CAPP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Have you seen the CAPP ad in The Parking Professional and wondered what it's all about? Is someone in your organization a CAPP? Maybe you're aware that CAPP is the certification program developed in conjunction with the University of Virginia but you're not sure what it entails? Have you requested the CAPP application packet from the website but you still have questions after reviewing it? Or, maybe you're in the process of completing your application and there are some loose ends before you submit? This is the list of the most frequently asked questions about the program to assist you in everything from getting your application completed, submitted and accepted through what steps you need to take to sit for your exam.If you still have questions after reading the information below, please contact Lauri Chudoba at 540.371.7535 x24 or chudoba@parking.org.
What is the CAPP Program?
The Certified Administrator of Public Parking (CAPP) Program is designed to provide continuous information and training to parking and transportation professionals, increase the body of knowledge and establish a benchmark of excellence for the industry, and provide a means by which parking and transportation professionals may demonstrate their proficiency and be recognized by their peers.
It is a process of submitting your application, having the Review Committee decision the amount of points you will begin the program with (a minimum of 18 points) and then beginning to attend the required courses: two (2) five-day conference sessions (parking specific and management) worth 20 points each and three (3) two-day seminars (design maintenance, media and enforcement) offered every February and October (all worth 15 points each). Once you have accumulated 100 points, you may sit for the exam.
Once you have passed the exam, you will earn the CAPP designation and then maintain your three-year certification with minimum requirements and point accumulation.
What is IPI?
The International Parking Institute (IPI) is a non-profit member organization for professionals who maintain any aspect of parking and transportation. The IPI provides leadership, information and education while leading and connecting professionals in a dynamic multi-modal world. You can learn more information by visiting us at www.parking.org and clicking on "About IPI". Membership information can be found from our homepage by clicking on "Membership Services". Or, you can click "Join IPI" in "Membership Services" or on the sidebar and complete the online form.
IPI hosts the largest international parking conference and exposition each year featuring educational sessions pertaining to current parking trends and issues. The exposition is the largest in the world featuring more than 120 exhibiting companies from manufacturers and operators to consultants and planners. For information about our upcoming conference, please visit www.parking.org/conference.
IPI publishes the monthly magazine, The Parking Professional, provides on-site training for front-line staff, keeps you up-to-date with upcoming events on our parking calendar, and hosts an awards program for newly-built and/or renovated parking garages as well as the annual Professional Recognition Awards for excellence in our employees. We also provide networking with your local State & Regional Allied Associations, as well as having several publications pertaining to the parking and transit industry for sale.
It is not required that you be a member of IPI in order to progress through the CAPP Program but there are member and non-member fees associated with each CAPP event which could save you/your organization significant funds in the long run with membership benefits.
How do I get a CAPP application?
CAPP applications can be downloaded by clicking the link "Download CAPP Forms" at the bottom of any of the CAPP pages. You can also request that a complete informational packet be mailed to you by completing the form on the page "Request CAPP Info" at the bottom of the page.
What do I do once I receive the application?
Complete the entire Personal Data Form (PDF) with your information. Be sure to include a copy of your degree, current job description, copies of any awards or recognition you may have received as well as copies of badges or paid invoices from any IPI (or non-IPI) seminars or conferences you have attended in the last five (5) years. It would be helpful to include the handouts from any presentations that you may have given or copies of any articles you may have had published. Don't forget to sign the application on the last page and keep a copy of your submitted application for your records. Submit one (1) original hard copy document via USPS mail or, send the whole application electronically (along with your non-refundable application fee) to Lauri Chudoba at chudoba@parking.org. For mailing via USPS, please send to:
Committee on Professional Certification
c/o International Parking Institute
P.O. Box 7167
Fredericksburg, VA 22404-7167
What happens once my application is received by IPI?
When your application is received by IPI it is reviewed to determine if all necessary documentation has been included and if you have a minimum of 18 points to be considered to begin the program. It is then sent to the Application Review Committee for final decision.
What if I'm not accepted into the program?
If you are denied acceptance into the program at this time, you will be notified via written correspondence as to the reason(s) and the appropriate course of action in order to become accepted at a later date. Your application fee will not be refunded, however, if you choose to resubmit your application at a later time, you will not be charged the application fee again.
How can I get a refund if I'm denied acceptance at this time?
All CAPP applications are subject to a non-refundable application fee and are non-transferrable.
How will I know if I've been accepted into the program?
Approximately two (2) weeks after your application has been received, a letter will be mailed to you via United States Postal Service informing you if you've been accepted into the program and the amount of points the Committee has determined that you will begin the program with. From that time until you've passed your exam, you will be referred to as a "candidate."
How does the program work? How long does it take to obtain certification?
A. Candidates are given five (5) years to complete the CAPP Program though many can complete the curriculum in as little as two (2) years, depending on the amount of points with which you begin the program and if the courses are taken in succession when offered.
B. There are two (2) five-day sessions which are offered concurrently with the activities of IPI's Conference & Expo. Candidates receive 20 points for attending these sessions and attendance is required.
- Five-day Management Course - (even-numbered years for approved CAPP candidates only).
- Five-day Parking Industry Specific Course (odd-numbered years for approved CAPP candidates only).
C. There are a total of three (3) two-day seminars available for every two (2) year rotation. All three have required attendance and count for 15 points for candidates. The current topics include:
- Facility Design, Rehabilitation & Maintenance
- You're On! How the Media Gets Your Message
- Enforcement: On- & Off-Street
What kind of cost and time commitment is necessary? (prices listed are as of January 1, 2009)
A. Application Fee - there is a $200 (IPI member) / $275 (non-member) application fee which is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
B. Five-day conference sessions begin two (2) days prior to the official conference opening day/session (usually Friday with a Sunday opening) and run concurrently with the IPI Conference & Expo, adjourning on Tuesday. You will want to make certain that you arrive the Thursday before the opening day/session when making your hotel reservation. Hotel fees are set by the host hotels and vary at each location. The registration fee includes continental breakfast and lunch in the CAPP classroom on Friday and Saturday, all activities, events, access to the exhibit hall each time it is opened and course materials for the duration of the conference. Travel and hotel fees will also need to be considered.
C. Two-day seminar sessions are usually for two full days from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You will want to plan to arrive the day before, spending two (2) nights in the hotel. Registration fees range between $400 (IPI member) and $800 depending on the seminar and your IPI membership status. Travel and hotel will also need to be considered.
D. There is a $200 non-refundable testing fee (IPI members) or $275 (non-member fee) which needs to be paid prior to sitting for the exam and should accompany the Petition to Exam form notifying IPI of the date and location you wish to test.
How will I know how many points I have at any given time?
Point updates are mailed twice per year, keeping you on track to the quickest possible complete date. Point updates include all the points which you received from your Personal Data Form (PDF) as well as the points you've accumulated since becoming a candidate. You accumulate points by attending the required IPI two-day seminars and five-day conference sessions, giving presentations, writing publications, attending other parking-related meetings (state or regional allied association conferences, PIE, Intertraffic, Meeting of the Minds, World Symposium, T2 Systems) and experience points. Currently the point updates are mailed via USPS delivery in February and September.
What happens when I reach 100 points?
Once you've accumulated 100 points, you will receive a letter from IPI's offices informing you of your accomplishment and giving specific details regarding the exam process. As per the Rules & Regulations of the Certified Administrator of Public Parking (CAPP) Program, once you've accumulated 105 points, you are required to sit for the exam within one (1) year from date of notification.
Where can I get study materials?
You will receive a sample exam with your examination notification letter for studying purposes. You may also request copies of the audio from each of the course offerings at no cost. Most sessions are in MP3 format.
Where and when can I sit for the exam?
You can choose to sit for your exam at any IPI two-day seminar, IPI's Conference & Expo (prior to the opening session only), IPI's offices in Fredericksburg, Va. or at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. An Exam Petition must be completed and returned to the IPI offices along with the testing fee no later than 30 days prior to the date you wish to test. Testing fees are non-refundable at are $200 (IPI members) or $275 (non-members) and should accompany the Petition to Exam form notifying IPI of the date and location you wish to test.
What can I expect with the exam?
The exam is broken into two sections: objective and short answers and essay questions. Candidates are allotted two (2) hours to complete the objective and short answers portion. The essay portion is open book and 2.5 hours are allowed to complete it. Exams are scored at the University of Virginia and you will be notified as soon as possible of your results.
What happens once I've passed the exam?
You may immediately begin using the CAPP designation after your name. You will receive official notification from IPI including information (as soon as available) regarding the annual graduation ceremony conducted at the IPI Conference & Expo. At the graduation ceremony you will receive your official CAPP certificate and pin.
If you have any other questions not covered on this FAQ page,
please contact Lauri Chudoba, Certification Administrator at
540.371.7535 or via email at chudoba@parking.org
"I am the perfect example of what CAPP can
do for you. I was in the second group of people to start the
CAPP Program. I am CAPP #14, the first one of the second
group to graduate in 1995. In 1999, I was hired as the
Parking System Administrator for the City of Durham, N.C. because
of the CAPP certification. I moved to Davenport, Iowa in 2002
to run parking operations for that city, the CAPP certification
again an important factor in my being hired. In 2004 I became
the Associate Director of Parking Services at the University of
North Texas with the CAPP certification being a major part of my
employment. Today I am still required to maintain my CAPP
certification as part of my annual review. CAPP works for
me!"
Scott Kangas, CAPP
