APMP Certification Training
Delivered by our accredited training partner, Sixfold International – an APMG Accredited Training Organisation.
Get APMP certified with the experts who do it for real.
Bid Solutions brings you the complete APMP certification pathway – Foundation, Practitioner and Professional – delivered on our behalf by Sixfold International, one of the UK’s leading APMG Accredited Training Organisations. Every course is led by practising bid consultants who win live contracts every day. The results speak for themselves.
94%
of Foundation alumni surveyed said the course directly assisted them in their day-to-day job
Sixfold proprietary alumni survey
£8,000+
higher average salary reported for bidding professionals holding APMP Practitioner certification, compared with non-certified peers
Bid Solutions 2022 UK Bid & Proposal Salary Survey
54%
of Foundation alumni said the qualification boosted their status within their organisation
Sixfold proprietary alumni survey
The complete APMP certification pathway – Foundation to Professional
APMP Certification Training Courses
Through our partnership with Sixfold International, you have access to the complete APMP certification pathway – Foundation, Practitioner and Professional – with Silver and Gold package options at each taught level, and dedicated mentoring support for Professional candidates. All courses run by Peter Lobl (APMP Practitioner) or Andy Haigh (APMP Professional) in London, Manchester & Online.
Level 1 – APMP Foundation
Foundation – Silver Package Workshop & Examination
One full day, or two half-days online.
The globally recognised entry certification for bid and proposal professionals. Your trainers guide you through all 23 APMP competencies with Sixfold’s exclusive exam index – the “secret weapon” our practitioner trainers have refined over years of teaching – and you sit the examination the same day while everything is fresh.
- All 23 APMP competencies covered
- Examination fee included
- Sixfold’s unique APMP exam index included
- Full-day (09:00–17:30) or two half-days online
- London, Manchester and online options
- Post-course telephone support subject to availability — immediate feedback on bid problems related to the course. Significant support activity is charged at current consultancy rates
Foundation – Gold Package (Best Value) Workshop, Exam & Free Retake
One full day, or two half-days online.
Everything in the Silver package, with the added security of one free retake of the examination – and the course itself if wanted. Gold post-course support provides more considered assistance to help you prepare and succeed.
- All 23 APMP competencies covered
- Examination fee included
- Sixfold’s unique APMP exam index included
- One free retake of the examination (and the course if wanted)
- Full-day (09:00–17:30) or two half-days online
- Post-course telephone support subject to availability — more considered support and assistance to help you prepare. Significant support activity is charged at current consultancy rates
Level 2 – APMP Practitioner
Foundation – Silver Package Workshop & Examination
One or two days. Requires APMP Foundation certification.
The advanced qualification demonstrating strategic mastery of bid and proposal management. It covers material beyond the Foundation syllabus, including four-level and non-intuitive response types. Day 1 and Day 2 can be booked independently.
- Day 1: Foundation refresher + advanced BoK material
- Day 2: Practitioner examination (fee included)
- Day 1 and Day 2 bookable independently
- London, Manchester and online delivery
- Requires APMP Foundation certification and membership
- Post-course telephone support subject to availability – immediate feedback on bid problems related to the course. Significant support activity is charged at current consultancy rates
Practitioner – Gold Package (Best Value) Workshop, Exam & Free Retake
One or two days. Requires APMP Foundation certification.
Everything in the Silver Practitioner package, with the added security of one free retake of the examination — and the course itself if wanted. Gold package post-course support provides more considered assistance to help you prepare and succeed.
- Day 1: Foundation refresher + advanced BoK material
- Day 2: Practitioner examination (fee included)
- One free retake of the examination (and the course if wanted)
- Day 1 and Day 2 bookable independently
- Requires APMP Foundation certification and APMP membership
- Post-course telephone support subject to availability — more considered support and assistance to help you prepare. Significant support activity is charged at current consultancy rates
Level 3 – APMP Professional
Highest Level of APMP Certification
Mentoring for the APMP Professional Assessment
APMP Professional is the highest level of APMP certification. It is not a taught course – it is earned through a portfolio-based assessment process. Through Bid Solutions, Sixfold provides one-to-one mentoring with Andy Haigh (APMP Professional), supporting you through your portfolio development and submission. This is the qualification that distinguishes the very best in the profession.
Prerequisite: APMP Practitioner certification. Mentoring availability and fees are discussed individually — contact us to explore whether you are ready to pursue Professional level.
What’s included:
Booking note: All prices exclude VAT. All packages include the examination fee and all course materials. Gold packages additionally include one free retake of the examination and the course if wanted, plus more considered post-course support. APMP membership is a prerequisite for examination packages — Sixfold, our training partner, can arrange this for £188.50 (assisted membership). Book direct through Bid Solutions to secure your place. APMP Corporate members may qualify for substantial further discounts.
Training by practitioners who win real bids
Why this training
Active practitioners, not academics
Andy and Peter are working bid consultants who lead live public sector bids right now.
Every concept they teach is grounded in what actually works under evaluation pressure.
One client reported their bid win rate improving from 1:5 to 1:2 following Sixfold training and support — one organisation’s experience, and individual results will always vary, but a measure of just how practical this training is.
Sixfold’s exclusive Foundation exam index
Every Foundation course includes a unique exam index – a proprietary tool developed by Sixfold that helps candidates navigate the study guide efficiently to save precious minutes during the examination.
The evaluator’s perspective
Course content includes insight on how evaluators score bids – drawn from genuine evaluation experience that competitors simply can’t replicate.
First UK Expert Witness in procurement
Peter Lobl was the first UK procurement specialist to advise the High Court as an Expert Witness in a landmark challenge (MLS vs MoD). That depth of real-world expertise flows directly into every course.
Post-course telephone support
The support doesn’t end on the training day. All courses include ad hoc telephone advice following the course – a genuine differentiator.
London, Manchester & online
Open courses run year-round in Central London, Manchester and fully online. Bespoke in-house delivery is available across the UK, tailored to your organisation’s specific bids and sector.
What certified bidding professionals report
Why APMP Certification Matters
10%
typical pay rise reported on progressing from APMP Foundation to APMP Practitioner certification³
65%
average earnings premium reported for holders of the top-level APMP Professional certification over non-certified bidding professionals³
94%
of Foundation alumni said training directly assisted their day-to day work¹
88%
of APMP Practitioner graduates have influenced bid process development in their organisation²
Hundreds of satisfied candidates – in their own words
What delegates say
Mark Dixon, Tendering Manager, Voyage Care [APMP Foundation]
“I approached Sixfold to achieve Foundation Level APMP certification to learn new insights and best practice. I also felt that certification would add value to my CV, complementing my experience in tendering for public contracts. Sixfold arranged a neat and comprehensive package — an insightful workshop with practical tips, followed by the examination itself, all on the same day. Peter and Andy put everyone at ease, leading a very enjoyable day. They provided thorough, helpful literature and spoke eloquently throughout the workshop. I particularly liked the pace at which they went through sometimes complex material, ensuring everyone had opportunities to ask questions. I was very pleased to have passed the Foundation examination. I would highly recommend contacting Sixfold to arrange your APMP training with Peter and Andy.”
Nick Pinkney, Manager Bid Support [APMP Foundation]
“Not only was it of enormous value to me, it was delivered in a very relaxed manner that made it easy to absorb. I have taken away a number of very important actions to implement that will make a real difference to our business. Truly stimulating.”
Mary Fielding, Bid Director [APMP Course]
“I enjoyed a super day led by you last Thursday… I have the ultimate solution for successful bid teams — delegate to you and your company!”
Matthew Pearce, Bid Manager, Life Environmental Services [APMP Foundation]
“I just want to thank you for the excellent course that you delivered in Manchester. Your style and approach in training was fantastic and you made it a pleasure to learn and understand the APMP course content. I would highly recommend you to anyone who needs bid training and would be extremely keen to work with you again.”
Rosie Rowe, Tendering Associate, Chargemaster [APMP Foundation]
“Great course — presenters are entertaining and engaging, and provide plenty of interactive content to involve the group. Peter and Andy have a great wealth of experience in the industry and this supports and enriches the course programme. Very practical and informative — there are improvements I will make in my day-to-day role which will improve my tender outcomes.”
Gill Tidmarsh, Bid Manager, PHS Compliance [APMP Foundation]
“It was a great day all round and Peter, you were just a great instructor — I have taken so much away from the day, so much that I can hit my Directors with! They are all delighted and thrilled that I passed the exam and are very much looking forward to me sitting them down and going through the facts and figures of what we should be doing and why. So informative and I am very much looking forward to putting it into practice.”
Matt Lemon, Head of Proposals [APMP Practitioner]
“I would like to say that I thought Tuesday was very well run, the content was well delivered and pitched at the right level. One thing that I thought was very powerful was where you demonstrated how you broke down a question into its various parts. I think it will really hit home with some of the familiar challenges we have in our business, addressing them in a powerful way.”
Kathryn Brown, TTE Technical Training [APMP Foundation]
“I’ve sat on a number of courses and workshops throughout my lifetime and I have to say that this was the most interesting and engaging. I feel like I learnt a lot of really useful information that I can take back to my workplace and implement to improve our bid processes.”
Russell Hipkin, Senior Bid Manager, Alcatel-Lucent [Bid Training]
“Peter has deep knowledge of public sector bidding in the UK and helped us tremendously on two major bids. His presentations and bid team training about proposal writing were extremely well received. He went on to support us with score-focused proposal planning, storyboarding and executive summary improvement, leading to a positive result in challenging circumstances. He is always available to give advice and is extremely professional — as well as being a thoroughly nice guy. I recommend him to anybody tendering for PS business, large bids or small.”
Jo Massey, Head of Bid Service, BAE Systems [APMP Course]
“I thoroughly enjoyed my day and felt I came away with lots of new ideas for my team and for future bids across the business — thank you!”
Leon Bright, Senior Bid Manager, BespokeBids [APMP Foundation]
“Thank you for the course yesterday — we all found it hugely beneficial and are already applying changes to the way we work.”
Jennifer Jackson, EDM, Exponential-e [Bespoke · Nov 2025]
“Loved it! So helpful and engaging. Will be requesting additional sessions for more content.”
Zamirah Althar, Bid Writer, Reed [Bespoke · Oct 2025]
“Andy and Peter were great trainers — very knowledgeable, and kept the sessions interactive and interesting. I have completed the training with more knowledge and tips for future bid writing. Thank you very much!”
Matthew Wright, Senior Proposal Manager, Citizens Advice [APMP Training]
“Your expertise in business development has been nothing short of transformative for my team. The strategies and insights you’ve shared have helped us navigate the ever-changing funding landscape with confidence. Your dedication and hard work haven’t gone unnoticed.”
Jon Savill, Hitachi Consulting [APMP Course]
“Great course — highly relevant and practical advice.”
What our Foundation graduates reported
Sixfold proprietary alumni survey
Sixfold surveyed graduates of the Foundation training courses to measure real-world impact. Over a quarter of all Foundation alumni responded. The results were highly encouraging.
94%
Said training assisted day-to-day work
54%
Said the qualification boosted their status within their organisation
13%
Said it directly helped earn a promotion or (for freelancers) win a new contract
This is a Sixfold proprietary survey, conducted independently of APMP or APMG. Results reflect the self-reported experience of respondents at the time of the survey. Individual outcomes will vary depending on personal circumstances, employer and wider factors.
Book your place – London, Manchester & Online
2026 Course Dates
All course packages include the examination fee. APMP membership is required separately. Book direct through Bid Solutions to secure your place.
APMP Foundation 2026
Silver package £545 + VAT (exam fee & all materials included) · Gold package £625 + VAT (exam, all materials & free retake)
APMP Practitioner 2026 – Day 1 (Foundation Refresher Workshop, no exam)
Day 2 examination dates follow each Day 1 workshop. Both are bookable independently. Contact Bid Solutions for the full schedule.
2026 Practitioner pricing (+ VAT · exam & materials included)
Silver One-Day £915
Silver Two-Day £1,170
Gold One-Day £1,100
Gold Two-Day £1,375
Examination only £243
Gold adds free retake + more considered support
Led by the people who wrote the book – literally
Your Trainers
Your courses are delivered by the founders of our training partner, Sixfold International.
Andy Haigh – APMP Professional, Co-Founder, Sixfold International
Andy holds the highest level of APMP certification – Professional – and has decades of experience leading high-value public sector bids. He is the published author of Winning Public Sector Contracts (ISBN 978-0-85265-228-2) and a regular public speaker on UK public sector bidding. Andy has advised Guardian Media clients including IBM and Capita, and brings the same rigour to the training room as he applies to live bid strategy.
Peter Lobl – APMP Practitioner, Co-Founder, Sixfold
International
Peter was the first UK procurement specialist to advise the High Court as an Expert Witness in a landmark procurement challenge case (MLS vs MoD). He built his expertise in large strategic sales at top international companies and has an enviable record of wins on major public sector bids. Peter’s engaging delivery style consistently earns praise from delegates across a wide range of industries and sectors.
Everything you need to know
Can’t find your answer? Get in touch with the Bid Solutions team.
What APMP membership do I need before attending?
APMP membership is a prerequisite for examination packages. It is not included in the course fee — Sixfold can arrange or renew your 12-month APMP membership for £188.50 (our assisted membership service). See the assisted membership page at sixfold.biz. APMP Corporate members may qualify for substantial additional discounts.
Is the examination fee included?
Yes — all Silver and Gold packages at Foundation and Practitioner level include the APMG examination entry fee and all course materials. Gold packages at both levels also include one free retake of the examination and the course if wanted. The Practitioner examination can also be taken separately for £243 + VAT.
What is Sixfold's “secret weapon” exam index?
The Sixfold APMP exam index is a unique proprietary tool developed over years of Foundation teaching — exclusive to Sixfold. It helps candidates navigate the study guide efficiently to save precious minutes during the examination. All Foundation delegates (Silver and Gold) receive this as part of their course materials. It is specific to the Foundation examination and is not provided for Practitioner courses.
Can you deliver training at our offices?
Absolutely. In-house and bespoke delivery is one of our most popular options. We tailor content to your sector, your typical ITT formats, and your team’s capability gaps. We’ve recently delivered for Exponential-e, Reed, Citizens Advice and others. Group discounts apply. Contact us to discuss.
What is the difference between Foundation, Practitioner and Professional?
Foundation certification covers the APMP Body of Knowledge at introductory level — suitable for anyone in a bid or sales environment. Practitioner is the advanced qualification, requiring Foundation certification as a prerequisite, which builds strategic depth and is assessed through a more demanding examination; the Bid Solutions 2022 UK Bid & Proposal Salary Survey reports bidding professionals holding APMP Practitioner certification earning on average around 15% more than non-certified peers — and holders of the top-level APMP Professional certification around 65% more (individual outcomes vary). Professional is the highest level of APMP certification and is not a taught course — it is earned through a portfolio-based assessment, for which Sixfold provides one-to-one mentoring with Andy Haigh (APMP Professional). Both Foundation and Practitioner levels offer Silver and Gold packages; the Gold option adds a free retake of the examination and the course if wanted, plus more considered post-course support. Professional is mentoring only.
What are the APMP micro-certifications and who are they for?
APMP micro-certifications are focused, single-topic qualifications covering Bid & Proposal Management, Executive Summaries, and AI in Bid Management. They are open to all bid professionals — not just APMP members — and provide a fast, credentialled route to demonstrating specialist expertise. They are growing rapidly in popularity and are a great option for professionals who want formal recognition without committing to the full Foundation exam. Ask us for dates.
Do you offer post-course support?
Yes — all Sixfold APMP courses include post-course telephone support, subject to our availability. This provides immediate feedback on any bid problems candidates encounter that are related to the course content. The Gold package at both Foundation and Practitioner level provides more considered support and assistance. Note that significant support activity may be charged at our current consultancy rates.
Get in touch
Tell us what you’re looking for and the Bid Solutions team will come back promptly with dates, pricing and a tailored recommendation.
