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.

Legal Project Management is devoted to sharing information about legal project management, including relevant seminars and presentations, courses (both classroom and online), and books and publications.

The posts are largely informative in nature, although Easton does make editorial comments from time to time, sharing his own thoughts and opinions. When he does, his comments are generally brief but insightful. As an example, a recent posting discusses a survey regarding legal project management staff roles, in which he notes the survey’s omission of numbers of respondents, but nevertheless finds the results worth consideration. (Legal Project Management Staff Roles Survey, September 15, 2011.)

LegalProjectManagement.info appears to be a helpful tool for those who manage legal projects. Easton keeps abreast of the most current topics relating to legal project management, and has a good handle on the resources available in this field.

Is it appropriate to apply for a program management position with project management related work experience?

In the PMI world, a program is a collection of projects that all have a common objective, and a program manager is therefore coordinating the projects across the whole program.  A project manager manages individual projects.  However, some organizations use the term program management, when they mean project management.

Whereas “project management” has a fairly common definition these days, “program management” often means different things to different people. In your particular situation, I would look at the job description carefully, and if your skills and experience are appropriate, I’d apply.

I am missing one contact hour needed for PMP certification.  Where can I get my last contact hour?

Track down your local PMI chapter and attend an event that includes at least a 1 hour presentation. (i.e. not just a networking event.) This can count as your 1 remaining contact hour. Make sure that your attendance is recorded, and keep a copy of all handouts, presentation outlines etc.

These changes are minor, should make the application process a little bit easier,  and shouldn’t cause an inconvenience for those candidates who are already into the application process.

• Candidates who take the updated computer-based examination on or after 31 August will not receive immediate results at the Prometric testing center.
• Candidates taking the updated paper-based examination can also expect a delay in receiving their examination results.
• Once PMI validates the new examination structure (by mid-October) they will be able to resume providing individuals with immediate results at the Prometric testing center.
• Each PMP candidate will receive a communication to notify them when their results are available at PMI.org.
• All candidates can expect to receive their examination results by mid-October.

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.

• 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.

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.