The programme has a ‘sister’ accreditation, for Company DP Authorities, which is for someone who manages and provides advice on DP assurance processes who is typically employed within a DP vessel operator company, or a DP vessel chartering company.

IMCA DP practitioner certificates can be checked via our verification portal.

Candidate requirements

The IMCA DP Trials & Assurance Practitioner accreditation programme requires candidates to have demonstrated within the last 24 months that they were involved in:

  • a minimum of three annual DP trials.
  • a minimum of two FMEA proving trials, or two five-yearly FMEA verification trials.
  • DP operational activity planning.

They will also need to have:

  • demonstrated knowledge of DP incident investigation and the reporting process.
  • knowledge of FMEA gap analysis.
  • been responsible for the analysis and development of at least one FMEA.
  • been responsible for the analysis and development of at least one annual DP trials document.
  • passed a final written examination set by IMCA.

Find out more about certification requirements, process, and examinations in DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Handbook (IMCA M249).

Once accredited, practitioners are required to undergo revalidation over a three-yearly cycle, including submission of evidence of ongoing DP experience.

Upcoming examinations dates

We regularly host examinations around the world for our DP certification programmes. 

We offer a modern and user-friendly approach. Working closely with our examination partner TestReach, all our exams are taken using the latest online tools and are hosted in specialist invigilation centres.

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Prior to booking, candidates are asked to read our certification handbook (IMCA M249) which includes exam rules and tips for success. Book your place for an upcoming exam by clicking the entry above.

DP Trials and Assurance Practitioners FAQs

You do not need to be an employee of a member of IMCA company, or indeed any other business association or professional body, to make an application to become accredited.

It is a personal assessment and accreditation of the individual, not the company or organisation they may work for.

There are standard set fees for accreditation. For the initial accreditation application process, there is a fee of £550.00 which includes the cost for the examination, examination hosting centre, invigilation, administration, and technical review time. 

An annual renewal fee of £125.00 is payable commencing the year after successful accreditation. This fee covers the cost of the revalidation process and the verification of the revalidation evidence portfolio.

The accreditation year runs from the date an individual successfully passes the accreditation examination. An invoice will be generated for the annual fee and sent prior to the start of the renewal year.

Fees for accreditation and revalidation are the responsibility of the individual or their employer. The assessment process will not begin until payment has been received.

Technical Advisers within the IMCA Secretariat. As the accrediting body for the programme, IMCA employs experienced marine and maritime professionals with appropriate skills and knowledge to make the necessary assessments.

Read more about the evidence requirements.

It largely depends on the relevance of (and evidence of) an individual’s qualifications, certification, experience, and knowledge based on the desired category of accreditation that has been provided in the application form. If the verifier is in any doubt, he/she will take up the supplied references. Individuals should let any referees know that they have supplied their names.