IPM CPM Level 2

Overview
Benefits
Competences
Assessment
Credentials
Why IPM

The Advanced Credential in Programme and Portfolio Management

The IPM CPM Level 2® certifies professionals who operate beyond individual project ownership to take responsibility for programme delivery, cross-project coordination, and organisational alignment.

Awarded by the Institute of Project Management, this credential validates the advanced ability to manage complex interdependencies, apply rigorous governance frameworks, and ensure project activity translates into measurable business outcomes.

As the second stage in the IPM Core Certifications System, CPM Level 2® marks the formal progression from project execution to programme and portfolio-level responsibility. This certification provides senior professionals with the formal validation required to oversee high-value portfolios and drive strategic performance across initiatives.

The Competitive Edge
This Certification Delivers

Organisations require professionals who can align delivery across programmes and ensure consistent performance at scale. The IPM-CPM Level 2® certification validates not just execution, but the ability to govern, coordinate, and optimise multiple projects within a structured framework.

Professional Advantages

Globally Recognised Credential

Programme-Level Credibility

Career Growth & Advancement

Programme Capabilities

Programme Delivery Control

Multi-Project Coordination

PMO & Governance Alignment

Network & Ecosystem

12-Month
IPM Membership

Global Project Management Network

Mentorship, Forums, Events, and more

What It Means to Hold
This Certification

A holder of the IPM-CPM Level 2® demonstrates the ability to manage programmes and complex, multi-project environments with structured governance and strategic control.

Manage programmes aligned with organisational strategy
Coordinate multiple projects and interdependencies
Apply governance frameworks and PMO structures
Translate strategy into structured delivery outcomes

A Standard Built on Structured, Multi-
Layered Evaluation

The IPM-CPM Level 2® certification is awarded through a structured assessment framework designed to validate both knowledge and applied programme management competence. It is not based on a single test, but on multiple evaluation components that collectively confirm real-world capability.

Check Eligibility

Assessment Structure

Certification is awarded based on two integrated components:

Continuous Assessment (Applied Assignments)
Candidates complete multiple written assignments throughout the certification process, each designed to evaluate the application of programme management principles in real or scenario-based environments. These assignments:1. Reinforce learning progressively
2. Test application across governance, PMO, and strategy contexts
3. Contribute directly to final certification outcomes
Final Certification Examination
A formal, timed examination assessing knowledge across the full programme and portfolio management domain.

Examination Overview

Format: Scenario-Based & Applied Questions
Duration: 3-Hour Timed Assessment
Focus: Real-world programme and portfolio decision-making
Level: Programme & Senior Project Manager standard
Delivery: Online via IPM platform (invigilated)
Standard: Aligned to global competence frameworks

What the Assessment Validates

The certification process is designed to ensure that professionals can operate effectively in complex organisational environments – not just understand programme management in theory.
Key areas validated include:

Programme and multi-project delivery governance
Portfolio alignment with organisational strategy
PMO design and performance oversight
Benefits realisation and value tracking
Financial and investment decision-making
Executive-level stakeholder engagement
Management of complexity, risk, and interdependencies
Application of structured programme methodologies in real scenarios

Why IPM?

Reputation & History

Project Management Expertise

Why This Certification?

Globally Positioned

360° Learning Partner

Reputation & History

Established in 1989, IPM is a globally recognised certification body with 35+ years of excellence.
50,000+ professionals trained and 10,000+ certified through internationally accredited programmes.
Partnership wih leading academic and certification bodies upholding global PM standards.
Trusted by 1,000+ organisations to upskill teams and deliver results.

Institute of Project Management (IPM) Faculty of Excellence

Project Management Expertise

Our faculty of certified experts bring 25+ years of real-world project experience — from Project Directors to former PM Certification Heads.
For over 35 years, IPM has specialised solely in project, programme, and portfolio management, bringing decades of proven expertise to every learning experience.
Each programme blends international best practice with hands-on learning, helping you apply what you learn from day one.

Why This Certification?

This certification validates programme management capability for professionals coordinating multiple projects, governance structures, and strategic delivery objectives.
Develops practical expertise across programme coordination, delivery oversight, PMO alignment, and multi-project management practices.
Provides access to the IPM ecosystem, supporting continued growth through membership, professional networks, and industry engagement.

Globally Positioned

IPM’s global position is strengthened through partnerships with the world’s leading project management certification bodies — IPMA®, PMI®, and PRINCE2®.
Through partnership with TU Dublin, Ireland’s second-largest university, IPM is able to offer programmes with university credits.
This affiliation links IPM to the European University of Technology (EUt+), extending our connection across Europe and beyond.

Institute of Project Management (IPM) Learning Partner

360° Learning Partner

As your learning partner, IPM supports your growth beyond the classroom through IPM Hub & Membership — a professional network for continuous learning and development.
Gain access to Mentoring, Volunteering, Events, and Jobs Portal — helping you build experience, connections, and career growth.
Publish your writing to strengthen your thought leadership and stay updated with global industry updates.

How to Get Certified

Begin your certification journey with a structured pathway designed to guide you from learning to proven capability. Start by enrolling in the programme, where you will gain access to core materials, frameworks, and guided sessions aligned with global standards.

Throughout the process, you will complete applied assessments and practical tasks that reflect real-world scenarios—ensuring each step builds both understanding and skill.