The field of project, program, and portfolio management is globally recognized for its significance, and professionals in this domain constantly seek avenues to enhance their expertise. For experienced program managers, the journey toward PgMP certification is a pivotal step that unlocks substantial value.
From my own experience, this certification underscores advanced competencies, a strategic mindset, and the capability to effectively oversee intricate programs. This, in turn, elevates one's prospects for career advancement and garners recognition within the industry.
The Program Management Professional course, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is a highly esteemed program designed precisely for professionals like you. This article serves as a guiding beacon for those preparing for the PgMP exam, providing comprehensive instructions to help navigate the process. It elucidates the PgMP exam itself, delineating its target audience, and furnishes my tried-and-true study tips, insights into the exam format, and a breakdown of key subject areas to focus on.
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What is PgMP Exam?
PgMP is one of the best Project Management courses offered by PMI. The PgMP exam evaluates the competency and expertise of experienced program managers. To earn PgMP certification you need to pass this multiple-choice examination.
The PgMP exam evaluates a candidate's ability to manage and supervise complex programs well. Passing the PgMP exam verifies your program management expertise and opens doors to senior leadership positions.
Who Should Apply for PgMP?
If you are an experienced project manager looking to validate advanced skills and succeed in strategic project leadership, you should apply for PgMP.
PgMP Preparation Tips
Preparing for the Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification requires a comprehensive and focused approach. Here are some tips to help you successfully prepare for the PgMP exam:
Register and Set up Exam Date
If you are an aspiring PgMP certificate holder, consider the following general steps I have followed for registering and setting up the exam date:
Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements before registering for the PgMP exam. Know your prerequisites in the coming part of this article.
Create your PMI account on the PMI website. This account is used for all interactions with PMI, such as exam registration and application submission.
Apply for the PgMP exam and pay your exam fee. The fee varies based on whether you are a PMI member or not. The fees structure is as follows:
Member: ₹43,249.00
Non-member: ₹54,061.00
Set a date for your test, and then start studying. Now that you know when you want to finish the PgMP preparation course, it's easy to make a plan.
84 months of program management experience within the last 15 years.
Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent).
OR
PMP or 48 months of project management experience.
48 months of program management experience within the last 15 years.
Four-year degree.
Skill Up
To pass the PgMP (Program Management Professional) examination, you must acquire the following skills:
Develop an in-depth understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.
Learn how to find, track, and maximize the benefits of a program throughout its lifetime.
Develop communication skills to effectively communicate complex program material to a variety of audiences.
Analyze complex issues and develop innovative solutions to program challenges.
Effectively manage organizational change and guide teams through changes.
Identify, evaluate, and manage risks throughout the lifecycle of the program.
Review the Exam Objectives
Reviewing the PgMP Exam Objectives is an essential part of the preparation process. These objectives include a variety of skills and knowledge necessary for effective program management. These objectives serve as guidance for applicants to focus their preparation efforts.
Visit the Official Website
Primarily, PMI’s website required one to register and schedule the exam. Visiting the official website for PgMP exam preparation is required for a thorough and reliable study journey. The Project Management Institute's (PMI) official website provides accurate and current information on the PgMP certification process, exam content, guidelines, and resources.
By accessing the official website, potential PgMP candidates can ensure they have complied with the most recent exam requirements, remain informed of any updates or changes, and gain insight into PMI's recommended study strategies.
Go for Online Courses
I would be happy to share my experience with you regarding my online PgMP exam preparation course.
When I decided to go after the PgMP certification, I knew that a structured and adaptable approach was essential. I have given my hectic schedule as program management is a complex field. For me, KnowledgeHut's online PGMP certification training course proved to be a game-changer. They provided the flexibility to learn at my own pace and to delve deeply into the material whenever I had the time.
Refer to Books and Guides
I knew that it was crucial to know all the details and aspects of the exam before taking it. One of the first steps I took was to review PMI's "PgMP Handbook" which became my guide during the preparation process. This extensive document served as a road map, outlining each aspect of the exam, from eligibility requirements to exam content and guidelines.
Then, to speed up my preparation, I switched to several PMI-recommended books and manuals. I read through the official "The Standard for Program Management" guide. This exhaustive resource became my go-to reference, helping me comprehend the key concepts, processes, and best practices in program management. It guided me through the domains and tasks in the exam subject outline.
PgMP Exam Format
The PgMP exam is based on five performance domains, which are the key areas of program management. The following table details the number of tasks and percentage of questions from each domain that will be included in the examination.
Sl No.
Domain/Sub-domain
No. of Tasks
Percentage of Questions
1
Strategic Program Management
11
15%
2
Program Life Cycle
35
44%
Initiating
6
6%
Planning
9
11%
Executing
9
14%
Controlling
6
10%
Closing
5
3%
3
Benefits Management
8
11%
4
Stakeholder Management
7
16%
5
Governance
11
14%
Let’s look into key concepts and components of each domain:
Strategic Program Management
Strategic Program Management is an essential component of program management. It focuses on finding opportunities and benefits that help the organization reach its strategic goals through program implementation.
It involves the effective planning, execution, and control of multiple related projects and initiatives to achieve these strategic objectives. Strategic program management aims to make sure that programs support the organization's overall performance and growth.
Program Life Cycle
The program life cycle domain includes the various phases and processes that a program undergoes from initiation to closure. The primary elements of the PgMP exam pattern's Program Life Cycle domain include:
Initiating: Defining the program and the projects that make up the program, and getting acceptance from stakeholders.
Planning: Defining the program's scope and developing the program, including all constituent projects and program-related activities.
Executing: Here, the program's strategies are implemented. Program managers supervise the coordinated execution of program projects.
Controlling: Continuous monitoring and control actions are required throughout the program's life cycle.
Closing: Accomplishing all program operations, including all constituent projects, carrying out the transition plan, documentation, obtaining approvals, and reporting.
Benefits Management
‘Benefits Management’ is a crucial domain within the PgMP. The objective of this domain is to establish, generate, optimize, and maintain the benefits that come from programs.
Stakeholder Management
Throughout the program management lifecycle, this domain concentrates on the effective identification, participation, and communication with stakeholders. The stakeholder management domain is also concerned with capturing the needs and expectations of stakeholders, as well as obtaining and maintaining their support.
Governance
Governance is the framework of policies, processes, and decision-making mechanisms that guide and govern program execution to meet an organization's strategic goals. This domain comprises establishing, monitoring, and overseeing program activities to ensure they align with company strategy and produce expected results.
Conclusion
Achieving PgMP certification is a significant milestone that demands unwavering commitment, meticulous planning, and a strategic mindset. Drawing from my own experiences, I can attest that this certification necessitates a blend of educational background and hands-on project management expertise.
In my journey towards PgMP exam readiness, I adopted a systematic approach by dissecting my prior program management involvement. This process allowed me to extract valuable insights and knowledge that proved indispensable in my preparation.
This article aims to serve as a comprehensive guide for those aspiring to take the PgMP exam. I have detailed my personal journey, outlining each step I took to secure this certification. It's important to understand that the PgMP journey extends beyond mere exam success; it's about honing leadership skills, broadening your knowledge base, and contributing to your organization's prosperity.
Remember to keep learning, maintain unwavering focus, and embark on your path toward becoming a PgMP certification holder. I wish you the best of luck in your journey toward certification, and may your efforts yield success in abundance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to prepare for PgMP?
On average, candidates may require 3 to 6 months of preparation for the PgMP exam. But these number of months may vary depending upon prior experience, and intensity of study.
2. How do I prepare for PgMP?
Start the preparation by reviewing the "PgMP examination content outline" guide. Later on, study real-life examples and prepare for each domain or sub-domain according to the set timetable.
3. Is PgMP harder than PMP?
The PgMP exam is harder than the PMP exam because it focuses on complex program management ideas and how to use them in the real world.
Kevin D.Davis
Blog Author
Kevin D. Davis is a seasoned and results-driven Program/Project Management Professional with a Master's Certificate in Advanced Project Management. With expertise in leading multi-million dollar projects, strategic planning, and sales operations, Kevin excels in maximizing solutions and building business cases. He possesses a deep understanding of methodologies such as PMBOK, Lean Six Sigma, and TQM to achieve business/technology alignment. With over 100 instructional training sessions and extensive experience as a PMP Exam Prep Instructor at KnowledgeHut, Kevin has a proven track record in project management training and consulting. His expertise has helped in driving successful project outcomes and fostering organizational growth.
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