IPMA
Purpose and Scope
IPMA develops standards and best-practice guides for project management across different industries and sectors. Unlike PMI, whose flagship certification (PMP) is based on processes and knowledge, IPMA takes a competence-based approach: it assesses what a professional can do, not just what they know.
IPMA's reference standard is the ICB (Individual Competence Baseline), which structures project management competences into three areas: perspective competences (context), people competences (leadership and teamwork), and practice competences (technical tools and methods).
Certification levels
IPMA offers four levels of professional certification:
- IPMA D (Certified Project Management Associate): knowledge of project management fundamentals. Entry level, with no practical experience requirement.
- IPMA C (Certified Project Manager): management of projects of limited complexity. Requires demonstrable practical experience.
- IPMA B (Certified Senior Project Manager): management of complex projects. Requires significant experience and team management.
- IPMA A (Certified Projects Director): management of portfolios and programs. The highest level of certification.
In Spain, the national association affiliated with IPMA is AEIPRO (Asociación Española de Ingeniería de Proyectos, the Spanish Association of Project Engineering).
Common mistake
Confusing IPMA with PMI. Both are international project management organizations, and both certify professionals, but with different approaches. PMI certifies process knowledge (PMP, CAPM); IPMA certifies demonstrated competencies. The choice between them depends on each person's industry, job market, and professional profile.
References
See also
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