IPMA-Australia Certification
Background
If you are an individual wanting to improve your competence as a project manager, program manager, or portfolio manager, or as trainer, consultant or coach, you have come to the right place. Here, you will find information regarding IPMA’s certification schemes and information about international recognition as well as information regarding our products and services for the talented people rather new to our profession. Let us help you in your journey towards becoming or developing your competence as a professional project, portfolio or program manager.
Project Management Certification
While the IPMA manages the 4-level (4-L-C) certification scheme for individuals, the Certification Bodies of the IPMA Member Associations are responsible for the individual assessments and certification. You can be certified at levels A, B , C or D. The certification process involves several steps for the assessment of a candidate and is described in detail in the International Certification Regulations (ICR).
Assessment Steps
The assessment steps for individuals are applied to each of the IPMA competence level A, level B, level C and level D. When candidates meet the competence requirements, they can apply directly for the desired Level. You do not need to start at level D and move your way up to C and B and A!
Role Descriptions and Eligibility Criteria
IPMA Level A®, Certified Project Director
Experience must have been acquired within the last 12 years. The minimum experience requirements for Level A are:
5 years (7,500 hours on-the-job) as a project manager managing very complex projects of which at least 3 years were at a strategic level
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IPMA Level A®, Certified Programme Director
Experience must have been acquired within the last 12 years. The minimum experience requirements for Level A are:
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5 years (7,500 hours on-the-job) as a program manager managing very complex programmes at a strategic level, OR
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4 years (6,000 hours on-the-job) as a program manager managing very complex programmes at a strategic level, AND 3 years (4,500 hours on-the-job) as a project manager managing very complex projects at a strategic level
IPMA Level A®, Certified Portfolio Director
Experience must have been acquired within the last 12 years. The minimum experience requirements for Level A are:
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5 years (7,500 hours on-the-job) as a portfolio manager managing very complex portfolios at a strategic level, OR
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4 years (6,000 hours on-the-job) as a portfolio manager managing very complex portfolios at a strategic level, AND 3 years (4,500 hours on-the-job) as a project or programme manager managing very complex projects or programmes at a strategic level
IPMA Level B®, Certified Senior Project Manager
​Experience must have been acquired within the last 8 years. If your career was interrupted (e.g., for military service or parental leave), that period can be extended to 12 years. The minimum experience requirements for Level B are:
5 years (7,500 hours on-the-job) as a project manager of which at least 3 years (4,500 hours on-the-job) were in a leadership role for a complex project
IPMA Level B®, Certified Senior Programme Manager
Experience must have been acquired within the last 8 years. If your career was interrupted (e.g., for military service or parental leave), that period can be extended to 12 years. The minimum experience requirements for Level B are:
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5 years (7,500 hours on-the-job) as a programme manager of which at least 3 years (4,500 hours on-the-job) were in a leadership role for a complex programme
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IPMA Level B®, Certified Senior Portfolio Manager
Experience must have been acquired within the last 8 years. If your career was interrupted (e.g., for military service or parental leave), that period can be extended to 12 years. The minimum experience requirements for Level B are:
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5 years (7,500 hours on-the-job) as a portfolio manager of which at least 3 years (4,500 hours on-the-job) were in a leadership role for a complex portfolio
IPMA Level C®, Certified Project Manager
Experience must have been acquired within the last 6 years. If your career was interrupted (e.g., for military service or parental leave), that period can be extended to 10 years. The minimum experience requirements for Level C are:
3 years (4,500 hours on-the-job) managing projects of moderate complexity, OR
3 years (4,500 hours on-the-job) assisting the project manager of a highly complex project
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IPMA Level D®, Certified Project Management Associate
There are no experience requirements for Level D. However, most candidates find that 3-6 months working on a project of at least moderate complexity provides context that is helpful in preparing for the exam.