IPMA Level A

IPMA® Level A: Certified Project Director, Certified Programme Director and Certified Portfolio Director are internationally recognised qualifications offered by APM.

These qualifications are designed for experienced project professionals who can demonstrate an ability to manage complex projects, programmes or portfolios at a strategic level.

Bookings of new open International Project Management Association (IPMA) qualifications will not be available between 1 July and 3 September 2023 as we transition our IPMA qualifications to our new delivery partner APMG.  

APMG are a world-leading accreditation and exam institute and will bring their knowledge, focus and resources to ensure candidates have the best possible experience while taking an IPMA qualification. Find out more about what this means for you.

If you are a candidate already studying towards your IPMA qualification you will continue to be supported through your studies and your course will not change. Please contact your training provider for information about your exams over July and August. 

If you have any other questions please contact our qualifications team.  

The 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 qualifications are internationally recognised and designed for project professionals at all levels in their careers. APM are the membership body in the UK for the IPMA. 

Who are they for?

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.

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 need to submit a 25-page report which focuses on the projects, programmes and portfolios which have been referred to in your Executive Summary Report. This report focuses on the application of your leadership of others, using the competence elements being assessed in the report.

Step 2
Once submitted you will partake in a 120-minute extended interview which will cover 12 competence elements. There is an opportunity to evidence the competence elements which may have not been sufficiently covered previously.  

Step 3
A final evaluation will be undertaken by the assessor to determine if you have demonstrated sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities in a project, programme or portfolio 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 if 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.

What is assessed?

You will be assessed on 28 competences for project management via a report and an interview. To pass, you must evidence a minimum of 23 out of 28 competence elements.

For portfolio and programme management, you will be assessed on 29 competences. To pass, you must evidence a minimum of 24 out of 29 competence elements.

Syllabus

IPMA® Level A: Certified
Portfolio Director 

IPMA® Level A: Certified
Programme Director 

IPMA® Level A: Certified
Project Director 

Study through an Accredited Training Provider

Novare Consulting Ltd provide accredited training for IPMA Level B. Please visit their website for more information.

Stage 1

• Executive Summary Report - Portfolio management 
• Executive Summary Report - Programme management
• Executive Summary Report - Project management
• Management Complexity Indicator form
• Portfolio Director - Applicant Self Assessment form
• Programme Director - Applicant Self Assessment form
• Project Director - Applicant Self Assessment form

Stage 2

• Full report template – Portfolio management
• Full report template – Programme management
• Full report template – Project management

Candidate Support 

• Candidate guidance 
• Exam technique
• Command words