The IPMA Competence Baseline (ICB) is the basis for the IPMA 4-level certification system. It describes 46 competence elements of professional project management and sets out the knowledge and experience expected from project managers at each level. IPMA developed the ICB from National Competence Baselines and then enhanced it in a continuous improvement process.
It is the common framework document which all IPMA Member Associations and Certification Bodies follow to ensure that consistent standards are applied.
Behavioral IPMA competences
This range covers the project management behavior and skills. The ICB contains 15 behavioral competence elements.
- Leadership
- Engagement & motivation
- Self-control
- Assertiveness
- Relaxation
- Openness
- Creativity
- Results orientation
- Efficiency
- Consultation
- Negotiation
- Conflict & crisis
- Reliability
- Values appreciation
- Ethics
Contextual IPMA competences
This range covers the project management competence in managing relations with the permanent organisations and the ability to function in a project focused organisation. The ICB contains 11 contextual competence elements.
- Project orientation
- Programme orientation
- Portfolio orientation
- Project programme & portfolio implementation
- Permanent organisation
- Business
- Systems, products & technology
- Personnel management
- Health, security, safety & environment
- Finance
- Legal
Technical IPMA competences
This range covers the project management technical content, sometimes referred to as the solid elements. The ICB contains 20 technical competence elements.
- Project management success
- Interested parties
- Project requirements & objectives
- Risk & opportunity
- Quality
- Project organisation
- Teamwork
- Problem resolution
- Project structures
- Scope & deliverables
- Time & project phases
- Resources
- Cost & finance
- Procurement & contract
- Changes
- Control & reports
- Information & documentation
- Communication
- Start-up
- Close-out
