This study is the first outcome of a new work program on regulatory aspects of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) started by the World Bank in May 2011 at the Carbon Expo in Barcelona. The guiding principle of this work has been to approach the complex and broad topic of CDM regulation in a strictly technical and step-wise manner, based on real world project experience and a broad consultation with practitioners of the CDM. This document is the first module in a series, focusing on the topic of standardization of project registration and procedures for both stand-alone activities, using standardized baselines, and Programmes of Activities (PoAs) addressing micro-scale emission reductions. The standardization of CDM procedures has always been an element of the evolving CDM regulation. However, the relevance of standardization has grown beyond incremental improvements of the CDM. It has become one of the core areas in developing the mechanism.