GAPS Certified Grant Specialist Competencies
The core competencies are a measure of knowledge and ability to be a successful grant writer.
- Understand how to research government grants, identify appropriate opportunities for the best match regarding eligibility, appropriateness for proposed program, allowable expenses and funder requirements.
- Understand how to analyze organizational capacity and readiness within a public safety organization to apply for grants and implement proposed programs.
- Understand how to develop an effective program within a public safety organization and through collaborations/partners.
- Understand how to construct and submit an effective government grant application including the ability to identify sections of a standard application, cite accurate and supporting data to support proposed program, and develop realistic overall goal, objectives and strategies.
- Understand how to create a program budget including key elements of the budget, effective justifications, cost-effectiveness, detailed calculations, salary cost allocation and fringe benefits.
- Understand standard ethical and professional practices.
Master GAPS competencies to become a successful grant writer!
Certified Grant Specialist Test
The GAPS Certified Grant Specialist credential is the industry standard for professionals in the field of grant writing. The written test measures the student's competency and skills acquired during the "Grant Writing for Public Safety" training. There are three sections to the exam addressing GAPS competencies for the successful grant writer: Writing Assessment, Multiple Choice, Budget
The Writing Assessment is evaluated on the following criteria:
- Persuasive argument for funding
- Organized ideas and thought process
- Clearly understandable
- Provides supporting data
- Follow formatting requirements
The Multiple Choice section evaluates knowledge on:
- Constructing and submitting a grant application
- How to research and identify government grants
- Organizational Capacity
- Program Development
- Competencies & Capabilities
- SMART Objectives and Strategies
- Grant Readiness
- Ethics and Professional Standards
The Budget section includes creating a budget and multiple choice to evaluate knowledge on:
- Justification and cost effectiveness
- Accuracy and relevance
- Following funder requirements
- Supplanting vs Supplementing
- Procurement Methods
- Calculating Fringe Benefits and Salary Allocation
- Budget Categories