6 Best practices for maintaining and updating the PgMP credential
Introduction
The PgMP credential, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is a globally recognized certification for program managers. It validates a program manager’s ability to effectively manage multiple, related projects and resources to achieve strategic business goals. To maintain the PgMP credential, it is important to stay current with industry trends and developments, participate in professional development opportunities, and meet the PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR).
This blog will discuss six best practices for maintaining and updating the PgMP credential to help program managers stay competitive in their field and continue to demonstrate their expertise to employers and clients. For information on this join PgMP certification from EDUHUBSPOT.
Practice 1: Keeping up with the PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR)
Keeping up with the PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) is essential for maintaining the PgMP credential. The PMI’s CCR program is a way for certified individuals to stay current in their field and demonstrate their ongoing commitment to professional development.
To meet the CCR requirements, PgMPs you must earn a certain number of professional development units (PDUs) every three years. These PDUs can be earned through a variety of activities, such as attending conferences, workshops, and training sessions, participating in online courses, and volunteering with PMI.
It’s important for you to keep track of the PDUs earned and report them to the PMI before the expiration date of the credential. PgMPs can use the PMI’s online certification system to record their PDUs and ensure they are meeting the CCR requirements.
To ensure compliance with the CCR, PgMPs can set reminders for themselves to track the PDUs, and plan ahead for professional development activities to earn PDUs before the expiration date of their certification. Additionally, PgMPs can also look for opportunities to earn PDUs through on-the-job learning experiences by taking on additional responsibilities or managing more complex projects.
Practice 2: Staying current with industry trends and developments
Staying current with industry trends and developments is essential for maintaining the PgMP credential. The field of program management is constantly evolving and it’s important for program managers to stay informed about new developments and trends in order to continue to deliver value to their organization and clients.
One way to stay current is by attending conferences and workshops. These events provide a great opportunity to learn about new best practices, trends, and technologies in the field and to network with other program managers. Additionally, webinars, online courses, and virtual events can also be used to stay current with industry trends and developments.
Another way to stay current is by reading industry publications. Many professional organizations and industry experts publish articles and research papers on current topics and trends in program management. These can be valuable resources for staying informed about changes in the field.
Networking with other PgMPs is also a great way to stay current. By connecting with other certified professionals, PgMPs can learn from their peers and stay informed about best practices and trends in the field.
Practice 3: Participating in professional development opportunities
It is an important aspect of maintaining the PgMP credential. Professional development helps program managers acquire new skills and knowledge, stay current with industry trends, and improve their performance on the job.
One way to participate in professional development opportunities is by taking formal training classes or workshops. These can include PMI-approved courses, university-level classes, or specialized training programs. These opportunities can be in-person or online and can provide a structured way to learn new skills and knowledge.
Another way to participate in professional development opportunities is by seeking out mentoring or coaching. By working with an experienced program manager, PgMPs can gain valuable insights and guidance on how to improve their skills and advance their careers.
In-house or on-the-job training opportunities can also provide valuable professional development.
This can include taking on additional responsibilities, leading complex projects, or being part of cross-functional teams. These opportunities allow PgMPs to apply their skills and knowledge in real-world situations, and gain experience leading different types of projects and managing different types of stakeholders.
Practice 4: Volunteering with PMI
Volunteering with PMI is a great way to maintain the PgMP credential and give back to the project management community. PMI offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for certified professionals, including serving as a chapter leader, joining a committee, or mentoring other professionals.
By volunteering with PMI, PgMPs can develop leadership skills, gain valuable experience, and stay connected with the project management community. Additionally, many volunteer opportunities also offer opportunities to earn professional development units (PDUs), which can be used to meet the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) for the PgMP credential.
Volunteer with PMI is by becoming a chapter leader. PgMPs can serve as a chapter
leaders for their local PMI chapter, which is a great way to get involved in the community and build leadership skills.
Another way to volunteer with PMI is by joining a committee. PMI has a variety of committees that focus on different areas such as events, membership, education, and accreditation. Joining a committee is a great way to give back to the community and contribute to the development of best practices and standards in the field.
Mentoring is another way to volunteer with PMI. PgMPs can mentor other professionals and share their knowledge and experience. This can help other professionals improve their skills, and also provide PgMPs with an opportunity to reflect on their own skills and experience.
Practice 5: Reviewing and updating your PgMP application
Reviewing and updating your PgMP application is an important step in maintaining the PgMP credential. The PgMP application process is rigorous and requires program managers to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and experience in program management. By regularly reviewing and updating your PgMP application, you can ensure that your application remains current and accurately reflects your program management expertise.
To review and update your PgMP application is by keeping your resume and project information up-to-date. This includes making sure that your resume accurately reflects your current job responsibilities and accomplishments and that your project information is current and relevant.
Another way to review and update your PgMP application is by staying organized. This can include keeping track of your professional development activities, such as training classes and workshops, and maintaining a portfolio of your work. This will ensure that you have all the necessary information on hand when it comes time to update your application.
It is also important to regularly review the PMI’s PgMP Handbook, which outlines the requirements
and application process. This will help you stay informed about any changes to the application process and ensure that your application is complete and compliant with the PMI’s standards.
Practice 6: Maintaining professional relationships
It is an important aspect of maintaining the PgMP credential. Building and maintaining professional relationships can provide valuable networking and learning opportunities, and can help PgMPs stay connected with the program management community.
To maintain professional relationships is by networking. Networking can be done in person at events such as conferences or workshops, or online through social media or professional networking sites. By connecting with other program managers, PgMPs can learn from their peers, stay informed about best practices and industry trends, and gain valuable insights into different types of projects and organizations.
By mentoring others, PgMPs can share their knowledge and experience and help other professionals improve their skills. Being mentored by an experienced program manager can also provide valuable learning and growth opportunities for PgMPs.
Staying in touch with former colleagues and classmates is also a great way to maintain professional relationships. By staying connected with people from your past professional experiences, PgMPs can stay informed about what’s happening in the field and potentially tap into new opportunities.
Conclusion
Eduhubspot’s PgMP Bootcamp is designed to help program managers maintain and update their PgMP credentials. Our program covers the six best practices for staying competitive in the field and demonstrating the expertise to employers and clients. These include: Keeping up with the PMI’s
Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR), staying current with industry trends and developments, participating in professional development opportunities, volunteering with PMI, reviewing and updating your PgMP application, and maintaining professional relationships. Through our PgMP Bootcamp, PgMPs can continue to invest in their professional development, stay current in their field, and demonstrate their commitment to improving their skills and knowledge. By maintaining the PgMP credential, program managers can continue to deliver value to their organizations and clients and advance their careers.