Tender writing is a skill that improves with practice and training. Businesses that invest in developing their bid writing capability consistently win more contracts and achieve better value from the time they invest in tendering. Whether you are a first-time bidder or a seasoned bid writer looking to formalise your skills, there are options to suit every budget and experience level.
If you are new to tendering, start with the free resources before investing in paid training:
Short courses are ideal for business owners and managers who write occasional tenders and want a structured introduction to best practice:
The Association of Bid and Proposal Management (APMP) Foundation certificate is the most widely recognised qualification for bid professionals. It covers the full bid lifecycle, from opportunity qualification to contract negotiation, and is assessed by a written examination.
The APMP Foundation is suited to those working in bid writing roles or moving into bid management. It typically takes 3 to 6 months of study alongside work. Training providers in the UK offering APMP-accredited courses include:
Beyond Foundation, APMP offers Practitioner (intermediate) and Professional (expert) levels. The Practitioner requires a written submission demonstrating real-world application of bid management principles. The Professional is the highest level and requires peer review and a significant portfolio of evidence. These are relevant for senior bid managers and consultants building a long-term career in the field.
Some training providers offer sector-specific tender writing courses, for example:
These can be valuable if most of your tendering is concentrated in one sector.
In most cases, yes. Training costs directly related to your existing business activities are deductible for UK income tax and corporation tax purposes. Check with your accountant for your specific circumstances.
The best way to improve your tender writing is to keep writing. TenderSignal monitors UK public sector feeds and sends email alerts for relevant contract opportunities so you always have a pipeline of tenders to assess and bid for. Sign up free to start receiving alerts in your sector.
No formal qualification is required. The most recognised certification is the APMP (Association of Bid and Proposal Management) Foundation, which demonstrates competence to employers and clients. Many successful bid writers are self-taught.
Free resources are available from GOV.UK and Crown Commercial Service. Short one-day courses typically cost between £200 and £600. The APMP Foundation programme costs around £800 to £1,500 including training and exam fees.
In some regions, Growth Hubs and PASS (Procurement Advice and Support Service) providers offer subsidised or funded tender writing training for SMEs. Check with your local Growth Hub or LEP for available programmes.
Most candidates spend 3 to 6 months studying for the APMP Foundation alongside their day job. The exam is a 2-hour written paper covering the full bid lifecycle.
For self-study and foundational knowledge, online resources are very effective. In-person workshops have the advantage of peer feedback on practice bids and direct access to experienced trainers. The best approach depends on your learning style.
In most cases, yes. Training costs directly related to your existing business activities are deductible for UK income tax and corporation tax purposes. Check with your accountant for your specific circumstances.