Certification Guide for International Project Management

Introduction

Man holding transparent globe in his hand towards the sun. In the background a skyline.

The IAPM certification process for Certified International Project Manager (IAPM) is based on the latest version of the IAPM’s International PM Guide 2.0. The content of the International PM Guide 2.0 represents the IAPM’s international project management knowledge base. This knowledge base was developed in collaboration with an international panel of academics and project managers. It is continuously adapted to international standards and findings. The International PM Guide 2.0 can be downloaded free of charge by any IAPM-certified project manager.
 
The IAPM’s Certified International Project Manager (IAPM) certification reflects recognized current practices and experiences in international project management.

Certification

In front of a background with digital symbols is a group of people. Only their shadows are visible.

Cert. International Project Manager (IAPM)

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. No proof of international project management experience has to be provided for Certified International Project Manager (IAPM) certification, but having worked in an international project environment can be an advantage in the certification examination.
 
Applicants must demonstrate proof of knowledge of the international project management competence elements. The knowledge questions are based on the content of the International PM Guide 2.0.

Examination application and admittance procedure

A person is writing on a tablet.

To register for Certified International Project Manager (IAPM) certification the applicant has to fill in the online application form on our website. Postal applications are not possible. When the form has been filled in and the information provided has been accepted the application is checked by the IAPM. Once the checks establish that the applicant meets all requirements, (s)he is admitted for Certified International Project Manager (IAPM) certification.
 
Persons applying for Certified International Project Manager (IAPM) certification who do not meet the application requirements will be notified by the IAPM. For example, the applicant may not have one of the IAPM certificates that are a prerequisite for Certified International Project Manager (IAPM) certification.
 
Applicants cannot object to the IAPM’s decision. A new application can be submitted as soon as the applicant has the necessary certification to register for Certified International Project Manager (IAPM) certification.
 
Applicants with a certification from another organisation can send it in to the IAPM. The IAPM will then review it and, if it meets the relevant criteria, recognize it for Certified International Project Manager (IAPM) certification purposes.

The Examination

A person is using the keypad on a laptop. Diagrams are semi-transparent in the foreground.

The IAPM offers certification candidates the opportunity to take a self-test in advance of the Certified International Project Manager (IAPM) examination so that they can assess whether they are ready for the actual examination. Generally, certification candidates are free to prepare for the certification examination in any way they choose. They can study for it independently or attend a preparatory course.
 
Self-test

Certification candidates can take the self-test to get an idea of what kind of questions they will encounter in the examination, the level of difficulty and their knowledge level. You can register to take the self-test on the IAPM’s website. Once you have paid the invoice you will be sent your personal access code so that you can take the self-test online. Afterwards you will receive an e-mail with your score and feedback on your knowledge of certification examination content so that you can focus on specific areas and remedy any knowledge deficits.
The self-test is voluntary. It is not a requirement for Certified International Project Manager (IAPM) certification.
 
Certification examination

When candidates have been admitted to the online certification examination by the IAPM they can use a computer of their choice to take it. Before the examination is taken the candidate is required to sign an affidavit confirming that they will take the examination alone and without any outside assistance or materials. The questions cover all IAPM competence elements as set out in the International PM Guide 2.0. They are taken randomly from a comprehensive catalogue of questions that is updated regularly.
 
Passing the certification examination
To pass the certification examination you have to score at least 65%. The examination is automatically graded after it is taken and the candidate is informed of the result via e-mail within three working days. If the candidate passes the certification examination an internationally recognized electronic certificate is issued.
 
Examination retakes

Candidates who do not pass the certification examination may retake it at a time of their choice. In this case, the certification fee has to be paid again. If the second attempt is a fail, the candidate has to wait 12 months before the certification examination can be taken again. A third fail excludes the candidate from all further certification examinations.

The IAPM certification

The certification can be taken via a reputable online examination procedure. The costs are based on the gross domestic product of your country of origin.

From the IAPM Blog

Become a Network Official

Do you want to get involved in project management in your environment and contribute to the further development of project management? Then become active as an IAPM Network Official or as a Network Official of the IAPM Network University. 


For better readability, we usually only use the generic masculine form in our texts. Nevertheless, the expressions refer to members of all genders.