Each certification process involves several steps for the assessment and candidate evaluation.

IPMA Level A

This is an advanced certification.

IPMA Level A certification is international recognition of a person's experience level in managing very complex portfolios of projects and/or programs. The certificate holder has shown to possess the competencies as described by the IPMA International Competence Baseline®, and has shown to consistently, over a minimum number of years, apply those competencies in a highly complex portfolio environment, that has a strategic impact on the organisation.

Eligibility criteria, within the last 12 years:

Path A.

• Minimum of five years experience as a portfolio manager, of programs or projects, in a responsible leadership function in very complex portfolios at a strategic level.

Path B.

• Minimum of four years experience as a portfolio manager in a responsible leadership function in very complex portfolios, PLUS
• Minimum of 3 years experience as a project or program manager in a responsible leadership function managing very complex projects or programs at a strategic level.

IPMA Level C

This is an intermediate project management certification.

IPMA Level C certification is international recognition of a person's experience level in managing projects. The certificate holder has shown to possess the competencies as described by the IPMA International Competence Baseline®, and has shown to consistently apply those, acting in a project management role within a moderately complex project environment within an organisation.

Eligibility criteria, within the last six years:

• Minimum of three years of experience as a project manager within projects of moderate complexity, or
• Minimum of three years in a responsible role, assisting a project manager in complex projects.
• Demonstrate project management knowledge by passing a written examination.
• Demonstrate project management aptitude and competence through a multi-assessor interview.