The Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification is given by PMI (Program Management Institute) and is easily considered one of the credible and advanced certifications in the area of project and program management. It is for project professionals seeking to become certified program managers, accompanied by advanced knowledge and skills in the field of program management.
What are the benefits of PgMP?
This certification can easily accelerate your career as a project manager and provides an opportunity to stand out among other project professionals. By earning this certification, you get the chance to lead manage, or direct high-level programs and projects. Likewise linking organizational strategy to program outcomes.
The PgMP certification brings together all elements of an organization that has direct and indirect influence on the implementation of an organization’s complex and large projects and programs.
What are the requirements for a PgMP certification?
Prior experience in both project and program management is necessary.
According to PMI, the prerequisites for a PgMP certification are as follows:
Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent)
48 months of project management experience OR PMP
84 months of program management experience within the last 15 years
OR
Four-year degree
48 months of project management experience or PMP
48 months of program management experience within the last 15 years.
Candidates having a high school diploma/global equivalent educational qualification will require 4 years of project management experience and 7 years of program management experience. Candidates having Bachelor’s degree/global equivalent educational qualification will require 4 years of project management experience and 4 years of program management experience, as well as a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with project management of 4 years and 7 years of experience in program management.
PgMP Certification process?
The requirements are more extensive hence, the process involves two separate evaluations. The first is a panel review, this phase is necessary without which a candidate may not be able to take the exam. This step prequalifies candidates and confirms years of relevant experience in project management so also knowledge and work experience demonstrating program management principles.
Once PMI validates the above-mentioned, the candidate can then take the multiple-choice examination, this is the second evaluation. The exam is timed for 4 hours and contains 170 multiple-choice questions. Upon successfully passing the exam, the candidate will be certified as a Program Management Professional (PgMP).
PMI is more focused on candidates’ experience, rather than theoretical knowledge. They want to know that candidates have a quality experience and have applied good program management practices. See more details on exam preparation here.
What skills are being measured in the PgMp exam?
PMI has specified more than thirty-five objectives for the PgMP test. These objectives are grouped under six topics. It is expected that candidates have good knowledge of the following before taking the PgMP test:
- Defining the program
- Initiating the program
- Planning the program
- Executing the program
- Controlling the program
- Closing the program
What is the PgMP Exam Fee?
PMI Member: $800.00
Non-member: $1,000.00
How best to prepare for the PgMP Certification?
Irrespective of how advanced a candidate’s program management experience or education is, extra preparations are recommended in preparing for the exam. Successful PgMP candidates usually spend 140+ hours preparing, studying, and undergoing the coaching.
Our team at CareerCentra can prepare you to take the certification exam, please reach out to us and we will be happy to be of help.
