achieving_professionalism

Programme and Project Management (PPM) Specialism Achieving professionalism QUALIFICATIONS A guide to PPM qualifications Over recent years programme and project management professionals have seen a proliferation of programme and project management qualifications. In this guide you will find nationally and internationally recognised qualifications – generic, industry-based, method-based and others which focus on one particular aspect of technique. The guide is not comprehensive and it does not attempt to list the higher education qualifications that are available, at first degree or post graduate levels and through part time study. Qualifications cannot replace real-life experience of using programme and project management concepts and techniques within the workplace. They do however, offer a measure of an individual’s knowledge and achievement. Development Paths Many organisations are recommending qualifications as part of their development programmes and/or as prerequisites for specific jobs. There is a choice of development paths and there are considerable overlaps between the various qualifications. This guide does not attempt to advise on or show suitable development paths for programme and project management specialists, but guidance showing potential development paths will be available later this year. Updates Keeping track of qualifications in the programme and project management arena is becoming a complex and time-consuming task. Updates are already required to encompass qualifications and this guide is a starting point and will be reviewed regularly. If you have any comments or requests for further information please contact the OGC Service Desk on: 0845 000 4999 or email: ServiceDesk@ogc.gsi.gov.uk PPM awarding bodies and their qualifications Detailed below are the various programme and project management qualifications under the respective awarding bodies. Each qualification and certificate has different prerequisites and training requirements. Some are more focused on developing the individual through a series of training modules; others are less structured and require no prior training. The choice of qualification will depend on a number of factors, for example: • the awarding body and their relevance in the candidate’s work environment • the prior learning and any experience required • the duration of the training and assessment process • the general recognition of the qualification. Awarding Body – Association for Project Management (APM) Web address: http://www.apm.org.uk/pd/qualifications.htm http://www.ipma.org.ch APM’s qualifications are based on generic project management principles rather than a specific methodology or industry. APM is the UK’s representative on the IPMA, (International Project Management Association), which is an international network of national project management societies. IPMA has developed a four-level certification programme concept and national implementations are validated on a regular basis. Qualification – APMP Description – The APM’s foundation level qualification, which concentrates on the principles and techniques of project management rather than processes. It is based on the APM ‘body of knowledge’. APMP is at the bottom level (D) of the IPMA’s certification levels. Topics Covered – Project Management; Programme Management; Project Environment Context; Project Success Criteria; Strategy/Project Management Plan; Risk Management; Quality Management; Health, Safety and Environment; Work Content and Scope Management; Time Scheduling/Phasing; Resource Management; Budgeting and Cost Management; Change Control; Earned Value Management; Information Management; Estimating; Configuration Management; Business Case; Procurement; Life Cycle Design and Management; Hand-Over to client/user/operations; (Post) Project Evaluation Review; Organisation Structure; Organisational Roles; Communication; Teamwork; Leadership; Conflict Management; Negotiation. Examination/Assessment Structure – Candidates sit two examinations, which assess an individual against the professional competencies contained in the ‘body of knowledge’. Prerequisites – None. Qualification – APM Practitioner Description – The APM Practitioner qualification is designed for those who have experience in managing non-complex projects or who have worked as a team member in a more complex project. It assesses 30 criteria from project planning to implementation enabling candidates the opportunity to apply their knowledge and experience. It is based on the APM ‘body of knowledge’. Topics Covered – Project Management; Programme Management; Project Environment Context; Project Success Criteria; Strategy/Project Management Plan; Risk Management; Quality Management; Health, Safety and Environment; Work Content and Scope Management; Time Scheduling/Phasing; Resource Management; Budgeting and Cost Management; Change Control; Earned Value Management; Information Management; Estimating; Configuration Management; Business Case; Procurement; Life Cycle Design and Management; Hand-Over to client/user/operations; (Post) Project Evaluation Review; Organisation Structure; Organisational Roles; Communication; Teamwork; Leadership; Conflict Management; Negotiation. Examination/Assessment Structure – Candidates attend an assessment centre over two days, during that time assessors judge a candidate’s project management capabilities through group activities and exercises and through a written examination. There is also an interview. Candidates are assessed on whether they can apply appropriately the APM ‘body of knowledge’. Prerequisites – At least 3 years working as a Project Manager or as a manager of key control functions on a project(s) is required. It is assumed that candidates should have APMP or a good understanding of project management. Qualification – Certificated Project Manager (CPM) Description – Certification is aimed at assessing an individual’s competence in managing more complex projects. Certification is a test of competence and not academic achievement. CPM is at the second highest level (B) of the IPMA’s certification levels. Topics Covered – Project Management; Programme Management; Project Environment Context; Project Success Criteria; Strategy/Project Management Plan; Risk Management; Quality Management; Health, Safety and Environment; Work Content and Scope Management; Time Scheduling/Phasing; Resource Management; Budgeting and Cost Management; Change Control; Earned Value Management; Information Management; Estimating; Configuration Management; Business Case; Procurement; Life Cycle Design and Management; Hand-Over to client/user/operations; (Post) Project Evaluation Review; Organisation Structure; Organisational Roles; Communication; Teamwork; Leadership; Conflict Management; Negotiation. Examination/Assessment Structure – Certification has 3 stages: Stage 1 – complete an application form, which requires a current CV and 2 referees. Complete a self-assessment form, write a précis on a project or sub-project on which the candidate had executive authority. Stage 2 – if stage 1 successful, expand précis to a project report of no more than 5,000 words and submit. Stage 3 – an interview of approximately one hour with two assessors, one of whom will be from the candidate’s industry. Prerequisites – Candidates must be a full member (or fellow) of the APM and must be managing/have managed a project (or sub-project). There is no cut off date for the recency of the project. Qualification – Single subject certificates Description – Focused on single subjects within the APM body of knowledge. The syllabuses and exams will be developed by the Special Interest Groups within APM. The first certificate is on Risk Management and will be followed by Contracts and Procurement, and Earned Value Analysis. Topics Covered – APM ‘body of knowledge’ for specific subject. Examination/Assessment Structure Examination – Level 1 – One hour, 100 multiple choice question paper. Assessment Structure – Level 1 – It is assumed that candidates will hold APM or have a good understanding of project management techniques and an understanding of the specialist topic. Examination – Level 2 – 3-hour scenario based paper. Assessment Structure – Level 2 – As Level 1 plus the Level 1 certificate. Prerequisites – None. Awarding Body – Information Systems Examination Board Web address: http://www.iseb.org.uk/ The ISEB is the examination body of the British Computer Society and ISEB qualifications are, therefore, intended for those candidates employed on IS projects. Qualification – Certificate in Project Management for Information Systems Description – This certificate is aimed at practitioners in project management with previous experience in management or information systems. Although the qualification covers all project management techniques it expects candidates to be familiar with a methodology and relate their answers to that methodology, eg PRINCE2. Topics Covered – Introduction to Project Management; Managing Plans; Managing People and Other Resources; Managing the Development and Delivery of Project Products; Managing Quality; Managing Change; Managing Risk. Examination/Assessment Structure – (i) Candidate assessment; (ii) Written examination (iii) Oral examination. Prerequisites – (i) A minimum of four years’ experience of management or four years in Information Systems and have attended an accredited training course leading to the certificate; or (ii) A minimum of three years’ experience as a project manager including the use of a recognised methodology. Qualification – Diploma in Project Management for Information Systems Description – This qualification has not proved popular and is held by only a handful of candidates. It is aimed at experienced project managers who require a higher qualification. Topics Covered – Strategy; Scope; Planning; Control; Quality; Testing; People Management; Contracts; Implementation; Post Implementation. Examination/Assessment Structure – (i) Candidate assessment; (ii) A written submission - five topics of a minimum of 3,000 words each; (iii) An oral examination - 20 minutes presentation plus 70 minutes oral. Prerequisites – (i) A minimum of five years’ experience as a project manager and hold the ISEB Certificate in Project Management; or (ii) A minimum of eight years’ experience as a project manager (direct entry route). Qualification – Foundation Certificate in Programme and Project Support Office (PPSO) Description – The Foundation Certificate is aimed at those new to PPSO work and who will be operating at a relatively junior level. Topics Covered – The PPSO in context; PPSO techniques; Programme and project documentation; Programme and project monitoring and reporting; Exception situations; Risk management; Business case techniques; Configuration management; Quality management; Supporting the use of techniques. Examination/Assessment Structure – 45 minute multiple choice examination. Prerequisites – The candidate should have a basic working knowledge of IT and it is recommended that the candidate has attended an ISEB-approved training course run by an approved training organiser. Qualification – Advanced Certificate in Programme and Project Support Office (PPSO) Description – The Advanced Certificate is aimed at those who have a more strategic role to play in the PPSO functions. PRINCE2 and MSP terminology may be used in addition to generic terms. Topics Covered – The PPSO in context; PPSO techniques; Programme and project life cycles; Programme management methods; Product and system; Development methods; Support tools; Dealing with nonprogramme and non-project work; Dealing with difficult situations; The business case (advanced level techniques); Marketing the PSO; Designing and installing the PPSO; Keeping the PPSO current. Examination/Assessment Structure – (i) 2-hour written exam; (ii) oral examination for successful candidates. Prerequisites – An understanding of project management is assumed. Candidates must have passed the foundation certificate and to be able to demonstrate 2 years’ practical experience as a member of a Programme or Project Support Office. Awarding Body – APM Group Ltd who operate on behalf of the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) Web address: http://www.apmgroup.co.uk/ PRINCE2 is a structured project management method, which is the written description of a logical, organised approach to project management. It is the standard method used in UK government projects and has a worldwide coverage. PRINCE2 qualifications require knowledge of project management techniques but they do not specifically cover project management techniques not included in the method. Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) is a best-practice guide from OGC describing a structured approach for managing programmes. MSP qualifications require knowledge of programme management and the business environment in addition to knowledge of the method. Management of Risk (M-o-R) is a risk management method covering a wide range of topics, including business continuity management, security, programme/project risk management and operational service management. Qualification – Foundation Certificate in PRINCE2 Description – This qualification aims to measure whether a candidate would be able to act as an informed member of a project management team using the PRINCE2 method within a project environment supporting PRINCE2. Candidates need to show they understand the principles and terminology of the method. Topics Covered – PRINCE2 roles, components, processes and sub processes; PRINCE2 techniques; Management products; Purpose and contents of key management products; Relationships between processes, deliverables, roles and the management dimensions of a project. Examination/Assessment Structure – 75 multiple choice questions to be answered in an hour. Prerequisites – None. Qualification – Practitioner Certificate in PRINCE2 Description – The Practitioner is the second of the two PRINCE2 examinations that candidates are required to pass to become a PRINCE2 Practitioner. This level aims to measure whether a candidate would be able to apply PRINCE2 to the running and managing of a project within an environment supporting PRINCE2 and can apply and tune PRINCE2 to address the needs and problems of a specific project scenario. Topics Covered – Detailed knowledge of all PRINCE2 processes, components and techniques, and products. Understanding of the relationships between the processes, components, techniques and products in practical application and the reasons behind them. Examination/Assessment Structure – Open book exam of three questions based on a scenario, to be sat in 3 hours. Re-registration is required within 3 to 5 years and consists of a one-hour exam set at the same standard as the practitioner exam. Prerequisites – Pass in foundation certificate. Qualification – Foundation Certificate in MSP Description – The foundation certificate tests the candidate’s knowledge of MSP only. Topics Covered – MSP principles – Organisation; Planning; Benefits management; Stakeholder management; Issue and risk management; Quality management; Configuration management; Audit; MSP processes – Identifying a programme; Defining a programme; Establishing a programme; Running a programme; Closing a programme. Examination/Assessment Structure – Closed book exam of 50 multiple choice questions to be answered in 40 minutes. Prerequisites – None. Qualification – Practitioner Certificate in MSP Description – The practitioner certificate is aimed at those working in programme management. In order to pass the exam the candidates need to understand MSP but they will also need other skills and experience. The following are some suggested routes. Business Managers may already be familiar with the culture of large organisations and how they measure benefits at a strategic level. If so, they will need to master generic project management techniques before taking the exam. Project Managers may already be familiar with project management tools such as PRINCE2. If so, they will need to master wider business topics such as strategic planning and organisational politics before taking the exam. Project Administrators may already have observed organisational culture change, strategic planning and project management. If so they will need to formulate their own ideas on how these tools can be used effectively before taking the exam. Topics Covered – MSP principles – Organisation; Planning; Benefits management; Stakeholder management; Issue and risk management; Quality management; Configuration management; Audit; MSP processes – Identifying a programme; Defining a programme; Establishing a programme; Running a programme; Closing a programme. Examination/Assessment Structure – Case study question to be answered in three hours. Open book. Pre-reading material is issued at the time of the exam and candidates get 30 minutes reading time before the 3-hour paper begins. Prerequisites – Pass in foundation certificate in MSP. Knowledge of programme management and business environment. Qualification – Foundation Certificate in M-o-R (Management of Risk) Description – This qualification is aimed at measuring whether a candidate would be able to act as an informed member of an organisation using the M-o-R approach. Topics Covered – Purpose of M-o-R at all organisational levels, M-o-R processes and key products. How major products/techniques are used to support corporate governance. The relationships between corporate governance, risk management, processes, communication mechanisms, roles and the management levels of an organisation. Knowledge and understanding of the generic categories of techniques, tools and methods, and their usage, as covered in the Guidance. Examination/Assessment Structure – Closed book exam of 50 multiple choice questions to be answered in 40 minutes. Prerequisites – None. Qualification – Practitioner Certificate in M-o-R Description – This qualification measures whether a candidate understands how to apply M-o-R across the organisation with a detailed knowledge and understanding of how this works within at least one specific level of the organisation (strategic, programme, project or operational). Candidates need to exhibit the competence required for the Foundation qualification, and show that they can apply and tune M-o-R to address the specific needs of a given case study. Topics Covered – The relationships between processes, products, roles and the management levels of an organisation, applied within an M-o-R context. How adoption of M-o-R could benefit the organisation. Tune M-o-R to different circumstances with regard to organisations, organisational levels, cultures and stakeholders. How M-o-R supports corporate governance, business continuity, programmes, projects and operations. How to use and apply a range of products/techniques that covers a full range of activities in the M-o-R process. How to select tools that suit the organisations’ skills and culture. The extent to which different tools, techniques and methods support the problem solving process. The application and/or implementation of the following: Communications Plan; Management of Risk Policy; Risk Register; Stakeholder Map and Analysis; Summary Risk Profile. Examination/Assessment Structure – Case study question to be answered in three hours. Open book. Prerequisites – Foundation certificate in M-o-R. Good understanding of project and programme management. Basic understanding of strategic and operational planning. Awarding Body – Project Management Institute (PMI) Web address: http://www.pmi.org/info/default.asp The Project Management Institute (PMI) is based in the USA and is a major not-for-profit project management professional association, with over 100,000 members worldwide. PMI’s UK branch, known as the UK Chapter, was founded in 1995 and has approximately 2,000 members. The UK Chapter exists to support the goals and objectives of PMI within the United Kingdom. Their qualifications are based on the PMI’s body of knowledge (the PMBOK Guide) . Qualification – Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Description – CAPM is aimed at project team members and is a foundation level qualification. A CAPM is a project management practitioner who has demonstrated foundation project management knowledge and experience by supporting projects using project management tools, techniques, and methodologies. Topics Covered – The Project Management Context; Project Management Processes; The Project Management Knowledge Areas; Project Integration Management; Project Scope Management; Project Time Management; Project Cost Management; Project Quality Management; Project Human Resource Management; Project Communications Management; Project Risk Management; Project Procurement Management. Examination/Assessment Structure – (i) Assessment of candidate’s experience and education (ii) 150 multiple choice questions in three hours. Prerequisites – A first degree plus 1,500 hours of project management experience in the last three years OR 2,500 hours project management experience in the last three years. Qualification – Project Management Professional (PMP) Description – PMP is the profession’s most globally recognised and respected project management certification. It is aimed at project managers with approximately three to five years experience at a responsible level. Topics Covered – The Project Management Context; Project Management Processes; The Project Management Knowledge Areas; Project Integration Management; Project Scope Management; Project Time Management; Project Cost Management; Project Quality Management; Project Human Resource Management; Project Communications Management; Project Risk Management; Project Procurement Management. Examination/Assessment Structure – (i) Assessment of education and experience (ii) 200 multiple-choice questions to be answered in four hours that are developed and validated by PMPs. Examinees must obtain a score of 137 in order to pass the examination. Prerequisites – First degree plus 4,500 hours of project management experience in a position of responsibility OR Secondary school education plus 7,500 hours of experience plus evidence of 35 hours of project management training. PMPs must complete and submit a minimum of 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) during each Continuing Certification cycle, ie within every three years. A PMP’s Continuing Certification cycle can be identified by the dates on their PMP Certificate. PMPs must also comply with the PMP Code of Professional Conduct to maintain certification status. Awarding Body – Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Web address: http://ocula.managers.org.uk/institute/home The qualifications below were developed in conjunction with APM Group. They are based on all available bodies of knowledge. Qualification – Level 4 Diploma in Programme and Project Management Description – This is a new qualification, which was launched in April 2003. It is designed to meet the needs of managers responsible for programmes or projects, and who wish to extend their skills and knowledge to embrace a number of project and programme management methods. The programme is pitched at a level beyond the single method approach, which is characterised by Prince2, which provides an excellent platform for further development within this programme. Expected to be 200 – 300 hours study with a mixture of classroom training, unsupervised study and project work. Topics Covered – CORE UNITS – Change Context; Programme and Project Management Fundamentals; Risk Management; Quality Management; Change and Configuration Management; Managing People. PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT – Initial Planning for Programmes; Programme Monitoring and Control; Managing Contracts for Programmes. PROJECT MANAGEMENT – Initial Planning for Projects; Project Monitoring and Control; Managing Contracts for projects. Examination/Assessment Structure – Nine assessment units – six core and either three for programme management or three for project management. Exemptions will be available for any previous management, project management or programme management qualifications and learning undertaken. Prerequisites – It is expected that candidates will already be working in a programme or project management environment, although the qualification is also open to people wishing to build on their general management skills. Qualification – Level 5 Executive Diploma in Project Management and Level 5 Executive Diploma in Programme Management Description – These qualifications will be announced at the Best Practice Showcase Event on 19 June 2003. Awarding Body – NVQ awarding bodies using the National Standard in Project Management Website addresses: http://www.ecitb.org.uk/ http://www.edexcel.org.uk/ http://www.emta.org.uk/ The Vocational Qualifications system enables employers and employees to demonstrate competence in the workplace. They are assessed by reference to nationally agreed standards and are designed to allow people to show that they have achieved competence in their occupation through assessment in the workplace. There are several NVQ awarding bodies who offer project management qualifications, although they are mainly engineering based. The CMI qualifications above are based on S/NVQ Level IV and V. Qualification – Level IV Description – This qualification is aimed at practising project managers with responsibility for operational control of projects. Topics Covered – Specify requirements for projects; Estimate resources, identify sources and develop programmes for projects; Secure operational resources for projects; Manage contractual arrangements; Identify and analyse hazards and specify actions to control risk to people, property and the environment; Manage the performance of teams and individuals; Manage implementation of projects. Examination/Assessment Structure – Self study, supervisory oversight and workplace assessment. Prerequisites – Support of management is required in order to build a portfolio of performance evidence from workplace activities. Probably require experience of at least five years. Qualification – Level V Description – This qualification is aimed at project managers with strategic responsibility for the delivery of projects and/or for other project managers. Topics Covered – Develop objectives for projects; Specify requirements for projects; Estimate resource and develop programmes; Recommend contracting arrangements for projects; Secure resources to implement projects; Control risk in implementation of projects; Establish the project organisation; Control implementation of projects; Evaluate project achievements and secure improvements to projects. Examination/Assessment Structure – Self study, supervisory oversight and workplace assessment. Support of management is required in order to build a portfolio of performance evidence from workplace activities. Prerequisites – Probably require experience of at least five years in a strategic position and following on from Level IV. Awarding Body – Civil Service College/College of Estate Management Website: http://www.cmps.gov.uk/ The College acts as a training provider for many of the qualifications listed above, eg APMP, ISEB, PRINCE2 etc. It also offers many detailed government related detailed courses and, in particular, the construction qualification below. Qualification – Certificate of Competence in Construction Project Sponsorship Description – The qualification is aimed at project sponsors within government and the wider public sector, ie those in management areas who have been appointed as representatives of their organisation (project sponsors), responsible for projects involving capital works, refurbishments or relocation. In the case of large projects, the course is also suitable for members of project sponsor’s teams. Topics Covered – The competencies outlined in Procurement Guidance No.1 the ‘Essential Requirements for Construction Procurement’. Examination/Assessment Structure – (i) Attend the appropriate training courses (ii) Produce assignments/case studies at the end of each module to an acceptable standard which will be assessed by the training organisations (iii) Attend an interview by a panel of experts administered by the training organisations. Prerequisites – Obtain the endorsement/approval of line manager. OGC – the UK Office of Government Commerce – is an Office of HM Treasury. OGC Service Desk OGC customers can contact the central OGC Service Desk about all aspects of OGC business. The Service Desk will also channel queries to the appropriate second-line support. We look forward to hearing from you. You can contact the Service Desk 8am – 6pm Monday – Friday Telephone: 0845 000 4999 e-mail: ServiceDesk@ogc.gsi.gov.uk www.ogc.gov.uk OGC Trevelyan House Great Peter Street London SW1P 2BY This document is printed on material comprising 80 per cent post consumer waste, and 20 per cent ECF pulp. PPM QualificationsV1/06/03 © Crown Copyright 2003. The OGC logo is a registered trademark of Her Majesty's Treasury. Designed by FSW Limited, Norwich, United Kingdom About OGC