GPM Training® for Certified Project Manager (IPMA® Level C)

The decisive factor for your suitability is whether you already have taken on real project responsibility — not just been involved in operational work. Relevant roles are those in which you have managed projects or sub-projects, prepared or made decisions, and worked with stakeholders on an equal footing. Simply collaborating on projects without management responsibility is generally not sufficient for this level.  

Formal admission requirements for IPMA® Level C at GPM are: 

Within the last 6 years, you shouldyou have gained the following experience: 

othe  

You can also find all the requirements on the official GPM website: https://www.gpm-ipma.de/weiterbildung-mit-zertifikat/projektmanagement/ipma-level-c 

Note: For Level C certification, you are expected to have been responsible for a project that was characterized by increased requirements in terms of control and leadership. These include, for example, diverse and sometimes conflicting stakeholder interests, cross-organizational collaboration, strategic importance, relevant risks, or dynamic conditions. 

To participate in IPMA® Level C, we also require also the knowledge level (application knowledge) of IPMA® Level D.  

If it becomes apparent that you meet the requirements for IPMA® Level C , we recommend that you pursue certification at IPMA® Level D – Certified Project Management Associate. 

The requirements here are significantly lower and particularly beginner-friendly. Only a basic knowledge of project management is recommended. 

The IPMA® Level C certificate confirms that you are capable of managing even complex projects independently. It not only stands for sound methodological knowledge, but above all for the effective application of this knowledge in everyday project work. For many employers, this international certification is an objective and recognized benchmark for project management competence. 

The Continuing education at Haufe Akademie prepares you specifically and practically for this certification. This allows you to combine sound continuing education with an internationally recognized qualification. This strengthens your position whether in job applications, internal development steps, or when taking on more demanding projects.

The time required for further training is approximately 50 hours and is broken down as follows: 

For final theses and exams for IPMA® Level C, you should plan for an additional 100 to 120 hours of individual preparation (project list, executive summary, report, studying). 

The examination requirements include: 

If you already have the IPMA® Level D certificate, the workshop is not required. Instead, you will conduct an extended interview lasting a maximum of 90 minutes. 

Note: During the training, you will receive specific guidelines, examples, and evaluation criteria for reports, self-reflection, and assessment. You will be guided through the exam in a structured, step-by-step manner and will be well prepared for the certification.  

The effort involved is demanding and should not be underestimated. However, with good, forward-looking planning, continuing education can be easily integrated into your career—especially if you combine learning and project practice in a meaningful way. 

The focus is not on isolated memorization, but on structured application in your own project environment. You work with practical tasks that are directly related to your current or already completed projects. This allows you to use your learning time efficiently and integrate it meaningfully into your everyday work – instead of creating additional stress without adding value. 

In the certification process for IPMA® Level C , you will complete a written exam (120 minutes). It is administered by the GPM certification body, the PM-ZERT, and assesses both your project management knowledge and your practical experience. 

Detailed information about the examination procedure can be found here: 
https://www.pm-zert.de/anmeldung/antragsunterlagen#c3342 

The continuing education program Project Manager IPMA® Level C at Haufe Akademie structured Haufe Akademie for all parts of the exam. You will receive clear guidance on the procedure, requirements, and assessment criteria, ensuring that you are well prepared and confident going into the certification process. 

If you fail individual parts of the exam, you can retake them within 12 months of your admission for a fee. Each part of the exam can be retaken once. The exact costs can be found in the current fee schedule. 

If you are still unable to successfully complete the certification process after retaking the exam, you can reapply for certification after a further twelve months. 

You can find the current fees here: 
https://www.pm-zert.de/anmeldung/gebuehren 

No, an IPMA® Level D certificate is not a mandatory requirement for IPMA® Level C certification.  However, we do require , however the knowledge level (application knowledge) of the IPMA® Level D.  Many therefore consciously opt for the combination course, even if they could formally aim for Level C directly. Experience shows that this significantly increases the success rate. 

In the combined course, you will first work on with our support the necessary basics according to the IPMA® Level D competency profile through self-study. Then you will prepare specifically for the IPMA® Level C – Certified Project Manager exam at PM-ZERT.  Here you will find further information about the offer: "From zero to IPMA® Level C! The fast track to becoming a Certified Project Manager" 

Please note: The certification exam is not part of the course. You arrange and pay for it directly with PM-ZERT, the GPM's certification body. The fees vary depending on whether it is an initial or higher certification. 

You can find the current fees here: 
https://www.pm-zert.de/anmeldung/gebuehren 

When you receive an IPMA® certificate, it is valid for 5 years. In order to continue using it after that, timely recertification is required. 

PM-ZERT checks whether you have gained sufficient relevant professional experience since your last certification to extend your certificate for another 5 years. Please note that the requirements vary depending on the level and focus and usually consist of project experience and further training. 

For recertification from IPMA® Level C to Level A, at least 30 months of practical experience in project management and 175 hours of continuing education are required. You can Haufe Akademie these, for example, through the project management courses offered by Haufe Akademie . 

You can find further details here: 
https://www.pm-zert.de/zertifizierungsarten/rezertifizierung