The Program Management Professional (PgMP)SM is a credential that recognizes demonstrated experience, skill, and performance in the oversight of multiple, related projects that are aligned with an organizational objective and strategic goal. Candidates for the PgMP manage a program’s resources to ensure the ultimate success of the program and are responsible for modifying programs and making decisions that advance strategic and business objectives to ensure the ultimate success and acceptance of the program. Program managers define and initiate projects, assign project managers to manage cost, schedule, and performance of component projects and oversee multiple projects directed at achieving a strategic goal.
PgMP Credentialing Process Overview
Unlike other PMI credentials, you must pass a sequence of three evaluations to obtain the PgMP credential.
Evaluation 1 – Application Review
The initial evaluation occurs through an extensive application review during which a panel of program managers will perform a review of your professional project and program management experience.
Evaluation 2 – Multiple-Choice Examination
The next step occurs with the multiple-choice examination in which you will be called upon to demonstrate your ability to apply your knowledge to both situational and scenario-based questions.
Evaluation 3 – Multi-rater Assessment (MRA)
Once you pass the examination, you will be moved to the third and final evaluation, which is the MRA. Similar to a 360-degree review process, a team of raters that you select will assess your abilities to perform tasks that are pertinent to program management.
PgMP Eligibility Requirements & Verification
The PgMP Role Delineation states that candidates for the PgMP credential:
- Under minimal supervision, program managers are responsible and accountable for the coordinated management of multiple related projects directed toward strategic business and organizational objectives. These programs contain complex activities that may span functions, organizations, geographic regions and cultures. Program managers build credibility, establish rapport and maintain communication with stakeholders at multiple levels, including those external to the organization.
- Program managers define and initiate projects, and assign project managers to manage cost, schedule, and performance of component projects, while working to ensure the ultimate success and acceptance of the program. Program managers maintain continuous alignment of program scope with strategic business objectives, and make recommendations to modify the program to enhance effectiveness toward the business result or strategic intent. Program managers are responsible for determining and coordinating the sharing of resources among their constituent projects to the overall benefit of the program.
- Program managers possess the knowledge and skills needed to be effective in both the project and business or government environments, and to make decisions that accomplish strategic objectives. In addition, the program manager should have advanced skills in finance, crosscultural awareness, leadership, communication, influence, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
To be eligible for the PgMP credential, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. All project and program management experience must have been accrued over the last 15 consecutive years.
| Educational Background | Project Scheduling Experience | Project Scheduling Education |
|---|---|---|
| High School diploma, Associate’s degree or global equivalent | Minimum four years (6,000 hours) of unique non-overlapping professional project management experience* | Minimum seven years (10,500 hours) of unique non-overlapping professional program management experience** |
| OR | ||
| Bachelor’s degree, global equivalent or higher degree | Minimum four years (6,000 hours) of unique non-overlapping professional project management experience* | Minimum four years (6,000 hours) of unique non-overlapping professional program management experience** |