The International Institute of Chartered Project Management exists to oversee, guide, and promote professionalism, standards, and ethics in project management and its allied disciplines — for the advancement of industry, government, and society.
The International Institute of Chartered Project Management (IICPM) was founded in South Africa in 2017 by Professor Joseph Olusola Aina, an education entrepreneur with a vision to elevate the practice of project management on a global scale.
As a non-profit professional institute registered under the laws of the Republic of South Africa, IICPM operates at the intersection of education, professional standards, and industry practice — setting the benchmark for project management excellence across 15+ specialised disciplines.
IICPM advises governments, accredits educational institutions, certifies practitioners, and convenes the profession through research, publication, and international conferences. Our Governing Council is the supreme body, ensuring integrity and independence in all Institute activities.
Setting rigorous competency frameworks and codes of conduct that define excellence in project management practice.
Designing curricula and accrediting providers for BPM, MPM, and DPM programs across 12 specialties.
Operating internationally through approved National and Regional Chapters under a unified Charter Agreement.
Upholding a binding Code of Ethics enforced through an independent Ethics & Disciplinary Committee.
IICPM oversees professionalism across fifteen distinct disciplines, each supported by dedicated standards, certification pathways, and academic programs.
IICPM offers a structured progression pathway from Student Member through to Doctoral Fellow, each grade recognising achievement, experience, and contribution to the profession.
| Grade | Post-Nominal | Criteria & Requirements | Voting Rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctoral Fellow | DFIICPM | DPM or PhD in relevant field + 12+ years senior experience + distinguished contribution. Elected by Council. | ✓ Full Voting Rights |
| Fellow | FIICPM | Senior professionals with 10+ years experience and significant contribution to the profession. | ✓ Full Voting Rights |
| Chartered Member | CIICPM | Meet education + experience requirements + passed Chartered assessment. | ✓ Full Voting Rights |
| Associate Member | AIICPM | Early-career professionals with approved qualifications. | — Non-voting |
| Graduate Member | GIICPM | Recent graduates in relevant project management disciplines. | — Non-voting |
| Student Member | — | Enrolled in approved project management programs. | — Non-voting |
| Honorary Fellow | Hon. FIICPM | Conferred by Council for distinguished service to the Institute. | — Honorary |
| Corporate Affiliate | — | Organizations supporting IICPM objects and advancing the profession. | — Affiliate |
CPD Obligation: All members shall complete a minimum of 35 CPD hours per year, uphold the Code of Ethics, and pay annual membership fees. Membership ceases by resignation, non-payment of fees exceeding 6 months, or disciplinary expulsion.
IICPM designs and accredits a stackable suite of professional academic programs — from Bachelor through to Doctoral level — delivered by approved providers and the IICPM College of Project Studies.
A rigorous professional bachelor program designed for practitioners seeking to formalise their project management expertise with a recognised academic qualification. Available across 12 specialty tracks.
Entry requirements include NSC/SSCE with a minimum of 3 years relevant experience, or an approved diploma. RPL pathways are available for experienced practitioners.
An advanced professional master program for experienced project management practitioners. The MPM combines rigorous academic theory with applied industry practice, culminating in a significant industry research capstone.
The RPL route is available for holders of HND/Advanced Diploma with 5+ years of senior experience, subject to portfolio review and entrance examination.
The pinnacle of professional academic achievement in the IICPM framework. The DPM combines taught doctoral modules with an applied research thesis addressing a real-world industry project management challenge.
Graduates of the DPM program are eligible for elevation to the Doctoral Fellow (DFIICPM) grade of membership, subject to Governing Council review.
IICPM Stackable Progression Pathway · RPL Available for Experienced Practitioners
Binding on all members and students in IICPM-accredited programs. Breach may result in disciplinary action including reprimand, suspension, or expulsion.
Act honestly in all professional dealings. No bribery, fraud, or misrepresentation. Disclose conflicts of interest promptly and without reservation.
Undertake only work for which you are qualified. Maintain competence via 35 CPD hours per year. Ensure team members are appropriately competent.
Provide impartial, evidence-based advice. Clearly distinguish fact from opinion. Refuse gifts or inducements that may impair professional objectivity.
Respect the confidentiality of project information. Do not use privileged information for personal gain. Ensure accuracy and integrity of all project data.
Hold public safety paramount in all project decisions. Apply sustainable practices. Refuse or report work that is unsafe or contrary to applicable law.
Treat all stakeholders fairly and with dignity. No discrimination or harassment. Uphold the reputation of IICPM and comply with all applicable laws and Bye-Laws.
Take personal responsibility for your conduct and that of your supervisees. Report breaches to the Ethics Committee. Whistleblower protection applies. Cooperate fully with all investigations.
"I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the IICPM Code of Ethics. I accept that breach may result in disciplinary action."
— Member Declaration, IICPM Bye-Laws §6.4
The Chartered Project Management Professional (CPMP) designation is the hallmark of excellence in project management practice — awarded only to those who demonstrate the full combination of qualification, experience, and ethical commitment.
Hold a recognised academic qualification from an IICPM-accredited provider or equivalent.
Demonstrate documented, verifiable experience in project management practice.
Pass the IICPM Ethics Examination, demonstrating mastery of the Code of Conduct.
Attend a structured professional review interview before an IICPM panel.
Maintain Chartered status via annual CPD (35 hrs) and 3-year recertification cycle.
A transparent, accountable governance structure ensures the independence, integrity, and long-term sustainability of the Institute.
The supreme governing body of IICPM, comprising 7–15 members elected from Fellows, Chartered Members, and Doctoral Fellows. Serves 3-year terms, renewable once.
Custodians of IICPM assets and brand integrity. Five persons including the Founder and Life Patron, Professor Joseph Olusola Aina.
Responsible for the day-to-day management of the Institute, led by a Director-General appointed by the Governing Council.
Annual General Meeting held within 6 months of financial year end. Special General Meetings may be convened by Council or 10% of voting members.
Become part of an international community of project management professionals committed to excellence, ethics, and continuous development. Start your IICPM membership journey today.
Apply for MembershipSubmit your details and our Registrar will be in touch.