Considered to be the most sought-after and popular certification in the Project Management Institute (PMI), PgMP® certification is for individuals seeking to become certified program managers, accompanied with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of program management.
It’s not easy to obtain the PgMP® certification; in fact, it’ s a long process that involves different stages of review from the PMI and program managers panel, a four-hour exam, and the fees that you need to rack up in order to move forward.
The article answers the question, “what is PgMP® certification?” and among others, from the process down to its requirements and preparation.
What is PgMP® Certification — Frequently Asked Questions
We already know that PgMP® credential is a well-known certification for aspiring program managers, but if we delve deeply into the term, what does this certification exactly mean? And what is its sole purpose and idea? What is PgMP® certification in its purest form? Below are the most commonly asked questions in regards to PgMP® and application.
PgMP® Certification: What Is It?
Program Management Professional ( PgMP )® certification is one of the credentials that you can find in the PMI’s roster of other certifications such as Project Management Professional ( PMP )®, Portfolio Management Professional ( PfMP )®, Certified Associate in Project Management ( CAPM )®, and among others. PgMP® is one of the certificates that helps pivots one’s career towards becoming a program manager.
Once the candidates pass the exam and acquire the certificate, that doesn’t automatically make them program managers. There are still some requirements to fulfill and review to undergo before becoming a full-fledged certified program manager.
What benefits can I reap from PgMP® certification?
Having a PgMP® certification means aspirants will stand out from the rest of the job applicants and get the attention of the employer.
Being a certified program manager also means that you have exceptional ability and knowledge to lead and manage programs as well as performance that contributes to the organization as a whole. By gaining this certification, you have the opportunity to lead or manage high-level programs and projects and even come up with strategies for businesses. PgMP® certification is not just benefited in the surface of an aspiring program manager—it’s a value that is attached to them as well as an identity and responsibility.
What are the requirements to be qualified for the PgMP® exam?
You need to have experience in both project and program management, 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.
Additional requirements also include an audit, but it’s random and only implemented under certain circumstances. Audits require you to document every project or program you created, managed or led—all in careful detail, as well contact information for managers who have worked with you in each operation.
What is the PgMP® exam like?
The exam’s duration is four hours and it consists of 170 multiple choice questions, with only 150 considered to be “live questions”; this means that the rest of the questions are “seeded” or planted. You still need to finish all these questions since you won’t identify which are the live questions and which ones are planted. The PgMP® exam is linear and you need to gain at least a score of 65% to pass.
What and how are the skills Assessed in the PgMP® exam?
There is a total of thirty-five objectives detailed in the PgMP® exam, which are divided into six subject groups of programs. The following skills and knowledge that are covered during the examination are:
- Outline
- Initiation
- Planning
- Implementation
- Controlling or monitoring
- Closing
Can I retake the PgMP® exam?
Certainly. You can take the exam up to three times within a year from issuing your authorization letter. However, you need additional fees for the retake which costs $500 for PMI members and $600 for non-members.
Where should I apply for the PgMP® exam?
Look for the Prometric Testing Centers near your area and schedule your preferred exam date. Usually, it takes weeks for Prometric to book you an exam date so it is recommended that you booked earlier. Don’t forget that you need to acquire an authorization letter from the PMI containing a code to assist with your schedule.
Where should I take the PgMP® exam?
Once you have successfully set a schedule for your PgMP® exam, you are going to take it to the Prometric Testing Center.
What is PgMP® Certification if you don’t have a well-prepared plan?
Now that you have the answers to that “what is PgMP® certification” inquiries, it’s time to prepare your requirements and of course, yourself.
As mentioned, PgMP® is probably the most daunting process of certification since it involves a different type of responsibility once the aspirant becomes a program manager. The certification is not the end of the road, once the individual has been officially certified, he or she still needs to earn credits from doing voluntary work or program consultations in different companies.
As for exam preparation, there are a lot of resources or applications that will help you prep for the PgMP® certification exam such as simulators (mimicking the environment of a PgMP® exam scenario), reading resources, and even tips and advice from program management’s forums. You can also attend seminars, workshops or coaching sessions if you want to have that classroom vibe or interaction with the experts.
Is it worth it? Is this right for me?
If you are still a little intimidated by the notion of the PgMP® certification, keep in mind that knowledge and skills of program management are your best friends on this journey. If you want to have an edge on your resume or you are ready to take on high-level responsibilities with a challenge, then the PgMP® certification is your best bet to do such things. Yes, it’s a long process. Yes, it can be frustrating. And no, don’t make it a reason not to pursue what you wanted. See it as a challenging hurdle that pumps your determination towards your goal—the PgMP® certification goal.
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