Level A
IPMA level A
- For executive leaders
At IPMA Level A, you can choose between four different certification paths – depending on whether you lead projects, programs, portfolios, or agile transformations at a strategic level.
IPMA Certified Project Director, Program Director or Portfolio Director
IPMA Level A is designed for those who lead strategically, influence organizational direction, and manage highly complex projects, programs, or portfolios at the highest level. This certification demonstrates that you possess the experience, maturity, and holistic perspective required to take responsibility for the most demanding assignments.
You are accustomed to working in international, cross-functional, and change-intensive environments, with overarching accountability for achieving business-critical goals.
- The highest international certification in project, program, and portfolio management
- Proof of your excellence in strategic leadership and delivering results
IPMA Certified Agile Organisational Leader
This certification is for those leading agile transformations at the highest strategic level. It demonstrates your ability to set direction, build an agile culture, and drive sustainable change in complex organizations. The certification showcases your expertise in aligning people, structures, and strategies to work in an agile way.
- Internationally recognized certification of your ability to lead agile at a strategic level
- Proof of agile maturity and the ability to move the entire organization in the right direction, even in uncertainty and times of change
Entry criteria for IPMA level A
To achieve IPMA Level A certification, you must meet the following experience requirements for each role (experience must have been acquired within the last 12 years):
IPMA Certified Project Director – A minimum of five years experience as a project manager in a responsible leadership function in very complex project of which at least three years were at a strategic level.
IPMA Certified Program Director – A minimum of five years experience as a program manager in a responsible leadership function in very complex programs at a strategic level, OR a minimum of four years experience as a program manager in a responsible leadership function in very complex programs AND a minimum of three years experience as a project manager in a responsible leadership function managing very complex projects at a strategic level.
IPMA Certified Portfolio Director – A minimum of five years experience as a portfolio manager in a responsible leadership function in very complex portfolios at a strategic level OR a minimum of four years of experience as a portfolio manager in a responsible leadership function in very complex portfolios AND a minimum of three years experience as a project or program manager in a responsible leadership function managing very complex projects or programs at a strategic level.
IPMA Certified Agile Organisational Leader – A minimum of five years experience leading very complex agile initiatives, of which at least 3 years as the responsible leader of agile initiatives at a strategic level.
Certification process – Level A
1. Introduction
We will guide you through the entire certification process and everything you need to know in approximately two hours.
2. Submitting your application
Four weeks after the introduction, you will submit your application, detailing your competences and experience in relation to the IPMA Individual Competence Baseline (ICB). We recommend starting your application well in advance to allow yourself the opportunity to produce a thorough and well-considered submission.
3. Submitting your reports
You will submit two reports detailing your leadership challenges and how you managed them within very complex assignments.
4. Interview
The interview includes a comprehensive review of your entire certification process, where the assessors will ask supplementary questions. You should also be prepared to give a brief presentation of one of your reports. The interview lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
5. Certificate
Upon successful completion, you will be awarded an internationally recognized certificate, a digital badge, and your name in IPMA’s Register of Certified Professionals.