The programme has a ‘sister’ accreditation, for DP Trials and Assurance Practitioners, which is someone actively involved in producing, witnessing and assessing the results of DP FMEA proving trials and DP annual trials programmes.

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

Candidate requirements

The IMCA Company DP Authority accreditation programme requires candidates to have demonstrated within the last two years (or 24 months) that they:

  • hold a position of responsibility managing the operation of DP class 2/3 vessels.
  • are responsible for training of key DP personnel.
  • are a DP assurance & trials practitioner.
  • are involved in DP operational planning.
  • understand DP incident investigation and reporting.
  • have knowledge of FEMA gap analysis.
  • 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) and DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme Evidence Requirements.

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

DP Controls (Dreamstime)

How to apply

Support your career development and demonstrate your experience and expertise with the DP practitioner programme from IMCA.

Apply to join more than 7,000 IMCA certified offshore professionals.

Application forms are available on request from IMCA - please email with a summary of your background so that we can best support your submission.

Contact our Team

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.

Company DP Authority 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.