Category: certifications

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Why PMP certified professionals earn 16% more than their counterparts?

Critical Success factors for project success

Projects are considered as successful, if they are completed on time, within budget, met the scope and achieved the business objectives of the project. How do we really achieve Poject sucess?

Initiation

  • Right Project Selection – If the project does not have a strong business case, it will fail eventually

Planning

  • Right project execution strategy (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid) – A wrong project execution strategy can fail a project. For example, projects where scope is not clear, techno;ogy is new calls for agile / iterative development, till there is clarity. Once clarity is established, the rest of the project can follow waterfall or hybrid.
  • Right tools & techniques (Scheduling, Estimation, Project Management Information Systems) – On many occassions projects fail becuase the right tools are not used effectively.
  • Developing the subsidiary plans – Generally speaking, nothing good happens in projects without proper planning. For project success, one need to plan the following;
    • Quality management plan
    • Communications management plan
    • Procurement management plan
    • Resource management plan
    • Risk management plan
    • Schedule management plan
    • Stakeholder management plan
    • Change management plan
    • Configuration management plan
  • Developing the integrated project plan – For monitoring and controlling at a project level, all the subsidiary plans and the various other lower level plans must be integrated into a cohesive integrated project plan.

Execution

  • Executing the project as per the plan
  • Corrective and preventive actions

Monitoring & Controlling

  • Lag indicators
    • Schedule variance
    • Schedule performance index
    • Cost variance
    • Cost performance index
    • Scope variance
    • Quality issues
    • Risks occured
  • Lead indicators
    • Estmated date of completion (work package, milestone, project)
    • Estimated cost at completion
    • Anticipated risks

Closing

  • Closing phase
  • Closing project

A quick look at the PMP certification

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) is the most popular project management certification in the world. Right now, there are more than 1400000 PMP certfied professionals across the World. According to PMI Survey, PMP certified project professionals earn 16% more than their counterparts who are not PMP Certified.
  • The PMP certification is based on the Project Management Body Of Knowledge (PMBOK) by Project Management Institute (PMI,USA) . The PMBOK covers;
    • Predictive Project Management (Waterfall)
    • Agile Project Management (Adaptive)
    • Hybrid Project Management
  • Before applying for the PMP Certification, it is mandatory to attend 35 hours of formal project management training based on PMBOK.

Eligibility

OR

Exam content

People (42%)

  • Manage conflict
  • Lead a team
  • Support team performance
  • Empower team members and stakeholders
  • Build a team
  • Address and remove impediments
  • Negotiate
  • Collaborate with stakeholders
  • Build shared understanding
  • Engage and support virtual teams
  • Define team ground rules
  • Mentor relevant stakeholders
  • Application of emotional intelligence to improve team performance

Process (50%)

  • Execute project with the urgency required to deliver business value
  • Manage communications
  • Assess and manage project risks
  • Engage stakeholders
  • Plan and manage budget and resources
  • Plan and manage schedule
  • Plan and manage quality
  • Plan and manage scope
  • Integrate project planning activities
  • Manage project changes
  • Plan and manage procurements
  • Manage project artifacts
  • Determine appropriate project methodology
  • Establisg project governance structure
  • Manage project issues
  • Ensure knowledge transfer
  • Plan and manage project/phase closure or transitions

Business environment (8%)

  • Plan and manage project compliance (EHS)
  • Evaluate and deliver project benefits and value
  • Evaluate and address external business environment changes for impact on scope
  • Support organizational change

Why do PMP certified professionals earn 16% more than their counterparts?

  • They understand the critical parameters that must be monitored and controlled for project success
  • They understand the building blocks and their inter-relationships for monitoring and controlling the lead and lag indicators
  • They understand the need for Project Management Information Systems
  • They understand the globally accepted project management vocabulary, hence can communicate better
  • PMP certification is an endorsement for minimum viable professional project management knowledge to be effective in larger projects

Preperation for PMP with a right balance of theory and practice will tremendously crash the learning curve to master professional project management based on a globally recognized standard (PMBOK).

To learn more about the PMdistilled PMP Preperation Program, Click here

certifications, PMBOK, PMP certification, Project Management, Training

Ways to earn 35 PDU PMP training certificate prior to PMP Certification

Is it mandatory to attend courses from Authorised Training Providers (ATP) of PMI to qualify for PMP certification?

The good news is ‘No’. One can attend any instructor led course or self paced course covering the course content recommended by PMI with an end of the course formal assessment. That means, one can attend;

  • Training programs conducted by Universities
  • Training programs conducted by independent training organizations
  • Training programs offered by PMI Chapters
  • Self paced training programs offered by online education providers like coursera etc

In a nutshell, any course which satisfies the following criteria will qualify;

  • Must be of or above 35 hours duration
  • Must be formal
  • Must be supervised by a supervisor / mentor
  • Must cover the PMP syllabus
  • Must have an end of the course formal assessment with certificate

Here is the snapshot of our chat with PMI to verify which substantiates this;

blog post, certifications, Integrated project monitoring and control

Project Management Certifications 2023

The most popular project management certifications for 2023 are likely to be:

  1. PMP (Project Management Professional) from the Project Management Institute (PMI)
  2. PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) from AXELOS
  3. CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) from the PMI
  4. ScrumMaster from Scrum Alliance
  5. Six Sigma from the American Society for Quality (ASQ)
  6. It’s worth noting that the popularity of certifications can vary depending on the industry and location, so it’s always a good idea to do some research and talk to professionals in your field before making a decision.

What is the qualification criteria for PMP certification?

To qualify for the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), an individual must meet the following criteria:

Education: A bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent, and a minimum of four years of project management experience, with at least 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education.

or

Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent) and a minimum of five years of project management experience, with at least 7,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education.

In addition to meeting the educational and experience requirements, an individual must also pass the PMP exam, which is a multiple-choice test that covers the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) Guide. It is important to note that the PMI periodically review and update the criteria, so it’s recommended to check PMI website for most recent and accurate information.

For more information about the PMP certification Click here

What is the qualification criteria for prince2 certification

To qualify for the PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) certification from AXELOS, an individual must meet the following criteria:

PRINCE2 Foundation: There are no formal prerequisites for the PRINCE2 Foundation certification. However, it is recommended that individuals have some prior knowledge of project management concepts and terminology.

PRINCE2 Practitioner: To qualify for the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification, an individual must first pass the PRINCE2 Foundation exam and have a minimum of five years of experience working in a project management role.

In addition to meeting the educational and experience requirements, an individual must also pass the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam, which is a multiple-choice test that covers the PRINCE2 methodology.

It is important to note that the AXELOS periodically review and update the criteria, so it’s recommended to check AXELOS website for most recent and accurate information.

What is the qualification required for CAPM certification

To qualify for the CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), an individual must meet the following criteria:

Education: A high school diploma or the global equivalent, and a minimum of 1,500 hours of experience working on a project team, or 23 hours of project management education completed prior to taking the exam.

In addition to meeting the educational and experience requirements, an individual must also pass the CAPM exam, which is a multiple-choice test that covers the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) Guide.

It is important to note that the PMI periodically review and update the criteria, so it’s recommended to check PMI website for most recent and accurate information.

What is the qualification required for scrum master certification

To qualify for the ScrumMaster certification from Scrum Alliance, an individual must meet the following criteria:

Education: There are no formal prerequisites for the ScrumMaster certification. However, it is recommended that individuals have some prior knowledge of the Scrum framework and its principles.

Experience: There are no specific experience requirements for the ScrumMaster certification, but it is recommended to have practical experience working with Scrum.

Exam: In addition to meeting the educational requirements, an individual must pass the ScrumMaster certification exam, which covers the Scrum framework, its principles, and the role of the ScrumMaster. The certification exam is usually in form of a multiple-choice test.

It’s important to note that the Scrum Alliance periodically review and update the criteria, so it’s recommended to check the Scrum Alliance website for the most recent and accurate information. Additionally, there are other organizations that provide Scrum Master certification like Scrum.org and Scrum Inc. with slight variations in the certification requirements.

What is the qualification required to become six sigma certified

To become Six Sigma certified, an individual must meet the requirements set by the organization offering the certification. Generally, Six Sigma certifications are offered at different levels, such as Six Sigma Green Belt, Six Sigma Black Belt, and Six Sigma Master Black Belt. The qualifications for each level can vary, but typically include the following:

Six Sigma Green Belt: This level of certification typically requires an individual to have a basic understanding of Six Sigma principles and tools, and to have completed a Six Sigma Green Belt training course.

Six Sigma Black Belt: This level of certification typically requires an individual to have a more advanced understanding of Six Sigma principles and tools, to have completed a Six Sigma Black Belt training course, and to have demonstrated proficiency in leading Six Sigma projects.

Six Sigma Master Black Belt: This level of certification typically requires an individual to have a comprehensive understanding of Six Sigma principles and tools, to have completed a Six Sigma Master Black Belt training course, and to have demonstrated proficiency in leading complex Six Sigma projects and in coaching and mentoring others.

It’s important to note that the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and other organizations that offer Six Sigma certifications have specific requirements and periodically review and update their criteria, so it’s recommended to check their websites for the most recent and accurate information.

What are the other certifications offered by PMI apart from PMP?

The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers several certifications in addition to the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification, which include:

  • CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): This certification is designed for individuals who are new to project management and have limited experience leading and directing projects.
  • PgMP (Program Management Professional): This certification is designed for experienced program managers who lead multiple, related projects and oversee program managers.
  • PfMP (Portfolio Management Professional): This certification is designed for experienced portfolio managers who oversee multiple, related programs and projects that align with an organization’s strategic objectives.
  • PMI-ACP (PMI Agile Certified Practitioner): This certification is designed for individuals who have experience working in an agile environment and have completed a minimum of 21 hours of agile training.
  • PMI-PBA (PMI Professional in Business Analysis): This certification is designed for business analysts who have experience in requirements management and have completed a minimum of 21 hours of business analysis training.
  • RMP (Risk Management Professional): This certification is designed for professionals who have experience in identifying, assessing, and managing project risks.
  • SP (Scheduling Professional): This certification is designed for professionals who have experience in developing, analyzing, and maintaining project schedules.

It is important to note that PMI periodically review and update the criteria, so it’s recommended to check PMI website for most recent and accurate information.

PMI has broadly diversified its certification offerings into General project management certifications, Project domain specific certifications, Skill specific certifications. As the offerings increases, it becomes complex to choose the right certification. This blog post will help you to choose the right PMI certification based on your present work experience and future career aspirations.

PMI General project management certifications applicable to all streams of project management

  • PMP – Project Management Professional Certification still remain the flagship certification by PMI, because of its global recognition. This is not domain specific. Hence for anybody who want to understand predictive project management, agile project management and hybrid project management, this is ideal. If you have around 4 years of work experience after graduation, and if you are looking forward to going for a well-recognized project management certification, PMP is the one to go.
  • CAPM – Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
  • PMI-RMP – Risk management professional (PMI-RMP)
  • PMI-PBA – Professional in business analysis
  • PgMP – Program management professional
  • PfMP – Portfolio management professional
  • PMI-SP – PMI Scheduling professional
  • PMI Project management ready (for school students)
  • PMI-CP – Construction professional in built environment projects (New). Still, it is not released. But according to me, this is the certification that has the potential to become one of the best known (like PMP) from PMI, after a long gap. This certification is exclusively for professionals from the construction domain (3 years’ experience in construction is mandatory)

PMI Agile project management certifications applicable to Information technology and new product development projects

  • PMI-ACP – PMI Agile certified practitioner – According to PMI, this certification will provide you with basic understanding of agile. According to my personal experience, if you go for PMP exam, 50% of the syllabus is Agile and on top of it you will gain good knowledge about predictive and hybrid project management. I always prefer and recommend PMP certification over PMI-ACP certification.
  • DASM – Disciplined Agile Scrum Master
  • DASSM – Disciplined Agile Senior Scrum Master
  • DAVSC – Disciplined Agile Value Stream Consultant (DAVSC) Certification
  • DAC – Disciplined Agile Coach Certification

For more information about the PMP certification Click here

For any additional information Contact us

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After PMP or CSM, What is Next?

Choose your certifications wisely. Certifications with redundant syllabus overlaps is a sure disadvantage.

There are too many project management certifications out there like the PMP, PMI-ACP, CSM, PSP, PSM, SaFe....etc...Many of them have redundant contents.

Choose your certifications Wisely….

I did my PMP, what next?.Should I do any of the agile certifications? – This is one question we had to answer multiple times in the past. Yesterday also I had to answer this question again. From the Version#7 of the Project Management Body Of Knowledge (PMBOK), the base reference document for PMP certification, equal importance is given to both predictive project management (traditional project management) and agile project management. In other words,

  • 50% of the questions are from predictive project management
  • 40% from agile project management and
  • 10% from hybrid project management.

Given that as the basis, logically there is no reason for someone pursuing any one of the agile certifications like Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or Professional Scrum Master (PSM) after their latest PMP certification based on PMBOK7. As PMBOK7 covers both agile and predictive project management in detail. But then in real life, I come across many PMPs who still do not understand critical path and earned value management even after their PMP certification. So are many of the certified agilists who does not understand empiricism and self organizing teams. When we examine just the exam content, the latest PMP course content is sufficient to manage projects in predictive, agile or hybrid way.

Then what makes the difference. Two factors.

  • Factor one, the structure of the course delivery. How well it is sequenced. If it is sequenced logically according to the natural sequence within projects, then it becomes much easier for the learner. The learner will be able to comprehend the concepts better and put them into practice at the appropriate opportunity.
  • Factor two, the ability of the teacher / coach / trainer/ instructor to explain things with practical hands on experience sharing and real life examples.

Trainers with sufficient knowledge, experience can make a lot of difference. Multiple certifications with overlapping syllabus contents is a disadvantage. It can send wrong signals to others. Especially to those who are hunting for competent project management professionals who can put the project management best practices to work for the project’s advantage. Certifications are just the low lying fruits of the training programs. It is the application of the knowledge in real projects which makes the real difference between the credential and competency.

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Congratulations Mr. Suraj Sambasivam PMP

Congratulations to Mr.Suraj Sambasivam PMP for achieving the PMP credential. Suraj prepared for his PMP credential with the PMdistilled Project Management Professional training conducted by PMRI. It gives us immense confidence when he says he did not use any other reference material except the PMdistilled Guide, Online on demand modules, quizzes, exam practice and the one 2 one meetings with the Instructor. Now we have added mandatory weekend instructor led classes as well, with the hope of speeding up the preparation. When people attend in groups, that will definitely create healthy peer pressure to complete the exam on time. Suraj has given us some inputs to improve the course effectiveness further. We will do that as fast as possible. Once again thank you Suraj for trusting us to be your Project Management Professional Certification coach and mentor.

Project Management Professional
PMP Successs story – Suraj Sambashivam PMP

Click here for more about the PMdistilled Project Management Professional training

Click here for the most frequently asked questions about PMP certification and our PMdistilled PMP certification preparation program

blog post, certifications, Education, Mentoring, Roles & Responsibilities, Trends in project management

7 habits of highly effective project managers

The project management job opportunities as well as the scope of the project manager’s job description are on the rise. Project manager’s job description goes beyond the triple constraints of time, cost and scope. The new project manager’s job description covers the achievement of the business case of the project as well. This makes the new project manager’s role more strategic. In this changed scenario, Have you ever wondered why some really climb up the professional ladder where as many do not, despite having the same credentials and opportunities? When we studied the careers of very successful project professionals, we could identify the following 7 habits common across the achievers.

  1. Good foundation – Most of them had good grades in their academics and they pursued their project career in the areas related to their field of study.
  2. Application of Project Management – They had clarity on their academic and professional goals and they applied project management to achieve them.
  3. Focus on long term rewards – Their focus is on long term rewards than on the short term benefits.
  4. Continuous on the job learning – The first ten years of their career was dedicated to gaining hands on experience and learning new things.
  5. Strategic Credential enhancement – They continuously improved their knowledge and authenticity through globally accepted qualifications.
  6. Networking – They are good in networking with others in the profession.
  7. Pro-activeness – They are pro-active in sensing opportunities ahead and pursued them before others.

What is the Opportunity awaiting Capable Project Professionals?

By 2027, employers will need 87.7 million individuals working in project management oriented roles. The talent gap could result in a potential loss of some US$207.9 billion in GDP through 2027 for the 11 countries analyzed (China, India, USA, Japan, Brazil, Germany, UK, Canada, Australia and the Middle East region). PMI (2017). Project Management Job Growth and Talent Gap 2017–2027. Even though the pandemic might have negatively impacted these projections, this is good time to get ready to leverage the opportunities ahead.

How to leverage these 7 habits to advance your profession?

If you want to understand how to systematically plan your project management career goals proactively, and to achieve them at the appropriate time, then read ahead;

What is PMg-CMM?. How will it help career progression?

The objective of the Project Manager’s Capability Maturity Model is to provide a professional ecosystem comprising of aspiring professionals, mentors, trainers, organizations and recruiters collaborating around a structured road map for meticulous planning and progression of project management as a profession.

The diagram below depicts the five levels of project management professional maturity.

Level#1 – Beginner

At Level#1

  • Because you are technically good, you are asked to manage teams
  • You are not aware of the basic project management tools and techniques and their application
  • You think project management is about just getting things done at any cost
  • Success is inconsistent and short lived
  • In the longer run, You and the team members fail to perform as a single unit due to internal conflicts
  • Though you have technology mentors, you do not have mentors to guide you on the management side to the right degree

Level#2 – Professionally qualified

At Level#2

  • You get certified in one of the popular project management certifications, hoping to improve your job prospects.
  • You are aware of the globally accepted project management best practices.
  • You would have realized how the application of these best practices would have helped you to prevent some of the challenges you faced before.
  • You start applying and leveraging some of the project management core practices
  • As and when challenges arise, you leverage the models, methods & artifacts recommended by global standards
  • You have good mentors who can guide you professionally

Level#3 – Professionally proven

At Level#3

  • You have proven yourself as a dependable project manager who can manage small to medium complexity projects
  • You are highly respected within the project organization
  • You are considered to manage prestigious projects
  • You become a role model for other budding project managers within the organization
  • You are good at nurturing your professional networks
  • You have good mentors and you start mentoring others

Level#4 Strategic Role

At Level#4

  • You are invited to strategic project portfolio meetings
  • In some cases your expert advise is sought to improve the project management capability of the organization (PMO)
  • You will be asked to manage programs or very large projects
  • You leverage your professional networks to great advantage
  • You have mentors and you yourself is a highly sought after mentor

Level#5 Leadership Role

At Level#5

  • You are considered as an expert authority in project management
  • You contribute to the project management community by way of research and knowledge sharing
  • Great deal of you time is spent in mentoring individuals, teams, organizations and communities

How quickly one traverse through these levels depends on their ambition, commitment, mentoring and the ability to pivot according to the market trends. Instead of growing vertically through the five maturity levels, one has the opportunity to grow horizontally as ‘T’ skilled professionals who have in-depth domain expertise in a particular trade supported by good project management capability as well.

How to proceed?

If you are interested to have a mentor who can guide you, please provide us some details about your present career position

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