Certification FAQs
The more advanced a certification program is, the more questions it raises. The purpose of this page is to answer the most frequently asked questions about IPMA-USA's implementation of IPMA's program and project manager certification offerings.
Who is responsible for IPMA-USA's certification program?
IPMA-USA has chartered an independent certification body that operates in accordance with the requirements of ISO 17024:2012, Conformity assessment — General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons.
Where can I find out if someone is certified in the IPMA Certification System?
IPMA has a database of certified individuals, that we update quarterly. Go to http://ipma.world/certification/certify-individuals/search-certified-pms/. Enter the first or last name of the person you are seeking. If you see more than 10 people with the same name, try entering the rest of the name, or the certification level of the person you seek.
Who actually performs the certification assessments?
Every assessment decision requires agreement from two independent assessors who are both skilled project, program, or portfolio managers as well as trained assessors. The assessors operate under a detailed set of regulations and guidelines that covers everything from how to score a candidate's evidence to how to prepare for a video assessment.
What is the IPMA-USA relationship with IPMA?
We are the USA Member Association of IPMA and the exclusive provider of IPMA’s Four-Level-Certification (4-L-C) System in the USA.
The International Project Management Association (IPMA) is a federation of over 60 national project management associations. IPMA provides global recognition while IPMA-USA provides local flavor. (see the list of global certification bodies at IPMA’s website)
How Does IPMA's Certification Program Differ?
The IPMA certification program extends beyond testing of short-term knowledge to use professional assessors to evaluate the competence of the individual. The competences we evaluate go beyond technical areas like cost, time, and risk to include soft skills such as leadership, self-management, and integirty. We also evaluate each candidate's understanding of the context of their work such as strategic fit, governance, and culture.
Why are there so many different certification levels?
Most other P3M certification programs have little to do with the specific roles you play. Our levels correspond to the specific requirements of specific roles. Our certifications correlate to the roles you actually fill in your organization's projects, programs, and portfolios ... including an entry-level, exam-based certification for newcomers and practitioners in other disciplines.
How can P3M-related consulting and training firms benefit from this program?
* By aligning with IPMA-USA's competence-based approach to improving project performance.
* By joining IPMA-USA and working with our members to apply IPMA's Individual Competence Baseline (ICB4) foundation, not only for certification but for Talent Development and improved performance.
I can't find the contact information for the person I need to email. Can you help me?
Yes, contact us.
FAQs for Groups seeking advanced certifications (Levels A, B, and C)
Why is there a Group Discount?
Because our Assessors can plan a block of time to work with a group over a period of several days. Assessor travel, if required, is additional and is billed at cost.
How do I know who in my group qualified for which level?
We use our Management Complexity Ratings tool to evaluate the management complexity of each candidate's work. You self-rate your work as part of your preparation, and then our Assessors verify those ratings.
Do I have to separate my candidates into multiple groups?
Group applications can include candidates for all levels.
What about Recertification?
Recertification is the responsibility of the individual who has been certified and will take place in accordance with standard Certification practices.
FAQs for Individuals Seeking advanced certifications (Levels A, B, and C)
Are there any costs in addition to the application fees?
Candidate travel, if required, is the responsibility of the candidate.
How do I know what level I'm qualified for?
We use our Management Complexity Ratings tool to evaluate the management complexity of each candidate's work. You self-rate your work as part of your preparation, and then our Assessors verify those ratings.
Is there a way to get the group discount?
You can save some money and make some new friends by organizing a group of at least 5 candidates. Contact us for more information on this option.
FAQs for Individuals Seeking IPMA Level D®
Is there a way to get a group discount for IPMA Level D®?
You can save some money and make some new friends by organizing a group of at least 5 candidates for the exam. Contact us for more information on this option.
