Jamal SearlesProject Manager| Sun River Service CompanyWilson, Nc, United States
I have recently been promoted to the position of project manager. As I step into the role and learn more about project management, it appears that my role should be listed as Portfolio Manager or Organizational Project Management. One of the requirements of the PMP exam is that no 2 projects can overlap. I am currently overseeing about 6 projects ranging from a large 70'x70' building construction, implementing new software technologies, revamping parts room and inventory control to minor contract repairs of process equipment working with contractors. Where do I begin as I have come into a couple of these about half way through the life cycle of the projects? Thanks for the advice... Saving Changes...
Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
I am not sure that PMBoK stresses that the PM can run only one project at a time.
If you are "overseeing" 6 projects but not managing them, then your role is not really project management, it is something else.
Congratulations on the promotion! Saving Changes...
Jamal SearlesProject Manager| Sun River Service CompanyWilson, Nc, United States
Change keyword overseeing to managing...Am I misunderstanding what the prerequisites are to sit down and take the test? Thanks for the congrats... Saving Changes...
Andrew JonesSenior Program ManagerNew Smyrna Beach, Fl, United States
Jamal,
If I'm reading your question correctly, you're asking what experience you need to register to take the PMP exam -- is that right? Depending on you education level, you need either 3 or 5 years of "unique non-overlapping professional project management experience during which at least 4,500 / 7,500 hours (again depending on education level) were spent leading and directing the project" so in your current situation, the six projects only count once.
The difference between 3 years/4,500 hours and 5 years/7,500 hours is simply having a bachelor's degree.
Hope this helps. Congratulations, and good luck!
Andrew Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Is your question is about certification requirements my recommendation is you read and understand the certification handbook and related documentation. What you state is right. No matter the number of projects you are working on parallel at the same time those projects counts like only one. But again, read and understand all related information before apply and in case of doubt contact the PMI because they are a great help. Saving Changes...
Jamal SearlesProject Manager| Sun River Service CompanyWilson, Nc, United States
Yes @Andrew Jones. That is my question. I have extensive knowledge and background in Maintenance Management and am looking to convert some of that into contact hours. Looking back over the last 3 years, I have been 'project managing' without the title. I remember reading to acquire all the information before I fill out the application, so I am in info gathering mode as well. Thanks for the congrats. Saving Changes...
Congratulations on the promotion. sound like you have a portfolio of project.
Not sure about you question.
To register for the PMP exam, you believe your projects overlapping is a problem?
Sure your have prior experience in project management, they didn't put you there with no experience. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Andrew Jones is pretty spot on based on your question clarification. The caveat I would add, is you need only be a player in the Project, not necessarily the PM. For example, a BA can submit hours for their participation in a particular project. Also note the time span of your 4500/7500 hours. PMI is very helpful with regards to answering your questions. They have a chat mechanism, or you call.
Good Luck, and Congrats! Saving Changes...
Jamal SearlesProject Manager| Sun River Service CompanyWilson, Nc, United States
I will try and chat with someone today. I really do need some clarification on the requirements. According to my calculations, I have more than enough contact hours to be eligible. I am gaining and obtaining more and more knowledge everyday from PMBOK and others that are taking the time to collaborate with me.
I am putting together a Project Management Team of collaborators that could assist me with some projects. Any of you want to be on this team? Saving Changes...
Jamal SearlesProject Manager| Sun River Service CompanyWilson, Nc, United States
So I called PMI this morning...I am eligible for CAPM...I will be submitting an application as soon as possible. Saving Changes...
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