IPMA Certification

International Project Management Association

Explore Courses

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.

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

Globally recognised certification

of your project management skills

Expanding career prospects

in today’s demanding
job market

Strengthen

employer trust

in your ability to deliver successful projects

IPMA® Certification Levels

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

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.

Download Handbook

IPMA® Certification Fee

New Candidates

Obtain your first IPMA® certification or apply to the next certification level

Become Certified

Re-Certify Now

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.

Contact Us