IPMA (International Project Management Association)

International Project Management Association (IPMA) promotes the profession of project, programme and portfolio management through a global, democratically-run federation of member associations. APM is the United Kingdom member association of IPMA.

Recent growth means that IPMA now has coverage across over 55 countries, including the emerging economies of South America.

IPMA draws particular strength from its cultural diversity. It also draws resilience from the different maturity levels of its member associations, which range from national bodies of long standing to completely new organisations. Between them, the member associations account for over 50,000 individual members at national level.

IPMA has at its heart a well-established and respected four level certification system. This system provides a rigorous and structured method to assess project management competence. It provides the assurance of a globally consistent standard whilst providing flexibility for local contextualisation.

As a leading global professional body for project, programme and portfolio management, IPMA plays a significant role in the development of international standards through its work with ISO.

IPMA’s activity in the area of knowledge and standards creation is complemented by practical support for individual members associations, through publications, events, web presence, annual World Congress and Awards Ceremony.

IPMA’s global reach and regional presence also allow IPMA to interact authoritatively with organisations such as the World Bank and the European Union.

IPMA is governed by the strategy-setting council of delegates, with management responsibility delegated to the elected executive board. The council, the board and the various committees which support their work are run by volunteers drawn from the member associations.