PMI’s Newest Credential Launches 1 October

The Program Management Professional (PgMP^SM) credential, the newest in PMI’s family of credentials, will launch Monday, 1 October, giving program managers an objective measurement of their knowledge, skills and experience.

PMP credential holders who manage an organizational objective through a group of projects and their shared resources may be managing a program, not a project, and should consider applying for the PgMP credential.

Eligible candidates who pass a sequence of three evaluations—an extensive application review by a panel of program managers, a multiple-choice examination and a Multi-rater Assessment (MRA)—will be awarded the credential. Given the increased number of pass/fail evaluations for this credential, candidates should expect a more time-consuming and rigorous process.

So how can individuals prepare to apply for the PgMP credential?

• Review the Eligibility Requirements. Both educational and professional experience eligibility requirements can be found on PMI.org.
• Review the PgMP Application. Before filling out the online application, candidates can start reviewing an online PDF of the application to review all of the documentation required, including educational background and professional experience in both project and program management. Candidates should also consider drafting responses to the eight open-ended questions under the Program Management Experience Summaries section of the application, which will serve as the pass/fail criteria for the first evaluation, the panel review.
  
  “It took me one week to put together my application and then to review it before submitting it for the first [evaluation]. In this phase, it is important to show that you comply with all prerequisites … by being concise and clear,” says PgMP pilot participant Daniel A. Luna Jeri, PMP, PgMP, program manager for Alcatel-Lucent in Lima, Peru.

• Study for the Examination. The second evaluation is a multiple-choice examination, which is administered at worldwide testing centers. Candidates are advised to study a textbook on program management or attend a program management course offered by one of PMI’s chapters or Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.). Courses can be located on PMI.org.
  
  Both PMI standards, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK^® Guide)—Third Edition and The Standard for Program Management, are reference materials for this examination as well.  Be sure to become familiar with these standards.
• Contact References for the MRA. The third evaluation, the MRA, which functions like a 360-degree review, requires candidates to select 12 reference contacts, including supervisors, peers and direct reports, to evaluate their work as program managers. Because PMI sends the survey electronically, it is important for candidates to supply current e-mail addresses for reference contacts. Candidates are encouraged to contact their references ahead of completing the application to ensure the information is accurate.

“Obtaining the PgMP credential has taken a significant effort and required a great deal of focus, but I know how critical the credential is …” says pilot participant Brain Grafsgaard, PMP, PgMP, director of professional services for Quality Business Solutions (QBS) in Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA. “The PgMP is sure to become the international standard for program management professionals, much like the PMP has become the standard for project managers.”

Candidates interested in applying for the PgMP credential can do so on PMI’s online certification system on 1 October. Contact PgMPSupport@PMI.org with questions or for assistance.