IPMA Certification

The Institute of Project Management is the International Project Management Association's (IPMA) certifying organisation for Ireland. IPMA coordinates Project Management institutions into an international network of shared tools and professional expertise. An IPMA certification is an unequaled demonstration of competence in Project Management.

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IPMA® Certification

Established in 1965, IPMA® (International Project Management Association) is the pioneering global association for professional project management. Comprising 73 Member Associations across the continents of the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe, IPMA® holds a preeminent position in the field.

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IPMA® is a global leader in project management standards and certifications, with its Competence Baseline (IPMA ICB®) as a comprehensive framework for various project management roles. IPMA®’s Four-Level Certification System is unique worldwide and recognised for its quality to elevating professional standards.

Benefits of IPMA® Certification

Recognition

Earn ISO 21500-aligned credentials that are recognised and accepted by multinational corporations across 70+ countries. Join a global community of certified project management professionals trusted by industry leaders worldwide.

Expansion

Qualify for senior and executive-level roles that specifically require certified project managers. Unlock premium compensation packages and opportunities that aren’t accessible without formal certification credentials.

Strength

Demonstrate verified competence across all project management competency areas including strategic alignment, stakeholder engagement, resource optimisation, and consistent delivery excellence that meets organisational objectives.

IPMA® Certification Levels

Overview of IPMA Certification Levels, including each level's qualifications, certification process, and job description.

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IPMA Level A® — Certified Project Director

Role Description

Operating at a strategic level within a highly intricate project landscape.
Accountable for a demanding project that holds strategic significance for the organisation.

Eligibility

At least 5 years of managerial experience in complex projects, with at least 3 years in a strategic leadership role.
All relevant experience for Level A should have been acquired within the past 12 years.

Certification Steps

Stage 1: Application, submission of a CV for initial certification, Executive Summary Report, self-assessment, and referrals
Stage 2: Examination
Stage 3: Report submission
Stage 4: Interview
Stage 5: Final evaluation and decision
Stage 6: Awarding of certification, provision of feedback, and archival procedures

IPMA Level B® — Certified Senior Project Manager

Role Description

Operating within a sophisticated project environment.
Responsible for a complex project programme within an organisation.

Eligibility

A minimum of 5 years of experience as a project manager, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing intricate projects.
All Level B experience must have been acquired in the past 8 years. Justification can extend the evidence timescale by 4 years.

Certification Steps

Stage 1: Application, Curriculum Vitae (CV) for initial certification, Executive Summary Report, Self-assessment, Referees
Stage 2: Examination
Stage 3: Report submission
Stage 4: Interview
Stage 5: Final evaluation and decision
Stage 6: Awarding of certification, provision of feedback, and archival procedures

IPMA Level C® — Certified Project Manager

Role Description

Operating within a moderately challenging and intricate setting.
Accountable for project management activities with a moderate level of complexity in an organisation

Eligibility

Minimum of 3 years of practical experience as a project manager handling moderately complex projects.
OR minimum of 3 years of experience in a responsible project management role, assisting the project manager in complex projects.
All Level C experience should have been acquired in the past 6 years. In exceptional cases, the evidence timeline can be extended by 4 years with a valid justification.

Certification Steps

Stage 1: Application, Curriculum Vitae (CV) for initial certification, Executive Summary Report, Self-assessment, Referees
Stage 2: Examination
Stage 3: Report submission
Stage 4: Interview
Stage 5: Final evaluation and decision
Stage 6: Awarding of certification, provision of feedback, and archival procedures

IPMA Level D® — Certified Project Manager Associate

Role Description

Possesses an extensive understanding of competence elements associated with project management.
Demonstrates a profound grasp of project management principles and can actively contribute to project teams.

Eligibility

No experience is required.

Certification Steps

Stage 1: Application, Curriculum Vitae (CV) for initial certification, Executive Summary Report, Self-assessment, Referees
Stage 2: Examination
Stage 3: Report submission
Stage 4: Interview
Stage 5: Final evaluation and decision
Stage 6: Awarding of certification, provision of feedback, and archival procedures

IPMA® Recertification

Continuing educational advancement and professional growth are mandatory for individuals who have obtained the IPMA® certification to maintain their active certification status.

They must complete the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme and earn a minimum of 175 Professional Development Units (PDUs) within each five-year certification/CCR cycle. For more information on how to earn PDUs, please refer to Section 3 of the Certification Handbook.

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IPMA® Certification Fee

New Candidates

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About IPMA Ireland

As an authorised National Body for IPMA® Certification, IPM has actively contributed to the implementation of IPMA® 4-Level Certification, successfully certifying more than 6,000 project management professionals.

The certification framework is overseen by the IPMA® Certification and Validation Management Board (CVMB), adhering to the guidelines outlined in ISO/IEC 17024:2012 (Conformity Assessment – General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons).
We can collaborate with organisations to facilitate IPMA® Certification for individuals and companies. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further details.

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