Making the Most of Project Management Education and Training

Find the right project and program management training program

Making the most of project management education and training means choosing a program that fits your needs and teaches the skills that can be used to manage projects and motivate team members. It's also important to get recognition for completed courses and achievements. Whether you're an individual seeking to get involved with project management or a manager planning to train employees, choosing the right project management training is important.

Project management is an organized effort to get a specific project completed within a specified time and budget. Processes of project management include developing and implementing a plan and coordinating staff and resources. Program management involves managing multiple projects that depend on each other. Some of the ways to make the most of project manager education are:

1. Choose courses in project management that are geared to your skills or industry.

2. Prove your credentials through certification or an advanced degree.

3. Find online and printed study guides to help with the certification process.

 

Choose the right classes in project management

Some project management training is designed for specific industries or levels of expertise. Look for training that's geared toward your skills and goals.
Try: The Hampton Group offers individual project management training programs for the fields of construction, health care, administration and information technology. The International Institute for Learning provides certificate programs at the associate, professional and master levels.

Find certification programs for project manager education

Certification demonstrates a solid knowledge of project management. Several professional organizations offer certification to qualified project managers. Requirements for certification vary among the organizations.
Try: The American Academy of Project Management issues the Master Project Manager certification. The Project Management Institute offers several levels of certification.

Get an advanced degree through online project management education

A masters degree is worth looking into for professionals who want a career in project management. Most programs offer flexible schedules for working adults.
Try: Penn State University and George Washington University offer project management masters degree programs that can be completed online. The programs are ideal for current managers who want to expand their project management skills.

Get assistance with free project management training courses and practice exams

Online tutorials and practice exams can provide free preparation for exams. They're also a good way to identify skills that need to be developed, which can help in choosing courses in project management.
Try: ProjectManagementCourse offers a free training program to refresh and enhance skills. GoCertify provides free quizzes and other resources to help prepare for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam offered by the Project Management Institute.

 

• Many project management and education programs give credit for professional experience. Check with the program to find out if your work experience is acceptable.

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