The International Project Management Association (IPMA), founded in 1965, is the world’s first non-profit, non-governmental international project management association. With members in over 70 countries, IPMA unites professionals, academics, and organizations to advance the project management profession.
🔗Learn more:https://ipma.world/
A Competence-Based Approach to Project Management for Implementing Digital Initiatives
Digital transformation requires the job market not only to enhance digital skills but also to change its approach to managing digital transformation initiatives. We believe that project management competences help ensure the structured, strategic, and efficient implementation of digital transformation initiatives. Digital skills alone are not enough to manage projects, especially in a rapidly evolving world that demands agile and adaptive project management approaches.
Competences in Agile, Scrum, and hybrid methodologies enable teams to respond quickly to changing requirements and market trends. Project managers must balance flexibility with structured governance to keep projects aligned with business objectives. Digital projects also face risks related to cybersecurity, data privacy, and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR in the EU). Project management competences in risk assessment and mitigation strategies help organizations safeguard sensitive information.
IPMA promotes a competence-based approach to project, programme, and portfolio management. At the core of IPMA’s philosophy is the IPMA Individual Competence Baseline (ICB), a globally recognized standard that assesses professionals not only on knowledge but also on practical skills and personal attributes. IPMA's competence-based standards for project management are accessible online for free on the my.ipma platform for registered users:
🔗 https://myipma.ipma.world/
IPMA’s Certification System
One of IPMA’s flagship services is its internationally recognized four-level certification system, which assesses project professionals at different career stages:
- IPMA Level A – Certified Projects Director
- IPMA Level B – Certified Senior Project Manager
- IPMA Level C – Certified Project Manager
- IPMA Level D – Certified Project Management Associate
Project management certification validates competences for managing digital projects. These certifications provide a structured career pathway and are widely recognized across industries, including the public and private sectors, as well as EU institutions.
Beyond individual competence development, IPMA also offers the IPMA Delta® Certification, which evaluates and certifies the project management maturity of organizations. This assessment helps institutions enhance their project governance, efficiency, and strategic alignment.
Educational Webinars, Training, Knowledge Sharing, and Recognition
In 2024, the IPMA Special Interest Group for AI conducted research on AI usage in project management and published a research report, which is available for free download to the public:
🔗 https://publications.ipma.world/reports/
Besides, IPMA provides continuous professional development opportunities through:
- Educational Webinars & Workshops: Covering cutting-edge topics such as AI in project management, sustainability, and public-private partnerships. Expert-led webinars are announced monthly and are free of charge to the public. See the Webinar calendar: https://sig.ipma.world/upcoming-events/
- Global Research Projects & Conferences: Platforms for knowledge exchange among leading academics and practitioners.
- Young Crew and Mentorship Programs: Supporting emerging professionals in their career development through structured guidance and networking opportunities. IPMA Young Crew offers online international championships for aspiring project managers under 35, providing valuable experience, particularly in the digital environment, as well as mentorship programs.
- IPMA Global Project Excellence Awards: Recognizing high-performing projects worldwide.
- IPMA Research Awards: Celebrating contributions to project management knowledge.
- IPMA Global Individual Awards: Honoring emerging talent and outstanding project managers.
- IPMA Kids: creative and educational workshops for children, provided by the IPMA Member Associations to educational partners, ie, schools, to introduce the basics of project management through play and interactive games.
Commitment to Sustainability and EU Policy Alignment
IPMA actively promotes sustainability in project management, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and European Union policy priorities. In 2024, IPMA launched the IPMA Reference Guide for Sustainable Project Management to support organizations in integrating sustainability into their project management practices.
Engagement with EU Institutions
Through its international network, IPMA supports EU institutions and recognizes the Open PM² methodology developed by the European Commission. IPMA has published an open-access white paper on collaboration and touchpoints between IPMA and Open PM² methodology, available for free:
🔗 https://publications.ipma.world/library/whitepapers/
The IPMA ecosystem of project management competences and educational content serves as a strategic partner for EU institutions seeking to enhance project and program management capabilities across Europe, particularly in managing and participating in digital projects.
🔗Learn more:https://ipma.world/
