As a project manager, obtaining the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a valuable step toward advancing your career. PMP education plays a crucial role in preparing you for the certification exam and equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in your role. However, with numerous options available, it can be challenging to choose the right PMP education program.
What Does PMP Stand For?
PMI, the Project Management Institute, has created an organization that is committed to serving the project management field. Providing not only PMP certification, PMI sets the global standards for project management, allowing members and certificate holders to “create better outcomes for businesses, community and society worldwide.”
They are a not-for-profit organization, started in 1969 and offer tools, certifications, continuing education opportunities, publications, and communities for PMP certificate holders to take advantage of.
So, what does PMP stand for? The obvious answer is Project Management Professional. However, PMI has created a culture that stands on ethical, or best practices. PMP certificate holders must go through the initial 35 hours of formal project management education, but they must also continue to learn in order to keep their certificate in good standing.
PMP Requirements
In order to take the exam, any applicant must have 35 contact hours. However, the other requirements must be met as well.
If you have a bachelor’s degree or higher you will need to have three years (4,500 hours or thirty-six months) of field experience.
For those who don’t hold a bachelors’ or higher, a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent, or associate’s degree) and five years (7,500 hours or sixty months) of field experience.
You should note that the amount of experience necessary, doesn’t require that you hold the position or title of Project Manager to count. If you have led a team within the scope of a project, or assisted the Project Manager in assigned tasks, those items count towards that field work.
This goes back to PMIs standards. By confirming that an applicant meets the conditions set in order to sit for the exam, PMI has become the professionals standard for Project Management.
What are Contact Hours?
Contact hours are hours of education that pertain directly to the field of project management. Each hour of education counts as one hour of contact.
- Courses that you took while in college or university that were focused on project management may apply, especially if they concentrated on the Knowledge Areas in the PMBOK
- Conferences may offer seminars that count towards both Contact Hours and PDUs, Professional Development Units
- Many PMI meetings, Community of Practice (CoP) may count as hours, if they relate to the Knowledge Areas or processes
- Courses that your employer delivers, through brown bag lunch seminars or workshops. If they are connected to the PMBOK Knowledge Areas or Processes, they may be recorded
- Formal classroom training, in-person or online classroom instruction are offered for the complete 35 hours needed
You can always check with PMI to make sure the courses you wish to count can be applied. Any hours that aren’t acquired through formal coursework with a completion certificate need to be well documented, time, place, title of course, instructor, etc. in order for PMI to go forward with approval.
Without the 35 hours, even those that have worked in the field for years, won’t be able to go forward with the exam.
In this article, we will explore key points to consider when selecting your PMP education.
1. Accreditation and Quality
When evaluating PMP education providers, prioritize accredited institutions or organizations. Accreditation ensures that the education program adheres to industry standards and has been reviewed for quality. Look for providers that are registered education providers (R.E.P.s) recognized by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
2. Curriculum Coverage
Review the curriculum of the PMP education program to ensure it covers all the essential knowledge areas and process groups outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide. The curriculum should address project management principles, tools, techniques, and best practices, preparing you comprehensively for the PMP exam.
3. Delivery Format and Flexibility
Consider the delivery format that best suits your learning style and schedule. PMP education programs are offered in various formats, such as in-person classroom sessions, online courses, or blended learning. Assess the flexibility offered by each format and determine which one aligns with your availability and preferences.
4. Instructor Expertise
Research the qualifications and experience of the instructors involved in delivering the PMP education program. Instructors with extensive industry experience can provide valuable insights, real-world examples, and practical knowledge that enhance the learning experience. Look for instructors who hold PMP certifications themselves.
5. Learning Resources
Evaluate the learning resources provided by the PMP education program. These resources may include study materials, practice exams, interactive tools, and access to online platforms or communities. The availability of comprehensive learning resources can greatly contribute to your understanding and preparation for the PMP exam.
6. Student Support
Consider the level of support offered to students during their PMP education journey. Support can come in the form of dedicated mentors, forums for interaction with instructors and peers, and assistance with exam preparation. A robust support system can help address any queries or challenges that arise during the learning process.
7. Cost and Value
While cost is an important consideration, it should not be the sole determining factor. Evaluate the overall value of the PMP education program based on factors such as curriculum coverage, instructor expertise, learning resources, and support provided. Remember that investing in quality education can yield long-term benefits for your career.
8. Reviews and Testimonials
Read reviews and testimonials from previous students to gain insights into their experiences with the PMP education program. Authentic feedback can help you assess the program’s effectiveness, quality, and the success rate of students in passing the PMP exam.
Benefits of Formal Training
While you can satisfy the contact hours requirements with other types of learning, PMI has specific requirements for those other options to meet their standards. Haphazard attempts to satisfy the requirements aren’t tolerated and shouldn’t be considered.
PMI wants to make sure that your efforts address the learning objectives of the requirement, taking you fully through the PMBOK Knowledge Areas and Processes.
Make sure if you aren’t going for formal training that PMI approves the methods you have chosen. They should be from reputable, approved sources, and as stated above they need to be well documented in case of an audit prior to scheduling your exam. We recommend Brain Sensei as a provider of choice for live virtual instructor and self-paced courses.
One of the most important benefits listed above is the benefit of communication. By selecting a PMP certification course, you have access to instructors, other students, and customer service people. There are a variety of tools that you can utilize, podcasts, class videos you can review, and social media study groups that you can interact in.
Many companies also offer a pass guarantee for their classroom instructions, either live or virtual (Brain Sensei does for both).
As well as the benefits listed in above, by selecting a PMI approved source to complete your Formal training you know that the requirement is met and that your time and money are well spent.
Sign-up for a 7-day free trial! Try the first two modules of Brain Sensei’s story-based PMP and CAPM Exam Prep courses and a mini practice exam and see how it all works
Conclusion
Choosing the right PMP education program is crucial for your professional development as a project manager. Consider factors such as accreditation, curriculum coverage, delivery format, instructor expertise, learning resources, student support, cost, and reviews to make an informed decision. Investing time and effort in selecting the right PMP education will enhance your knowledge, skills, and career prospects as a project management professional.
Remember, the PMP certification is highly regarded in the industry, and selecting the right education program is a significant step toward achieving your professional goals.
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