The PgMP certification exam is part of the PMI certification program, which validates the candidate's ability to effectively manage multiple related projects. Moreover, this official test leads to the appropriate Program Management Professional or just the PgMP certification.

Related Qualification Overview

As mentioned, this test leads to the PgMP certificate, which is one of the most sought-after in the business environment. This is due to the fact that employers and recruiters are in constant search of program managers capable of implementing the company's strategic goals. Evidently, holders of the PgMP qualification fully meet this requirement, so they get a distinct advantage over competitors when hiring or in their current place of employment. Moreover, this is a sure way to discover new career and financial opportunities. For example, as the PayScale.com website states, you can qualify for an average annual salary of $120k for positions such as IT Program Manager, Government Program Manager, or Project Management Director.

Target Audience and Prerequisites

So, if you have the proven ability to manage multiple interconnected projects simultaneously and deliver complex activities across functions, organizations, regions, and even cultures, as well as aligning results with the organization's core objectives, then you are a potential PgMP candidate. However, as you understand, to be eligible for this qualification, you must not only have sufficient experience but also meet a number of requirements. Thus, there are three ways to become a candidate for the PgMP exam:

• Having a secondary degree, 48-month project management experience or a valid PMP certificate, and at least 84 months of hands-on program management experience.

OR

• A four-year degree, 48-month project management experience, or a valid PMP certification, and at least 48 months of hands-on program management experience.

OR

• A postgraduate degree from a GAC, at best 36 months of related experience managing projects, and finally, 36-month program management experience.

Evaluation Details

To receive the above-mentioned certification, each candidate must successfully complete two important steps. The first one is a thorough review of your online application, including your experience based on your responses to the Program Management Experience Summaries. You will then be admitted to the second step, which is an exam of 170 multiple-choice questions that you must answer within 4 hours. Therefore, be sure to register for the main test on time. To do so, you need to pay the enrollment fee of $800 for PMI members and $1,000 for non-members, as well as choose your desired date and format for the final test. In case you didn't know, you can take the PgMP exam either at an authorized Pearson VUE center or at home online. Anyway, only after getting a passing score on this evaluation, you can get the PgMP designation, which is valid for 3 years.

Tested Knowledge and Skills

So, are you ready to start preparing for the final PgMP exam, or are you just at the decision stage? Either way, you should study the PgMP Exam Content Outline carefully to understand what you are going to be dealing with. That way, the individual making the decision will be able to assess his or her own strengths and see if s/he can handle the test at this phase while the already admitted candidate will be able to understand in detail what tasks they will meet in the final exam, and how to build an effective preparation strategy. Thus, the PgMP certification exam includes the following topics:

• Strategic Program Management Overview;
• Program Life Cycle;
• Core Benefits Management;
• Program Stakeholder Management;
• Governance.

Comprehensive Preparation and Effective Prep Tools

It will be helpful for you to know that PMI does not abandon its candidates and promotes their success in the final exams. For example, to prepare for the PgMP test, the vendor and Amazon offer several study resources that, in combination, will help each applicant overcome the list of topics listed above:

Program Management Professional (PgMP) Handbook by Anand Vijayakumar

You should not bypass this resource available on Amazon, as it is a set of thorough instructions for every responsible candidate. If you're having trouble completing the online application, don't know which way to take the exam, or where and how to pick up your certificate, you'll find all the answers in this handbook. As a result, you will have all the information you need to know about the Program Management Professional certification process, including organizational requirements, retaking the exam if you fail, and renewing your certificate.

The Standard for Program Management – Fourth Edition by PMI

This edition found on the vendor's official site is intended for both managers and individuals seeking to implement the most effective program management methods and techniques. And because this guide is based on fundamental principles, it is an effective resource not only for organizations, regardless of their scope and approach to project delivery, but also for professionals pursuing the PMI PgMP certification. Thus, you will understand the essence of portfolio, program, and project management and their roles in organizations. Also, readers will become familiar with the roles of the manager, the sponsor, and the program management office. And on the final test, you'll have no trouble answering questions about program strategy alignment, program benefit, and life cycle management.

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide 7th Edition by PMI

This is the bible for all potential certification candidates, as this book covers the essence of effective project management, including the related processes that are broken down into 8 major domains for project performance. So, here, you will easily learn the 12 principles of project management, varied approaches for development like predictive or adaptive, methods, artifacts, and so on. In case you’re in need of such an invaluable prep tool, opt for Amazon or the vendor’s portal and get access to it.

Conclusion

Thanks to universal progress, programs have proven not only vital to the implementation of various strategic initiatives, but also critical to the success of any organization. Therefore, having a knowledgeable and qualified program manager on staff is key to overall success. So, now you understand why recruiters respect and trust the PMI PgMP certification. And if you're ready to prove you're worthy of a promotion or a new high-paying position, this certification pathway is for you. However, don't forget about comprehensive training, and use all the materials available on the official website or Amazon. All this will bring you one step closer to your main goal. Good luck!