Ratified by the AAPM Global Board – 2025 Edition

The American Academy of Project Management (AAPM) is dedicated to elevating the global standards of project, program, and portfolio management.

The AAPM Fellowship recognizes professionals whose exemplary careers reflect mastery, measurable impact, and innovation in leading complex initiatives across industries and regions.

The Fellow of the American Academy of Project Management (FAAPM) designation is not a status granted by tenure—but a mark of international distinction earned through merit, peer validation, and sustained professional excellence.

The Fellowship exists to:

• Identify individuals who have expanded the frontiers of project governance, delivery excellence, and organizational performance.
   
• Celebrate leadership that integrates technical competence, strategic insight, and ethical stewardship.
   
• Build a global network of distinguished experts who mentor, research, and guide the future of project management practice and policy.
   

Nominees must demonstrate depth of experience, proven competence, and recognized professional stature.

A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in project, program, portfolio, or operations management, with documented responsibility for major outcomes, teams, or budgets.

A Master’s degree or higher (MBA, MSc, MPM, MA, DBA, PhD, or equivalent) or internationally recognized credentials such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, IPMA Level A/B, PgMP®, or AAPM-MPM.

• Leadership of significant or transformational projects or programs.
   
• Contribution to the field through frameworks, methodologies, standards, or published thought leadership.
   
• Recognition through awards, citations, keynote roles, or national/international honors.
   

Eligibility does not guarantee election; final evaluation rests with the Fellowship Review Panel.

• Candidates must be nominated by two (2) Fellows or Board Members in good standing.
   
• Nominations must clearly outline the nominee’s achievements, professional character, and leadership impact.
   

• A comprehensive curriculum vitae;
   
• A portfolio of evidence (publications, awards, case studies, innovations, etc.);
   
• Two letters of recommendation from recognized industry or academic authorities.
   

The AAPM Secretariat reviews all submissions for completeness prior to forwarding them to the Fellowship Review Panel (FRP).

1. The FRP consists of seven to nine distinguished Fellows from sectors including engineering, IT, construction, finance, energy, and academia.
    
2. Members are appointed by the Global Board for three-year renewable terms.
    
3. Each member must have an internationally recognized profile in leadership, governance, or major project execution.
    
4. All deliberations follow strict protocols for confidentiality, impartiality, and conflict-of-interest.
    
5. The CEO or Chair retains final authority to formally confer titles and honors.
    

Each nominee is evaluated on a 100-point matrix according to the following weighted domains:

Evaluation DomainWeightDescription1. Leadership & Execution Impact25%Successful delivery of complex or high-value initiatives demonstrating measurable organizational or societal benefit.2. Innovation & Technical Contribution20%Development or application of advanced tools, methods, or frameworks influencing the profession.3. Professional Recognition20%Awards, citations, keynote roles, or institutional recognition confirming peer respect.4. Service & Mentorship15%Contributions to education, standards development, or mentorship of emerging practitioners.5. Global Engagement & Influence20%International leadership, participation in global initiatives, or contributions to policy and cross-border standards. 

• Minimum overall score: 85/100
   
• No domain score below 70
   
• Final election requires a two-thirds affirmative vote of the full FRP
   

All decisions are documented in a signed assessment summary maintained in AAPM archives.

Candidates approved by the FRP and ratified by the Global Board shall:

• Be conferred the designation Fellow of the American Academy of Project Management (FAAPM)
   
• Receive an official Fellowship Citation detailing their recognized achievements
   
• Be listed in the International Register of Fellows, published annually
   
• Gain access to the Council of Fellows, serving as a strategic advisory group to global organizations and public institutions
   

Each Fellow commits to:

1. Uphold the AAPM Code of Ethics and Professional Standards.
    
2. Contribute to the discipline via mentorship, education, research, or advisory service.
    
3. Maintain high levels of professional excellence and global engagement.
    
4. Submit an annual professional activity declaration confirming continued contributions.
    

Failure to meet these standards may result in review or disciplinary action by the Ethics and Standards Committee.

1. The Council of Fellows shall oversee Fellowship affairs and provide strategic advice to the Global Board.
    
2. An Independent Verification Board (IVB) conducts annual audits to ensure fairness, transparency, and international compliance in selections.
    
3. Amendments to this Charter require a two-thirds supermajority vote of the Global Board and IVB ratification.
    

The AAPM Fellowship program adheres to:

• ISO 17024 (personnel competency certification)
   
• ISO 21001 (educational organization management systems)
   
• UNESCO Global Recognition Convention (2019) for international equivalence of qualifications
   

It is also aligned with U.S. 8 CFR § 204.5(h)(3)(ii)—criteria for associations requiring outstanding achievements evaluated by recognized experts.

Each Fellow receives:

• A Certificate of Fellowship bearing the Academy seal and authorized signatures
   
• A personalized citation describing the nature of their distinguished contribution
   
• Lifetime inclusion in the Council of Fellows Directory, updated annually and circulated internationally
   

Enacted this 30th day of October 2025
On behalf of the Global Board of Governors,
American Academy of Project Management (AAPM)

(Signed)
Global Chair | Secretary-General | Legal Counsel