IPMA 4-Level Certification Guide
IPMA 4-level certification guide covering Level D, Level C, Level B, and Level A competency-based certification routes.
Use this guide when your real question is not just “Which IPMA level do I need?” but “Do I need entry project-management knowledge, a moderate-complexity project-manager level, or senior programme, project, or portfolio recognition?” These pages help you compare the IPMA levels and see which routes already have PM Mastery web practice and which currently only have route guides.
Best page to open first
| If your goal is… | Best page | Why |
|---|
| Start with the entry IPMA certification level | Level D | Best route when you need the starting level focused on project-management knowledge. |
| Validate working project-manager depth in moderate complexity | Level C | Best route when you already manage projects and need the standard project-manager level. |
| Validate senior complex-environment leadership | Level B | Best route when you already lead complex projects, programmes, or portfolios. |
| Validate the highest strategic leadership level | Level A | Best route when you need director-level strategic responsibility across very complex environments. |
| Compare IPMA with PMI, PRINCE2, or APM | Project Management | Best route when the real decision is certification family, not only one IPMA level. |
IPMA 4-L-C route map
flowchart TD
D["Level D"] --> C["Level C"]
C --> B["Level B"]
B --> A["Level A"]
What each lane is really for
| Route family | Best fit | Availability now |
|---|
| Level D | Starting professionals who need recognised project-management knowledge | Level D
is not live yet; use this page to track availability. |
| Level C | Project managers operating in moderately complex environments | Level C
is not live yet; use this page to track availability. |
| Level B | Senior project, programme, or portfolio managers working in complex environments | Level B
is not live yet; use this page to track availability. |
| Level A | Project, programme, or portfolio directors working in very complex strategic environments | Level A
is not live yet; use this page to track availability. |
Official certification glossary
| Qualification | Official focus | Current availability |
|---|
| Level D | Certified Project Management Associate | Not live yet; use this availability page |
| Level C | Certified Project Manager | Not live yet; use this availability page |
| Level B | Certified Senior Project Manager | Not live yet; use this availability page |
| Level A | Certified Projects Director | Not live yet; use this availability page |
How the IPMA family really works
- IPMA describes the family as a global competency-based four-level certification system.
- IPMA says you certify in your own country, in your own language, through the local membership organisation or certification body.
- IPMA’s certification-process page says you do not need to start at Level D and move one level at a time. You can apply directly for the level that matches your current competence.
- IPMA’s re-certification page says certificates are valid for five years before re-certification is required.
- IPMA uses different assessment paths by level. Level D uses an application plus knowledge self-assessment; Levels A, B, and C use broader evidence such as a CV, executive summary report, full self-assessment, and referees.
Which IPMA level is usually the right fit?
| If your current level is… | Best route |
|---|
| foundation knowledge and early PM capability | Level D |
| current project-manager responsibility in moderate complexity | Level C |
| senior leadership in complex project, programme, or portfolio work | Level B |
| strategic director-level accountability across very complex environments | Level A |
Current PM Mastery availability
- Dedicated IPMA simulator routes are not live in PM Mastery yet.
- The current IPMA pages help candidates compare the four levels, understand the country-body assessment model, and request updates while PM Mastery web practice for these exact routes is not live yet.
- If you need live PM Mastery practice today in a similar lane, the closest routes are PMP
, PMQ
, and PgMP
.
When this family is the right route
Use the IPMA lane when you need:
- a competency- and evidence-based project-management certification system rather than only one timed exam path
- project, programme, or portfolio recognition that is locally assessed but globally framed
- clearer route separation between starting knowledge, moderate-complexity project management, senior complex-environment leadership, and strategic director-level accountability
- a multi-level professional recognition system rather than one single exam sitting
Best next page
| If you need to… | Best page | Why |
|---|
| Start with the most accessible IPMA route | Level D | Best current demand-capture page for the entry IPMA level. |
| Compare moderate-complexity PM breadth with PMI | PMP | Best route when the real choice is IPMA competence certification versus PMP-style exam depth. |
| Compare profession-first project breadth with UK APM | PMQ | Best route when the real choice is IPMA versus APM PMQ. |
| Open PM Mastery on web | PM Mastery Web App | Best route for browser-first access and same-account sync. |
In this section
- IPMA Level D Certification Guide
Certification guide for IPMA Level D / Certified Project Management Associate, including official entry criteria, process cues, current availability, and the best current PM Mastery alternatives while dedicated Level D support is not yet live.
- IPMA Level C Certification Guide
Certification guide for IPMA Level C / Certified Project Manager, including official entry criteria, process cues, current availability, and the best current PM Mastery alternatives while dedicated Level C support is not yet live.
- IPMA Level B Certification Guide
Certification guide for IPMA Level B / senior project, programme, and portfolio manager routes, including official entry criteria, process cues, current availability, and the best current PM Mastery alternatives while dedicated Level B support is not yet live.
- IPMA Level A Certification Guide
Certification guide for IPMA Level A / strategic director routes, including official entry criteria, process cues, current availability, and the best current PM Mastery alternatives while dedicated Level A support is not yet live.
Revised on Wednesday, April 22, 2026