Certification
Certified International Project Manager (IAPM)
- No professional experience necessary
- Reputated online examination system
- Flexible examination date
- Internationally recognised certificate
- Competitive advantages & career launching pad
- No re-certification necessary
About the certification
The knowledge questions are based on the content of the International PM Guide 2.0.
Proof of experience does not have to be provided, though international project experience is an advantage in the certification examination.
Anyone wishing to obtain "Certified International Project Manager (IAPM)" certification has to already have Certified Project Manager (IAPM), Certified Senior Project Manager (IAPM), Certified Agile Project Manager (IAPM) or Certified Senior Agile Project Manager (IAPM) certification.
Getting certified
- You have to already have one of our certifications ("Certified Junior Project Manager (IAPM)" doesn’t count) or an equivalent certification from another project management organisation that we have recognised.
- You can either prepare for the certification examination yourself using our recommended literature or take part in a course given by one of our training partners.
- You can test yourself (20 questions in 15 minutes) at any time to find out whether you still have any knowledge deficits. This test also provides you with an idea of the kind of questions and level of difficulty you will encounter in the certification examination. The selftest can only be done once.
- When you feel that you have an adequate knowledge level, you can register to take the certification examination.
- When the IAPM has checked your registration, you’ll receive an e-mail invoice with a 30-day payment deadline.
- When payment has been received, you will be sent an e-mail with your login data for the IAPM certification system so that you can take your examination. The login data are valid for six months after you receive them.
- If you achieve the necessary pass rate of 65% you will receive your personal IAPM certificate by e-mail after a few days. You can also request a certificate printed on high quality paper, which is subject to an extra charge.
- The certificate provides you with life-long proof of your theoretical knowledge of international project management. It is an advantage in job application processes and can give your career a boost.
What does the "Certified International Project Manager (IAPM)" certification cost?
Please select your nationality to view the fee that applies to you.
Please note that the discount for students, schoolchildren and job seekers is not granted for "Certified Junior Project Manager (IAPM)" certification!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IAPM?Read more about the IAPM on the following pages:
Association & Organisation
Main focus
The IAPM team
The IAPM's history
"Certified International Project Manager (IAPM)" certification is for people who want to effectively manage and implement international projects. The certificate is proof of theoretical international project management knowledge.
Anyone wishing to obtain "Certified International Project Manager (IAPM)" certification has to already have Certified Project Manager (IAPM), Certified Agile Project Manager (IAPM), Certified Senior Project Manager (IAPM) or Certified Senior Agile Project Manager (IAPM) certification.
There is no need to furnish proof of practical experience when you register for certification.
"Certified International Project Manager (IAPM)" certification confirms your theoretical international project management knowledge, which includes knowledge on both soft skills and hard facts. Certification can tip the balance in your favour when you're looking for a new job or changing careers. It demonstrates your knowledge in project management, which sets you apart from your rivals. As an IAPM certificate holder, you will also receive regular invitations to regional Network Meetings where you can meet other project managers and listen to interesting presentations.
The selftest (20 questions within 15 minutes) reveals any gaps in your knowledge. It gives you an idea of what the certification examination is like and allows you to check your knowledge level. When you have completed the selftest you will receive an e-mail with information about your knowledge level and recommendations. The selftest can only be done once.
You can take part in a preparatory workshop held by one of our training partners. The workshops practically communicate and illustrate all relevant content. You can find a training partner near to you here.
If you don’t want to attend a workshop, you can also study for the examination yourself. The International PM Guide 2.0 provides you with an overview of the topics covered in the certification examination.
Recommended reading to increase your depth of knowledge can be found here.
The certification examination has 80 questions and the candidate has to answer at least 65% of them correctly to pass. The time allowed is 60 minutes. You receive your examination results by e-mail.
On average, candidates achieve a score of around 72% in our certification examinations.
The certification examination questions relate to all topics covered by the International PM Guide 2.0. These are for example:
- Projects in a globalised world
- Aspects of an international project
- International competencies
- Cultural dimensions
- Project phases
- Environment and stakeholder analysis
- Project organisation
- Decision making processes
- Team development
- Communication culture
- Project control
- Risk management
- Conflict management
- Quality management
- Supplier management
- Management role in the project
Quick Reference Guides
- Brazil
- China
- Germany
- India
- Japan
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Turkey
- USA
If you fail the examination, you can retake it with different questions. In this case, you have to pay the examination fee again. If you also fail this second examination, you have to wait for 12 months before you can have another attempt. If you fail for a third time, you are excluded from any further IAPM certification examinations and will not be able to retake the examination again.
The IAPM’s fees are based on the certification candidate’s nationality. This ensures that project managers of all nations can afford our certifications.
You can find information about the fee for the certification and preparatory test that applies to your nationality on our website in the Fee information section. Please remember that IAPM fees are in Swiss francs (CHF) and the corresponding euro or dollar value can fluctuate from day to day, depending on the conversion rate. Invoices are issued in Swiss francs (CHF).