IPMA® Sustainable Project Management Certification

Demonstrate your competence in integrating sustainability, social and governance (ESG) principles into project lifecycle and deliver lasting value and explore certification levels.

Projects today are no longer purely about delivering time, cost and scope. They must also contribute to long-term value, minimize negative environmental and social impact, support inclusive economies and align with global sustainability goals.
The IPMA® Sustainable Project Management Certification equips practitioners with the frameworks, behaviors and practices to lead projects that are resilient, ethical and purpose-driven.

Key bullet points:

• Embed sustainability and ESG criteria from project initiation to closure.
• Balance project objectives with environmental stewardship, social benefit and governance integrity.
• Differentiate yourself as a professional capable of delivering “triple bottom line” results.

Join a global community of certified sustainable project leaders

Based on the Individual Competence Baseline (ICB4), IPMA has developed a four-level-certification system for project professionals. These levels of individual certification, the requirements, procedures and their titles are described on the website.

For the Sustainable Project Management – IPMA ICB4 Reference Guide, an additional certification is offered to highlight the sustainability competence of an individual certified project professional.

• Level D – Sustainability Certified Project Associate (SCPA)

This introductory level certifies individuals with foundational knowledge of sustainability principles and project management competences.

• Level C: Sustainability Certified Project Manager (SCPM)

This level is tailored for project managers who have applied sustainability competences within moderately complex projects, ensuring alignment with sustainability standards.

• Level B – Sustainability Senior Project Manager (SCSPM)

This level recognizes individuals who have successfully led complex projects, integrating sustainability principles to achieve defined goals and outcomes.

• Level A – Sustainability Certified Project Director (SCPD

This levels certifies individuals who have demonstrated strategic leadership and managed very complex projects with significant sustainability impact onb organizational and societal objectives.

• Project managers and team leads who wish to broaden their competence into sustainability-driven project work.
• Sustainability officers, ESG leads, program managers overseeing transformation initiatives.
• Organizations seeking to strengthen their project portfolios in alignment with SDGs and resilience goals.
• Consultants, coaches and trainers specializing in sustainable project management practices.

• Recognized by IPMA globally as a mark of competence in sustainable project management.
• Access to IPMA’s global network, resources and community including the SIG ESG and SIG DEI groups.
• Increased credibility with stakeholders (clients, sponsors, boards, regulatory bodies) demanding sustainability outcomes.
• Lifetime learning: aligned with IPMA’s “Improve with IPMA” pathway and supporting materials available via MyIPMA.

• Step 1: Review eligibility (experience requirements, previous certifications) and catalogue your project portfolio focusing on sustainability aspects.
• Step 2: Submit application and documentation to your National Member Association or Registered Certification Body.
• Step 3: Pass the written exam and/or competence assessment (depending on level) covering sustainability competences from ICB4.
• Step 4: Attend the interview or assessment, demonstrate project experience with sustainability integration.
• Step 5: Maintain certification via recertification every 5 years by demonstrating continuous professional development in sustainable project management.

Below are key IPMA publications focusing on sustainability in project management.

(All books can be downloaded free in My.ipma – My Books section.)

Below are key IPMA publications focusing on sustainability in project management:

• IPMA Global Sustainability Awards
• IPMA SIG ESG
• IPMA SIG DEI
• IPMA Certification for individuals, organizations, and projects
• My.ipma platform