There are four levels in the IPMA 4-L-C System – Levels A, B, C and D. The IPMA level definitions are constructed against the following core criteria:
• Level A is constructed in terms of the leadership of others in very complex projects (programmes or portfolios) throughout the life cycle (where applicable) at a strategic level.
• Level B is constructed in terms of the leadership of others in projects (programmes or portfolios) and includes complexity throughout the life cycle (where applicable).
• Level C is constructed in terms of the management of others in projects of moderate complexity throughout the life cycle through the application of knowledge/theory across all relevant competences.
• Level D is constructed in terms of knowledge across all relevant competences only.
There are three domains in the IPMA 4-L-C System – project, programme and portfolio. In the three domains, projects have four levels (A, B, C and D); programme and portfolio each have two levels (A and B). This creates eight profiles in the IPMA 4-L-C System as shown below:
IPMA profiles and eligibility criteria
•IPMA Level D: Certified Project Management Associate.
An IPMA certification at Level D requires that the candidate has knowledge in the CEs related to project management. As such, they usually have broad project management knowledge and may work in a project team.Eligibility criteria: There is no previous experience required and only knowledgeCEs related to project management are assessed.
Eligibility criteria: within the last six years the candidate needs to have a minimum of three years’ experience as a project manager within projects of moderate complexity, or a minimum of three years’ experience in a responsible project management role assisting the project manager in complex projects. The evidence timescale can be extended by four years to ten years with justification.
Eligibility criteria: within the last eight years the candidate needs to have a minimum of five years’ experience as a project manager of which at least three years were in a responsible leadership function managing complex projects. The evidence timescale can be extended by four years to twelve years with justification.
Eligibility criteria: within the last eight years the candidate needs to have a minimum of five years’ experience as a programme manager of which at least threeyears were in a responsible leadership function managing complex programmes. The evidence timescale can be extended by four years to twelve years with justification.
• IPMA Level A: Certified Project Director
An IPMA certification at Level A for project management requires that the candidate has acted in a very complex project environment that has a strategic impact on the organisation.
• IPMA Level A: Certified Programme Director
An IPMA certification at Level A for programme management requires that the candidate has acted in a very complex programme environment that has a strategic impact on the organisation.
Eligibility criteria: within the last 12 years, the candidate needs to have a minimum of five years’ experience as a programme manager in a responsible leadership function in very complex programmes at a strategic level, or a minimum of four years’ experience as a programme manager in a responsible leadership function in very complex programmes and a minimum of three years’ experience as a project manager in a responsible leadership function managing very complex projects at a strategic level. The evidence timescale cannot be extended.
• IPMA Level A: Certified Portfolio Director
An IPMA certification at Level A for portfolio management requires that the candidate has acted in a very complex portfolio environment that has a strategic impact on the organisation.
