Accredited Parking Organization (APO) Program
When you become an Accredited Parking Organization (APO), your organization will gain recognition and greater credibility.
What is APO?
Accreditation is regarded as one of the key benchmarks for measuring quality. Accredited Parking Organization (APO) is a designation for parking organizations that have achieved a comprehensive standard of excellence. Launched in 2015 by IPMI, the accreditation recognizes best practices in responsible parking management and operations, access management, customer service, professional development, security, and more.
To become an APO, an organization must demonstrate its commitment to ongoing evaluation and improvement of program outcomes through the implementation of industry best practices. The APO with Distinction designation is reserved for organizations exceeding the standard.
Spotlight on APOs
Hear from the organizations that have achieved APO accreditation. Organizations share their experience and recognition through APO Spotlights.
Resource Center
- Eligibility: Facilities interested in becoming APOs can download the APO Manual For Applicants, May 2019 Edition, which outlines the criteria and process to take your organization to the next level.
- Process & Timeline: For a snapshot of the APO Program, download Overview: How to Become an Accredited Parking Organization or request a copy of the APO matrix.
- How to Apply & Cost: Download the APO Manual For Applicants, May 2019 Edition for more information on pricing and how to apply.
- Application & Payment: Fill out the online form or download the PDF form and email it to apo@parking-mobility.org.
- Locate an APO Site Reviewer: Learn about the role of an APO Site Reviewer and reference the roster of approved APO Site Reviewers.
- Become an APO Site Reviewer: Interested in becoming an APO Site Reviewer? View the course description and training schedule. Currently enrolling registrants for a new, online, blended learning course September 2019. Find out more here.
- Renew your APO Site Reviewer Certification: APO Site Reviewers who have a 2019 expiration must renew by December 31, 2019. Click here to access the 2019 APO Site Reviewer Renewal course.
- Leadership: The APO Board provides strategic guidance as well as oversight for the APO Program.
Anne Guest, Director (ret.), Missoula Parking Commission, reflects on what successful pursuit of APO meant for her organization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is accreditation?
What is APO?
Why earn APO?
What is APO with Distinction?
- Meet the 25 required criteria and 80 percent of all other criteria for Accreditation.
- Meet 80 percent of the APO with Distinction criteria in Section 1 of the APO Matrix.
If an organization has earned Accreditation, and would like to pursue APO with Distinction, this can be submitted for approval during the three-year accreditation period.
Are there required criteria for APO?
What if my organization cannot meet the required criteria?
How do I receive a copy of the APO Matrix?
How much does accreditation cost?
Service: Application Fee
IPMI Member Fees: $250
Non-Member Fees: $750
Due Date: Due to IPMI with application.
Service: Accreditation Fee
IPMI Member Fees: $2,500
Non-Member Fees: $4,500
Due Date: Due to IPMI when you are ready to submit your completed documentation.
Service: Additional Premier Facility *Fee applies to the fourth and any additional facilities.
IPMI Member Fees: $500
Non-Member Fees: $500
Due Date: Due to IPMI with the Accreditation Fee.
Service: Site Reviewer*
IPMI Member Fees: Negotiated with APO Site Reviewer.
Non-Member Fees: Negotiated with APO Site Reviewer.
Due Date: According to agreement with contracted site reviewer.
Service: Renewal Fee
IPMI Member Fees: $1,500
Non-Member Fees: $3,000
Due Date: Upon notification.
*IPMI recommends that applicants budget a minimum of $5,000 for reviewer fees, report, travel, and expenses for a two-day, on-site meeting and review. Each organization is unique and may require a customized approach, depending on the level of accreditation sought, the scale and scope of the applicant, and the number of sites to be reviewed
What is a Premier Facility?
The Accreditation Fee includes three Premier Facilities. These facilities are selected by the applicant, and reviewed and documented according to the matrix by the selected Site Reviewer. Applicants are permitted to apply for additional premier facilities.
How do I pay for the APO application fee, accreditation fee and renewal fee?
How long does a site visit last?
Will the site reviewer communicate his or her decision to the applicant?
How long does the process take after full documentation is submitted?
How will applicants be notified of the decision?
How often do programs need to renew their accreditation? Is the renewal process different than the application process?
After the first three-year cycle and successful renewal for the second three-year period, a full examination of documents, site review, and recommendation will be necessary to re-award the APO designation.
My organization is currently accredited. How do I change our contact information or add or delete staff members?
Does my organization have to be an IPMI member to be accredited?
Can IPMI provide me with an invoice or statement on letterhead so we can submit a request for the accreditation application fee?
How do I become an IPMI APO site reviewer?
My question was not answered here.
Questions? Contact us at apo@parking-mobility.org or 571.699.3011. To request a copy of the APO matrix, complete this form.