From zero to IPMA® Level C! The fast track to becoming a Certified Project Manager

The key factor is that you already have several years of project responsibility – not just been involved in operational work. You should have managed projects or sub-projects, made decisions, and worked with stakeholders on an equal footing. Simply being involved in the work is usually not enough for this level. 

The combined course is aimed at project managerswho have not yet have not yet obtained IPMA® Level D certificationikat or have not yet attended a Level D course and and wish to take the IPMA® Level C . 

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

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

or  

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.  

No, an IPMA® Level D certificate as well as the level of knowledge (application knowledge) of IPMA® Level D is not a mandatory requirement for the combination course. In the combination course, you will first develop 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. 

If you do not yet have an IPMA® certificate, Level C is formally considered initial certification. If you already have a valid Level D certificate, this is considered higher certification. 

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 

The direct Level C course is aimed at participants with a valid IPMA® Level D certificate and requires this knowledge. If you already have an IPMA® Level D certificate , you can therefore book the training directly training the booking number 35359 .   

If you do not yet have a current Level D certificate, you can only aim for Level C certification as an initial certification via the combination course. In the first part of the combination course, you will learn the most important basics based on the IPMA® Competence Model (ICB), and in the second part, you will build up specific Level C knowledge. This will allow you to fill in any gaps in your knowledge in a structured manner and prepare for certification with greater confidence. 

No. The combination course provides you with the necessary basic Level D knowledgefor subsequent preparation for IPMA® Level C and helps you to successfully complete the certification. A Level D certificate is not awarded as part of the combined course. 

You will be optimally prepared for Level C certification. The certification exam itself is not part of the course, but is taken separately directly with the PM-ZERT, the certification body of the GPM. billed. 

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

The requirements are deliberately low and beginner-friendly. Only a basic understanding of project management is recommended. 

The IPMA® Level C certificate shows that you can also manage more complex projects on your own. It not only stands for sound methodological knowledge, but above all for the fact that you can apply this knowledge confidently and effectively in everyday project work. 

For many employers, this international certification is an objective and recognized benchmark for your project management skills. 

The time required for further training is approximately 72 hours and is broken down as follows: 

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 rote memorization, but on structured application in your own project environment. You work on practical tasks that are directly related to your current or completed projects. This allows you to use your learning time efficiently and integrate it meaningfully into your everyday work. 

In the certification process for IPMA® Level C , you will complete several exam components: 

The written examination 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 

Do you already have the IPMA® Level D certificate? Then the workshop is not required as an exam component. Instead, an extended interview of max. 90 minutes takes place. 

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 for 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 twelve months. 

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, you must recertify in good time. 

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

To recertify from IPMA® Level C to Level A, you need at least 30 months of practical project management experience and 175 hours of continuing education. You can Haufe Akademie these hours through the project management courses offered by Haufe Akademie , for example. 

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