Program Management Professional (PgMP) is a credential offered by Project Management Institute (PMI) to certify individuals as having requisite experience in program management.
So, what does it take to be a Program Manager (PgMP)?
For many project managers, the next move in their careers is the step up to program manager. Yet many practitioners lack a true understanding of the role and the skills required to make the transition.
First, they need a firm grasp of the program manager’s responsibilities. Program managers aren't simply senior project managers. Program managers coordinate groups of related projects rather than manage individual projects themselves.
A project manager manages vertically. The program manager manages horizontally across the functional projects involved with the program. The program manager ensures that cross-project work effort remains feasible from a business standpoint and realizes benefits.
The goal is to leverage return on investment and control not available from managing projects separately — helping organizations achieve strategic results. That can be quite a change from project manager. It means moving beyond technical prowess to include leadership skills and business knowledge, Mr. Singh says.
- Advanced skills in financial management and budgeting, as well as procurement and contract negotiations across the program. Programs typically have significantly larger budgets than projects and include both expense and capital budgets that must be administered.
- Ability to creatively define the project pacing and obtain incremental benefits before the program is complete. Don’t wait for the ‘big bang’ to start realizing return on the investment.
- Knowledge in establishing and executing the governance framework for both the constituent projects and the program itself. Program managers must allocate and optimize resources across all of the constituent projects, as well as any additional work that is required.
Not every project manager’s career path is toward program manager. The person who is good as a project manager may not be proficient as a program manager. Instead of focusing on hammering home one particular project, it’s more focused on how do you put these things together as a package.
There is a level of organizational awareness and strategic awareness that needs to be there that isn't necessarily required of a project manager. Ultimately, securing a program manager position requires a combination of training and experience to grow and develop in the project management field so you can more readily transition to the program management world.
Try to apply these practices on a smaller scale. If you are managing multiple related projects as a project manager, try to develop your own program around them and manage the program level as well. Program management may not be for everyone. But project managers who do want to follow that career path should be familiar with the recognized competencies and start building up those skills.
PgMP credential holders oversee the success of a program, grouping related projects together to realize organizational benefits not available if they were managed separately. It’s the perfect fit if you define projects, assign project managers and oversee programs.
Who should apply?
If you’re a program manager looking to demonstrate a proven ability to manage complex, multiple projects and align results to organizational goals; increase your visibility and value with your organization; and separate yourself in the eyes of employers, the PgMP credential is for you.
PgMP Requirements
To apply for the PgMP, you need to have either:
- A four year degree (bachelor’s or the global equivalent), with at least four years of project management experience and four years of program management experience.
OR
- A secondary diploma (high school or the global equivalent), with at least four years of project management experience and seven years of program management experience.
If you have not gained enough experience in project and program management to meet these eligibility requirements, consider the Project Management Professional (PMP)® credential.
How to Apply
To apply for the PgMP, register and log in to pmi.org to get started. A printable PgMP application form is also available in pmi.org web site.
Need more information? Get more information on the PgMP’s role and requirements. For a more detailed look, consult the PgMP Handbook. If you’re ready to take the exam, the PgMP exam preparation can provide some tips to get you started. As part of PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements program, a PgMP credential holder will need to earn 60 PDUs per three-year cycle. To learn more about the program, what are PDUs, how to earn and claim them, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to renew your certification, you can reference the latest PgMP Handbook found on PMI.org.
PMI’s Program Management Professional (PgMP)® credential recognizes the advanced experience and skill of program managers. Globally recognized and demanded, the PgMP® demonstrates your proven competency to oversee multiple, related projects and their resources to achieve strategic business goals.
Exam syllabus
The PgMP exam is based on the Program Management Professional (PgMP®) Examination Specification, which describes five Domains of Program Management knowledge:
- Strategic Program Management (15%)
- Program Lifecycle (44%)
- Benefits Management (11%)
- Stakeholder Management (16%)
- Governance (14%)
The exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions written against this specification. The numbers in parentheses describe the percentage of questions for each domain.
Eligibility Requirements
The credential is obtained by documenting several years of work experience in project and program management. The eligibility requirements vary by the educational background of the applicant.
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Document 4 years (6,000 hours) of project management and 7 years (10,500 hours) of program management experience.
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Document 4 years (6,000 hours) of project management and 4 years (6,000 hours) of program management experience.
Examination process
Three evaluations are administered before the credential is earned.
Evaluation 1 – Panel Review
PMI will evaluate the application to determine if the applicant meets the necessary requirements for a program management professional.
Evaluation 2 – Exam
On behalf of PMI, Prometric administers a 4 hour computer-based test consisting of 170 questions.
Evaluation 3 – Multi-Rater Assessment (MRA)
PMI surveys one supervisor, four peers, four direct reports and three professional references.
Continuous Credential Requirements (CCR)
To maintain the PgMP qualification, 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) must be earned over a three-year cycle, from activities such as researching, authoring articles, or speaking on Project Management-related topics, or being engaged full time in project management.
If you are already a PMP then the PDUs you earn will apply towards both your PMP and PgMP certification renewal.
All the best !!!
