What is IPMA?
The International Project Management Association (IPMA) is a federation of around 70-member associations across the globe which provides qualification standards for individuals working in project, programme and portfolio management.
IPMA Certification Levels
LEVEL A - Certified Project Director
Designed for experienced project professionals who can demonstrate an ability to manage complex projects.
Individuals with a minimum of five years’ experience as a project, programme or portfolio manager in a responsible leadership function in very complex projects, of which at least three years were at a strategic level.
All evidence for Level A must have been obtained within the last 12 years.
LEVEL B - Certified senior Project Manager
Designed for experienced project professionals who can demonstrate an ability to manage complex projects.
Individuals with a minimum of five years’ experience as a project, programme or portfolio manager of which at least three years were in a responsible leadership function in managing complex projects.
The experience must have been obtained within the last eight years, however the evidence timescale may be extended by four years with justification.
LEVEL C - Certified Project Manager
Designed for relatively experienced project professionals who can demonstrate an ability to manage moderately complex projects.
Individuals with a minimum of three years’ experience as a project manager within projects of a moderate complexity.
Or
Individuals with a minimum of three years’ experience in a responsible project management role assisting the project manager in complex projects.
All experience must have been acquired within the last six years. The evidence timescale can be extended by four years with justification.
LEVEL D - Project Management Associate
Designed for people looking to progress in their project management career.
This qualification is aimed at individuals looking to broaden their knowledge in project management. No previous experience is required for this level.
Certification
- Firstly, you will need to submit your completed application form and self-assessment form.
- You will need to complete a one-hour exam answering multiple-choice questions covering 50% of the syllabus through 60 questions
- You will also need to complete a two-hour examination via 14 short written answers, with 12 having to be answered.
Level D Certification Steps
Level D requires the following:
STAGE ONE:
- Firstly, you will need to submit your completed application form and self-assessment form. We will take you through the application process as part of your course induction.
STAGE TWO:
- STEP 1 - You will need to complete a one-hour exam answering multiple-choice questions covering 50% of the syllabus through 60 questions. The pass mark is 60%.
- STEP 2 - You will need to complete a two-hour examination which contains 14 questions. You are required to give short written answers to 12 of these questions. The pass mark is 60%.
Level C, B and A Certification Steps
Certification levels C, B and A require the following application, CV, Executive Summary Report and Full Report.
STAGE ONE:
- Step 1: Firstly, you will need to submit a CV for initial certification which includes personal details, career history, qualifications, training, professional memberships and any other relevant professional development.
- Step 2: In addition, you must submit an Executive Summary Report of a maximum 15 pages, self-assessment form, complexity indicator evaluation and two referees who are familiar with your work.
STAGE TWO:
- Step 1: You will submit a 25-page report which focuses on the projects which have been referred to in the Executive Summary Report.
- Step 2: You will then take part in a two-hour written exam which will ask short answer questions and will focus on your ability to apply knowledge.
- Step 3: If successful, you will then partake in a 90-minute extended interview which relates to specific competence elements. There is also an opportunity to evidence the competence elements which may have not been sufficiently covered previously.
- Step 4: A final evaluation will be undertaken by the assessor to determine if you have demonstrated sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities in a project management context and the relevant level of competence. You will receive a feedback report which will indicate whether the required standard has been met or whether you are deemed not yet competent. If you are deemed as not yet competent, the feedback will highlight areas of development that can be addressed prior to a potential re-entry.
Training Options
We are able to facilitate your IPMA certification for all levels. Get in touch with us to find out more about your options. info@runfar.co.uk
