To be eligible for the IPMA® certification, you must meet the requirements as set out below. Achieving certification means each candidate must demonstrate an acceptable level of understanding, knowledge and practical experience of project management as defined by the (ICB) IPMA Competence Baseline and tested by the IPMA internationally recognised certification procedure.
Certification involves a combination of:
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Self assessment.
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Written examination tests.
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Proven experience.
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Independent third party interview assessment (where applicable).
IPMA Level A® 
Certified Projects Director |
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Has at least five years of experience in portfolio management, programme management or multi-project management, of which three years were in responsible leadership functions in the portfolio management of a company/organisation or a business unit/or in the management of important programmes
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Entry requirements
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Shall be able to manage portfolios or programmes
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Core competence
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Is responsible for the management of an important portfolio of a company/organisation or a branch thereof or for the management of one or more important programmes.
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Additional requirements
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Contributes to strategic management and makes proposals to senior management. Develops project management personnel and coaches project managers.
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Develops and implements project management requirements, processes, methods, techniques, tools, handbooks, guidelines
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IPMA Level B® 
Certified Senior Project Manager
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Has at least five years of project management experience, of which three years are in responsible leadership functions of complex projects.
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Entry requirements
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Shall be able to manage complex projects.
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Core competence
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Is responsible for all project management competence elements of a complex project.
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Additional requirements
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Has general management role as manager of large project management team.
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Uses adequate project management processes, methods, techniques and tools.
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IPMA Level C® 
Certified Project Manager |
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Has at least three years of project management experience. Is responsible for leadership functions of projects with limited complexity
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Entry requirements
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Shall be able to manage projects with limited complexity and/or to manage a sub-project of a complex project in all competence elements of project management.
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Core competence
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Is responsible for managing a project with limited complexity in all its aspects, or for managing a sub-project of a complex project.
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Additional requirements
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Applies common project management processes, methods, techniques and tools.
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IPMA Level D® 
Certified Project Management Associate |
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Experience in project management competence elements is not compulsory; but it is an advantage if the candidate has applied his project management knowledge to some extent already.
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Entry requirements
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Shall have project management knowledge in all competence elements.
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Core competence
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Can practice in any project management competence element. May work in some fields as a specialist.
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Additional requirements
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Works as a project team member or a member of the project personnel.
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Has broad project management knowledge and the ability to apply it.
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