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Lesson 1: Introduction and Fundamental Project Managment Concepts

Project Management Body of Knowledge (With Journal Entry L1-1)

It is nearly time to dig into the meat of the course. But first, some of the organizations, sources, certifications, and acronyms will be clarified that you will encounter in your studies. To be a well-versed project manager, your awareness of these entities is important. In fact, you may want to join or be certified by a professional organization—this knowledge can be an important part of your resume and open career paths for you.

Project Management Institute (PMI)®

The Project Management Institute (PMI)® is a project management professional organization that provides services related to the development of standards, research, education, publication, networking opportunities in local chapters, hosting conferences and training seminars, and providing accreditation in project management. Visit the Project Management Institute website.

Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)®

The PMI® works with volunteers to create industry standards such as A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. This guide is in its sixth edition, which was released in the fall of 2017. See the next pages, PMBOK® changes, for differences between the 5th and 6th edition of the PMBOK Guide®.

PMI® Certifications

The PMI® offers certification in several areas of project management:

The instructors designed this course to help prepare you for future PMI® certification. The following includes a list of requirements for PMP® certifications and CAPM® certification (adapted from PMP® as of 2016):

Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification

Prerequisites include

  • secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent);
  • 7,500 hours leading and directing projects; and
  • 35 hours of project management education

or

  • four-year degree;
  • 4,500 hours leading and directing projects; and
  • 35 hours of project management education.

PMP® Certification Exam (PMI® member: $405*, Nonmember: $555) includes

  • 200 multiple-choice questions,
  • four hours to complete exam, and
  • 60 professional development units (PDUs) required every three years to maintain PMP®.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® Certification

CAPM® certification is an option for those of you interested in some type of certification but do not yet have the prerequisite hours of project management experience.

Prerequisites include

  • secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent); and
  • 1,500 hours of project experience

or

  • 23 hours of project management education completed by the time you sit for the exam.

CAPM® Certification Exam (PMI® member: $225*; Non-member: $300) includes

  • 150 multiple-choice questions; and
  • three hours to complete exam.

To maintain your CAPM®, you must retake the exam every five years.

*If you are interested in taking the PMP® or CAPM® exam while you are a student, you can join PMI® with a student membership of $32 (compared to the standard rate of $129). As noted previously, PMI® membership saves you money on the cost of the certification exams. Please note the prices are quoted for 2016. To receive the PMI® membership discount, you will need your PMI® membership number on the exam application.

Watch the following LinkedIn Learning videos on Exam Tips: Project Management Professional (PMP®) by Sandy Mitchell (9 short videos; 47m 49s total). Be sure to watch the study tips, as they will help you throughout this course.

If you are not already logged in through Penn State go Penn State's LinkedIn Learning page, login, and then click on the video series link.

These videos cover the following:

Before You Start Studying:

  • What is the PMP® certification?
  • What are the PMP® eligibility requirements?
  • Tips for filling out the application
  • PMI audit process

Studying for the Exam:

  • Study tips
  • Reading and understanding exam questions

Taking the Exam:

  • What to expect on exam day
  • Time strategies for taking the exam

Conclusion: What’s Next

  • What to do after the exam

Stop, Think, and Reflect—Journal Entry L1-1

  • Please reflect on whether you see having a project management certification as beneficial to your career plans in the next five years. Is project management a significant component of your current or near-future career responsibilities? Do you plan to pursue some type of certification through the PMI®?

Before continuing with this lesson, think about what you just covered, and reflect on these questions. Then write down your answers or reactions, and submit them in the text box of Journal Entry L1-1.


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