A Gentle Introduction to IPMA and the Certification Journey
The International Project Management Association (IPMA) is a globally respected organization that offers a uniquely human, competence-based approach to certifying project managers. Unlike purely theoretical exams, IPMA looks at the whole person: your hands-on experience, the way you navigate challenges, and the heart you bring to your work. Their certification levels range from Level D (Certified Project Management Associate) to Level A (Certified Projects Director). IPMA Level C, where my journey took me, is designed for experienced professionals managing moderately complex projects.
In Germany, GPM (Gesellschaft für Projektmanagement) oversees the certification process. It involves thoughtful project documentation, a written exam, collaborative workshops, and a personal interview. Yes, it’s thorough, but also incredibly rewarding.
My Path: Rediscovering Myself Through Certification
After seven fulfilling years as a project manager; with a cherished break to become a parent; returning to work felt different. My priorities shifted. Corporate culture, time investment, and my own role within it all looked unfamiliar. I found myself questioning not just how I worked, but who I was in that role. That self-doubt nudged me toward something new: a fresh benchmark, a way to rediscover and validate my capabilities.
That’s when IPMA, specifically IPMA Level C, came into the picture. A colleague, who was working toward Level B, shared his experience and sparked my curiosity. The more I explored, the more I felt that IPMA’s real-world, human-centered approach aligned with my values. I chose to certify through GPM in Germany and started the search for a trainer.
Self-financing this endeavour meant weighing each step carefully. I found Martin, a trainer whose kindness and depth of experience made a real impact on me. He encouraged me to begin with IPMA Level C instead of jumping into Level B. Looking back, it was the best advice I could have received. Martin wasn’t just a trainer; he became a mentor and a guide.
Understanding the IPMA Level C Certification Process
To qualify for IPMA Level C, you need to show 36 months of project management experience within the past five years. Your projects must meet a specific complexity threshold. The application asks you to provide detailed personal and professional information, along with a mini report about the projects you want to submit.
Once accepted as a candidate, you prepare a comprehensive project report to showcase your work and experience. If approved, you move on to the main certification weekend: a written exam, a collaborative workshop, and a final interview.
Yes, it’s rigorous. But it’s also designed to empower you, to help you see the depth of your own experience and share it with confidence.
The Juggle: Career, Family, and Self-Investment
From day one, I knew I was investing more than money. I was investing time, energy, and belief in myself. Working in operations meant my weekdays were packed. I used vacation days for training and carved out weekends for study. Family holidays took a backseat. The decision wasn’t easy……….but it was necessary.
My husband lovingly stepped into a bigger caregiving role. Our three-year-old wasn’t thrilled: “Mama’s always working,” she would say as I typed beside her bath. But we found our rhythm. I wrote reports while cuddling her to sleep, singing songs as I typed. Those moments, though difficult, brought their own kind of sweetness.
Facing the Unexpected
German, though not my native language, was the required exam language. I’m fluent in speaking, but writing technical answers? That was a mountain to climb. So, I practiced diligently, brushing up on grammar and phrasing until it felt natural again, so that the written exam for IPMA Level C would not be so challenging.
Then came the hard parts. Winter brought sickness, and in December 2024 I underwent a major surgery, needing weeks of bed rest. I tried to treat it as a reset. I was back up and running by the end of December and full on schedule with work, project, travelling to the plant.
Then March came.
Life threw something unexpected at me — a personal loss that left me grieving and drained. I couldn’t concentrate. I sat in my garden, staring at the sky, trying to process it all.
And yet, the people around me were incredible.
My family, friends, trainer, and boss held me up.
Martin, my trainer, went above and beyond. He adapted, mentored, and gently encouraged me back to myself.
Preparing for the IPMA Level C exam became more than just a task, it gave me purpose, structure, and healing.
The Certification Weekend: Camaraderie and Courage
Three days.
That’s what it all came down to.
I walked in nervous but ready. The written exam tested not just knowledge but speed and expression.
I did my best.
The workshop on Day 2 was unexpectedly joyful. Strangers became teammates. We laughed, shared stories, leaned into our strengths, and built something real together. It was one of the most enriching experiences of my professional life.
The final interview felt like a warm conversation. Our assessors were kind, supportive, and genuinely rooting for us. All ten of us passed, some at IPMA Level C, some at IPMA Level B. We cheered for each other with genuine pride.
Looking Back: The Certification Was a Milestone, But the Journey Was the Gift
Nine months.
Of growth, healing, and reclaiming my confidence.
Through surgeries, sleepless nights, study sessions, and toddler tantrums, I rediscovered my strength. I proved to myself that I am capable, resourceful, and worthy.
I work with more joy now. More clarity. More faith in my own rhythm. The certificate is a beautiful reminder of what I achieved, but the true reward is how I feel about myself today.
If you’re on the edge of a new beginning, especially if you’ve taken a break or feel unsure of your path, please know you’re not alone. Reach out. I offer friendly peer-to-peer mentoring, especially for women and caregivers returning to work. Let’s walk together. And if you’re considering IPMA Level C, I hope it inspires you to take the leap.
Further Reading
Keywords List : IPMA Level C, IPMA certification, GPM Germany, project management certification, career break comeback, working mother, personal growth, project manager journey
