PgMP® - Certification Guidelines

Preparation Guidelines

Program Management

Program management is the centralized, coordinated management of a program to achieve the program’s strategic benefits and objectives. By definition, program management addresses systemic issues and focuses on business and strategic aspects of projects and programs that cannot be resolved at the project management level.
Organizations are increasingly seeking to better integrate and coordinate multiple projects to deliver business value. Most project managers understand the need for program management and understand the key differences :

• Project management focuses on the tactical tasks, deliverables and outputs. Program management focuses on the strategic objectives, benefits and outcomes.
• Program management is focused on systemic issues that prevent projects from achieving their objectives. It provides an integrated approach to resolve inconsistencies and disconnects across projects and organizational silos that cannot be necessarily resolved at the project level.
• A program approach provides a holistic perspective to address the entire value creation lifecycle, from the conception to the realization of the benefits. It is the connection between line management that own the business and project managers that are creating the changes. Project's can create the artifacts needed for a change but only the business managers can implement the organizational focus needed to maximize the benefit realization.

Program Management Professional (PgMP®) Overview

PgMP Examination Process:

The PgMP examination involves a three phase assessment process. The candidate’s timeline for obtaining the PgMP credential is:
Phase 1, Application assessment - candidate has 90 day to complete from initial log-in, (PMI may then take up to 4 weeks to assess your application once submitted).
Phase 2, Examination - you must pass the examination within 1 year from the date of eligibility notification (ie passing the Phase 1 assessment).
Phase 3, Multi-rater Assessment (MRA) - must be completed within 3 calendar weeks from the date of passing your examination.
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• The initial phase of assessment is the application process, during which a panel of program managers reviews the candidate's educational background and professional work experience (see 'Eligibility Requirements' below). Successful completion of the application process indicates that the candidate has met the prescribed eligibility requirements for the credential.
• A multi-choice examination requires candidates to demonstrate the ability to apply their knowledge to a variety of situational or scenario-based questions.
  
  • The exam will be administered via computer-based testing globally. In areas of the world where computer-based testing does not exist, paper-based testing will be made available.
  • The exam will consist of 150 multiple choice questions plus 20 pre-test questions (170 total). The pre-test questions do not affect your score and are placed randomly throughout the test.
  • The time for the exam is 4 hours.
  • The questions are based on the blueprint contained in the PgMP Examination Specification. The percentage in each of the program management domains are:
    
    1. 14% - Defining the program
    2. 12% - Initiating the program
    3. 20% - Planning the program
    4. 25% - Executing the program
    5. 21% - Controlling the program
    6. 8% - Closing the program
    
• Score reports indicating that the candidate has passed the examination will reflect that the minimum proficiency level of 325 has been achieved, based on a 'scaled scoring' model.
• The third and final assessment occurs through administration of a multi-rater assessment (MRA - similar to a 360-degree process). In this phase, a team of 12 raters that has been selected by the candidate will evaluate the candidate's capability to perform the germane tasks of a program manager. The MRA is a confidential web based assessment to be completed by the candidate plus the 12 contacts nominated by the candidate.
  • The 12 raters are to consist of:
    1. supervisor
    2. 4 peers
    3. 4 direct reports
    4. 3 professional references of the candidate's choice.
    
  • Score reports indicating that the candidate has passed this assessment will reflect that the minimum proficiency level of 325 has been achieved, based on a 'scaled scoring' model.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Candidates with a baccalaureate degree or global equivalent: Over the last 15 consecutive years, you have at least 48 months and 6000 Hrs of project management experience* and 48 months and 6000 Hrs of program management experience**. If your degree was obtained from a university accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Centre for Project Management, you will only need to fulfill 4500 Hrs of program management experience.
• Candidates without baccalaureate degree or global equivalent: Over the last 15 consecutive years, you have at least 48 months and 6000 Hrs of project management experience* and 84 months and 10,500 Hrs of program management experience**.

• In addition, candidates for the PgMP credential:
  • Under minimal supervision, are responsible and accountable for the coordinated management of multiple related projects directed toward strategic business and organizational objectives. These programs contain complex activities that may span functions, organizations, geographic regions and cultures. Program managers build credibility, establish rapport and maintain communication with stakeholders at multiple levels, including those external to the organization.
  • Define and initiate projects, and assign project managers to manage the cost, schedule, and performance of component projects, while working to ensure the ultimate success and acceptance of the program. Program managers maintain continuous alignment of program scope with strategic business objectives, and make recommendations to modify the program to enhance effectiveness toward the business result or strategic intent. Program managers are responsible for determining and coordinating the sharing of resources among their constituent projects to the overall benefit of the program.
  • Possess the knowledge and skills needed to be effective in both the project and business or government environments, and to make decisions that accomplish strategic objectives. In addition, the program manager should have advanced skills in finance, cross-cultural awareness, leadership, communication, influence, negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Potential candidates do not have to be a CAPM, PMP or a PMI Member although both CAPM and PMP holders can apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
• Potential candidates must agree to abide by the PMI Code of Ethics
• Program Management Experience. Some experience is required in each of the six 'domains' of program management (but not for every line item). There are no 'minimum requirements and you do not need experience in all six domains in every program included in your application. The 'Program Domains' are:

• Perform program assessment including a preliminary stakeholder analysis;
  • support business analysis functions;
  • develop benefits realization plan;
  • establish alliances with other departments and organizations;
  • Evaluate organizations’ capabilities and request authorization to proceed.

• Define the program's mission statement;
• translate strategic objectives;
• develop high level milestones;
• develop accountability matrix;
• establish project management standards;
• define meaningful measurement criteria for success;
• obtain senior management approval and
• Conduct program kick off.

• Develop the program's scope statement, scope definition, management plan and transition plan
;
• optimize program plan by reviewing and leveling human resource requirements;
• And define the project management information system to optimize the program.

• Charter constituent projects;
• motivate the team;
• capture program status;
• consolidate program/project data;
• allocate resources;
• establish program consistency;
• execute the appropriate program plan;
• and approve closure of constituent projects.

• Complete a performance analysis;
• manage program completion;
• conduct a stakeholder post-review meeting;
• and report lessons learned..

Exam Application and Course Fees:

Applications for the PgMP examination must be made ‘on-line’ via the PMI web site at http://www.pmi.org and follow the links to "Obtaining a Credential" under the "Career Development" menu - information included in the PgMP handbook is designed to assist the application process.
All examination fees are charged in US Dollars, cheques and money orders must be payable against an American bank. All major credit cards are accepted.

Certification Fees US$
PMI Member Rate US$1,500.00
Non Member Rate US$1,800.00

The cost of joining PMI is US$119.00 plus US$10.00 joining fee (total US$129). Therefore for PgMP candidates in particular, joining PMI first (using the on-line registration) will save you money and you will receive all of the other benefits and discounts available to members. Membership of PMI Components, including local Chapters, Special Interest Groups (eg The PMO-SIG or IT&T-SIG) and Colleges are an additional fee above the base membership. Australian Chapter fees are US$50.00 per annum.
For PMI Membership details go to www.pmi.org and follow the links to "membership" under the "Get Involved" menu.

The Application Process

The first step in the application process requires completing the on-line application forms. Critical information entered at this point includes your CV and the names of your Multi-rater assessment team.
Once your on-line application has been assessed and determined to be complete, PMI will send you electronic notification to submit payment of the credential fee.
This requires you to go back into the on-line certification system to: select your examination delivery method, request any special facilities, and submit payment.
After making your payment, your application will either be randomly selected for PMI's Audit process or forwarded to the Panel Review process conducted by PgMPs.
After passing the Panel Review, you will receive your email advising your candidate details. Scheduling your examination is straightforward. All eligible candidates can quickly and easily schedule, cancel and reschedule their certification examinations on-line at www.2test.com. Please note it is critical that your name used in the application process exactly matches on the government issued identification that you will be presenting to access the testing center. Address variations on your government issued ID do not matter, only the name.
Following registration, candidates must take their examination within the twelve-month eligibility period. One extension (or a refund) is possible but costs and conditions apply, details are contained in the Certification Handbook.
After PMI receives your passing score for the multiple-choice examination, PMI begins the multi-rater assessment (MRA) process. PMI sends an email notification containing a link to an on-line performance evaluation survey to you for a self evaluation, and to the 12 reference contacts you provided on your application. The MRA will be available for three calendar weeks. An electronic reminder will be sent to any rater who has not responded after two weeks.
Once you pass the MRA, you will receive the PgMP credential.

Notes :

• IF there is any conflict between the summary information contained on this page and the detailed information contained on the PMI web site, the PMI information takes precedence.
• This information is provided to assist PgMP examination candidates to understand their obligations; it is not necessarily up to date or accurate.
• All PgMP forms are copyright of PMI.

• To satisfy CCR program requirements and maintain an active certificant status, individuals who have attained either the PMP or the PgMP credential must accrue and report a minimum of 60 professional development units (PDUs) during each 3-year CCR cycle, complete an Application for Certification Renewal, remit payment of the renewal fee, and reaffirm the appropriate Code of Professional Conduct.
• Individuals, who currently hold an active PMP credential and also have obtained the PgMP credential, will maintain both the PMP and the PgMP in a single CCR cycle (the dates of the PMP and PgMP cycle will be adjusted to align). The 60 PDUs that are earned for the maintenance of an individual’s PMP credential will also be applied to the maintenance of the PgMP credential.
• PgMP renewal fees (at the end of each 3 year period) are US$60 for PMI members and US$150 for nonmembers.

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