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Some of you may remember that in November I wrote a first article called "My experience with PgMP (so far)". At that time I wanted to share with you my impressions on the preparation for taking the PgMP exam, that I had scheduled for December the 20th of last year (2016).
If you are interested in reading some tip on the first 5 steps, you can take a look at my previous article My experience with PgMP (so far). In this article I will focus mainly on the preparation for the exam and the studying material.
As you will start studying it, you will soon realize that PMI's Standard for Program Management (SPM) is complicated, obscure, strangely arranged and filled with concise definitions and lists that, at least for me, required a couple of passages to be understood.
I strongly therefore suggest you use other books for your preparation, and for the introductory part (projects vs programs, etc.) even material that refer to the older versions of the standard may do the job. Finding alternative material can be tricky since while it is quite easy to find books for preparing for PMP, the same doesn't apply for PgMP.
Personally I found the book from Joseph Philipps "PgMP Program Management Professional All-in-One Exam Guide" a good starting point go grasp the most important concept. Be aware: it refers to the 2nd version of the SPM so some sections won't apply or may have to be reviewed, but most of the book is still ok. Once you think you have understood the concepts, then you can go back to the SPM and adjust your understanding accordingly to the PMI way.
Another important thing is to get used to the questions or, in other words, to do some practice for it. To this regard, I definetely recommend that you try to simulate the exam using one of the practice questions books you can find.
I personally used this one from G. Levin and J. LeRoy Ward: " PgMP Exam Practice Test and Study Guide, Fourth Edition". It contains a series of questions on the different areas you need to manage for PgMP plus two full simulated tests of 170 questions. I took them splitting the sessions in bursts of 40 questions each, this way I was able to review the answer while I was still remembering the question and it was easier for me to concentrate and analyze the outcomes.
I have to say though that the questions included in the book risk to be a bit frustrating: they are, in my opinion, more intended to be used as study material to fixate important concepts and definitions rather than a real representation of the questions you will have to answer during the exam.
One of the problems I had was to find a way to stick the most important concepts in my mind and, most importantly, understand the logical links between the different domains / areas included in the SPM.
To help me in the process I created summary sketches using a wide format (A3) including, per each domain, the most important items / processes / concepts to be understood and hihglighting in the process the connections between the different areas.
This approach helped me identifying the most important areas, allowing me also to elaborate on the concepts I included in the sketches while I was studying and practicing. It has been a little bit like creating my own study book, and as you know, you can say that you really master something if you can teach it to your grandmother... :)
The exam itself is an interesting experience: security in the Prometrics certification centers has increased significantly from 2007 when I took the PMP exam. You will not be allowed to bring with you water, your mobile phone and even your watch will have to stay outside. Each time you enter or exit the exam room you will be scanned with a metal detector and you will have to show that your pockets are empty and show your wrists and ankles to proove that you don't wear anything written with you.
Once it starts, the exam takes 4 hours and, believe me, you will need them all. A good portion of the questions are more oriented towards real-life experience rather than knowing the SPM by the word and as such the more you actually worked as program manager the easier it will be to answer correctly that portion of the exam. I also had several questions focusing on benefits and stakeholders management more on the theoretical side, and for that you will need to know quite well the definitions found in the SPM.
I tried to answer all questions the faster I could, marking for review the ones I wasn't sure about. This way I was able to complete a first pass relatively quick and could then concentrate only the questions I wasn't sure about: at the end of the first pass I think I had something like 90 questions to be reviewed. During the second pass you will leave marked only the questions that still puzzle you and so on: hopefully this should help you in covnerging to a stable situation towards the end of the exam.
All in all, it wasn't easy and at the end I was quite exhausted, but of course happy of the result and satisfied at the same time by the overall quality of the questions I had to answer: you know how frustrating it may be when you have to answer questions that look really silly - that wasn't the case. The only problem I had was with two questions that I simply couldn't fully understand.
I took the PgMP mainly for personal satisfaction rather than anything else since it doesn't seem to be particularly recognized - nevertheless I learned some quite interesting stuff and a good portion of what I studied made sense to me (and will be useful in my working life I'm sure).
Also, if Project Management is sometimes an obscure profession (have a look at my article here My experience being a PMP or the very nice article from my good fried Walter Project Management per tutti), Program Management is even more blurry in definition and obscure in its scope: to this extent, owning a PgMP means that you know Program Management (at least in the way PMI defines it) and that you have some good experience in that area.
You must fulfil your educational and professional experience requirements to be eligible for the PgMP certification. Along with formal schooling and project management training, this often entails specific years of program management experience. If you are looking to grow in program management positions and stand out in the crowded job market, it is an important credential and according to me, the best way to propel your career in this field is to read exceptional books!
The most esteemed certification available for program managers is called Program Management Professional (PgMP). The PMI (Project Management Institute) offers this certificate for seasoned program managers.
I would suggest if you presently hold the PMP certification (or the designation of Project Management Professional), becoming a Program Management Professional, or PgMP, is the next step in developing your competence in project and program management. The PgMP is a well-known program management certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
This degree should be obtained by senior management practitioners, especially those who manage large programs. Your knowledge and experience in program management are demonstrated by your PGMP certification. Employers are looking for project managers that can finish jobs on schedule, on budget, and as efficiently as possible. Obtaining a certification verifies your ability to carry out these responsibilities correctly, adding credibility to your candidature.
I would say earning the PgMP certificate involves more than just gaining a new title. We here at KnowledgeHut, think that program managers need more skills than project managers do, including strategic thinking, leadership, team development, and resource management. Your PgMP certification shows businesses that you are an authority in these skills, making you an appealing candidate.
If you enjoy reading fiction, we will definitely suggest this PGMP handbook to you! Through the narratives of two individuals, Mike Knight and his son Tim, the book discusses Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM). After learning that Tim has a rare type of brain cancer, Mike leaves his job to help a pharmaceutical company in using CCPM to speed up the commercialization of the sole treatment for the disease. The best thing about this book is how it makes CCPM, a challenging subject for beginning project managers, more engaging and approachable.
Besides extending an array of conceptual knowledge and subject expertise, this book significantly emphasizes the value of implementing skills in life-like situations. Therefore, this book captures detailed sample text questions to assist aspirants with consistent practice. With over 400 sample questions, this book is your one-stop solution to PGMP exam preparation.
Are you looking for a comprehensive resource to get started with your PGMP exam preparation? End your search with this book, which comprises a detailed curriculum with all three phases of the credential process- review from PMI staff, practicing questions, and assessment. From details on managing projects to leveraging the right tools and techniques for optimum results, this book is your must-have, on-the-job reference.
According to us, this is one of the best PGMP exam prep book out there that thoroughly analyzes how project managers might use the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to raise overall productivity within a company. To achieve even better results, it also provides crucial insights on how to apply the TOC, Lean, and Six Sigma approaches.
The book is broken into two sections: Part One discusses the fundamental ideas behind the TOC, Lean, and Six Sigma techniques, while Part Two gives a more in-depth explanation of each of these fundamental ideas for readers who choose to delve deeper.
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