Key Project Management Observations

PMI is implementing a new fee for the rescheduling and cancellation of certification examinations. Effective 1 April 2012, at noon (Eastern Daylight Time), test takers who reschedule or cancel their exam within 30 calendar days of their scheduled appointment will be charged a fee of US$70.

According to PMI, rescheduling fees are a means to better serve certification candidates by allowing for greater seating availability at Prometric Testing Centers.  Today, test center seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is no current rescheduling/ cancellation fee. Candidates are able to reschedule or cancel their exams at any time as long as they do so before they are within two days of their scheduled exam appointment, at which point, the entire exam fee is forfeited if they cannot make the appointment. While many candidates take their exams as scheduled, those who wait until the last minute to reschedule or cancel are potentially “reserving” seats that could be used by others.

Based on testing industry best practice, PMI believes this fee will help keep more seats open for those who intend to take their exams as scheduled.

The new rescheduling/cancellation fee applies to all of PMI’s certification exams and to computer-based tests (CBT) only, not to paper-based tests (PBT). The existing full-fee penalty will continue to be applied to candidates who do not reschedule or cancel their exam before two calendar days prior to their scheduled appointment.  PMI says they will endeavor to be flexible with candidates who cancel within the 30-day window due to extenuating circumstances, and will evaluate those situations on a case-by-case basis.

Where can I find information about project management courses?

There are thousands of places to find training all around the world, including in-classroom, online, DVDs etc. A good resource to consult is PMI’s Registered Education Provider Registry, which is a searchable list of PMI-accredited training providers. Of course at Key Consulting, we have our own project management courses.

There are millions of nonprofits around the world, and these nonprofits initiate, plan, execute, and manage projects every day.  Now you can help your favorite charity manage its projects more efficiently and effectively with a free project management resource for non-profits.

The Project Management Nonprofit Practicum is a twelve hour workshop-training program for nonprofit organizations, which includes an instructor manual with notes and templates. The workshop was developed by developed by Millersville’s Nonprofit Resource Network (NRN) with grant funding from the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF) and can be downloaded for no cost from the PMIEF website.

The PMIEF is a foundation committed to providing project management training for non-profits around the world. Through grants, programs, scholarships, and educational resources the PMI Educational Foundation brings the benefits and the power of project management to local communities and to the farthest reaches of the world for social good.

It’s a fact: today’s organizations are more likely to pursue PMI-certified project managers.  PMI credentials are valued by organizations for three major reasons:

• Recognition and Prestige. PMI credentials are used as a measure of competency when competing for new business opportunities. Because the credentials are global, an organization can enhance its reputation as an international player, which it might not otherwise have been able to accomplish.  For example: Global engineering firm CH2M HILL cites the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential and the PMBOK Guide as contributors to them winning the contract to enhance the Panama Canal. In 2014, Panama will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening with a newly completed third set of locks, expanding the canal’s size and capacity.
• The Power to Attract the Best of the Best. Certifications are indicative of an organization’s devotion to and investment in that profession. When there are more qualified people in the labor pool, such as in our current economy, companies can choose to hire only the most qualified individuals. Since 2003, Standish Group has been tracking the number of employers who require PMI certifications or their equivalent. Between 2003 and 2010, this figure has increased from 11% to 42%. In just this past year alone the figure has increased from 31% to 42%!
• A Way to Attract Younger Professionals. Organizations are examining how to capture Millenials (a.k.a. Generation Y: those born between 1982 and 2000) to build and propel corporate growth. Almost 3 out of 4 Millenials expect to seek a post-graduate degree or certification.

In general, PMI credentials increase an organization’s confidence that employees have a consistent understanding of project management. In turn, they increase customer confidence by showing that employees meet set standards and are consistent in their practice.

While credentials are only one element of a career development plan, they also help with retention by providing an opportunity for professional development, advancement and recognition.

Getting a project management certification is a commitment.  Make sure you choose the one that’s right for you – the one that best fits your current expertise and your future plans.  No one certificate is a pre-requisite for another, and you can apply for any one that matches your qualifications.  PMI’s main two certifications are:

Project Management Professional (PMP): This is the most globally-recognized and independently validated credential for professional project managers – perfect if you have demonstrated experience and competence in leading project teams.  If you’re an experienced project manager looking to solidify your skills, stand out to employers and maximize your earning potential, the PMP is the right choice for you.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): This is a good entry-level certification if you’re new to project management or still figuring out your career path.  If you’re a less experienced project manager looking to demonstrate your commitment to project management, improve your ability to manage larger projects or earn additional responsibility, and stand out to potential employers, the CAPM is right for you.

PMI was the first organization to offer credentials specifically for project managers. Today, their certification program remains the global standard, and their certifications are a pre-requisite for a significant number of positions. Right now (based on PMI data):

• Approximately 20% of the worlds GDP is spent on projects.
• Approximately 20 million people practice project management.
• 80% of high performing projects use a credentialed project manager.
• There are over 400,000 PMI credential holders in 170 countries, compared with fewer than 10,000 in 1997, mostly in North America.

PMI’s two most popular certifications are the PMP (Project Management Professional) and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management). PMI credentials provide:

• Flexibility: PMI credentials are not based on one specific methodology, making them flexible and adaptable. Those who hold PMI credentials can easily transfer them between industries, market segments or geographic locations.
• Applicability: PMI continually conducts in-depth studies to ensure that the credentials actually reflect the current skills, knowledge and best practices needed to succeed in today’s business world.
• Commitment: PMI’s credential maintenance program requires credential holders to continually develop skills and stay current by requiring a specific number of professional development units (PDUs) for each credential.
• Earning Potential: Project Management Professional (PMP) credential holders earn up to 10% higher salaries than non-credential holders, according to the PMI Salary Survey — Sixth Edition, 2009.
• Instant Recognition: Tremendous marketability comes from the prestige of PMI credentials. PMI has provided project management certifications for over 25 years, and the PMP credential was the first one designed specifically for project managers.

As part of the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) on-going effort to continually increase awareness and support the project management profession, the Institute is collaborating with Research Triangle Institute (RTI) on the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. The O*NET program provides information regarding more than 900 occupations nationwide. The USDOL’s O*NET data is available free of charge and used by millions of people who are exploring the world of work including students, educators, workforce development staff, veterans, those who’ve been laid off, as well as many others.

PMI is asking for the assistance of all of IT project manager members’ help in identifying the role of an “Information Technology Project Manager” — a new and emerging USDOL O*NET standard occupational classification scheduled to debut in the near future. Those who meet the criteria below and are selected by RTI will receive US$40.00 for their time and effort.  Read more… (PDF file).