Maciej Chrzanowski

IPMA-D, IPMA-C

President of the Management Board of MECH SP. Z O.O. (limited liability company)

The IPMA certification process at the C level not only allowed me to verify my knowledge and project experience, but above all to point out aspects that are still worth working on. The extremely valuable guidance of the assessors allowed me to quickly close the gaps in myapproach to project management. And IPMA itself is all about the people, and it is for these people that it is worth both pursuing certification paths but also joining the passionate project management community!

Sławomir Filar

IPMA-D, IPMA-C, IPMA-B, IPMA-A

Project Director at Asseco Poland S.A.

Why do I have all four levels of IPMA certification: from level D ‘Certified Project Management
Associate’ through level C ‘Certified Project Manager’, level B ‘Certified Senior Project Manager’
to level A ‘Certified Project Director’?

By no means not from an excess of free time. It was a natural desire and need to upskill, gain knowledge and experience. I have been managing projects, programmes and portfolios for 18 years and, in parallel to carrying out this demanding work, I have managed to find enough intrinsic motivation, time and energy to gain the above-mentioned certifications. After gaining all four IPMA certifications, I gained yet another certification – this time the PMI Institute PMP certification. What did the IPMA certification give me and was it worth it? I didn’t do it to have a wall full of certificates. The main driver was the desire to learn new things, to achieve a great deal in a particular professional field. I also have the personal satisfaction of having succeeded. IPMA certification gives knowledge, a broader view, learning about other points of view from different methodologies. It is not just about theoretical knowledge and passing an exam. In order to be a good IT project manager (which is what I do), you need to have certain personality traits and many years of experience, which you gain by dealing with successive professional challenges, and every time you think that nothing can surprise you in the next project (after all, you’ve been doing this for a dozen years), new aspects emerge. The environment is changing, the tools are changing, generations of people are changing and it is no longer enough to have technically correct project management, more and more skills are required from the project leader in order for a group of people to achieve the common goal of successfully completing a project.

Andrzej Gajewski

IPMA-D, IPMA-C, IPMA-b

Head of PMO, Strategic Project Management Area Leader,
Trans.eu Group SA

IPMA certification years ago was an uninformed choice, a choice of one of the available certification systems, to raise and verify competence. How glad I am to have come across this one ;-)) Why? The system, for me, is universal. From the outset, it focuses on the competences of the Project Manager – the person who implements projects or takes part in their implementation. It focuses on competence (that is, it examines how a Project Manager applies knowledge in the environment in which he or she carries out projects). It does not stick rigidly to a standard or processes, but verifies that their application has been thoughtful, continuous and streamlined. Certification, although challenging, forces you to reflect and look back with the thought of , “how did I put together this project, this programme, this initiative”. I personally don’tknow of any other such model. Others are more of a test of knowledge, filling in a longer or shorter form. That is why I focus on this certification path, I use it and it is the main path for me to develop my competences. What is my experience of the last process? It is a challenge – a long one, but above all a practical one. Practical, because it is based on a real case. It requires the selection of an appropriate programme, analysing the activities undertaken in it in all aspects addressed in the IPMA Competency Guidelines (ICB4). It requires demonstration by examples of your action and impact on the programme. It requires deep self-reflection. As I tell other people about the event, I use the comparison… it’s like writing a master’s thesis – gathering information, putting the pieces together so that in the end there is quite a comprehensive document with many appendices. What is of greatest value to me? First and foremost, self-reflection. Looking back and reflecting on what has happened. A deep look at the details and thread connections. In the day-to-day running, achieving results, improving operational work, there is no time for this kind of reflection. Feedback. On the basis of the material, I received factual, professional feedback on what I do and how I do it in the context of professional project management competence at the appropriate level. Feedback from field experts. Atmosphere. There was a challenge. It wasn’t a head stroking ;-)) But all in a very nice atmosphere. System. Years later, I have confirmation that this was the best choice I could have made on the subject of the certification system. Projects are different, organisations are different, project organisation environments are different, and finally, the delivery teams; they are different too. In order to examine the competence of a project implementer, it is necessary to dive deep into the subject, into practice. The test will not reflect this. Smile. Finally, after being informed that the result is positive… the smile doesn’t come off the face for a few days.

Wojciech Jarosz

IPMA-B, IPMA-A

Deputy Director for Administration. Chief Energy Officer at PSE S.A.

We entered the IPMA certification with a few people, with some hopes, fears, but also the conviction that if I wanted to achieve results, I should go through a similar cycle – like the people with whom “I cooperate, manage, steer or sponsor” in projects or programmes. At the time, however, I certainly did not expect Project Management to become an ongoing adventure for me, finding many answers to difficult problems and having the opportunity to meet the people who provided most of those answers. We approached the certification like a project: training, filling in the paperwork, collecting, or rather recalling, experiences geared towards Project Management and then writing the project report, revisions, consultations, the exam. A clear objective and specific success criteria. Many hours spent of ones own choosing, snatched away from large and urgent tasks or, more often than not, the usual day-to-day (see Eisenhower Table), time negotiated at home as development and value for loved ones and the abandonment of other additional tasks – hobbies – during this period. The results were unexpected in many places: a lot in the area of theoretical knowledge development (new and putting together what was there), very interesting insights in the area of interpersonal relationships (invaluable exam workshops where you can get to know your true self – yours and others – when working under stress and fighting for a result) and time for self-awareness regarding the experiences I have had and the role of the people I have met in my life (without the patina of achievements or theshredder of failures recorded in the standard CV). Today, I can say this with certainty: if it had not been for this process, my work would more often than not be about finding blame instead of finding solutions, and I would attribute my moments of glory mainly to myself. That’s our nature, when we don’t understand something, it’s easier for us to control and judge than to find solutions and take responsibility for them. And last but not least: self-esteem increases and being part of the PM community provides free know-how and new opportunities in every aspect of life. I would recommend the certification process, just as I would recommend that practitioners, companies with a mature quality management system, and engineers and designers – all of whom have undergone a process similar to the IPMA examinations in their industry – be used. Which easily reduces errors, costs, nerves and misunderstandings. If this is important to you as a CEO, boss, manager, employee, customer or student, working in a university, public administration, local government, business or non-profit organisation, please consider taking this chance and giving this opportunity to others. After all, Project Manager is a real profession. Code 121904. See you soon in the group of certified PMs.

Magdalena Kędzierska

IPMA-D, IPMA-C

project manager, medical oncologist at the Mikołaj Kopernik WWCOiT Hospital in Łódź

Two years ago, I obtained my IPMA certifications at D and C levels. The whole certification process took place in a relaxed, cordial atmosphere. I received substantive help from all staff at every stage. I have fond memories of exam time and the knowledge gained is extremely valuable to me. By confirming my competences with international certificates, my projects submitted to grant competitions are highly rated. I recommend the IPMA certification process as it is a key step in the professional development of anyone planning a career path in project management. The certification allows you to complete and verify your knowledge of project management – especially important at a time when projects permeate so many fields and types of work. In my professional life, the certificates I have obtained have allowed me to open up to new projects in the field of digital product management in medicine. Management knowledge is changing and each successive generation requires new tools to be adapted to the changing environment. Supplementing and revising knowledge is essential to increase one’s attractiveness in the labour market. I encourage all project managers to choose the right level and take the IPMA certification.

Marcin Laskowski

IPMA-B

President of the Management Board of PGB Inwestycje Sp. z o.o.

Preparing for IPMA certification is a multidimensional process. On the one hand, the person taking the exam must demonstrate knowledge and extensive experience in the area of project management and, on the other hand, an innovative and creative approach to problem solving. This process requires structuring existing knowledge, but also exploring it with new elements in the broad field of management. The existing knowledge and familiarity with project management models for certification should be turned into a purely pragmatic dimension during the exam. It is important to use the candidate’s experience and practical skills. The sphere of soft skills ofrunning projects is important. In the age of agile and flexible project approaches, particular attention needs to be paid to change management, risk and environmental uncertainty and behavioural aspects. The certification process itself allows for self-reflection on the experience gained, strengths and weaknesses, organises our way of thinking about projects and, above all, gives us the opportunity to test our skills and improve our competences. IPMA certification is not the easiest thing to do. It requires time, dedication and commitment. It allows you to realise your own ambitions and is a challenge that every manager thinking about personal development should face.

Rafał Lisik

Certified Projects Director IPMA Level-A

Investment Director, ATLAS Group

I’m sure the certification system is an interesting experience for everyone – for me it was. As
with any experience, the certification process should also be approached with curiosity. From my point of view, the most important part of the process was to observe and learn about my own behaviour, as well as the behaviour of other people co implementing projects. It was interesting to observe their interactions in situations involving practical tasks. In the IPMA certification process, we are assessed by professionals and people with experience from different industries. This is valuable and motivating. Every project is different. What they have in common is the awareness of the manager. Competence is the awareness of all these aspects in relation to the HUMAN + ORGANISATION + CUSTOMER. For me, certification is an opportunity to meet interesting people, professionals in their fields. In a word – a great experience.

Daniel Malujda

IPMA-D, IPMA-C, IPMA-B

Business Processes Specialist. Management Systems Department at AQUANET S.A.

Taking the IPMA certification was a great opportunity for me to verify my competences in the area of project management – a process that teaches humility. Preparing for the examinations required sacrifice, but this pays off later. A very important stage of certification for me was the assessment centre, at which I received a lot of valuable advice on areas of knowledge and skills that I should still work on. Practical aspects in project management play a leading role in the certification process. This makes me see the next levels of IPMA certification as an excellent space for professional development.

Zbigniew Mućko

IPMA-C, IPMA-B

Head of Task at Eltel Energetyka S.A.

The application for IPMA-B level certification was, in a way, a continuation of earlier intentions, precisely to improve qualifications. I had been thinking about this for a long time, but a good trigger for this was the completion of a major investment project, which coincided with the expiry of my IPMA-C level certification. The interview with the assessors, who qualify on the basis of the certification application submitted, is the first stage. In my case, it was successful, but at the time there were initial doubts as to whether I would be able to meet the requirements of the certification rules. It took several weeks to write the Project Report, in which, in addition to adescription of the project itself, 28 competencies must be demonstrated – in accordance with the IPMA Polish Competency Guidelines – followed by a review of the report by the Assessors. As the assessment was not favourable on some points and some comments were very critical, on the one hand this made me doubt the reasonableness of increasing the level of certification, but on the other hand it challenged me to explore the competences further and, if necessary, to further educate myself in these areas. And here I have to acknowledge the big role of the Assessors. Had it not been for these comments, I would not have reached deeper into either the literature or the wider Internet…. and I would not have discovered my incompetence. One of these is behaviourism. But there were a few others, too, which the Assessors had already made me aware of during the defence itself. But what is crucial is that these comments were, above all, inspiring. And if there is time and desire, they can be used to explore project management issues. The exam allowed me to see the field from a slightly different perspective, so to speak, and pointed out a door that would be good to open more widely…. After the completion of the process, the Management Board of Eltel Networks Energetyka S.A. expressed its great appreciation for the IPMA-B certificate obtained and pointed to the necessity of spreading the improvement of qualifications in such a formula among PMs in the company. My adventure with IPMA began nearly 20 years ago. At the time, I got certified on IPMA-C. I liked the project management aspect of it. I have had the opportunity to attend many workshops – whether at conferences or training courses to learn teamwork…. From my point of view, IPMA is a constantly evolving Association, which ranks it highly. The conferences organised are on the one hand substantive and on the other hand creative and inspiring. That is why I chose IPMA.

Maciej Ostrowski

IPMA-D, IPMA-b

Project Manager, Consultant

Project management is fascinating because of the fact that with every new project a new adventure begins. In new circumstances, we are trying to meet targets, to make it in time. IPMA certification, at any level, is a moment for me to look back on my achievements to date and the knowledge I have gained so that I can plan my next “project” journeys and pursue my professional passion. IPMA certification is a reliable and objective assessment of one’s competence, based on the international ICB standard.

Agnieszka Piwowarczyk-Bargieł

IPMA-D, IPMA-C

Programme Officer, Centre for European Projects

The exam process has made me realise how many interesting things I have been doing over the last few years in my career. I learned about my strengths and also identified the ones I would like to improve. Project management is addictive! On the completely personal side – I realised how many wonderful people, experts in the field, stood in my project path. Project management brings people together for better and for worse! Why IPMA? Because it is a community of practitioners with experiences that can be shared.

Jacek Plezia

IPMA-A

Senior Project Manager, QinetiQ

The IPMA Level A certification has become a recognised and appreciated acknowledgement of my competence – both inside and outside the organisation. At the same time, the certification process itself provided an opportunity for self-reflection and a comprehensive review and critical analysis of my own management instrumentation. A valuable investment in my own professional development

Izabela Sagan

IPMA-D, IPMA-C

Project Management Chief Specialist, Investment Promotion Agency

I chose IPMA certification because it uses a system based on the international ICB standard to assess your competences. I treated Level D as a “warm-up”. The exam was difficult and challenging but left me unsatisfied, so the C level was a challenge I decided to tackle and within two months I obtained both certificates. IPMA certification is a valuable experience that all project management professionals should reach for.

Competent exam assessors at level C guide very professionally and, on the other hand, point out aspects that are worth working on or at least thinking about. They indicate, as it were, a new path to development. In addition, we get a substantive discussion by professionals here, during which we can discover areas within ourselves that are still unknown, and furthermore look at ourselves and our work in projects from a different perspective. This added value is not found in other certifications.

Wiktor Sobczyk

IPMA-C

Co-founder, Product Manager at it-solve

IPMA certification is an extremely rewarding path to personal development. The certification process takes time, allows for deep reflection and is a great opportunity to acquire new managerial tools. Through a holistic assessment of competences and experience, the participant pays attention to a huge number of skills – both soft and hard – that only seem to be of no use. This makes IPMA Certification one of the very few skills validation schemes that employers can rely on. I also heartily recommend IPMA local groups, conferences and meetings where participants exchange perspectives on the same issues.

Małgorzata Stopińska-Khrystych

IPMA-C

Contract coordination specialist, Aquanet S.A.

Participating in the IPMA-C level certification process was a very valuable experience for me, in which candidates are subjected to a comprehensive and objective assessment of both their competences and their qualifications as a project manager. I strongly recommend this certification path to people who attach great importance to their professional development in the area of project management and who are looking for confirmation of their competences and qualifications through a certificate that is recognised and acknowledged by companies in the EUas well as internationally.