The BIG CIC has added the BIG Professional Exam to the credentials people can achieve.

“I did the Professional Exam because I wanted to achieve the BIG Professional Exam certification as a way of demonstrating to clients my capability in applying the BIG Framework within their organisations.

Having passed, the benefit for me has been that I can now confidently demonstrate this to clients, and that my ability to implement BIG has been validated and certified by a panel of BIG Experts.”

Alex Shapley. BIG Professional

The development of it was driven by Simon Harris, who has many years experience in training and learning development – who is also one of the BIG Founders.

While the initial Associate Exam is a simple way to evidence knowledge about BIG – the Professional Exam requires that candidates persuade 2-3 examiners that they:

instilled confidence that they could / can make the BIG Guidance Work

have participated in the implementation of integrated governance in a clear scenario

can clearly present the context, need, solution and outcome in their example

provided evidence that they adapted and implemented Integrated Governance

answer all the questions and left no issues open

The exam has been taken and passed by a pilot group of BIG Professionals. From the group, Alex Shapley (specialist in programme recovery) and Veronica Edward-Smith (career in projects and PMO) have gone on camera to talk about their experience.

The discussion was about the BIG exams pathway, why Level 1 and Level 3 exist (but not yet Level 2), how they’re structured and assessed, study resources available, and the benefits of early adoption and membership. We extract the essence below:

Level 1 (Associate/Foundation)

• Currently available, simple online multiple-choice test.
• Will become tougher in the future (so now is a good time to take it).
• Designed as an introduction to BIG concepts.
• Costs ~£36 (free for Full Members)

Level 2

Not Yet Developed. (but Simon is looking for collaborators to make its realisation a reality.)

Level 3

• For consultants or professionals implementing BIG.
• Delivered as a 20-minute presentation + panel interview (2–4 assessors).
• Candidates present a real-world, hypothetical, or past implementation scenario.
• Assessment criteria:
  • Understanding of BIG concepts, methods, and terminology.
  • Credibility as someone able to implement BIG in organisations.
• Emphasis on confidentiality (materials deleted afterwards, NDA available).
• Pilot group had near 100% pass rate, but wider rollout may differ.

Study & Preparation

• Resources available:
  • BIG Body of Knowledge (BoK) – detailed reading.
  • Free chapter summaries on the website.
  • BIG’s YouTube presentations.
  • Book Club (monthly, starting October 2025) – group reading and discussion.
• Different learning paths supported (videos first, summaries, or full BoK)
• Membership (£120/year) provides:
  • Full BoK
  • Exam access
  • Book club
  • Conference attendance
  • CPD certificates

Other Highlights

• Politics of BIG: Transparency and accountability can be resisted by underperforming leaders.
• Exams build credibility: Show that a candidate understands BIG and can apply it in practice.
• Certificates: Issued for exams; digital badges planned for the future.

Closing & Call to Action

• Encouragement to:
  • Take Level 1 now (before it gets harder).
  • Prepare for Level 3 if aiming for professional credibility.
  • Attend the BIG conference (Nov 5, 2025), featuring high-profile speakers like Stephen Jenner and David Booth.

Access the discussion recording here

“As a PMO professional, I am keenly interested in the strategy to execution gap. BIG provides a framework to help me pivot how I influence change from my position in the organisation. Passing the Associate and Professional Exams enabled me to demonstrate to myself and others I have the knowledge and experience to lead and support BIG Change.“

Veronica Edward-Smith. BIG Professional

For more about BIG Exams

Professional Exam Passes