently

Theoretical Knowledge vs. Practical Competence Traditional exams test whether you can identify the correct answer from multiple choices. Case writing proves you can apply concepts to complex, messy real-world situations where "textbook solutions" rarely work perfectly.

Memorization vs. Critical Thinking Multiple-choice exams reward memorization. Case writing requires you to reflect critically on your leadership approach, explain how your decisions influenced project success, and articulate what you learned through the process—including mistakes and course corrections.

Perfect Scenarios vs. Real Complexity Exam questions present clean scenarios with clear right answers. Case writing acknowledges that "Real-world projects are dynamic, hybrid and context-dependent"—you must demonstrate competence in navigating ambiguity, competing priorities, and imperfect information.

Generic Competence vs. Personal Growth Traditional exams prove you understand concepts in general. Case writing shows your personal journey as a project management professional—how you've grown, what challenges you've overcome, and how course concepts specifically influenced your approach to real problems.

Subject Matter Expert Evaluation Your case submission is evaluated by experienced project management professionals who understand the complexities of actual project work. They're looking for authentic problem-solving, stakeholder management skills, and business impact—not just whether you used the right terminology.

The Case Writing Process at Center of Applied PM

Step 1: Complete Your Online Questionnaire Your case writing assessment becomes available only after completing your online questionnaire. This ensures you've demonstrated foundational understanding before moving to applied competence evaluation.

Step 2: Receive Your Case Writing Prompt You'll receive a specific prompt based on course content, asking you to present a detailed case study showing how you've used particular concepts, frameworks, and tools in actual project work.

Step 3: Two-Month Submission Window Once you gain access to the case writing

assessment, you have two months to submit your case assignment. This provides ample time for thoughtful reflection and comprehensive documentation while maintaining momentum in your certification journey.

Step 4: Meet Core Requirements For CPM certification, your case must demonstrate that you:

• Have led at least one project from initiation through close, or played a senior leadership role across multiple phases of a complex project

• Understand the strategic objectives, constraints, and risks associated with the project(s) you managed

• Took ownership of key delivery outcomes, including planning, execution, team coordination, stakeholder engagement, and change management

• Can reflect critically on your leadership approach and explain how decisions influenced project success

Step 5: Submit for Evaluation Your submission is first screened for AI-generated content and plagiarism to ensure authenticity. It's then assigned to one of Applied PM's qualified assessors for thorough evaluation.

Step 6: Receive Results and Feedback The assessment process typically takes four to six weeks from submission to results. Your assessor evaluates whether you've demonstrated genuine understanding and practical application of course concepts.

Step 7: Resubmission Opportunities (If Needed) If your case writing doesn't meet required

standards initially, you have two additional opportunities to resubmit—three total attempts.

Each resubmission involves a minimal processing fee. Should your submission not pass after all attempts, you'll receive detailed feedback explaining what elements were missing or need improvement.

What Makes Case Writing Authentic

Real Project Experience Required You must write about an actual project where you had direct involvement—not theoretical scenarios, case studies from other sources, or projects you only observed. Applied PM evaluates your personal application of project management principles.

Specific Details Expected Authentic cases include concrete details like actual timelines, budget ranges, team sizes, stakeholder names/roles, and measurable outcomes. Vague or generic descriptions suggest theoretical rather than practical experience.

Learning Integration Essential You must clearly demonstrate how specific concepts from the course were applied in your project. Connect theoretical frameworks to real decisions you made or influenced.

Compelling Narrative Approach Your case should tell a story that showcases not just what you did, but why you made certain choices, how course concepts influenced your approach, and what you discovered through the process. Think of it as demonstrating your growth as a project management professional.

Red Flags Assessors Watch For

Your case will be scrutinized for authenticity. Red flags that indicate inauthentic submissions include:

• Overly perfect outcomes with no challenges or setbacks

• AI-plagiarized content

• Vague descriptions without specific details, dates, or numbers

• Generic stakeholder titles without industry context

• Theoretical language rather than personal experience narrative

• No mention of course concepts or learning application

The Philosophy Behind Case Writing

"The objective is to learn and get certified by tackling real-world challenges. Not just pass theoretical exams." Case writing embodies this philosophy by ensuring that certification proves genuine competence, not just exam-taking ability.

Applied PM's approach recognizes that the credential statement "I've done the work. Now I need a credential that reflects the level I've been operating at" requires evaluation methods that actually assess work you've done, not just concepts you've memorized.

The result? Your certification represents verified ability to apply project management concepts to real situations, make strategic decisions under pressure, and deliver business outcomes—competencies that matter far more than knowing which answer to circle on a theoretical test.