IPMA® Level A: Certified Director

An individual certified at Level A has provided clear and convincing evidence of competent performance managing very complex projects, programs, or portfolios at a strategic level.

Experience Requirements

Experience must have been acquired within the last 12 years. The minimum experience requirements for Level A are:

Certified Project Director:
  • 5 years (7,500 hours on-the-job) as a project manager managing very complex projects of which at least 3 years were at a strategic level
Certified Program Director:
  • 5 years (7,500 hours on-the-job) as a program manager managing very complex programs at a strategic level, OR
  • 4 years (6,000 hours on-the-job) as a program manager managing very complex programs at a strategic level, AND 3 years (4,500 hours on-the-job) as a project manager managing very complex projects at a strategic level
Certified Portfolio Director:
  • 5 years (7,500 hours on-the-job) as a portfolio manager managing very complex portfolios at a strategic level, OR
  • 4 years (6,000 hours on-the-job) as a portfolio manager managing very complex portfolios at a strategic level, AND 3 years (4,500 hours on-the-job) as a project or program manager managing very complex projects or programs at a strategic level