Confidence. Purpose. Impact. 

Lead with Confidence. Connect with Purpose. Certify Your Impact. 

IDA’s Leadership in Place Management (LPM) isn’t just a credential – it’s a professional identity. It validates your expertise, connects you to a network of the brightest minds in place management and positions you to lead change in our ever-evolving profession. Whether you’re looking to grow your career, formalize your expertise or guide your community forward – LPM certification gives you the credibility to be heard, the clarity to lead and the confidence to shape the future of your place.

LPM Certification will:

• Validate your professional expertise 
• Provide a sense of belonging with a like-minded network  
• Access career growth and leadership opportunities

Why LPM

Place management is a dynamic, multidisciplinary field. Roles differ by community, organization and context, yet expectations for leadership continue to grow. LPM exists to bring clarity, credibility and cohesion to a profession that is central to the future of cities and downtowns.

Stand out in the dynamic profession of place management with IDA’s Leadership in Place Management (LPM) certification, the only credential specifically built for this ever-evolving profession – uniquely designed for place managers by place managers.

By becoming a Certified Leader in Place Management, you signal that you are ready to lead, not just manage. LPM certification demonstrates your ability to:

• Navigate complex downtown and district environments
• Build trust with employers and stakeholders
• Guide communities through change

By becoming a Certified Leader in Place Management, you are not only advancing your own career – you are building a shared identity, professional legitimacy and the ability to step into high visible leadership roles.

What is Certification?

A professional certification recognizes that an individual has demonstrated verified knowledge, experience and competency within a defined field. Unlike training programs or one-time courses, certification reflects eligibility standards, assessment and an ongoing commitment to professional growth. In place management, where job titles, responsibilities and career pathways often vary, certification provides clarity and credibility by establishing a consistent professional standard. 

IDA developed the Leadership in Place Management (LPM)  certification to serve as the leadership standard for this ever-evolving profession. Designed specifically for place managers, by place managers, IDA’s LPM certification is rooted in real-world place management practice. The certification affirms expertise, supports leadership identity and connects professionals to a trusted peer network at a time when validation, visibility and confident leadership are increasingly essential. 

Next Level Leadership

Leadership in place management is often under-recognized and defined differently across communities. LPM changes that. The certificants featured here represent leaders who chose to formalize their expertise, strengthen their professional identity and step into roles that demand clarity, credibility and confidence. Their stories reflect how LPM validates experience, amplifies voices and creates a shared standard for leadership in a complex and evolving field.

By earning LPM certification, you join a network of credentialed place management leaders with the credibility, confidence and clarity to lead change and shape the future of the profession.

Your LPM Journey

We know the process can feel unclear at first, so we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about getting started.

Here is your LPM journey at-a-glance:

• Confirm your eligibility
• Submit your application
• Prepare for the exam
• Take the exam
• Earn and maintain your LPM credential

If you’re ready to earn professional legitimacy and a shared identity with meaningful connections, LPM certification is for you.

Want to know if you’re eligible?

Continue to the next page to see eligibility guidelines and follow the LPM journey step-by-step — from application and exam through certification maintenance.

Have questions about the LPM Journey? Join this session on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 2:00 pm ET (11:00 am PT) to learn about eligibility, exam content and what is needed to apply to take the exam and meet the application deadline. This is a free webinar.

Determine Eligibility