Body of Knowledge (BOK) and Related Documents
To help with exam preparation, the following ASP Certification materials are available for complimentary download:
ASP Exam Preparation
- Standards, Competencies, and Body of Knowledge Framework
28 page document that lists all 84 SPP and all 80 SMP BOK task statements listed in numerical order. - The ASP Certification Body of Knowledge Development Overview
50+ page document includes a history of the development of the ASP Certification Program and Body of Knowledge, several foundational models, and background about certification framework. - ASP BOK Statements Summary
One page matrix showing the number of task statements for each competency area of Content, Process and Structure under the four rubrics of Lead-Think-Plan-Act. - ASP-BOK Certification Outline
Two page list shows the number of tasks statements by competency area for each credential. See the BOK Framework for specific task statements associated with each competency. - SMP Level II Self Assessment Workbook*
60 pages with background materials and the SMP Level II competencies organized in a self-assessment format. Available for electronic download at no charge (or for purchase as hardcopy). - SPP Level I Self Assessment Workbook*
Same as above for SPP Level I. Applicants for SPA Designation should use this self-assessment.
ASP Bibliography Resources
- ASP Cert Recommended Bibliography - 2011v3
Six-page document with condensed list of top eight recommended books for Exam Prep, with a longer bibliography of current and classic readings organized by the four core ASP rubrics of Lead-Think-Plan-Act - Original Recommended Bibliography for Exam Preparation
Seven-page original Recommended Bibliography for Exam Preparation organized by Current and Classic books, with subsections for Lead-Think-Plan-Act - 18 page list of strategic thinking and planning books and articles at the end of ASP BOK Development Overview.
ASP 10 Best Practices for Qualifying Frameworks
- Summary Strategic Management Best Practices Attributes
A summary list of the best practice for strategic planning and management frameworks passed by the ASP Board and which educational programs need to demonstrate to qualify as an ASP REP. - Strategic Management Best Practice Attributes
An annotated description of each best practice.
* To purchase an ASP Self-Assessment Workbook as a spiral-bound hardcopy, go to the New Association Products webpage. Also there are links to purchase an ASP Certification Study Guides prepared by ASP Registered Educational Providers (REPs).
To prepare a Certification Study Plan, see available material on the ASP website, download the appropriate BOK Self-Assessment Workbook (~60 pages each), and conduct a Self-Assessment to identify needed learnings and where to focus study efforts. If focus is SMP, download the BOK Framework Overview (28 pages) to be able to see all 164 certification competencies upon which both exams are based, grouped into the four rubrics of LPTA, as compared to the Self-Assessment workbooks which have the competency statements only for their own focus level. Build a specific Study Plan and study for this Exam just as one would for any other important degree. It should include the following:
- Review the Sample Exam Questions on the ASP Website to gain familiarity with the kinds of questions for which to prepare.
- Review the Recommended Bibliography for ASP Certification Examination Preparation-2011 (v3) which has a condensed list of eight core books as well as the original list organized by the four rubrics of Lead-Think-Plan-Act; this is a 6-page document. Look for books with Executive Summaries at the chapter endings. See Section.9.04.G of the ASP Certification Handbook for additional bibliography resources.
- Consider attending ASP REP programs or purchasing their books and training materials to fill in learning needs. The Certification Exam Prep Guides developed by ASP REPS and on the New Association Products webpage have sample 160-question Practice Exams for both the SPP and SMP levels. See the Qualified List of REPs webpage for details of webinars, workshops, books and materials, as well as certificate programs that can help with exam preparation.
- Prepare for the Examination by forming Chapter Study Groups using the Lead-Think-Plan-Act Framework. Have Chapter speakers and meetings focus on the Lead-Think-Plan-Act, and check with REPs for availability as speakers.
- Use the PTC Testing Software Demo
