Project management is here to stay. Not at work, and… not at home either. Anyone who has ever managed a renovation knows what I’m talking about. No wonder project management has been regarded as a true profession for years. Some even call it a craft.
You too can take your skills to the next level with an IPMA certificate . This demonstrates that you have the knowledge and competencies to work as a project manager.
Curious why an IPMA certification might be important for you too? Here are 5 reasons:
1. You boost your career and earning potential as a project manager
There is a high demand for project managers, as many organizations need them. That is logical. Projects have become the way organizations innovate and change. In the Western world, more than half of the gross national product is generated through projects. Therefore, those who can lead projects well make the difference. With a certificate, you can demonstrate this, which strengthens your position during a promotion or salary negotiation.
2. You collect the necessary knowledge and competences to become an IPMA certified project manager.
While undertaking your IPMA training , you also develop a strong understanding of best practices and required competencies within project management. This knowledge is crucial for a successful project manager. You learn about the tools, techniques, and methodologies that project managers use to successfully plan and complete projects. You learn how to plan and manage project portfolios, assemble strong project teams, set project expectations, and much more. You also acquire the skills needed to become an IPMA-certified project manager. Once you have completed the training, you can take the certification exam.
How far you go with that depends on your level:
- IPMA D: You are familiar with all project management elements, for example as a senior team member.
- IPMA C: You independently lead projects that are not complex.
- IPMA B: You independently lead highly complex projects.
- IPMA A: You plan and manage all projects of an organization, industry, or program.
- IPMA PMO: You support projects from a project office.
The exam is a theory exam from IPMA Certificering Nederland. Depending on your level, you will answer multiple-choice questions and open questions.
3. You learn to navigate, taking into account the culture of your organization
As a project manager you will be given the task and responsibility to initiate, plan and execute a new project. One of the first steps to becoming a project manager is to understand the organizational culture. The culture of your organization is the way things are done; the values, beliefs, habits and behaviors that make your organization unique. Navigating the culture of the organization is an important part and competence of a project manager. This way you learn to work effectively with team members and involved stakeholders.
You are probably familiar with them: the unwritten rules. The: “That is just how we do things around here.” During the program, you work with models by Schein and Hofstede, among others. This allows you to make culture open for discussion, rather than stumbling over it halfway through your project.
Want to read more? In IPMA Compact, you can find this in Chapter C5, Culture and Values.
4. You will acquire skills, knowledge and competencies in key areas of project management
During the course you will develop skills in leadership, negotiation, empowering and managing teams, project management methodology, stakeholder management and more. You will also gain an understanding of some advanced topics including risk management, procurement management. This knowledge can further help you to distinguish yourself as a project manager. It is precisely these skills that make the difference, which will make you more successful for your customers. As a result of which you will manage your project even more effectively.
IPMA organizes all those skills into 3 perspectives:
- Perspective: the context, such as strategy, interests, and culture.
- People: you and the people around you, such as leadership and collaboration.
- practice: the professional work, such as planning, risks, and procurement.
5. It helps build your resume and LinkedIn profile
An IPMA certification helps you stand out. This certification is recognized worldwide and can be applied in almost any sector. Recruiters will find you more easily on LinkedIn with this internationally recognized certification. An IPMA certification also shows potential employers that you possess the necessary skills to better handle challenging situations.
Do you work internationally, or do you want to someday? Then a client in Germany or South Africa will know exactly what your certificate means.
Ready to see how Snowflake works?
Project managers play a crucial role in any organization. They must oversee all aspects of a project from start to finish, and must be able to solve problems as they arise. The skills you gain with an IPMA certification will support you in the performance of these tasks, making you a highly valuable asset to any project and any organisation.
Would you like to know more about the IPMA courses at Lagant? Then click here.
