A Roadmap to Project Management Certification

Project Management Certification Roadmap This presentation serves as a roadmap towards becoming certified in project management. Certification in project management is awarded to those individuals that have gained a certain amount of experience in project management and have passed an exam. The most highly recognized credentials are offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI®). Note: Certification in project management is NOT required to be a project manager.

Project Management Certification Roadmap PROJECT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATIONS Direction and guidance to obtain two of the PMI® credentials will be presented. PMP® - The Project Management Professional CAPM® - The Certified Associate in Project Management

Project Management Certification Roadmap PMI® PROJECT MANAGEMENT CREDENTIALS PMP® “PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP)® credential is the most important industry-recognized certification for project managers. Globally recognized and demanded, the PMP® demonstrates that you have the experience, education and competency to lead and direct projects.” (Source: Project Management Institute) CAPM® “PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a valuable entry-level certification for project practitioners. Designed for those with little or no project experience, the CAPM® demonstrates your understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology and processes of effective project management.” (Source: Project Management Institute)

Project Management Certification Roadmap PMI® PROJECT MANAGEMENT CREDENTIALS In order to obtain your PMP® or CAPM® certification, you must meet specific criteria and take an exam. The remainder of this presentation will address these requirements and serve as a roadmap towards obtaining certification by providing information pertaining to: The Project Management Institute (PMI®) The Project Management Professional (PMP®) Credential The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) Credential The PMP® and CAPM® Eligibility Criteria The Application Process, and Studying and Preparing for the PMP® and CAPM® Exams

Project Management Certification Roadmap The Project Management Institute provides certification in project management to those individuals that show competency and knowledge within the project management discipline. Additional information about PMI® including the details about the exams can be found at the PMI ® website.

Project Management Certification Roadmap Although it’s not required, you should consider becoming a member of the PMI®. Membership within PMI® provides beneficial resources, cheaper rates for materials, workshops that many local chapters offer throughout each year AND substantial discounts on the exams. PMI® - $129 to join (plus $10 application fee) and $129 each year thereafter * * Reflects the current rates. Additional information can be found at the PMI website.

Project Management Certification Roadmap In addition to the cost of joining PMI® other costs may be incurred to take the PMP® and CAPM® exams. Exam Costs - The cost for the exam is the only amount that you MUST pay PMP® Exam - $405 for PMI® members, $555 for non-members * CAPM® Exam - $225 for PMI® members, $300 for non-members * PMP® Prep Course Costs vary depending on the course attended Study Materials Costs vary depending on the amount of study materials used. Some are free online * Reflects the current rates. Additional information can be found at the PMI® website

Project Management Certification Roadmap Depending on agency policy, some of the costs MAY be covered. Check with your individual agency.

Project Management Certification Roadmap STEPS TOWARDS PROJECT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION In order to become PMP® or CAPM® certified, the following steps are recommended: Determine the project management credential you want to pursue Complete the Commonwealth Criteria Read the PMI® Credentials Handbook Determine Your Eligibility Complete the Application and Pay Fee Schedule the Exam Prepare for the Exam Attend a CAPM® or PMP® Prep Course Take the Exam

Project Management Certification Roadmap STEP 1: DETERMINE THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT CREDENTIAL YOU WANT TO PURSUE Do you want to pursue the CAPM® or the PMP® certification? The CAPM® is designed for project team members and entry-level project managers The PMP® is designed to objectively assess the competency of the experienced project manager

Project Management Certification Roadmap Determine the project management credential you want to pursue Complete the Commonwealth Criteria After you have determined the credential that you want to pursue, there are a few things that you should do from the commonwealth’s perspective. ***Please note – This step is recommended but NOT required***

Project Management Certification Roadmap STEP 2: COMPLETE THE COMMONWEALTH CRITERIA Talk to your manager and let them know you are interested in being a project manager and/or pursuing your project management certification Complete the Basic Project Management Course to learn the core concepts and definitions through SAP LSO Complete the Basic Project Management Assessment and receive at least an 80% through SAP LSO

Project Management Certification Roadmap Determine the project management credential you want to pursue Complete the Commonwealth Criteria Read the PMI® Credentials Handbook With the commonwealth’s criteria completed, the next step should be to read the appropriate PMI® Credentials Handbook.

Project Management Certification Roadmap STEP 3: READ THE PMI® CREDENTIALS HANDBOOK PMI® provides a handbook for both the CAPM® and the PMP®. These handbooks will guide you through the journey towards certification and should be used as the main point of reference and guide. The Credentials Handbooks explain everything that you want to know about the process of becoming CAPM® and PMP® certified, including the eligibility requirements.

Project Management Certification Roadmap STEP 3: READ THE PMI® CREDENTIALS HANDBOOK If you want to pursue the CAPM® or the PMP®, the handbooks can be found at the PMI® website. PMI® requires that ALL candidates for either the CAPM® or the PMP® read the applicable handbook.

Project Management Certification Roadmap Determine the project management credential you want to pursue Complete the Commonwealth Criteria Read the PMI® Credentials Handbook Determine Your Eligibility By reading the appropriate PMI® Credentials Handbook, you should have most of your questions answered. One of the topics pertains to the eligibility criteria and that is the next step in this journey.

Project Management Certification Roadmap STEP 4: DETERMINE YOUR ELIGIBILITY Depending on the certification that you are pursuing, PMI® requires a specified number of hours of project management experience and/or formal project management training.

Project Management Certification Roadmap - CAPM® STEP 4: DETERMINE YOUR ELIGIBILITY Education Level Experience Requirements Project Management Education Requirements High School Diploma or equivalent 1,500 hours OR 23 hours In order to take the exam for the CAPM®, you must have at least 1,500 hours of work experience on project teams OR 23 contact hours of formal project management education.

Project Management Certification Roadmap - PMP® STEP 4: DETERMINE YOUR ELIGIBILITY Education Level Project Management Experience (Unique Months) Leading/Directing Project Tasks (Total Hours) Project Management Education Requirements Bachelor’s (or equivalent) 36 AND 4,500 35 hours High School Diploma 60 7,500 The eligibility criteria for the PMP® is much more stringent. If you have a college degree, you must have a minimum of three years (36 months) of unique, non-overlapping professional project management experience of which at least 4,500 hours must have been spent leading and directing project tasks within each of the five process groups (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing), AND 35 hours of formal project management education. If you don’t have a college degree, you must have a minimum of five years (60 months) of unique, non-overlapping professional project management experience of which at least 7,500 hours within each of the five process groups, AND 35 hours of formal project management education.

Project Management Certification Roadmap Determine the project management credential you want to pursue Complete the Commonwealth Criteria Read the PMI® Credentials Handbook Determine Your Eligibility Complete the Application and Pay Fee If you have met the eligibility criteria, the next step in this journey is completing the application and submitting the certification fee.

Project Management Certification Roadmap STEP 5: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION and PAY FEE Once you have determined that you meet the eligibility requirements for either the CAPM® or the PMP®, you are ready to fill out the application. You can complete and submit the appropriate application online at the PMI® website. You should fill out the application as soon as you have confirmed that you meet all of the eligibility requirements. Since you gathered all the information to determine whether or not you are eligible, and you have it available, it’s best to transfer the information to the application.

Project Management Certification Roadmap STEP 5: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION PMI® will verify that your application is complete and in order. If the application is correct, PMI® will send you an e-mail requesting you pay the certification fee. You cannot schedule the exam until you have paid this fee

Project Management Certification Roadmap STEP 5: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION and PAY FEE The certification fee is based on your PMI® membership status. PMI® Member Status Certification Amount* Member CAPM® $225 Non-member $300 PMP® $405 $555 * 2014 Rates

Project Management Certification Roadmap Determine the project management credential you want to pursue Complete the Commonwealth Criteria Read the PMI® Credentials Handbook Determine Your Eligibility Complete the Application and Pay Fee Schedule the Exam After PMI® approves your application and you pay the fee, PMI® will notify you that you are eligible to schedule the exam.

Project Management Certification Roadmap STEP 6: SCHEDULE THE EXAM You have one (1) year from the time your application is accepted to take the exam. When scheduling the test, ensure it is well ahead of when you plan to take the test because: The testing volume is high, and This will allow you the proper time to study for the exam

Project Management Certification Roadmap Determine the project management credential you want to pursue Complete the Commonwealth Criteria Read the PMI® Credentials Handbook Determine Your Eligibility Complete the Application and Pay Fee Schedule the Exam Prepare for the Exam Now that all the necessary paperwork is completed and the fees have been paid, the next step is to prepare for the exam.

Project Management Certification Roadmap STEP 7: PREPARE FOR THE EXAM There are many techniques and ideas for studying for the PMP®. Furthermore, everyone has his/her own style of studying. The internet, books, webinars, etc… provide a wealth of information regarding how and what to do in preparing to take the PMP® exam.

Project Management Certification Roadmap STEP 7: PREPARE FOR THE EXAM The following are some of the more common suggestions to preparing for the CAPM® and PMP® exams. Read the PMBOK (Project Management Book of Knowledge) Guide at least twice Read CAPM® or PMP® Preparation books Attend workshops offered by your local PMI® chapter Answer sample online exam questions

Project Management Certification Roadmap STEP 7: PREPARE FOR THE EXAM Organize your studying into a schedule. It’s best to have a game plan for your study time. Planned, focused preparation will increase the odds of you successfully passing. Preparation and studying for the exam must not be taken lightly. This is a difficult exam and must be approached with good and consistent study habits.

Project Management Certification Roadmap Determine the project management credential you want to pursue Complete the Commonwealth Criteria Read the PMI® Credentials Handbook Determine Your Eligibility Complete the Application and Pay Fee Schedule the Exam Prepare for the Exam Attend a CAPM® or PMP® Prep Course Attending a CAPM® or PMP® Prep Course can augment your exam preparation.

Project Management Certification Roadmap STEP 8: ATTEND A CAPM® or PMP® PREP COURSE To help you prepare for the CAPM® or PMP® certification exams, you can attend a course that will provide you with the essential preparation needed to pass the exam. These courses are generally multi-day courses that provide additional knowledge based on the PMBOK guide. Depending on agency policy, the cost of these courses MAY be covered. Check with your individual agency. Completion of this course also counts towards the project management training eligibility criteria!

Project Management Certification Roadmap Determine the project management credential you want to pursue Complete the Commonwealth Criteria Read the PMI® Credentials Handbook Determine Your Eligibility Complete the Application and Pay Fee Schedule the Exam Prepare for the Exam Attend a CAPM® or PMP® Prep Course Take the Exam This is it – the final step in your journey. You studied and prepared and now you’re ready to take the exam!

Project Management Certification Roadmap MAINTAINING YOUR CERTIFICATION - PMP® After you pass the PMP® exam you are awarded your PMP® certification. The PMP® Certification lasts for three (3) years. In order to maintain this certification, you must obtain at least 60 professional development units (PDU’s) during the three year period. Typically, you will earn one PDU for every hour (60 minutes) spent on an acceptable professional development activity. PMI® has designated five categories from which you can attain PDUs: Formal Academic Education Professional Activities and Self-Directed Learning Courses Offered by PMI-Registered Education Providers/PMI® Components Courses Offered by Other Education Providers Volunteer Service to Professional or Community Organizations After each three year cycle, a new certification cycle begins provided that you obtain the required number of PDU’s. For additional information about maintaining the PMP® Certification and obtaining PDU’s, please reference the PMP® Credentials Handbook at the PMI® website.

Project Management Certification Roadmap MAINTAINING YOUR CERTIFICATION – CAPM® After you pass the CAPM® exam you are awarded your CAPM® certification. The CAPM® Certification lasts for five (5) years. In order to maintain your CAPM® Certification, you must re-take the exam before the end of the 5 years. For additional information about maintaining the CAPM® Certification, please reference the CAPM® Credentials Handbook at the PMI® website.

Project Management Certification Roadmap If you have any questions about this roadmap or the certification process, you may contact the Enterprise Project Management Office at EPMO@pa.gov. Good luck on the exam AND with your future as a CERTIFIED project manager!