Are you a project manager based in Boston, MA, looking to enhance your skills and advance your career? The city offers a wide range of training options specifically tailored for project managers. Whether you are new to the field or looking to expand your expertise, investing in professional development through targeted training can make a significant difference. In this article, we will explore the top training options for project managers in Boston, MA, for 2023.
Preparing for PMP Certification Boston, MA
The first step before finding the right choice in training for you in Boston, MA is to make sure you meet the other requirements to apply for your PMP certificate.
PMP Experience Requirement
In order to be eligible to sit for the PMP exam, you must have project management experience. PMI expects four-year diploma holders to have at least three years of project management experience (this is equivalent to 4,500 hours). If you do not have a four-year diploma or equivalent, PMI expects you to have at least five years of project management (this is equivalent to 7,500 hours)
Note that, project management experience does not mean that you must have managed a project as a project manager. Project management experience can be working in projects as a project engineer, analyst, team member, team leader etc.
PMP Education Requirement
This is where the training comes in. As long as you satisfy the PMP experience requirement, you can obtain the 35 contact hours of project management education by either attending a PMP course online or opting for PMP classroom training.
The 35 hours doesn’t expire but the providers generally only offer additional support for a year after completion.
Once you have received your certificate of completion, you can submit your application to take your exam.
Things to look for in PMP training in Boston, MA
When researching the various options in Boston, Ma we took into consideration the following:
- The expertise of the Instructors
- PMI recognition
- Feedback and Testimonials and
- Pricing
If you come across choices we haven’t listed, take the time to research the instructors. Talk to colleagues, past students, even your employer, to see what courses they may recommend.
A PMP bootcamp provider should:
- Satisfy the minimum 35 contact hours
- Provide structured content and material
- Provide a Certificate of Completion
- Provide real-life examples to sample questions and answers
- Have positive feedback through students, PMI, employers, and reviews
- Provide you with the options necessary to take and complete the course in the manner which best suits you
Contact Hours shouldn’t be confused with Continuing Education Requirements, or Professional Development Units (PDU) that are required for renewal. These contact hours are for learning the knowledge areas and processes of becoming a Professional Project Manager, passing the exam to do so, and receiving that coveted “star.”
PMP Training in Boston, MA – Brain Sensei
Brain Sensei continually works to enhance the learning experience, recently adding an UNLIMITED Exam Simulator to help with PMP Exam Prep, creating a different exam each time with dynamically generated questions from their bank of 1,500 realistic exam questions. The UNLIMITED Exam Simulator comes included with their live virtual instructor and self-paced courses, but is also available as a standalone solution.
Just be aware that purchasing the PMP exam simulator as a standalone won’t earn you your required 35 hours of project management education nor qualify you for the 100% pass guarantee (the Brain Sensei PMP exam prep courses will do both).
Flexibility is pivotal to learning and their 1 year of access to the PMP exam prep self-paced course gives you more than enough flexibility to fit studying for the PMP exam into a busy schedule. Want to finish your PMP exam prep faster? Check out their live virtual instructor PMP exam prep course. It’s available as a 5-day bootcamp or evenings and weekends.
The Brain Sensei PMP Exam Prep Complete Courses are up-to-date for the latest exam and PMBOK Guide and include both adaptive (agile and hybrid) and predictive (traditional/waterfall) project management practices to help students prepare for the current exam.
The cost of the self-paced PMP exam prep course is $499.99 USD and the cost of the live virtual instructor PMP exam prep course is $1,199 USD (which includes the self-paced course and simulator). Both courses provide everything you need to pass the current PMP exam and come with a 100% pass guarantee. The PMP Exam Simulator is $119 USD. It’s hard to go wrong with Brain Sensei’s offering. Learn more about the Brain Sensei PMP Exam Prep Courses here.
1. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is globally recognized as a benchmark for project management excellence. It demonstrates your knowledge, skills, and commitment to the profession. Boston has several training providers offering PMP certification courses that align with the Project Management Institute (PMI) standards. These courses cover the essential knowledge areas and prepare you for the PMP exam.
2. Agile Project Management
Agile methodologies have gained significant popularity in the project management field. Agile project management focuses on flexibility, adaptability, and iterative approaches. Many organizations in Boston are adopting Agile practices, making it essential for project managers to acquire Agile project management skills. Look for training options that offer Agile project management courses, such as Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) or Scrum Master certifications.
3. Leadership and Communication Skills
Effective leadership and communication skills are crucial for project managers to succeed in their roles. Boston offers various training programs focused on developing leadership and communication competencies. These programs cover topics such as team management, conflict resolution, negotiation skills, and stakeholder engagement. Investing in these skills can help you become a well-rounded project manager.
4. Risk Management and Compliance
Risk management and compliance are integral aspects of project management. Boston provides training options that specialize in risk management methodologies and compliance frameworks. These courses help project managers understand how to identify, assess, and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle. They also cover regulatory requirements and industry-specific compliance standards.
5. Technical Project Management
In today’s digital age, project managers need to be familiar with technical tools and methodologies. Boston offers training options that focus on technical project management skills, such as project scheduling software, data analysis tools, and project management information systems. Acquiring these technical skills can enhance your ability to manage complex projects effectively.
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
Boston is a vibrant hub for project management professionals, providing numerous training options to further your career. By investing in targeted training programs, such as PMP certification, Agile project management, leadership and communication skills, risk management, and technical project management, you can gain a competitive edge and propel your professional growth.
Take the time to research and choose the training options that align with your goals and aspirations. Remember, continuous learning and development are key to thriving in the dynamic field of project management.