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Project Managers Guide to Certification
Project Managers Guide to Certification
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Contents 1 Document Control 3
1.1 Document History 3
1.2 Review Panel 3
1.3 Approvals 3
1.4 Supporting Documents 4
2 Certification Overview 5
2.1 PRINCE2 5
2.2 PMBOK 6
2.3 IPMA (Prince2 & PMBOK Combined) 6
2.4 Agile 7
3 PRINCE2 Based Training 8
3.1 PRINCE2 8
3.2 P3O 8
3.3 MSP 9
4 PMI - PMBOK Based Training 11
4.1 PMP – Project Management Professional (PMP) 11
4.2 CAPM - Certified Associate in Project Management 11
4.3 Other PMI Credentials 11
5 IPMA – Prince2 and PMBOK Combined 12
6 AGILE & SCRUM 13
6.1 PRINCE2 Agile 13
6.2 PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) 13
6.3 IPMA Agile Project Management 13
6.4 Professional Scrum Certification 14
7 Qualification Maintenance 15
8 OPS 2020 Documentation 16
9 Action 10 Training Sub-Group Recommendation 17
Project Managers Guide to Certification
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1 Document Control
1.1 Document History
Date Version Author Comments
04/11/19 1.0 Edelle Boles
OGCIO
Document created
11/11/19 1.1 Paula Flanagan
OGCIO
Edits throughout. Document issued to Action 10
Training Sub-Group Chair for review.
18/09/20 1.2 Kevin Dowling DOD Recommendations section and cross reference
section to supporting documents included.
23/10/20 1.3 Kevin Dowling DOD Some amendments based on feedback from sub-
group
16/12/20 1.4 Kevin Dowling DOD Disclaimer notification regarding information on
database
1.2 Review Panel
Review Panel
Name Role
David Healy – OGP Chair Action 10 Training Sub-Group
Andrew Kelso – TUD Action 10 Training Sub-Group
1.3 Approvals
Version Approval Date Approver Details
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1.4 Supporting Documents
Document Location Owner
OPS 2020 Project Management Courses (MS Excel
Spreadsheet)
OPS 2020 Project Management Competency
Framework
Project Managers Guide to Certification
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2 Certification Overview
The purpose of this document is to outline the project management certification training
available in the market today.
While there are a number of education and training bodies offering project management
modules as part of a broader course, there are predominantly three main project
management certification routes, which are determined by the course content and formal
certification offered.
These routes are summarised below;
2.1 PRINCE2
PRINCE2 – (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-based approach for
project management that focuses on the day to day activities of a project. A process is a
structured set of activities designed to accomplish a specific objective. It takes one or
more defined inputs and turns them into defined outputs.
PRINCE2 divides projects into manageable and controllable stages throughout the project
life cycle. There are seven interconnected processes in PRINCE2, which provide the set
of activities required to direct, manage and deliver a project successfully. These are
summarised below;
1. Starting up a project.
2. Initiating a project.
3. Directing a project.
4. Controlling a stage.
5. Managing a stage boundary.
6. Managing product delivery.
7. Closing a project.
ALEXOS manages the PRINCE2 certification channel in Ireland.
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2.2 PMBOK
PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge). PMBOK is a set of standard
terminology and guidelines (a body of knowledge) for project management. The body of
knowledge evolves over time and is presented in A Guide to the Project Management
Body of Knowledge (the Guide to the PMBOK or the Guide), a book whose sixth edition
was released in 2017. The Guide is a document resulting from work overseen by the
Project Management Institute (PMI), which offers the CAPM and PMP certifications. PMI
certifications are managed in Ireland by PMI – Ireland Chapter of PMI.
The PMBOK offers methods, tools and knowledge learning areas that help managers
enhance project success.
The PMBOK knowledge areas are summarised below;
1. Project Integration Management
2. Project Scope Management
3. Project Schedule Management
4. Project Cost Management
5. Project Quality Management
6. Project Resource Management
7. Project Communications Management
8. Project Risk Management
9. Project Procurement Management
10. Project Stakeholder Management.
2.3 IPMA (Prince2 & PMBOK Combined)
IPMA (International Project Management Association) The IPMA manages the
knowledge base while member associations in each country manage the certification
process. The IPMA® certification system is offered by the Institute of Project
Management Ireland. The Institute of Project Management Ireland is responsible for the
administration of IPMA’s 4 level certification system through its national certification body
PMI Certification.
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The entry level diploma in project management (IPMA Level D) starts with a framework of
project management best practices and techniques aimed at strengthening core project
management knowledge that covers the project management life cycle from Initiation
through to Closure (PMI), along with instruction in the ten PMBOK knowledge areas of
project management.
2.4 Agile
AGILE - There are also Agile certifications from Prince2 and PMI. Agile is a specialty
style of project management which is suited to R&D projects, software development
projects, and projects where the end goal is not well defined.
The various certification options are outlined in subsequent sections.
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3 PRINCE2 Based Training
ALEXOS is responsible for developing, enhancing and promoting the PRINCE2 best
practice framework. AXELOS is a joint venture company, created in 2013 by the Cabinet
Office on behalf of the UK Government and Capita plc, to manage, develop and grow the
Global Best Practice portfolio.
There are many third-party training providers in Ireland, but ALEXOS manages
certification for the following frameworks:
3.1 PRINCE2
There are four levels of certifications for PRINCE2:
1. PRINCE2® 2017 Foundation: confirms the holder has sufficient knowledge and
understanding of the PRINCE2 method to be able to work in a project
management team working with this method.
2. PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner: confirms the holder has achieved sufficient
understanding of how to apply PRINCE2 in a scenario situation and will, with
suitable direction, be able to start applying the method to a real project.
3. PRINCE2® Agile Foundation: confirms the holder has sufficient knowledge and
understanding of the PRINCE2 method and agile way of working and how agile
can be combined to PRINCE2.
4. PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner: confirms the holder is able to apply the project
management principles of PRINCE2 whilst combining agile concepts such
as Scrum.
3.2 P3O
Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices. P3O® brings together a set of principles,
processes and techniques to help the project management office (PMO), provide a
balanced portfolio of change and ensure consistent delivery of projects and programmes
across the business.
P3O® supports and is aligned to PRINCE2®
The P3O® certification scheme has been developed to offer two levels of certification,
Foundation and Practitioner.
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P3O® Foundation: The purpose of the Foundation certification is to confirm that the
holder has sufficient knowledge and understanding of the P3O guidance to interact
effectively with, or act as an informed member of, an office within a P3O model. The
Foundation certification is a pre-requisite for the Practitioner certification.
P3O® Practitioner: The purpose of the Practitioner certification is to confirm that the
holder has achieved sufficient knowledge and understanding of the P3O guidance to
design, implement, manage or work within any component office of a P3O model. A
successful candidate will have an overall understanding of the elements, roles, functions
and tools and techniques deployed in a generalized P3O model.
3.3 MSP
Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) is part of the Global Best Practice suite of publications, which helps organisations and individuals manage their projects, programmes and services consistently and effectively. The MSP® certification scheme has been developed to offer three levels of certification: Foundation, Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner. MSP® is written primarily for those who are involved in the direction, management, support and delivery of programmes.
MSP® supports and is aligned to PRINCE2®
MSP® Foundation: The MSP Foundation certification introduces the Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) method and terminology. The purpose of the Foundation certification is to determine whether the holder knows and understands the MSP guidance well enough to be able to work with a team involved in the management of a programme or act as an informed member of a programme office, business change team or project delivery team working within an environment supporting MSP.
MSP® Practitioner: The MSP Practitioner certification is aimed at project managers,
business change managers (BCMs) and those working within a Programme Office (PO)
or in a specialist or governance position within an organisation. It demonstrates the
holder’s ability to understand and apply the MSP principles, governance themes and
transformational flow processes when managing a programme.
This level is also a prerequisite for those who wish to progress to the MSP Advanced
Practitioner certification, and those aspiring to become programme management
professionals in the future.
MSP® Advanced Practitioner: The MSP Advanced Practitioner certification is the next
step for programme managers and aimed at those who can demonstrate they are able to
lead and manage a programme of transformational change. That is whether the holder
has sufficient understanding to be able to apply the MSP guidance in a complex
programme within an environment that uses MSP.
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MSP® Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner Re-registration: If you are an MSP
Practitioner or Advanced Practitioner, you are required to sit an additional re-registration
examination within three to five years of your original certification in order to retain your
accreditation.
Taking the re-registration examination also enables you to demonstrate your commitment
to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and that your knowledge of MSP remains
current.
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4 PMI - PMBOK Based Training
The PMI (The Project Management Institute) oversees the PMBOK Guide and serves
more than 2.9 million professionals including over 500,000 members in 208 countries and
territories around the world, its services include the development of standards, research,
education, and publication, networking-opportunities in local chapters, hosting
conferences and training seminars, and providing accreditation in project management.
PMI certifications are managed in Ireland by PMI – Ireland Chapter of PMI.
4.1 PMP – Project Management Professional (PMP)
PMP is an internationally recognised professional accreditation and one of eight
credentials offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The exam is based on the
PMI - PMBOK.
Certification training is offered by numerous vendors in Ireland.
4.2 CAPM - Certified Associate in Project Management
CAPM is an entry-level certification for project practitioners. Designed for those with less
project experience, the CAPM is intended to demonstrate candidates' understanding of
the fundamental knowledge, terminology and processes of effective project management.
Certification training is offered by numerous vendors in Ireland.
4.3 Other PMI Credentials
PMI offers a comprehensive certification programme for practitioners with many different
levels of education and experience. There are currently six other certifications which are
developed and maintained by the PMI. These are summarised below;
Program Management Professional (PgMP)
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)
PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)
PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)
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5 IPMA – Prince2 and PMBOK Combined
IPMA® (International Project Management Association) is a project management
association. It is a Federation of 73 Member Associations (MAs) from the Americas,
Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe.
IPMA® plays a leading role in the development and promotion of the project management
profession, providing standards and guidelines for the work of a wide range of project
management talent through the IPMA® Competence Baseline (IPMA ICB®).
The IPMA® offers a competency-based Four-Level Certification System for programme
and project managers, which is outlined in the diagram below.
The IPMA® certification system is offered by the Institute of Project Management Ireland.
The Institute of Project Management Ireland is responsible for the administration of
IPMA’s 4 level certification system through its national certification body PMI Certification.
Level D starts with a framework of project management best practices and techniques that will strengthen core project management knowledge that covers the project management life cycle from Initiation through to Closure, along with the ten PMBOK knowledge areas of project management.
Level A& B - Levels for the very experienced and competent project, programme and portfolio managers Level C - Aimed at people who have 3-5 years of working experience. Level D - Starting level, aimed at starting professionals
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6 AGILE & SCRUM
Agile refers to a set of principles and values shared by several methodologies, processes
and practices; Scrum is one of several agile frameworks and is the most popular.
The Agile Method and methodology is a particular approach to project management that
is utilised mainly in software development. This method assists teams in responding to
the unpredictability of constructing software. It uses incremental, iterative work sequences
that are commonly known as sprints.
Scrum is the most widely used and popular agile framework. The term agile describes a specific set of foundational principles and values for organising and managing complex work. It is designed for teams of ten or fewer members, who break their work into goals that can be completed within time boxed iterations, called sprints, no longer than one month and most commonly two weeks, then track progress and re-plan in 15-minute time-boxed stand-up meetings, called daily scrums.
Scrum (n): An [agile] framework within which people can address complex adaptive problems,
while productively and creatively delivering products of the highest possible value. Source: ScrumGuides.org
6.1 PRINCE2 Agile
PRINCE2 Agile® is an agile project management solution, combining the flexibility and
responsiveness of agile with the governance of PRINCE2®.
Agile provides structure, governance and controls when working with agile concepts,
methods and techniques.
6.2 PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
PMI-ACP was created to apply agile principles and practices on projects. It requires a
combination of training, experience and an exam. It also bridges agile approaches such
as SCRUM, XP, LEAN and Kanban. The certification covers a broad range of agile
methods and is not associated with any specific methodology.
6.3 IPMA Agile Project Management
IPMA® Certified Agile Project Management is a certified agile project management
training.
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6.4 Professional Scrum Certification
A scrum master, is accountable for removing impediments to the ability of the team to
deliver the product goals and deliverables. The scrum master is not a traditional team
lead or project manager but acts as a buffer between the team and any distracting
influences. The scrum master ensures that the scrum framework is followed. The scrum
master helps to ensure the team follows the agreed processes in the Scrum framework,
often facilitates key sessions, and encourages the team to improve.
Scrum Certification Paths;-
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7 Qualification Maintenance
For PMP, the certification lasts for 3 years and the maintenance requirements are quite extensive. They include 60 PDU’s (Professional Development Units) over each 3 year period from certification. Courses must be a minimum of 25 of those PDU’s and must be varied across three categories: Leadership, Technical, and Strategic.
For CAPM, you must simply retake the exam every 5 years.
The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification lasts for 3 years. You can elect to sit the exam again after the three year period to ensure it doesn’t expire. However, you can avoid the exam by registering for a subscription to ALEXOS and recording 20 CPD (Continual Professional Development) points.
The PRINCE2 Foundation certification does not expire.
The IPMA requires 3,500 hours per year of direct project management experience at the applicable level of project management (levels A – D). Thus, you need to be continually active in project management to maintain certification.
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8 OPS 2020 Documentation
A sub-group of Action 10 of Our Public Service 2020 was tasked with defining project management roles, associated and recommended training programmes. The sub-group has produced a document entitled OPS2020 Project Management Competency Framework which captures project management related job profiles and career path structures for public servants. The sub-group has also produced a “one-stop shop” learner’s database capturing core attributes of project management courses to assist individual learners and organisations make informed choices about training and pathways for further development. This database will be refreshed on a regular basis. Every effort has been made to provide information on the database that is current and accurate. Nevertheless, inadvertent errors in information may occur. Links to websites / documents, course costs, duration and details of course providers are inserted for convenience and do not constitute endorsement of material at those sites, or any associated organisation, product or service. While courses on the database are attributed to providers, some courses may be provided by multiple other providers. The database is a rough guide so independent research and validation is required in all cases. The database, competencies document and this report are available on the Our Public Service 2020 portal.
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9 Action 10 Training Sub-Group Recommendation
One of the visions for Our Public Service 2020 is the development of a public service that values learning and development to support meaningful career pathways for professionals and generalists. The increase in the existence of project management competencies and experiences in job profiles in the public service is likely to be matched by demand for professional courses in the area. The Action 10 Training Sub-Group recommend accredited courses in the area of project management as they will provide for consistency in quality and a framework for best project management practices for public service organisations in addition to supporting individual learning and development opportunities. Informal and bespoke project management courses may be required by organisations in some instances. These courses provide a specific need and much like entry-level courses for project management, will unlikely fall under the certification process within the overall national framework or individual professional body’s continuous professional development paths. These courses should complement the overall suite of certified courses. The demand for uncertified training was borne out in a survey at the Project Management Network in July 2020 where 62% of attendees acknowledged accreditation but regarded “uncertified training just as beneficial”. Learning and Development units within public service bodies should consider identifying foundation courses that would examine elements of best practice in project management and provide learners with a knowledge of the fundamental elements. Civil service bodies have currently access to one such course facilitated through OneLearning1. The project management accreditation landscape is complex. A number of courses are aligned with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) while others form part of a continuous professional development pathway associated with professional bodies. In either case, the database will assist in identifying appropriate courses along with a pathway for further training. It can be expected that future project management training course will be delivered using more blended and online approaches. The provision of these may suit the needs of organisations and individual staff members who may look for a more flexible way to meet their training needs.
1 Learning and Development Unit for the Civil Service
