IPMA level D and C Theory

Enrich your role as a project professional

We proudly guide you toward becoming a certified project professional. In this combined IPMA Level D and IPMA Level C Theory training, you explore the field of project management in depth together with other project professionals.

This training supports your personal and professional development as a project manager or project leader. You strengthen and deepen your knowledge of project management, broaden your competences, and learn how to apply them effectively in project practice. You build a solid theoretical foundation and learn to critically reflect on your own performance within projects.

By taking this training, you learn to look at projects from a professional perspective and develop all competences required to excel in the profession. You demonstrate that you possess strong theoretical knowledge of project management and are able to support senior project managers in complex projects.

IPMA stands for the International Project Management Association: a global organization with national associations, created by and for project managers, and focused on further professionalizing the field across all sectors. IPMA defines 28 competences that project managers must master. Depending on your experience in projects, programmes, portfolios, and agile environments, you can certify yourself at Levels D, C, B, or even A.

Target group
This training is suitable for two main target groups:

You are aiming for a comprehensive introduction and solid foundation in project management (IPMA Level D):
You work in projects or are interested in entering the field of project management. Demonstrable project experience is not required, although some experience helps you better understand the course material. IPMA Level D is particularly suitable if you are a leading specialist (for example with a technical background) who works extensively in projects or supports project management.

You are preparing for IPMA Level C Theory:
You are an experienced project manager who has managed multiple projects across all phases, from project definition and planning to delivery and closure. While demonstrated project experience is not required for the IPMA Level C Theory exam, it is required for completion of the IPMA Level C Practical Assessment.

This training is also suitable if you have already passed the IPMA Level D exam and wish to refresh your knowledge while upgrading to the Level C competency requirements.

Goal and program structure

The combined IPMA Level D and C Theory training has a progressive structure.

IPMA Level D focus

The IPMA Level D part of the training prepares you for the IPMA Level D exam in a relatively short period of time. You cover all knowledge and skills required to successfully pass the exam and work through the full IPMA curriculum. The training is interactive and strongly linked to practical project situations, with a focus on understanding and applying best practices.

IPMA Level C Theory focus

The IPMA Level C Theory component elevates you to a more advanced level of project management. You prepare specifically for the IPMA Level C Theory exam and learn how to structure, organize, manage, and lead projects professionally using all 28 IPMA competences.

Through a practical, hands-on approach, you develop both technical (hard skills) and interpersonal (soft skills) competences, enabling you to lead projects with confidence and competence.

Program structure

Days 1, 2 3 and 4 – IPMA Level D competences:

Day 1 – How to prepare and organize your project

• Portfolio, programme and project management
• Agile and SCRUM
• Project success vs. project management success
• The project life cycle
• Strategy, requirements, objectives, scope and project approach
• Quality
• Influence, interests and stakeholders

Day 2 – How to phase and structure your project, and manage stakeholder interests

• Organization and information
• Process development methods
• Influence and interests
• Scope decomposition (PBS and WBS)
• Risks and opportunities
• Communication
• Negotiation and conflict management

Day 3 – How to manage your project and lead the team

• Personal communication and self-management
• Phasing, structuring, milestones
• Estimating techniques
• Time
• Cultures
• Managing changes
• Leadership and teamwork

Day 4 – Project control

• Problem solving and creativity
• Finances
• Project controls
• Managing changes
• Results orientation
• Exam preparation

 Day 5 – Advanced IPMA Level C competences:

Self study in preparation of day 5

• Setting up PPP and PMO organisations
• Project management standards and Lean Six Sigma
• Configuration management
• Consulting
• Procurement and agreements
• Risk management (advanced)

Day 5 – Advanced methods and exam preparation

• Net present value
• Earned value management
• Team role management
• Financial administration and control
• Leadership (advanced)
• Problem solving and creativity
• Precedence chart and the critical chain method
• Managing organisational change (advanced)
• Results orientation (advanced)
• Exam preparation

Structure and self-study

The training starts with an online kick-off session, during which you are introduced to the trainer, the group, and the program. The full program consists of five classroom training days, spread over approximately three to five months (four days focused on IPMA Level D and one addition day for IPMA Level C Theory).

Between training days, you apply the theory in practice and work on assignments and exam preparation. You spend on average 4 to 6 hours per week on self-study. The self study and exam preparation is supported by an online learning environment. The total study load is approximately 60 to 100 hours, depending on your learning pace. The exam takes place several weeks after the final training day, giving you sufficient preparation time.

IPMA Exam Q&A Session

Shortly before the IPMA Level D or IPMA Level C Theory exam, you have the opportunity to participate in an IPMA Exam Question-and-Answer Session, periodically organized by NIMO for exam candidates.

Exam and certification

IPMA Level D

At IPMA Level D, you are expected to understand best practices and apply them where appropriate. There are no formal admission requirements. After successfully passing the exam, you receive the internationally recognized IPMA Level D certificate, which provides a solid foundation for further growth in project management. The Level D certificate is re-certifiable after 5 years.

IPMA Level C Theory

You complete the training with the IPMA Level C Theory exam. If you pass, you receive the IPMA Level C Theory Certificate, which is valid for 18 months.

The IPMA Level C theory certificate qualifies you for the IPMA Level C Practical Assessment. Separate coaching and a pre-assessment are available for this additional option.

Application

An IPMA Level D certification gives you a strong foundation in project management.
An IPMA Level C certification helps you take your competences to the next level, with explicit attention to personal leadership and organisational insight.

The IPMA framework is based on internationally recognized best practices and supports you in leading projects to successful outcomes.