PMP® Challenge Question - 1/1

Watch for the next PMP® Challenge Giveaway beginning on 2/1/08!

The 12/15 Challenge was pretty straightforward -- name at least 10 different types of information a Project Manager must communicate. Of course there are many different things you can put on your list, but here is mine (in no particular order) to compare to:

1. Project Charter and purpose
2. Project Plan
3. Work Breakdown Structure
4. Welcome and directions to first project team meeting
5. Meeting agendas
6. New risks and issues
7. Earned Value report
8. Project budget
9. Project lessons learned
10. Project expense report

Since its a New Year, I thought I would do something different for the first challenge of 2008. First, go ahead and jot down the 5 project phases (according to the PMBOK). Got it? Now read this article and watch the video below. Under each project phase, jot down some of the activities you observed. What was the approximate project budget? I'll be back on 1/15 with the answers -- I hope you find it at least entertaining!

PMP® Exam Eligibility:

- Have 35 hours of Project Management training. For those who have learned "on the job", many PMI Chapters offer PMP Exam review classes which have at least 35 contact hours to help you meet this criteria.
- With a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent: Have a minimum three years’ professional project management experience, during which 4,500 hours are spent leading and directing project tasks, within an 8-year period.
- Without a Bachelor's Degree, the hours are increased to 7,500.

Perhaps more daunting than the exam itself is the application. You will have to create a detailed resume showing the experience project-by-project. Each entry requires a reference contact. In general, the steps to take are:

1. Join PMI and your local PMI Chapter (this will save you money and provide important resources for assistance).
2. Fill out the detailed online application and pay the (reduced for member) fees.
3. Take the 200 question multiple choice test at a Prometric testing center. You will know your status as soon as you pass the exam and upon passing will automatically be added to the online registry of PMPs. Prospective employers and clients have access to this registry to verify your certification.

If you require further assistance with certification, please leave a comment or drop me a line at sdcapmp@aol.com.