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Learn MoreGrant Professional Certification (GPC) Exam Prep
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Grant Professional Certification (GPC) Exam Prep
Increase your "generalist" knowledge of the grant profession while preparing to become certified by passing the GPC exam
Created byPhil Johncock
Last updated 7/2025
English
What you'll learn
- By the end of the course, you will increase your knowledge and prepare to take and pass the GPC exam.
- In this course, you will learn how to complete your eligibility packet.
- In this course, you will learn all 9 core exam competencies.
- In this course, you will learn 65 sub-competencies.
- In this course, you will learn test-taking strategies.
Explore related topics
Course content
11 sections • 67 lectures • 5h 22m total length
- Welcome!4:24
Welcome to GPC Exam Prep! Discover why we use foundational 2007 materials enhanced with 2025 updates, plus learn 5 AI Assistant strategies you can use with each of the 9 GPC exam competencies to make the course more engaging and relevant to you.
Two key learning outcomes:
Understand the course structure, history and rationale
Know 5 strategies to use AI Assistant for maximum benefit
- Orientation & Faculty Introductions1:38
In this video, you will receive a welcome from Carolyn Henrikson and Phil Johncock. Meet Rebecca Novak and Bentonne Snay, who are also GPC-certified faculty you will see in future videos .
Downloadable materials:NEW: 2025 GPCI Competencies & Skills
External Resources (to be updated soon):
GPC Exam Prep Course Online LIBRARY - Books to prepare for GPC Exam
Related Articles
- What is the GPC Exam?6:04This lecture includes information about what the GPC exam is, who administers it [Grant Professional Certification Institute (GPC)], cost, and supplementary materials (literature review, links to sites for more info). Note: click here to access scholarship info and verify GPCI's fees, which may different from the fees at the time of making this video.One question often asked is "do you recommend purchasing the study guide mention on the Preparation page from the GPA store or Thompson publishing?" Our faculty have discussed this in detail over the years. We have reviewed the study guide in the past. However, while it is helpful, the material including in this course is much, more comprehensive. If you would like get a free special report in which Phil interviews the authors of the study guide that will be delivered to you in both a searchable .pdf and audio .mp3, click here .
- Why is the GPC Exam important?3:42The 6 top reasons why becoming Grant Professional Certified is important are shown here, as well as faculty comments. In the External Resources, click on the link to watch a YouTube video from Phil for the reasons he become certified.
- What is the GPC exam timeline?4:47Learn about how the process works for submitting your eligibility packet for review from our faculty before you submit it to GPCI. Learn the timeline for submitting your eligibility packet, packet review, notification and 6-month window to take the exam after you have been notified that you are approved to take the exam. Learn about when you will hear about the results from your exam. Note: The dates and timeline may change from the one shown in the video. Click here for current information about the timeline.
- Where can you take the GPC Exam?2:14This video show you where you can take the exam. Click here to find the nearest electronic testing center near you.
- How To Get Your Eligibility Packet Approved10:57In this video, learn about the eligibility scoring rubric and eligibility packet, as well as an eligibility scoring example. Please click here to get the most current eligibility packet, in case it has been changed by GPCI. In the External Resources, you will find the most current eligibility packet as a Word document.
- How the Registration Process Works and After You Pass6:54
In this video, discover how the registration process works. Steps 1-7 include downloading your Eligibility Packet and conclude with you notifying us once you’ve submitted your Eligibility Packet. The Timeline is reviewed in relation to your studies. This video concludes for what to do “after” you have passed.
- The Grant Professor's Story6:23This is a short video about the history of grant certification and the Grant Professor's story. Enjoy!
- Overview of Competency 10:57
15%of Multiple Choice Section
Competency 01
Knowledge of how to research, identify, and match funding resources to meet specific needs
- 1.01 Trends in Public Grant Funding1:191.01. Identify major trends in public funding and public policy.
Downloadable materials:- PowerPoint slides shown in video
- PowerPoint slides shown in video
- 1.02 Trends in Private Grant Funding4:321.02. Identify major trends in private grant funding.
Downloadable materials:- PowerPoint slides shown in video
- PowerPoint slides shown in video
- 1.03 Methods of Locating Funding Souces6:201.03. Identify methods of locating funding sources.
Downloadable materials:- Notes from 2012 discussion on 1.03
- Notes from 2011 discussion on 1.03
- 1.05 Methods of Tracking Funders3:381.05. Identify methods for maintaining, tracking, and updating information on potential funders.
Downloadable materials:- Proposal Tracking Template from student
- Prospect Worksheet (shown in video)
- 1.06. Identify effects of applicants’ organizational cultures, values, etc.1:001.06. Identify effects of applicants’ organizational cultures, values, decision-making processes, and norms on the pursuit of grant opportunities.
Downloadable materials:- 1.06 Scenario
- 1.06 Scenario
- 1.07 Fundable Programs & Projects6:461.07. Identify fundable programs and projects for specific organizations.
Downloadable materials- 1.07 Scenario
- 1.07 Scenario
- 1.08. Determine best matches between funders and specific programs.2:001.08. Determine best matches between funders and specific programs.
Downloadable materials- 1.08 Scenario
- 1.08 Scenario
- 1.09. Interpret grant application request for proposal (RFP) guidelines2:001.09. Interpret grant application request for proposal (RFP) guidelines and requirements to accurately assess funder intent.
Downloadable materials- 1.09 Scenario
- Notes 1.09 Scenario discussion
- Overview of Competency 21:1810%of Multiple Choice Test
Competency 02
Knowledge of organizational development as it pertains to grant seeking - 2.01 Coordinating, 2.04 Grant Readiness, 2.05 Strategic Plans2:002.01. Identify methods for coordinating organizations’ grants development with various available funding streams.
2.04. Identify methods for assisting organizations to implement practices that advance grant readiness.
2.05. Identify values, purposes, and goals of fund-seeking entities’ overall strategic plans in the grants process.
Download materials:- 2.01, 2.04 & 2.05 Scenario
- Notes from Discussion of Scenarios 2.01, 2.04, 2.05 2011
- Part 1 of 2 - 2.02 Capacity, 2.03 Readiness, 2.06 Needs Assessments8:09Part 1 of 2
2.02. Assess organizations’ capacity for grant seeking.
2.03. Assess organizations’ readiness to obtain funding for and implement specific projects.
2.06. Identify methods of conducting mission-focused planning and needs assessments with applicant organizations.
Downloadable materials:- Scenarios 2.02, 2.03, 2.06
- Notes from Discussion of Scenarios 2.02, 2.03, 2.06 2011
- Part 2 of 2 - 2.02 Capacity, 2.03 Readiness, 2.06 Needs Assessments4:52Part 2 of 2
2.02. Assess organizations’ capacity for grant seeking.
2.03. Assess organizations’ readiness to obtain funding for and implement specific projects.
2.06. Identify methods of conducting mission-focused planning and needs assessments with applicant organizations.
Downloadable materials:- Scenarios 2.02, 2.03, 2.06
- Scenarios 2.02, 2.03, 2.06
- 2.07 Obtaining Internal Institutional Support10:082.07. Identify strategies and procedures for obtaining internal institutional support and approval of decision-makers for grant-seeking activities.
Downloadable materials:- Notes 2.07 Internal Support 2012
- Summary of Polls Re 2.07 and 2.08 2011
- Polls 2.07 2012
- 2.08 Working with Local/State/Federal Agencies & Stakeholders9:522.08. Identify appropriate methods of working with local, state, and federal agencies and stakeholders to support grant seeking.
- 2.09 Practices Outside Boundaries of Applicable Laws9:102.09. Identify practices of grant seeking that are outside the boundaries of applicable laws and regulations.
Downloadable materials:- Notes 2.09 Grant Seeking Outside the Law 2012
- Notes 2.09 Grant Seeking Outside the Law 2012
- Overview of Competency 3 and Sub-Competencies 3.01-3.081:1520%Of Multiple Choice Section
Competency 03
Knowledge of strategies for effective program and project design and development
Includes Overview of Competency 3 and Sub-Competencies 3.01-3.08. In Downloadable materials, you will find the competencies and sub-competencies listed. - 3.01 Stakeholder Input - Poll & Group Discussion6:54
Identify and discuss methods for soliciting stakeholder input—needs assessments, focus groups, interviews, and surveys—and reflect on how data reveals gaps, transportation barriers, and the need for on-site child care.
- 3.02 Collaborations - Poll & Group Discussion4:18
Build partnerships and facilitate collaboration through a poll and group discussion, sharing funder experiences, board expectations, and successful collaborative agency models from Head Start to family services.
- 3.03 Accountability, 3.08 Evaluations - Poll & Group Discussion4:473.03. Assess organizations’ readiness to obtain funding for and implement specific projects.
3.08. Identify appropriate methods of working with local, state, and federal agencies and stakeholders to support grant seeking. - 3.04 - Logic Models, Part 1 of 29:58
Explore the history and core structure of logic models, including inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes, linking resources to results for accountability and evaluation in programs and projects.
- 3.04 - Logic Models, Part 2 of 25:01
Link objectives to outcomes in the logic model to define short-, mid-, and long-term changes and show measurable results like increased knowledge and reduced youth access.
- 3.05 Project Design Elements - Quiz
- 3.06 Data-Based Decisions - Resources1:00
3.06. Identify design and development decisions that are data-based (e.g. descriptive, qualitative, environmental, and statistical).
- Federal agencies for data
- Other agencies for data
- 3.07 Community Resources - Poll & Group Discussion1:44
Identify and leverage community resources like census data, focus groups, and specialty groups to inform program projects, address barriers, and connect with United Way resources.
- Overview of Competency 40:4025%Of Multiple Choice Test
Competency 04
Knowledge of how to craft, construct, and submit an effective grant application - 4.01 Interpretting RFPs 4.02 Elements of Applications6:184. 01. Interpret grant application request for proposal (RFP) guidelines and requirements (e.g., abstracts and summaries, problem statements and needs assessments, introductions of organizations and capability statements, references and past performance requirements, timelines, narrative formats, budget formats, standard forms and assurances, scoring rubrics) to ensure high quality responses.
4.02. Identify elements of standard grant proposal applications (e.g., needs assessments and statements, project objectives, project designs and methods, project narratives, activities, action plans, timelines, project evaluations, budgets, dissemination plans, future funding or sustainability statements, appendices, attachments).
Downloable materials:- 4.01 and 4.02 Review Summary 2012
- 4.01 and 4.02 Assurances and Attachments 2011
- 4.02 Part 2 - Review of 2 Applications8:354.02. Identify elements of standard grant proposal applications (e.g., needs assessments and statements, project objectives, project designs and methods, project narratives, activities, action plans, timelines, project evaluations, budgets, dissemination plans, future funding or sustainability statements, appendices, attachments).
Downloadable materials:- Community Harvest Application
- Dental Application
- 4.02 Discussion Summary 2012
- 4.03 Strategies for Submitting High-Quality Proposals on Time9:324.03. Identify work strategies for submitting high-quality proposals on time.
This audio is Secret 23 of 30, entitled Create a Timeline for Success. Listen and follow along with Secret 23 in the Downloadable materials section. Permission is granted to use these from the Grants Conference and Fastest Way to Get Grants. - 4.04 Data Sources2:474.04. Identify accurate and appropriate data sources to support proposal narratives.
Downloadable materials:- 4.04 Summary 2012
- 4.04 Summary 2012
- 4.05 Narrative Elements and 4.07 Visuals9:104.05. Identify appropriate, sequential, consistent, and logical presentations of grant-narrative elements and ideas among or within proposal components.
4.07. Identify appropriate and accurate uses of visuals to highlight information.
Downloadable materials:- 4.05, 4.07 Gantt Chart - Using a Spreadsheet to Create a Gantt Chart Timeline
- 4.05, 4.07 Gantt Chart - Using a Spreadsheet to Create a Gantt Chart Timeline
- 4.06 Approaches, Styles, Tones and Formats for Audiences0:554.06. Identify proposal-writing approaches, styles, tones, and formats appropriate for proposing organizations and various audiences.
- 4.08 Realistic, Accurate Line-Item and Narrative Budgets8:354.08. Identify effective practices for developing realistic, accurate line-item and narrative budgets and for expressing the relationship between line-items and project activities in the budget narrative.
Download materials:- ABC Foundation Information (RFP)
- Community Harvest Application Form
- Dental Application Form
- 4.09 In-Kind Matches8:234.09. Identify sources of in-kind matches for project budgets.
Downloadable materials:- 4.09 Resources - Understanding In-Kind Matches
- 4.09 Technical Assistance Brief: In-Kind Cash Match Documentation
- 4.09 Documentation, Matching Funds & In-Kind Donations
- 4.09 GEAR UP In-Kind Match Guide
- 4.09 Matching Funds
- 4.10 Factors That Limit How Budgets Should Be Written5:584.10. Identify factors that limit how budgets should be written (e.g., matching requirements, supplanting issues, indirect costs, prevailing rates, performance-based fees, client fees, collective bargaining, allowable versus non-allowable costs).
Download materials:- 4.10 Resources - Matching Requirements
- 4.10 Resources - Matching Requirements
- 4.11 Evaluation Models - Part 1 of 211:274.11. Identify evaluation models and components appropriate to grant applications.
Download materials:- 4.11 Evaluation Summary
- 4.11 Evaluation Summary
- 4.11 Evaluation Models - Part 2 of 25:294.11. Identify evaluation models and components appropriate to grant applications.
Download materials:- 4.11 Evaluation Summary
- 4.12 Submitting Proposal Electronically - Part 1 of 29:574.12. Identify methods for submitting proposals electronically.
Downloadable materials:- Life of a Grants.gov Application
- 4 12 Electronic Submission Summary 2012
- 4.12 Submitting Proposal Electronically - Part 2 of 24:454.12. Identify methods for submitting proposals electronically.
Downloadable materials:- Life of a Grants.gov Application
- 4 12 Electronic Submission Summary 2012
- Overview of Competency 50:397%Of Multiple Choice Test
Competency 05
Knowledge of post-award grant management practices sufficient to inform effective grant design and development - 5.01 Standard Elements of Regulatory Compliance1:155.01. Identify standard elements of regulatory compliance.
Download materials:- 5.01 Notes
- 5.01 Notes
- 5.02 Grant Management Key Functions1:315.02. Identify effective practices for key functions of grant management.
Downloadable materials:- 5.02 Notes
- 5.02 Notes
- 5.03 Roles and Responsibilities0:485.03. Differentiate roles and responsibilities of project and management staff and other key principals affiliated with grant projects.
Downloadable materials ...- 5.03 Notes
- 5.03 Notes
- 5.04 Transitions to Implementation1:285.04. Identify methods of establishing transitions to post-award implementation that fulfill project applications (e.g., document transfer, accuracy in post-award fiscal and activity reporting).
Downloadable materials:- 5.04 Notes
- 5.04 Notes
- Overview of Competency 61:1910%Of Multiple Choice Test
Competency 06
Knowledge of nationally recognized standards of ethical practice by grants professionals - 6.01, 6.03, 6.04 Representations, 6.05 Heritage, 6.06 Conflicts of Interest12:036.01. Identify characteristics of business relationships that result in conflicts of interest or give the appearance of conflicts of interest.
6.03. Identify effects of choices that foster or suppress cultural diversity and pluralistic values.
6.04. Distinguish between truthful and untruthful, and accurate and inaccurate representations in grant development, including research and writing.
6.05. Identify issues, effects, and countermeasures pertinent to grant Professionals’ individual heritages, backgrounds, knowledge and experiences as they may affect the grant development process.
6.06. Identify funding sources that may present conflicts of interest for specific grant seekers and applicants.
Downloadable materials:- 6.01, 6.03, 6.04, 6.06 Notes And Polls
- Overview of Competency 7 and 82:065%Of Multiple Choice Test
Competency 07 - Professionalism
Knowledge of practices and services that raise the level of professionalism of Grant Professionals
8%Of Multiple Choice Test
Competency 08 - Relationship Building
Knowledge of methods and strategies that cultivate and maintain relationships between fund-seeking and recipient organizations and funders - 7.01 Grant Reviewers and 7.04 Building Social Capital7:207.01. Identify characteristics of mutually beneficial relationships between fund seekers and funders.
7.04. Identify methods of relationship cultivation, communication, recognition, and stewardship that might appeal to specific funders.
Downloadable materials:- 7.01 and 7.04 Scenario and Notes
- 7.01 and 7.04 Scenario and Notes
- 7.02 Professional Associations8:037.02. Identify advantages of participating in professional organizations that offer grant Professionals growth opportunities and advance the profession.
Downloadable materials:- Scenario 7.02
- Scenario 7.02
- 7.03 Grant Professional Networks6:017.03. Identify how grants Professionals’ networks (e.g., mailing list servers, community alliances) enhance individuals’ professional growth and advance the profession.
Downloadable materials- 7.03 Poll and Notes
- 7.03 Poll and Notes
- Overview of Competency 80:048%Of Multiple Choice Test
Competency 08
Knowledge of methods and strategies that cultivate and maintain relationships between fund-seeking and recipient organizations and funders - 8.01 Mutually Beneficial Relationships 8.03 Collaborations6:178.01. Identify characteristics of mutually beneficial relationships between fund seekers and funders.
8.03. Identify methods to help fund-seeking organizations create effective collaborations with other organizations appropriate to funders’ missions and goals.
Downloadable materials:- 8.01 and 8.03 Scenario
- 8.01 and 8.03 Scenario
- 8.02 Funder-Relations 8.04 Appealing to Funders5:218.02. Identify strategies to determine funder-relation approaches that suit fund-seeking entities’ missions, cultures, and values.
8.04. Identify methods of relationship cultivation, communication, recognition, and stewardship that might appeal to specific funders.
Downloadable materials:- 8.02 and 8.04 Polls and Notes
- 8.02 and 8.04 Polls and Notes
- Scoring Criteria for Sub-Competencies 9.01, 9.02, 9.03, 9.04, 9.052:00
20% Of Overall
Competency 09
Ability to write a convincing case for funding9.01. Follow guidelines.
9.02. Use conventions of standard written English.
9.03. Organize ideas appropriately.
9.04. Convey ideas clearly.
9.05. Make a persuasive argument.Downloadable materials:
- Scoring Scale - Writing Prompt
- Scoring Scale - Writing Prompt
- How the Writing Prompt Works 9.01, 9.02, 9.03, 9.04, 9.059:22This lecture covers how the writing prompt for the GPC Exam works. It includes all competencies included in Competency 9: 9.01, 9.02, 9.03, 9.04.
Downloadable materials:- PowerPoint Slides for Writing Prompt Scoring: 9.01, 9.02, 9.03, 9.04.
- Format - Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance0:55This is the format recommended by the Federal government.
- Format - Letter of Inquiry5:05
The Writing Prompt for the writing sample for the GPC Exam may involve writing a Letter of Inquiry.
Downloading materials:
- Letter of Inquiry template
- Letter of Inquiry template
Requirements
- Students must register separately to take the GPC exam with the Grant Professional Certification Institute (GPCI). Instructions for doing so are inside the course.
Description
Attention experienced grant writers:
Have you written at least 5 successful grant proposals over the past 7 years and have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in the grants field within the last 5 years? If "yes", you may be eligible to take the Grant Professional Certification (GPC) exam and become certified. This GPC Exam Prep home study course is perfect for you!
The GPC Exam Prep home study course helps you become certified by helping you complete your eligibility packet while preparing you to pass the GPC Exam! It includes polls, group discussions, practice with real-life scenarios (case studies), presentations, Google library, orientation and unique practice exam.
The GPC exam (and practice exam) have two parts: a writing sample and multiple choice section. Some skills measured include funder research, program and project design, crafting an effective grant application, post-award management, ethics, professionalism, relationship-building, and writing a convincing case for funding.
GPC Exam Prep covers all 9 core exam competencies and 64 sub-competencies. It was designed and taught by faculty with GPCs and certified as webinar facilitators.
The GPC Exam is independently administered by the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI). Cost for taking the GPC exam is separate. GPC Exam Prep is designed for advanced grant writers.
Who this course is for:
- Experienced grant writers with a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in the grants field within the last 5 years as well as at least 5 successful grant proposals over the past 7 years.