As illustrated by Andrew Winston, renowned author and consultant, in his words "Executives must approach preparation for the PMP Exam as they would a critical strategic initiative." For executives, tackling the exam is not a simple matter of passing a test, but a strategic investment in the corporation's talent pipeline. This rigorous exam should drive a broader understanding of Project Management and offer insights applicable to the daily decision-making and strategic directions they implement.
The Importance of PMP Certification
For C-level executives, the PMP certification offers a validation of your employees' commitment and understanding of the Project Management discipline. This certification is recognized worldwide, representative of the level of expertise, ethical standards, and competency in driving multi-dimensional teams, and meeting project objectives. Moreover, the Project Management Institute (PMI) asserts that PMP certified individuals earn up to 20% more than their non-certified counterparts—creating a greater incentive for internal development.
The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide
Revising from PMBOK should be the linchpin in your preparation strategy. The in-depth reference guide provides expanded insights into Project Management components. Though dry and quite comprehensive, it is invaluable when it comes to understanding the methods, frameworks, and best practices employed in the discipline–especially crucial in the Decision-Making process and Strategic Management.
Personalized Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential, taking into consideration the dynamic nature of the executive role. The plan should be crafted to align with the individual's learning style, incorporating regular, timed practice sessions for maximum retention and concept application. Incorporating agile methodologies that focus on incremental learning can prove beneficial for retaining "bite-sized" pieces of information.
Focused Knowledge Areas
The exam syllabus consists of five distinct areas: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, Closing. Each of these corresponds with the integral stages of Project Life Cycle Models. Strive to understand the interplay between these stages and how one can leverage them for Strategic Planning, Digital Transformation, Risk Management, and Operational Excellence.
Simulation Tests
Simulation tests are a strategic tool in assessing one's preparations. These tests not only acquaint the candidate with the exam's structure but also highlight areas for improvement. Thus, they provide insights into the individual's strengths and weaknesses and guide them in their Performance Management.
Training and Professional Development Units (PDUs)
PMI requires applicants to undergo 35 hours of formal Project Management education, also known as PDUs. Structured around core competencies, these units provide extensive insights into Project Management principles, methodologies, and best practices. They bring forth technological advancements, changes in market dynamics, and emerging trends, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the industry.
Importance of Networking
Being part of Project Management communities, forums, or study groups can provide essential insight, support, and motivation. Sharing personal learning strategies, techniques, and experiences can lead to critical revelations about the preparation process and even about concepts that seemed elusive. Furthermore, building a strong network opens avenues to share your input and gain wisdom from other seasoned project management professionals.
The Essential Role of Application
Applying the learnings to real-life project scenarios can aid in retaining information and understanding the theoretical concepts better. C-level executives might redesign some business processes or execute dummy projects to deepen their insights into the key learnings. This application builds a pool of experiences that aid in better decision-making, risk assessment, planning, and Management Performance.
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
"As a consultant requiring up to date and professional material that will be of value and use to my clients, I find Flevy a very reliable resource.
The variety and quality of material available through Flevy offers a very useful and commanding source for information. Using Flevy saves me time, enhances my expertise and ends up being a good decision."
– Dennis Gershowitz, Principal at DG Associates
"FlevyPro has been a brilliant resource for me, as an independent growth consultant, to access a vast knowledge bank of presentations to support my work with clients. In terms of RoI, the value I received from the very first presentation I downloaded paid for my subscription many times over! The quality of the decks available allows me to punch way above my weight – it's like having the resources of a Big 4 consultancy at your fingertips at a microscopic fraction of the overhead."
– Roderick Cameron, Founding Partner at SGFE Ltd
"[Flevy] produces some great work that has been/continues to be of immense help not only to myself, but as I seek to provide professional services to my clients, it give me a large "tool box" of resources that are critical to provide them with the quality of service and outcomes they are expecting."
– Royston Knowles, Executive with 50+ Years of Board Level Experience
"One of the great discoveries that I have made for my business is the Flevy library of training materials.
As a Lean Transformation Expert, I am always making presentations to clients on a variety of topics: Training, Transformation, Total Productive Maintenance, Culture, Coaching, Tools, Leadership Behavior, etc. Flevy usually has just what I need to make my point.
It is well worth the money to purchase these presentations. Sure, I have the knowledge and information to make my point. It is another thing to create a presentation that captures what I want to say. Flevy has saved me countless hours of preparation time that is much better spent with implementation that will actually save money for my clients."
– Ed Kemmerling, Senior Lean Transformation Expert at PMG
"Flevy is our 'go to' resource for management material, at an affordable cost. The Flevy library is comprehensive and the content deep, and typically provides a great foundation for us to further develop and tailor our own service offer."
– Chris McCann, Founder at Resilient.World
"FlevyPro provides business frameworks from many of the global giants in management consulting that allow you to provide best in class solutions for your clients."
– David Harris, Managing Director at Futures Strategy
"My FlevyPro subscription provides me with the most popular frameworks and decks in demand in today’s market. They not only augment my existing consulting and coaching offerings and delivery, but also keep me abreast of the latest trends, inspire new products and service offerings for my practice, and educate me in a fraction of the time and money of other solutions. I strongly recommend FlevyPro to any consultant serious about success."
– Bill Branson, Founder at Strategic Business Architects
"As an Independent Management Consultant, I find Flevy to add great value as a source of best practices, templates and information on new trends. Flevy has matured and the quality and quantity of the library is excellent. Lastly the price charged is reasonable, creating a win-win value for the customer, Flevy and the various authors. This is truly a service that benefits the consulting industry and associated clients. Thanks for providing this service. "
– Jim Schoen, Principal at FRC Group
SELECT CUSTOMERS
Since 2012, we have provided best practices to over 10,000 businesses and organizations of all sizes across the world—in over 130 countries.
Below is just a very small sample of our customer base.
Did you know?
The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.
Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S Strategy Model, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Experience Curve, and many more.
Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S Strategy Model, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Experience Curve, and many more.