PgMP (Program Management Professional) Exam Prep Training

The Program Management Professional (PgMP) credential is a prestigious certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed for professionals who manage multiple, complex projects to achieve strategic and organizational results. Here's a comprehensive overview of what you need to know about the PMI-PgMP:

What is PgMP?

The PgMP certification recognizes the advanced experience and skills of program managers. It is intended for individuals who oversee multiple related projects, ensuring they align with organizational goals and deliver strategic benefits.

Key Benefits of PgMP Certification

1. Career Advancement: Enhances your professional credibility and distinguishes you in the job market.

2. Recognition: Recognizes your ability to manage complex projects and programs, and to drive organizational success.

3. Skill Enhancement: Deepens your understanding of program management processes and best practices.

Prerequisites for PgMP

• Educational Background:

  • A four-year degree (bachelor's degree or the global equivalent)

  • 48 months of project management experience

  • 84 months of program management experience within the last 15 years

  • OR

  • A high school diploma or associate’s degree (or global equivalent)

  • 48 months of project management experience

  • 84 months of program management experience within the last 15 years

Application Process

1. Application Submission: Complete the online application form on the PMI website.

2. Panel Review: PMI verifies your experience and educational background.

3. Exam Payment: Pay the required examination fee after your application is approved.

4. Exam Scheduling: Schedule your exam through a designated testing center.

PgMP Exam Structure

The PgMP exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The questions are distributed across the following domains:

1. Strategic Program Management (15%)

2. Program Life Cycle (44%)

   • Initiating (6%)

   • Planning (11%)

   • Executing (14%)

   • Controlling (10%)

   • Closing (3%)

3. Benefits Management (11%)

4. Stakeholder Engagement (16%)

5. Governance (14%)

Study Materials and Resources

• PMI’s Program Management Standard: The official guide and a primary resource for exam preparation.

• PgMP Exam Content Outline: Available on the PMI website, detailing the domains and tasks covered in the exam.

• Training Courses: Various online and in-person training programs are available to help you prepare.

• Study Groups: Join study groups or forums to discuss and learn from other candidates.

Continuing Certification Requirements

To maintain your PgMP certification, you need to earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years. PDUs can be earned through various professional development activities, including attending workshops, seminars, or webinars, and contributing to the project management community.

Detailed Overview of PgMP Exam Domains

1. Strategic Program Management (15%)

   • Tasks: Define program objectives, align program with organizational strategy, and develop a program business case.

   • Skills Required: Strategic thinking, business acumen, stakeholder communication.

2. Program Life Cycle (44%)

   • Initiating (6%)

     • Tasks: Develop program charter, identify program stakeholders, and define high-level program scope.

   • Planning (11%)

     • Tasks: Develop program management plan, establish program governance structure, define key performance indicators (KPIs).

   • Executing (14%)

     • Tasks: Direct and manage program execution, coordinate project managers, and implement program improvements.

   • Controlling (10%)

     • Tasks: Monitor program performance, manage program risks, and control program changes.

   • Closing (3%)

     • Tasks: Close program phases, finalize program reports, and obtain program acceptance.

3. Benefits Management (11%)

   • Tasks: Identify program benefits, develop benefits realization plan, and track benefits realization.

   • Skills Required: Benefits analysis, stakeholder engagement, performance measurement.

4. Stakeholder Engagement (16%)

   • Tasks: Identify stakeholders, develop stakeholder engagement plan, manage stakeholder expectations.

   • Skills Required: Communication, negotiation, conflict resolution.

5. Governance (14%)

   • Tasks: Establish program governance framework, ensure program compliance, and conduct program audits.

   • Skills Required: Governance frameworks, compliance management, audit processes.

Tips for PgMP Exam Preparation

1. Understand the Exam Content Outline: Thoroughly review the PMI-PgMP Exam Content Outline, which provides a detailed breakdown of the domains, tasks, and knowledge areas covered in the exam.

2. Study the PMI’s Program Management Standard: The PMI’s “The Standard for Program Management” is the primary resource for understanding the methodologies and best practices required for the PgMP certification.

3. Use Multiple Study Resources:

   • Books: Consider additional books like “PgMP Exam Practice Test and Study Guide” by Ginger Levin and J. LeRoy Ward.

   • Online Courses: Enroll in reputable online courses or boot camps that offer structured learning paths and practice exams.

   • Study Groups and Forums: Join PgMP study groups on platforms like LinkedIn or specialized forums to exchange knowledge and experiences with other candidates.

4. Practice Exams: Take multiple practice exams to familiarize yourself with the exam format and to identify areas where you need more study. This also helps improve your time management skills.

5. Focus on Real-world Application: The PgMP exam tests your ability to apply program management concepts to real-world scenarios. Ensure you understand how theoretical knowledge translates into practical application.

6. Review Program Management Tools and Techniques: Be well-versed in tools and techniques used in program management, such as benefits realization, stakeholder analysis, and program governance frameworks.

Benefits of Obtaining PgMP Certification

1. Recognition of Expertise: The PgMP certification is globally recognized and demonstrates your expertise in managing complex, multi-project programs.

2. Career Advancement: PgMP certification can open up higher-level career opportunities, including roles such as Program Manager, Portfolio Manager, and Director of Program Management.

3. Increased Earning Potential: Certified PgMP professionals often command higher salaries due to their advanced skills and experience.

4. Networking Opportunities: Joining the elite group of PgMP-certified professionals provides opportunities for networking and professional growth within the PMI community and beyond.

5. Organizational Impact: PgMP-certified professionals are equipped to align programs with organizational strategy, leading to improved project outcomes and strategic benefits.

6. Continued Professional Development: Maintaining your PgMP certification requires ongoing professional development, ensuring you stay current with the latest trends and practices in program management.

Conclusion

The PMI-PgMP certification is a significant achievement for program management professionals, signifying mastery of advanced program management skills and the ability to drive strategic initiatives. Preparing for the PgMP exam requires dedication, comprehensive study, and practical experience, but the rewards in terms of career growth, recognition, and professional development are substantial. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your skills, take on more strategic roles, or lead complex programs, the PgMP certification can be a pivotal step in your professional journey.

In this course,

Introduction

The PMI-PgMP (Program Management Professional) certification is designed for professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in managing multiple, related projects to achieve strategic organizational objectives. This course provides an in-depth overview of the PgMP certification process, including the credentialing procedure, exam syllabus, and essential program management concepts. Through detailed lectures, participants will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in program management and align their projects with broader organizational strategies.

Section 1:

In this section, participants will be introduced to the PMI-PgMP certification, starting with an overview of the credentialing process and the exam syllabus. The course will then explore strategic program management, focusing on how to align programs with organizational goals. Participants will learn about the fundamentals of program management, including the distinctions between projects, programs, and portfolios. The section also covers the role of a program manager, the skill matrix, and the focus areas critical to effective program management. Additionally, participants will delve into program management performance domains, strategic alignment, vision-mission integration, program roadmaps, and environmental assessments. A significant portion of the section is dedicated to program benefit management, covering benefits identification, realization, and sustainment, as well as stakeholder engagement and program governance.

Section 2:

This section provides a comprehensive introduction to project management within the context of the PMI-PgMP framework. It begins with an exploration of the characteristics of projects and their existence within programs and portfolios. The lectures cover organizational structures, process groups, knowledge areas, and key project constraints. Stakeholder management is a significant focus, with detailed discussions on stakeholder identification, engagement planning, and assessment. The section also addresses procurement management, risk management, communication management, resource management, quality management, cost management, schedule management, scope management, and integration management. Each topic is covered thoroughly to ensure participants understand how to manage projects effectively and integrate them within broader program and portfolio structures.

These sections provide a structured approach to mastering program and project management, preparing participants for the PMI-PgMP certification and enhancing their ability to drive strategic objectives through effective program management.