Project management training started in the construction and aerospace industries. Now, however, it’s needed in just about every industry, especially IT. Much of business today is project based. Project budgets trump departmental budgets anymore; employees are hired based on projects; and everything seems to have a beginning and an end.
What sort of project management training credentials does one need to become a project manager? You’d think someone with a business or engineering degree could jump right into a project management role; however, it requires a specific skill set and training that traditional education may not offer as part of the regular curriculum.
What you need to know:
1). Complete your project management education to become a certified project management professional (CPMP).
2). Many universities and some colleges offer separate project management training courses and/or certification programs in project management and for getting a CPMP.
3). Realize you’ll need to get specific education and training as well as pass rigorous testing before getting project management certified and being recognized as a project management professional.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Choose a school or training program for project management training and certification
Many college business programs, such as program management training tracks, have a built-in project management certification specialization or emphasis. Also, many continuing education programs offer project management education. Opt to get certified online if you don't live near a college/university or can't attend traditional courses.
I recommend: Go with the course delivery format that best accommodates you, your schedule and your needs for project management education and certification. Check local higher education schools in your area, such as
City University of Seattle,
The University of Texas at Austin or
NYU SCPS to register for a certified project management professional training program, but know you can also obtain project management education and training online through many of these same colleges/universities or through separate e-schools and online prep sites, such as
Kaplan University,
Project Management Training Online or in coordination with
Towson University, The New York Times Knowledge Network.
Watch out for illegitimate training programs that are not accredited by the
Project Management Institute (PMI) while seeking project management education and training. Most states have their own PMI Chapters, such as
PMI Southwest Ohio Chapter. Check on accreditation for brick–and–mortar schools as well as online schools offering a software project management class.
Study your project management training materials
Plan to study a lot to get the most out of your project manager education. You can study independently; however, it's best for most people to have some guidance, feedback and structure.
I recommend: Utilize free study sites, such as
projectmanagementcourse.com, where you can not only obtain useful study information but also participate in a project management blog. Participate in other blogs related to business and project management like
tompeters!If you're taking an online project management training certification course, engage in discussions and communicate often with your instructor and/or course mates if possible. It's helpful to have peer input from study partners or course mates, especially with project management training.
Get certified in project management
Locate a testing site for project management certification. Register and pay for the exam ahead of time. Check the PMI site for testing facilities and fees.
I recommend: Study and know the project manager education material. Take practice tests via websites, such as
GoCertify. Get plenty of R & R before your CPMP exam.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- On-the-job experience (and any other involvement with project management) is often counted toward training credits equivalent to classes in project management. Verify what can be counted with PMI.
- Find some program management training programs that normally offer business management courses may also include project management topics in their curriculum; however, program management training is typically different from specific project management training.
The official source of Project Management Education and Training is
the Project Management Education and Training page at Business.com
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