PgMP Requirements: Navigating the Path to PgMP

You might have what it takes to be a Project Manager! But do you have what it takes to be a Program Manager Professional (PgMP)? Do you know what it takes to be a PgMP? Well, if the answer is ‘No’, it's quite alright! This blog will walk you through the PgMP Requirements and help identify what it takes to be a Program Manager.  

Program Managers overlook the process of several projects in the organisation. They ensure all projects are running smoothly and timely. Continue reading to check if you have whatit takes to fulfil the PgMP Requirements.  

Table of Contents

1) What is PMI PgMP? 

2) PgMP Essential Requirements 

3) PgMP Exam 

4) Advantages of PgMP 

5) PgMP vs PMP 

6) Conclusion 

What is PMI PgMP? 

The PMI Program Management Professional (PgMP) is a prestigious certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), designed for seasoned Program Managers with a proven history of successfully leading and directing multiple related projects to achieve strategic business objectives. 

The PgMP Certification validates an individual's capability to manage multiple projects aligned with an organisation’s strategic goals, ensuring they are interdependent and interrelated. This advanced certification surpasses the Project Management Professional (PMP) regarding required knowledge, experience, and skill. 

The PgMP Certification emphasises the following areas: 

a) Strategic Program Management 

b) Governance 

c) Benefits management 

d) Stakeholder management 

e) Program life cycle management 

Earning the PgMP Certification demonstrates a strong commitment to the profession and signifies that an individual possesses the experience and knowledge to manage multiple projects effectively and achieve strategic goals.  

This credential is a valuable asset for professionals looking to advance their careers, potentially leading to increased earning potential and better job opportunities. 

PgMP Essential Requirements 

To be a Program Manager, there are a set of PgPM requirements to fulfil. Here are the requirements for you to keep in mind while planning your future as a Program Manager. 

1) Educational Prerequisites 

The educational requirement for the PgPM is categorised in three paths. The three paths are as follow: 

a) Path A: A secondary degree like a high school diploma, associate degree or the global equivalent. 

b) Path B: A four-year degree specialising in management. 

c) Path C: A bachelor's or a postgraduate degree from a GAC accredited program. 

2) Relevant Program Management Experience 

If you do not have a four-year degree, you are required to have: 

a) 48 months (4 years) of relevant experience as a Project Manager. 

b) 84 months (7 years) of unique professional Program Management experience, which doesn't overlap durations. 

 A total of 11 years of experience is required to get certified under the PgPM requirements. 

3) Completion of Project Management Courses 

To Manage a program consisting of several projects, you must be thorough with the skills required to manage each project. Hence, you are also expected to have completed a four-year course of being a project manager first to fulfil the PgMP requirements. If you haven't done a four-year course but have 48 months of experience as a Project Manager, you can still qualify by catering to the requirements mentioned above. 

PgMP Exam 

The exam to qualify you as a Program Manager is a computer-based test. The test consists of 170 multiple-choice questions. This subject matter of the questions includes strategic program management, governance, benefit management, stakeholder management and program lifecycle management. The test is available in authorised testing centres world-wide, and PMI provides resources and study materials to help you prepare for the exam. 

Prepare for your PgMP examination, with our Program Management Professional (PgMP)® Certification ! 

Advantages of PgMP 

Earning the PMI Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification offers numerous benefits for professionals in the Project Management field. Some key advantages include: 

a) Career advancement: PgMP Certification holders are recognised as highly skilled program managers, making them well-positioned for career progression. The PgMP certification is globally respected, demonstrating an individual’s commitment to the profession and ability to lead and manage multiple related projects aligned with an organisation’s strategic objectives. 

b) Increased earning potential: Certified PgMP professionals often occupy leadership roles and have strategic responsibilities within organisations. They typically command higher salaries and better benefits compared to non-certified Program Managers. 

c) Professional recognition: PgMP Certification signifies that an individual has met rigorous education and experience standards and passed a comprehensive exam. This recognition distinguishes them from non-certified peers, providing a competitive edge in the job market. 

d) Continuous professional development: Maintaining a PgMP Certification requires earning Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years. It ensures that PgMP certification holders stay current with the latest trends and best practices in Program Management, continually enhancing their skills and knowledge. 

e) Networking opportunities: PgMP Certification holders gain access to a network of certified professionals and can participate in PMI events and activities. These opportunities facilitate professional development and networking. 

f) Global recognition: The PgMP Certification is recognised and respected worldwide, thanks to PMI's global reputation. This recognition benefits professionals aspiring to work in a global environment or those planning to work in different countries. 

PgMP vs PMP
 

Both PgMP and PMP are Management courses, that equip you with the skill set required to manage a team. A program consists of several projects. PMP is a course that trains you to effectively manage projects. PgMP however is a Program Management Certification course that equips you to handle more than one project at a time. 

1) Scope 

PMP is a rather common certification course, whereas PgMP certifications aren't as common, creating a higher demand in the job market. PMP equips you to manage a project from start to finish. However, PgMP trains you to manage programs consisting of several projects, making the scope a lot wider.   

2) Potential salary differences 

You are likely to be paid more as Program Manager than as a Project Manager as the workload is higher and the certification is less common.  

According to Glassdoor , an average base pay of a Project Manager in the U.K is approximately 35K – 57K. Whereas the base pay for a Program Manager in the U.K is 47K-78K per month.   

3) Examination structure 

The PMP exam is a test consisting of 180 questions regarding the Project Management categories, people, process and business environment. You have 3 chances over the span of one year to clear this examination once you qualify by showing your work in the field prior to the exam. 

To qualify for the PgMP, you must participate in a panel examination that will assess your Program Management experience. Following which you will have to pass a test consisting of 170 multiple choice questions. The questions will consist of and array of topics ranging from strategic Program Management, governance, benefit management, stakeholder management and program lifecycle management. 

4) Minimum qualification criteria 

To qualify for the PMP Certification, you will need to cater to the minimum qualification criteria. The minimum qualification criteria would require you to have a four-year college/university degree. Along with the degree, you would require 36 months of experience leading projects and 35 hours of Project Management training or CAPM Certification.  

However, if you do not have the above qualifications, you can qualify with a high school diploma, too. With a high school diploma, you would require 60 months of experience leading projects and 35 hours of Project Management training or CAPM certification. 

5) Examination costs 

The PMP examination for a PMP Certification in the U.K will cost you between £180 to £320. Whereas the PgMP examination for certification can cost you up to £929 to £1000. The PgMP certification would cost you more, however, it will be a valuable investment in your career as a Program Manager.  

6) Application and Examination Processes Comparisons 

The PMP exam requires you prequalify by showcasing relevant experience in project management, for approximately 4 years before you apply for certification. After qualifying for the examination, you will be administered a test consisting of 180 questions on the subject knowledge of Project Management categories, people, process and business environment. You are allowed 3 chances in the span of one year to clear the examination and get certified.

The PgMP Certification examination is conducted in two parts. First, you apply for the examination and submit the documents that showcase your experience in the field for at least 4 years.  

After which you will have to represent yourself to a panel that will decide if you qualify to be a certified Program Manager. After getting through the first part, you will have a written examination consisting of 170 questions on the subject knowledge of strategic program management, governance, benefit management, stakeholder management and program lifecycle management. 

Conclusion 

The PgMP is a Program Management Certification course that is unique and valuable in the job market. It requires you to have a minimum of 4 years of viable experience and clear a panel round that assesses your experiences to qualify for certification. In comparison to PMP, PgMP has a higher demand; hence, the cost and the pay-off are higher as well. PgMP Requirements include meeting these experience criteria and successfully passing the panel review to earn the certification. 

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