IPMA KSA

Menu
Menu

IPMA Level A

Certified project director

  • The IPMA Level A (Director) project management certificate requires the candidate to have led and directed highly complex project environments with significant strategic impact on the organization. This level is designed for professionals who demonstrate advanced competencies in governing portfolios, programs, and strategic initiatives. Candidates must validate their expertise through a rigorous assessment of their knowledge, leadership skills, and ability to apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
  • In the last 12 years, the candidate must have at least five years of experience as a project manager in the responsible position of managing complex projects, of whichat least three years at the strategic level.

Application procedure

IPMA Certification Procedure (Based on ICR4 Document)

  1. Application Submission
    The candidate must send the following documents to communication@ipmaksa.world:
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    • Certification application form
    • Summary of the project report
    • Self-assessment form
    • References
    • Management complexity assessment form
  2. Application Review
    The certification body reviews the submitted documents to determine the admissibility of the application.
  3. Payment Process
    After approval, the candidate is invited to:
    • Pay the certification fees, or
    • Provide proof of payment already made
  4. Project Report Assignment
    Upon confirmation of payment:
    • The certification body assigns a project (selected from the submitted summaries)
    • The candidate must prepare a detailed project report
  5. Report Submission
    • The report must be submitted electronically via email (communication@ipmaksa.world)
    • Submission deadline: within 120 calendar days from the assignment date
  6. Report Evaluation
    The certification body evaluates the report based on the ICB4 competence framework, where the candidate must:
    • Demonstrate at least 80% competence
    • Cover elements related to project/portfolio management
    • Address strategic projects in complex environments
  7. Final Interview
    • Candidates who pass the evaluation are invited for a final interview
  8. Final Assessment & Certification
    • After the interview, a final decision is made
    • Successful candidates are awarded the IPMA Level A Certificate

Documents that the candidate should study when applying for certification of competencies and issuance of IPMA certificates:

  • Individual Competence Baseline for Project, Programme and Portfolio Management (book 1) is an IPMA standard in which project management competencies are defined and described. The book contains basic material for exam preparation.
  • Individual Competence Baseline for Portfolio Management is an IPMA standard that defines and describes competencies in portfolio management.
  • IPMA ICR4 Public – a document in which the procedure of IPMA certification is explained to the candidates and the general public.
  • IPMA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct – a document explaining ethical and professional principles, agreed to by each candidate applying for certification.
  • Instructions for candidates before the exam.

Documents submitted by candidates when applying for certification:

  1. CV
    A complete and updated CV outlining the candidate’s professional background and experience.
  2. Certification and Recertification Application Form
    Includes all necessary personal data required by the certification body to:
    • Identify the candidate
    • Process application data
    • Decide on eligibility for the certification process
  3. Self-Assessment Form
    A document through which the candidate evaluates their own competencies in:
    • Knowledge
    • Skills
    • Abilities
  4. Summary of the Project Report (Applicable only for the “Project” domain)
    • Maximum length: 15 pages
    • Must include:
      • Organization details: Company background, industry, types of projects, main objectives, and business unit
      • Project summaries: One-page summary for each project, including timelines, phases, and resources
      • Applicant’s role: Organizational chart, responsibilities, project management procedures, and stakeholder relationships
      • Leadership & complexity: Explanation of how the candidate led the project and met the required complexity criteria
  5. Summary of the Portfolio Report (Applicable only for the “Portfolio” domain)
    • Length: 20–30 pages, plus 10–20 pages of appendices
    • Must include:
      • Organization details: Company background, industry, project types, objectives, and business unit
      • Portfolio summaries: One-page summary for each portfolio, including timelines, phases, and resources
      • Applicant’s role: Organizational chart, responsibilities, project management procedures, and stakeholder relationships
      • Management & complexity: Explanation of how the candidate managed the portfolio and met the required complexity criteria
  6. References for Verification
    • For Level A, the candidate must provide:
      • Names and contact details of at least two referees
    • These references will verify the candidate’s eligibility for the selected certification level and domain
  7. Assessment of Management Complexity Form
    • Used by both candidates and assessors to evaluate project management complexity
    • Helps in qualifying the candidate’s experience
    • Includes ten indicators of complexity, each with a detailed description

Documents that applicants fill out after the exam:

  • Full payment is required prior to assessment scheduling.
  • Certification fees are non-refundable once assessment review has commenced.
  • Postponements and retakes are subject to the above administrative fees.

Price

Member Price: SAR 6,000

Non Member : SAR 7,500

Recertification (Renewal) Fees

Level A

Member: SAR 5,238

Non Member: SAR 6,547

Level B

Member: SAR 3,609

Non Member: SAR 4,511

Level C

Member: SAR 1,996

Non Member: SAR 2,495

Level D

Member: SAR 786

Non Member: SAR 983

Level Upgrade Fees

Level D → C

Member: SAR 1,728

Non Member: SAR 2,160

Level C → B

Member: SAR 2,304

Non Member: SAR 2,880

Administrative & Appeals Fees

Exam Retake

Member: SAR 448

Non Member: SAR 560

Postponement

Member: SAR 172

Non Member: SAR 216

Appeal Fee

Member: SAR 230

Non Member: SAR 288

Become a Member of IPMA KSA

Unlock access to professional development, global standards, and a strong network of project management professionals.

Apply for Membership