The APM uses a tiering structure similar to a work breakdown structure. Generally, each tier has a specific focus and hierarchical authority:
- Tier 0 (1.0): The macro level process at the Service Acquisition Executive (SAE) and Defense Acquisition Executive level.
- Tier 1 (numbered 1.x): Process area at the SAE/2 Letter (LTR) level.
- Tier 2 (numbered 1.x.x): Subprocess area at the Program Executive Officer (PEO)/3 LTR level.
- Tier 3 (numbered 1.x.x.x): Supporting process area at the PEO/4 LTR level.
- Tier 4 (numbered 1.x.x.x.x): Activity area at the Program Manager (PM) level.
- Tier 5 (numbered 1.x.x.x.x.x): Sub activity area at the PM and Action Officer (AO) level.
- Tier 6 (numbered 1.x.x.x.x.x.x): Action area at the AO level.
- Tier 7 (numbered 1.x.x.x.x.x.x.x): Sub action area at the Journeyman level.
- Tier 8 and below (numbered 1.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x): Supporting Action area at the trainee level.
