Project Management

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What are the credentials required to teach project management?

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Anonymous
The need of project managers in next years will correspond in an increase of training at disposal of candidates to learn the job. What are the criteria to evaluate if a teacher is actually qualified and fit to teach theory and/or practice of Project Management? e.g. a PMP credential could be considered enough?
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Rami Kaibni
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Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
One word: Experience!
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Kiron Bondale Retired | Mentor| Retired Welland, Ontario, Canada
To add to Rami's response, I'd say a demonstrable breadth & depth of PM experience across a variety of projects and contexts. I'd also suggest the individual needs to understand adult learning fundamentals and be able to effectively use multiple techniques to help folks learn.

Kiron
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Keith Novak Tukwila, Wa, United States
To add to Kiron's response, I'd say that your understanding of teaching can be even more important than the experience level. Experience gives you credibility, ability to field questions, and examples that aid in lessons. Understanding how people learn and in different ways is how you can effectively use your experience to others' benefit rather than just Story Time. Many a university professor is a world renowned expert in their field but a terrible teacher.
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Thomas Walenta Global Project Economy Expert Hackenheim, Germany
PMI classifies ATPs (authorised training providers) which are required to train their trainers and use PMI authorised materials.

These trainers have the skills to teach PMI content. Good PM trainers have in addition the skills and experience to make their students successful. This includes didactic capabilities.

I do not think a PMP is enough to qualify for a good trainer. Neither are successful project managers necessarily good trainers (though they should be good in coaching), similarly are good trainers not always good PMs.
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1 reply by anonymous
Aug 31, 2023 12:24 PM
anonymous
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Thanks Thomas, I find your answer particularly useful but it seems to me that it opens another question: if ATPs are those officially qualified to train the trainers, and a PMP is not sufficient to qualify a trainer, then what is the minimum level of formal qualification that is expected by a trainer that does not intend to teach to trainers? (according to your answer it seems to me that requiring an ATP would be too much, requiring a PMP would be too little... what is the step in the middle in terms of education/certification?)
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Mark Warner Project Manager| AURA Tucson, Az, United States
I’ll co-opt/modify John Maxwell’s famous quote on defining a leader (one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way): I.e., a good instructor is one who:
* Knows: Understands the theory-side of project management inside and out.
* Goes: Has actual hands-on practical experience managing real-world projects.
* Shows: Is adept at explaining; i.e., can turn complex topics into simple-to-understand (and actionable) lessons.
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Anonymous
Aug 10, 2023 3:19 AM
Replying to Thomas Walenta
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PMI classifies ATPs (authorised training providers) which are required to train their trainers and use PMI authorised materials.

These trainers have the skills to teach PMI content. Good PM trainers have in addition the skills and experience to make their students successful. This includes didactic capabilities.

I do not think a PMP is enough to qualify for a good trainer. Neither are successful project managers necessarily good trainers (though they should be good in coaching), similarly are good trainers not always good PMs.
Thanks Thomas, I find your answer particularly useful but it seems to me that it opens another question: if ATPs are those officially qualified to train the trainers, and a PMP is not sufficient to qualify a trainer, then what is the minimum level of formal qualification that is expected by a trainer that does not intend to teach to trainers? (according to your answer it seems to me that requiring an ATP would be too much, requiring a PMP would be too little... what is the step in the middle in terms of education/certification?)
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1 reply by Kiron Bondale
Sep 01, 2023 8:53 AM
Kiron Bondale
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A clarification - ATPs are not officially qualified to train trainers. They are required to qualify the folks they bring on to act as trainers. In order to teach the PMP prep course or the DA certification courses for an ATP, PMI does require a person to complete a basic online course in facilitating but it is by no means sufficient to be a qualified trainer.

What's missing is the actual experience of teaching folks about project management coupled with some understanding of adult learning principles and models.

Kiron
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Kiron Bondale Retired | Mentor| Retired Welland, Ontario, Canada
Aug 31, 2023 12:24 PM
Replying to anonymous
...
Thanks Thomas, I find your answer particularly useful but it seems to me that it opens another question: if ATPs are those officially qualified to train the trainers, and a PMP is not sufficient to qualify a trainer, then what is the minimum level of formal qualification that is expected by a trainer that does not intend to teach to trainers? (according to your answer it seems to me that requiring an ATP would be too much, requiring a PMP would be too little... what is the step in the middle in terms of education/certification?)
A clarification - ATPs are not officially qualified to train trainers. They are required to qualify the folks they bring on to act as trainers. In order to teach the PMP prep course or the DA certification courses for an ATP, PMI does require a person to complete a basic online course in facilitating but it is by no means sufficient to be a qualified trainer.

What's missing is the actual experience of teaching folks about project management coupled with some understanding of adult learning principles and models.

Kiron
avatar
Maxim Shevelev Haifa, Ta, Israel
While a PMP credential can be considered a strong qualification for teaching project management theory and practice, it should not be the sole criteria to evaluate if a teacher is qualified and fit for the role. Here are some additional criteria to consider:
1. Relevant Experience.
2. Teaching Experience.
3. Industry Knowledge.
4. Continuous Learning.
5. Communication and Interpersonal Skills.
6. Educational Background.
7. Feedback and Reviews.

It is important to consider a combination of these criteria when evaluating the qualifications and suitability of a teacher for project management theory and/or practice. A PMP credential may serve as an initial benchmark, but it is essential to assess the individual's overall competence and alignment with instructional requirements.

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