A Refreshed PPP Guide and Updated Exams

Refreshed PPP Guide and Updated Exams Announced

The World Bank Group is preparing to launch a refreshed edition of the PPP Guide, alongside updated certification exams - an important milestone for the global PPP community.

First published in 2016, the PPP Guide was authored by many of the world’s leading PPP experts, with strong contributions from multilateral development banks (MDBs). Since then, it has become a cornerstone reference for PPP practitioners worldwide and the foundation of the official PPP certification program (CP3P).

Recognizing the significant evolution in PPP practice over the past decade, the World Bank Group has undertaken a comprehensive review and update of the Guide to ensure it continues to reflect current realities, emerging priorities, and global best practice.

Why the PPP Guide Has Been Updated

Since the original publication of the Guide and the launch of the certification program, the PPP landscape has changed in meaningful ways. Issues such as climate resilience, sustainability, and gender inclusion now play a much more central role in how PPPs are designed, assessed, and implemented.

The refreshed Guide has been reviewed and updated by a dedicated team of PPP specialists, drawing on feedback from MDBs, trainers, and other stakeholders across regions. The result is an updated resource that strengthens the Guide’s relevance while preserving its core structure and rigor.

What’s New in the Refreshed Guide?

Stronger Integration of Climate and Sustainability Considerations

Climate-related risks and resilience are now explicitly embedded throughout the PPP lifecycle. The updated Guide emphasizes:

• Early assessment of climate-related challenges and risks
• Integration of sustainability and resilience into project planning, procurement, and implementation
• Clear linkages between risk assessment and contingency planning

This reflects the growing expectation that PPPs contribute not only to infrastructure delivery, but also to long-term climate resilience and sustainable development outcomes.

Greater Emphasis on Gender and Social Inclusion

Gender considerations are now more systematically addressed across the Guide. This includes:

• Stronger focus on understanding the needs of vulnerable and underserved communities

• Recognition of how infrastructure design and service delivery can affect different population groups

• Clear articulation of the benefits of incorporating gender-sensitive approaches into PPP projects

These enhancements align PPP practice more closely with inclusive development objectives.

A Refined Approach to Value for Money (VfM)

The Value for Money framework has been updated to reflect evolving practice. Key enhancements include:

• Greater emphasis on early-stage VfM assessments to improve project selection

• Increased recognition of qualitative dimensions of VfM, beyond purely fiscal metrics

• Stronger links between VfM, risk allocation, and contingency planning

VfM is now positioned more clearly as a holistic concept that supports better long-term outcomes.

Broader Global Best Practice

The refresh incorporates emerging best practices from a wider range of countries, including approaches increasingly adopted in emerging markets and developing economies. There is also a stronger emphasis on full-lifecycle thinking, spanning planning, procurement, implementation, operations, and handback.

Streamlined Structure

To improve clarity and reduce duplication:

• Chapters on Strategy, Delivery, Commissioning, Operations, and Handback have been streamlined

• Former Chapters 7 and 8 have been merged

• The refreshed Guide will now consist of seven chapters

A Clearer, More User-Friendly Design

In addition to content updates, the Guide has been redesigned to provide a more professional, accessible, and user-friendly experience for readers and learners.

When Will the Updated Guide and Exams Be Launched?

The World Bank Group, together with supporting MDBs, is currently finalizing launch plans for the refreshed Guide and updated exams. Official announcements, including supporting activities, will be made shortly.

Once confirmed dates and details are available, these will be shared with the wider PPP and Authorized Training Organization (ATO) community.

Should You Wait Before Training or Taking Exams?

In short: no.

Training providers and candidates can continue to deliver and sit the current CP3P exams with full confidence. The existing content remains valid, relevant, and aligned with core PPP principles.

Importantly:

• The refreshed Guide represents an evolution, not a replacement, of the existing framework

• Successful candidates under the refreshed exams will receive the same digital badge as before

• There will be no bridging courses or top-up exams

Candidates already partway through their certification journey can transition seamlessly:

• Those who have passed Foundation can proceed to Preparation and Execution

• Those who have passed Foundation and Preparation may opt to sit the refreshed Execution exam once it launches, with no additional requirements

Looking Ahead

The refreshed PPP Guide reinforces the global PPP community’s commitment to quality, sustainability, inclusiveness, and long-term value. It ensures that practitioners are equipped with guidance that reflects today’s challenges while remaining grounded in proven PPP fundamentals.

Further details on the launch will be shared soon. Until then, the community can continue building capacity and delivering PPPs with confidence - knowing that continuity, clarity, and relevance remain at the heart of the CP3P program.