Before asking yourself which certification works for you and gives you value, you have to understand their overall features first. This means understanding what project and program are and the certifications that they are connected with.

The Difference Between PgMP® vs PMP® are the roles and responsibilities of the individual taking it

Let us understand the two components that make up both the PgMP® and PMP® certifications—project management and program management.

Project Management

In the world of ideas, tasks, and business, a project is a temporary activity which its sole purpose is to make a product or service and delivering these results to the clients or stakeholders. A project begins and ends in a particular period and specific tasks or operations are designed to achieve a goal or an objective. Buildings, bridges, and dams—these are the few structures born out from projects. They all undergo different project processes in order to be built successfully for public or private usage.

Now the process for this is called project management. It is the implementation of skills, knowledge, and strategies of projects in order to meet the expected requirements. There are five stages of project management and these are: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.

The project manager is the person in charge of such operations and he or she ensures that the projects implemented are successful and in good quality. Projects composed of teams working hard in order to meet the needs of the clients or stakeholders. The project manager distributes tasks for each team members and manages not only the team, but the constraints of budget, schedule, tools, and resources.

Program Management

A program, on the other hand, is a set of multiple projects operating together to achieve a clear business case. Unlike a project, a program is a group of interconnected projects and one project cease to function or operate if another project is missing. In other words, a project under a program cannot be separated since it won’t operate if it’s a single entity.

Program management is the process of managing multiple projects such as enhancing the organization’s performance. It is typically related to change management, business transitions, industrial engineering, and other related processes. A program manager oversees these program operations and he or she is main decision makers of all project structures. He or she governs the interdependencies involved in the projects. These projects have their own leaders, but the ultimate upper hand falls to the program manager who ensures resources are accessible for the teams in order to operate the projects.

Now that we are able to distinguish these two approaches, let us now determine the difference between PgMP® vs PMP® and their respective values for the certified candidates.

The Difference Between PgMP® vs PMP® falls on more than one spectrum

So what is the difference between PgMP® vs PMP® certification? Is it the exam? The process? The significance of one’s career? Yes, these are some of the elements that make PgMP® and PMP® distinct to each other. From requirements to processes, PgMP® and PMP® have both something to offer when it comes to their differences.

Requirements and Candidates

Both PgMP® and PMP® certifications require an exam, as well as the following qualifications in order for the candidate to proceed with the test. PMP® caters to experienced project managers while PgMP® inclines on professional program managers. Both certifications also help an aspirant to boost his or her career, as well as knowledge in each field.

PgMP® certification requires a highschool diploma or an associate’s degree, with 4 years of experience in project management and 7 years of experience in program management; a bachelor’s degree is also qualified for PgMP®, provided it is accompanied by 4 years each of experience in program and project management.

The PMP® certification is similar with PgMP® in terms of educational requirement, except for this certification an applicant needs 7,500 hours leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours of project management education. For applicants with a bachelor’s degree, they need to have at least 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and also 35 hours of project management education.

Features

PgMP® certification has a longer process compared to PMP®. Even before PgMP® applicants take the test, they need to undergo a panel review and sometimes an audit where they document their project and program endeavors and have their supervisors or managers vouch for their claim. PgMP®’s requirements are more inclined to PMP®. On the other hand, PMP® is all about fulfilling the requirements for legibility. PMP® certification is four times less costly compared to PgMP®—due to the process, random audits, and maintenance, the latter requires more than just an exam fee. And even are both considered the most sought-after certifications in the industry, PgMP® is a more complex process to achieve, thanks to their several processes involved.

Choosing the Right One

Actually, there is no right one or the adage, “there can only be one”. You can actually have both! If you want to settle to PMP®, that’s fine. And if you want to go up and pursue PgMP® after, there is nothing wrong with that, too. At the end of the day, it’s all about your preference and your determination to steer your ship around to a new adventure of your career endeavor. These certifications provide you a set of advanced skill, knowledge, and capability — so why not grab all of them by the horns?

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Some program managers want to be more than their designation—they want more knowledge, more experience, and they want to be more well-versed in the new languages that emerge from the platforms of program management. Sure, there is the tempting salary boost, but learning is more valuable and so is an experience.

This article will cover how to prepare for the PgMP® exam and earn that particular certificate. This also serves as your stepping stone on just the prep part but analyzing and learning a thing or two about PgMP® exam preparations and processes, as well as available resources to help you get your head in the game.

How to Prepare for the PgMP® Exam—Processes and all that Jazz

The PgMP® Qualification Process

The first step on how to prepare for the PgMP® exam is to ensure that you have all the qualifications present in order to proceed to the exam propler. The following requirements vary depending on your educational attainment. Before you take the PgMP® exam, you need to identify these requirements and determine if you are up to par with it.

The following requirements are as follows:

• Highschool diploma: 4 years of experience in project management and 7 years of experience in program management
• Bachelor’s degree: A documentation of experience in project and program management with a total of 4 years each.

Documenting your tasks or activities in both project and program is crucial. The PMI will review your application once you completed and submitted it. The review lasts up to 5 days and within that is a series of different processes such as what the PMI calls the initial competent evaluation process.

They review the information you provided such as educational standing, projects, and programs. There are some circumstances that your application may go through an audit, where you are required to refer the managers in charge of the project you made or led. Audits are random, but there are situations that some applications have to undergo one.

How to Prepare for the PgMP® Exam– The Panel Review

Is there more way on how to prepare for the PgMP® exam? There is, but this is more of a preparation of the Panel Review know-how.

Before you finally reach that line, you need to go under a panel review first. This evaluates your task and performance as a program manager. This process will determine if you are qualified to be a Program Management Professional.

How to Prepare for the PgMP® Exam—The Exam

Earning certifications is not easy — besides the almost head spinning requirements to organized, the grueling processes are testing one’s patience, one stage at a time. How to prepare for the PgMP® exam is up to you, but passing is more of the concern if you want to grab that certification. One of the best exam preparation is knowledge—knowing what will go on during the exam and anticipate it in the process.

The PgMP® Exam Process

The next step to take after your application is approved is to take the four-hour exam that consists of 170 questions. Sounds like a headache, but surprise! —only 150 of the questions matter and the rest are actually implanted questions. However, you won’t be able to identify them. But it doesn’t mean you have to leave some questions blank. You need to have a passing score of at least 65%, so that means all questions matter, even twenty of them are implanted questions.

The PMI will give you specific instructions on how to find and schedule a PgMP® exam venue near you. They will send you on an Authorization to Test Letter.

The PgMP® exam is distributed via the Prometric Testing Center. Next, you will log on to a computer and undergo a software tutorial. The clock will start ticking once the exam begins.

By the time you finished the PgMP® exam, you will be immediately provided a feedback; which means informing you if you have passed or failed the PgMP® exam.

How to Prepare for the PgMP® Exam—Take Out the Moolah

How to prepare for the PgMP® exam? Rack up some dough. Which means that earning a certification is definitely not for free. Besides the fact that it is a daunting process, obtaining and earning PgMP® costs you a lot of money. The entire exam fee costs $800 for PMI members and $1,000 for non-members. It’s one of the advantages of being the member of PMI—you can actually save a hundred dollars for fees alone.

Exam Information and Guide

The in-depth information for both exam and application can be found on PMI’s website. Make sure to check their handbook and requirements for the PgMP® certification application. Since you’re already on the road for PgMP® certification, you might try to invest in their reading resources such as The Standard Program Management.

Yes, it is indeed not an easy journey to become a PgMP®. But the rewards you will reap from it will help your career in the long run. Not to mention more experiences to encounter and learn from and knowledge to acquire.  It’s a security for your career growth, development, and improvement.

PMI and PgMP are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

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It’s not easy to obtain the PgMP® certification; in fact, it’ s a long process that involves different stages of review from the PMI and program managers panel, a four-hour exam, and the fees that you need to rack up in order to move forward.

The article answers the question, “what is PgMP® certification?” and among others, from the process down to its requirements and preparation.

What is PgMP® Certification — Frequently Asked Questions

We already know that PgMP® credential is a well-known certification for aspiring program managers, but if we delve deeply into the term, what does this certification exactly mean? And what is its sole purpose and idea? What is PgMP® certification in its purest form? Below are the most commonly asked questions in regards to PgMP® and application.

PgMP® Certification: What Is It?

Program Management Professional ( PgMP )® certification is one of the credentials that you can find in the PMI’s roster of other certifications such as Project Management Professional ( PMP )®, Portfolio Management Professional ( PfMP )®, Certified Associate in Project Management ( CAPM )®, and among others. PgMP® is one of the certificates that helps pivots one’s career towards becoming a program manager.

Once the candidates pass the exam and acquire the certificate, that doesn’t automatically make them program managers. There are still some requirements to fulfill and review to undergo before becoming a full-fledged certified program manager.

What benefits can I reap from PgMP® certification?

Having a PgMP® certification means aspirants will stand out from the rest of the job applicants and get the attention of the employer.

Being a certified program manager also means that you have exceptional ability and knowledge to lead and manage programs as well as performance that contributes to the organization as a whole. By gaining this certification, you have the opportunity to lead or manage high-level programs and projects and even come up with strategies for businesses. PgMP® certification is not just benefited in the surface of an aspiring program manager—it’s a value that is attached to them as well as an identity and responsibility.

What are the requirements to be qualified for the PgMP® exam?

You need to have experience in both project and program management, as well as a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with project management of 4 years and 7 years of experience in program management.

Additional requirements also include an audit, but it’s random and only implemented under certain circumstances. Audits require you to document every project or program you created, managed or led—all in careful detail, as well contact information for managers who have worked with you in each operation.

What is the PgMP® exam like?

The exam’s duration is four hours and it consists of 170 multiple choice questions, with only 150 considered to be “live questions”; this means that the rest of the questions are “seeded” or planted. You still need to finish all these questions since you won’t identify which are the live questions and which ones are planted. The PgMP® exam is linear and you need to gain at least a score of 65% to pass.

What and how are the skills Assessed in the PgMP® exam?

There is a total of thirty-five objectives detailed in the PgMP® exam, which are divided into six subject groups of programs. The following skills and knowledge that are covered during the examination are:

• Outline
• Initiation
• Planning
• Implementation
• Controlling or monitoring
• Closing

Can I retake the PgMP® exam?

Certainly. You can take the exam up to three times within a year from issuing your authorization letter. However, you need additional fees for the retake which costs $500 for PMI members and $600 for non-members.

Where should I apply for the PgMP® exam?

Look for the Prometric Testing Centers near your area and schedule your preferred exam date. Usually, it takes weeks for Prometric to book you an exam date so it is recommended that you booked earlier. Don’t forget that you need to acquire an authorization letter from the PMI containing a code to assist with your schedule.

Where should I take the PgMP® exam? 

Once you have successfully set a schedule for your PgMP® exam, you are going to take it to the Prometric Testing Center.

What is PgMP® Certification if you don’t have a well-prepared plan?

Now that you have the answers to that “what is PgMP® certification” inquiries, it’s time to prepare your requirements and of course, yourself.

As mentioned, PgMP® is probably the most daunting process of certification since it involves a different type of responsibility once the aspirant becomes a program manager. The certification is not the end of the road, once the individual has been officially certified, he or she still needs to earn credits from doing voluntary work or program consultations in different companies.

As for exam preparation, there are a lot of resources or applications that will help you prep for the PgMP® certification exam such as simulators (mimicking the environment of a PgMP® exam scenario), reading resources, and even tips and advice from program management’s forums. You can also attend seminars, workshops or coaching sessions if you want to have that classroom vibe or interaction with the experts.

Is it worth it? Is this right for me?

If you are still a little intimidated by the notion of the PgMP® certification, keep in mind that knowledge and skills of program management are your best friends on this journey. If you want to have an edge on your resume or you are ready to take on high-level responsibilities with a challenge, then the PgMP® certification is your best bet to do such things. Yes, it’s a long process. Yes, it can be frustrating. And no, don’t make it a reason not to pursue what you wanted. See it as a challenging hurdle that pumps your determination towards your goal—the PgMP® certification goal.

PMP, PgMP, PfMP, CAPM and PMI are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

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What Does PgMP® Stand for — Turns Out, the Questions Don’t Just Stop There

It may sound like a simple obvious question of what does PgMP® stand for, but it’s more than knowing the acronyms. This particular question doesn’t just ask each of the corresponding letters—rather it also begs several questions such as,” what are some of the specific features of PgMP®?” or “what kind of certification is PgMP®?” If we look at this question closely, we know that “stands for” can be a variety of definitions. It means a purpose of someone or something. It can also mean advocating on an issue or spreading awareness among the society.

Such question must be dissected in order to understand the entirety of PgMP®. And that starts with the letters it represents, down to its significance in boosting someone’s career in the world of program management.

What Does PgMP® Stand for — and other PgMP® Factors to Identify 

PgMP® stands for Program Management Professional and it’s one of the most popular PMI certifications around the globe. It caters to individuals who want to boost their skills and capabilities in program management. This also gives aspirants a chance for more innovative ways to create an effective strategy, align results with organizational goals, and manage multiple interdependent projects. This certification is open to anyone interested and you don’t need to be PMP® certified to obtain it, though it is recommended you do so as to boost your chances in the qualification process.

Obtaining certifications have never been considered an easy journey. There’s the exam, the requirements, and then processes to determine if you are qualified to proceed to the next stage. It’s like joining a talent show where either you are in or out for the next round of challenges. And as for PgMP® certification, the process is longer and the waiting game can be nerve wracking. Before you even take the exam, you are going to face a panel who will review your qualifications, as well as documentations containing your experiences and education in project and program management.

Audits can be implemented, but not for all applications. But you still have to prepare the necessary documents for one, just in case your application is selected. The audit documents must include all the projects and programs you were involved in, as well as the names of the high-level members in those activities.

So what does PgMP® stand for? The career boost and more knowledge and skill opportunities are a given, but if we settle on just the surface of PgMP®, then what is it good for? We don’t want to be all out philosophical here; what we want to get to the meat of PgMP® is its own advocacy, its purpose, and in-depth value. Yes, it’s a long process and yes, it is more expensive than PMP®, and yes, it’s worth it.

The significant value of Program Management Professional ( PgMP )® is this: depending on the organization, PgMP® has a different impact on its structure. The basic standards are there, but the lasting effect on an organization is different despite PgMP® approach is being applied. Take a company that specializes in real estate. There are different housing projects under this company, each catering to different types of clients. The houses are located in different areas. The objective here is to align the results to the company’s goal—sell houses to target clients successfully. But what is PgMP® got to do about it? Say a program manager is now PgMP® certified. He or she then applies the PgMP® standard approach—exclusively for a real estate company. Through the knowledge and skills he or she has acquired from obtaining that PgMP® certificate, he or she is able to create a standard process, strategy, and business case that only reflects the real estate field. In other words, a tailor-made structure. And this will be an efficient approach, thanks to PgMP®.

Program Management Professional ( PgMP )® has a lot to offer in a general sense. It’s an upgrade to a rather blasé program management. Organizations who hired PgMP® certified employees have more success in their business since this individual has a lot of innovative ideas to offer. It came from either creativity or from obtaining PgMP®. But not everyone has been bestowed by the former, so in order to coax someone’s potential, they study, they train themselves, they take up more learning—even if it means spending almost a year to accomplish and burning their bank account.

And the point is…?

PgMP®’s advocacy is this: providing opportunities for aspirants to establish their own set of strategies, tools, and approaches in order create fresh standards that can be used by different organizations. It’s the ultimate weapon for an efficient process and a stronghold for emerging industries.

PgMP® is here to stay in the present and in the future.

PMP, PgMP and PMI are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

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