IPMA Introduces ICB Reference Guide for PMO: A Proven Framework for Project Management Office Success

The project management profession has evolved over many years alongside changing global trends. IPMA, an international organization with over 70 national associations, develops globally recognized competence standards. IPMA extends its focus beyond project managers to encompass all individuals involved in project-related activities.

Throughout the years, we have established standards for individuals, teams, and organizations. IPMA ICB (Individual Competence Baseline) serves as the core competence standard within IPMA, defining the areas of competence – Perspective, People, Practice, Key Competence Indicators (KCIs), and measures for each KCI. Based on IPMA ICB, specialized Reference Guides have been developed and offered by IPMA globally:

• ICB CCT for Consultants, Coaches, and Trainers in project management
• Agile Leadership for individuals operating in agile environments
• IPMA PEB – Project Excellence Baseline for project and program teams
• IPMA REB – Research Evaluation Baseline for those with an interest in or involvement in research activities in project management
• IPMA OCB – Organizational Competence Baseline for organizations and their senior management

Today, we are proud to introduce the IPMA ICB Reference Guide for PMO. This standard is dedicated to the structures that support the effective and efficient execution of projects, programs, and portfolios. These structures are known as PMOs – Project Management Offices.

A PMO is defined as an organizational unit responsible for providing administrative and specialized support to responsible management in their management of a (set of) project(s), program(s), or portfolio(s). PMOs play a crucial role in designing, executing, monitoring, and reporting activities. Specialists work alongside the Head of PMO, who guides the unit towards its goals and objectives.

The new standard establishes the competences required for individuals working in PMOs. All competences align with the IPMA ICB, which is utilized by project, program, and portfolio managers in their daily endeavors.

IPMA Reference Guide ICB for PMO will be beneficial for professionals working in PMOs, project, program, and portfolio managers, senior management, and human resources professionals involved in recruiting, assessing, and developing personnel within organizations. Additionally, this standard can serve as a tool for certifying individuals working in PMOs.

IPMA defines four levels of competence for individuals in PMOs:

• IPMA Level A – Certified PMO Director
• IPMA Level B – Certified PMO Senior Manager
• IPMA Level C – Certified PMO Manager
• IPMA Level D – Certified PMO Specialist

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the team members from the Netherlands who developed this standard, and the associations that have contributed to its development, piloting, and approval. We firmly believe that this standard will empower professionals worldwide to achieve exceptional results in their projects, programs, and portfolios by incorporating it into their daily practices.

The free electronic version of the IPMA ICB Reference Guide for PMO can be found on the IPMA e-shop: https://shop.ipma.world/shop/ipma-standards/e-books-ipma-standards/ipma-reference-guide-icb4-for-pmo-ebook/?v=8cee5050eeb7

The hard-copy version will be available soon on the IPMA e-shop: https://shop.ipma.world/product-category/ipma-standards/books-ipma-standards/?v=8cee5050eeb7

Read more about the IPMA Certification: https://ipma.world/ipma-certification/