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New PgMPSM Credential Strengthens Careers, Are you currently responsible for defining projects, assigning project managers and overseeing programs? Have you demonstrated the advanced ability to coordinate multiple, related projects to achieve strategic business and organizational goals? The PgMPSM is the latest in PMI’s growing suite of credentials, which include the highly sought-after Project Management Professional (PMP®) credential and the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) credential. Wanda Curlee DM, PMP, PgMP — senior manager, quality assurance and risk management at BearingPoint Management & Technology Consultants in Radnor, Pennsylvania — was a member of a select, international, pilot group to be the first to earn the new credential. She believes the PgMP will be an advantage in individual career development: “Personally, I think the PgMP is a very valuable credential. It provides an important opportunity to demonstrate your value and knowledge to the business community by showing that you were able to pass a challenging series of exams that validate your abilities in the program management area.” The process of obtaining the PgMP is more rigorous than other credentials, requiring candidates to pass a series of three evaluations. In the first evaluation, a panel of program managers reviews the candidate’s application and qualifications. The second evaluation is a multiple-choice examination that includes situational and scenario-based questions. Finally, the candidate undergoes a multi-rater assessment process. Jean-Luc Frère, PMP, PgMP — program manager with EDS in Belgium and a member of the pilot group — sees value in the application process itself. “If you are considering applying for the PgMP, I would say three things: first, it is an opportunity to look back and express to others what you did that was special and distinct from project management — an enriching experience. “Second, facing the exam process, you will read more books than you might otherwise read. It’s a high-pressure, motivating experience. You can’t help but learn from it. “Third, is the value of the multi-rater assessment. Just the fact that this is included is new in project management. It places a value not just on the hard skills but on the soft skills — the interpersonal and communications skills, people management [and so forth]. “These criteria represent input from many industries and countries about the qualities fundamental to program management success. Even if you don’t immediately obtain the credential, this feedback benchmarking you against global program management best practices is a highly valuable learning experience.” PMI credentials such as the PgMP also provide a competitive advantage to organizations, attracting and developing employees with the right skills for a job. Globally recognized professional credentials help employers improve business results by certifying an individual’s experience and skill — very useful when decisions are made to hire, promote or assign people into positions where proven specialized skills are critical to success. Ms. Curlee commented on the worth of the new credential to organizations: “If an employer values project and program management and understands the rigors of the new certification process, he or she can set an important precedent in the company by adopting and actually implementing the new certification in the organization. “Companies that currently have internal programs promoting project management and the PMP certification are now very likely to integrate the new PgMP, as well.” Other aspects of the new PgMP credential will be covered in future articles. To learn more, see the 14 September issue of PMI Community Post, the October issue of PMI Today and PMI.org. |
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