IPMA Level A

Certification at the highest level

IPMA® Level A – At the highest level.

Individuals holding an IPMA® Level A certification are exceptionally well prepared to lead strategic projects, programmes, or portfolios in highly complex environments.

The certification is intended for directors of strategic large-scale projects, executives of project-oriented organizations, and professionals who are currently managing or have managed highly complex projects of strategic importance.
Key areas of focus are developing strategies through projects, strategic management of project-oriented organizations, the interaction between project, programme, and portfolio management, and leadership skills in projects.
For candidates pursuing Level A certification, we recommend targeted individual coaching in advance.

Successful candidates are awarded the highest certification titles: IPMA® Level A – Certified Project Director, IPMA® Level A – Certified Programme Director, or IPMA® Level A – Certified Portfolio Director

Further information

Leaders in project-based organizations
Project, programme, and/or portfolio managers with significant influence on the organization’s success and strategy

You must have at least 5 years of experience leading highly complex projects, programmes, or portfolios, including at least 3 years at a strategic level.

According to this framework, complexity is divided into the following three areas:

Indicators relating to technical skills
Indicators relating to context
Indicators relating to management and leadership.

Further information can be found in the Guideline Level A.

You develop projects through strategies.
You manage project-oriented organizations strategically.
You utilize the interaction between project, programme, and portfolio management.
You demonstrate leadership skills in projects.
You are experienced in leading project executives.
You take on entrepreneurial responsibility.

First, register for a Level A certification date via PM-ZERT's certification portal. Afterwards, please additionally inform us of your selected date by email.

Tip: Are you interested in Level A certification in programme or portfolio management? Simply select the appropriate domain in your application documents.

The following five examination components must be successfully completed in sequence during the Level A assessment:

Admission
Conformity meeting
A 25-page report
Role play of approximately 240 minutes (spread across one working day)
Interview of approximately 90 minutes

Certificate issued: Depending on your specialization, you will receive one of the following titles: IPMA® Level A – Certified Project Director, IPMA® Level A – Certified Programme Director or IPMA® Level A – Certified Portfolio Director.

The certificate is issued in English.

Note: Please upload your application documents to the certification portal no later than 4 months before the planned examination date.