So, not sure how many of you have seen that PMI now has a Program Management Certification but I'm curious as to what others think about this new certification. I haven't seen many job descriptions on the job boards that have this as a requirements. What do y'all think? Saving Changes...
David MorganProject Manager| Experian PLCGrantham, United Kingdom
Just a few points regarding some of the content on this thread...
1) Why should the PMP be treated any differently to a university degree? Having a degree doesn't qualify someone to be 'good' at a job, but it helps the screening process. Its the same with a PMP qualification. If we are going to say that the PMI allows some "bad" PMs through the doors via falsifying experience history and/or just taking a punt on the exam, and therefore should be reviewed then the entire academic world should be subject to the same scrutiny. I've worked with some terrible graduates, and some great people with good experience who never obtained a degree. Where the qualification comes into its own is as a differentiator. Of course, if we want the PMI to only accredit the 'elite' then there are ways to achieve that, but I don't think that was ever the intention and wouldn't be particularly feasibly for them to achieve. In the UK, PRINCE2 is often stated by employers. Whilst not directly comparable to the PMBOK, its held in high regard *despite* not having to register the level of experience beforehand (like the PMI), having the possibility of being audited (like the PMI) and culminating with a one-off OPEN BOOK exam which anyone can pay £500 to sit. Compared to this, the PMP is a tightly controlled measure of both experience and knowledge of the standards. In reality, neither is perfect but PMP stands up well.
2) The PgMP is obviously a way for PMI to earn more money. Once they have accredited a PMP whats the next step? Well, now its the PgMP! Putting cynicism aside for a second, I feel its worth deploying a wait-and-see strategy regarding this qualification however I imagine if it does take off, early PgMPs will have a hell of a head start in the employment market.
3) Regarding the shifting goalposts in the exam to allow more people to pass. Whilst I understand that this would irritate people who passed under more stringent circumstances, isn't the actions of the PMI entirely consistent with the PMBOK approach in terms of monitoring and adjusting processes? On a personal level, I have some problems with the intentions of the exam itself which can all too often test you on how well you can decipher the question underneath the word-play and tricks, rather than actualy testing your knowledge of the concepts but thats probably for another day. Cheers, Dave Saving Changes...
Well stated, David. I agree with you totally. And, whenever PMI comes out with a new cert program, I am skeptical of both their intent and of the value. I find this idea of PM Professional Score that is "free" and administered by a "trusted" and independent thirdy party to be VERY interesting and GREAT idea. Finally, someone with an idea for a potential improvement and to better serve PMs, rather than make money off of them. A certification program is just that, a certification program. It is not an accurate relection of project management capabilities, experiences, and accomplishments over a PM's career, whether certified or not. I am amused by those that are quick to put down, often without understanding what they are putting down, rather than offer constructive criticism on how to do it. I agree with Charles... "any PMP worth their salt would welcome this initiative." In fact, such a PM Professional Score would be good for those "uncertified" PMs that have and can show years and years of experience and results achieved and don't need a PMP to get a job. Saving Changes...
It has been 3 years since I posted on Gantthead, I've been dealing with 5th stage kidney disease and now retired, but feel like I'd like to get back into the game in some fashion next year albeit on a part time basis.
Does anyone have any ideas??? Saving Changes...
Kevin ClarkDirector Business Transformation Services| Cohesive Information SolutionsConroe, Tx, United States
I agree with most, if not all of the posts. As a PMP and and DoD certified PgMP, we've all encountered the good and the negative aspects of the certification process. The PgMP certification is basically good in that it helps to illuminate some fundamental differences between tactical project management and the more strategically aligned program management. The PgMP process will continue to evolve and the input from the PM community will help shape the process in the years to come. We can argue for and against the overall certification process, but the objective is to help infuse a level of uniformity and competence into the practice. Like any profession, we will continue to see the disconnects between practical application and theory. PMBOK is a strong guideline and cannot be taken as a law.
I've been at this for three decades and welcome the PgMP certification process. Next on my list of certifications is the PgMP from PMI and Prince2. More knowledge and diversity in perspective can only help us grow as professionals.
I''ve enjoyed reading this thread - great thoughts and insights shared. I''ve been a PMP since the mid-2000s and have set up and run an IDIQ PMO over the last 5 years. Any new thoughts or opinions on PgMP certification? I''m considering going after it and wondered if the information that I read in this stream is now dated or is still pretty accurate from the perspectives of both those that have earned the certification and from industry leaders. Any thoughts? Saving Changes...
Dear Bethany,
But I think when you are trying to get the PgMP certification, you will learn more about how to deal with many projects in your hands by reading some exam. prep. book. Could anyone has some suggestions to me that what is the better exam. prep. book for PgMP certification. Saving Changes...
Hi Bethany, I agree with you and my experience has been very much like yours. Hence, my surprise - which I must say was more at the depth of opinions and observations dicussed by CIOs about PMI than the fact that it was negative.
Hi Mark, Has anything improved on Program Management landscape. I still find that program managers are being hired based on experience rather than certification. Saving Changes...
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