30 August 2007

PMI is proud to announce that the Program Management Professional (PgMP^SM) Credential will be made available to the public as of 1 October 2007! With project management's growing implementation around the world and across industries, PMI continues its leadership in credentialing by launching PgMP for the community of program managers.

Two years in the making, the credential is now fully tested and has met PMI's strenuous acceptance criteria to take its rightful place in PMI’s family of credentials. The PgMP will become a market-recognized professional credential from the world's largest project management organization through which candidates can demonstrate their experience, knowledge and performance as a program manager.

PMI's first-ever invitation-only pilot was a huge success. Candidates from 16 countries participated in the PgMP pilot, which completed in early August. They had this to share:

“The PgMP is sure to become the international standard for program management professionals, much like the PMP has become the standard for project managers,"says Brain Grafsgaard, PMP, PgMP, director of professional services for Quality Business Solutions (QBS) in Minnetonka, Minnesota,USA.

According to Ajaibir Singh, PMP, PgMP, New Delhi, India, "Though the PgMP is not as well known in the organization and industry today, it is the need of the hour and will become essential to succeed in projects and programs."

PMI's vast network of Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.s) and Components will have the opportunity to offer candidates of this new credential comprehensive program management or PgMP preparation courses around the globe.

To maintain an active certification status, credential holders will be asked to show their commitment to project and program management as well as to their organization by expanding their professional knowledge through a Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program identical to the PMP CCR program. Classes for those with this new credential in which a credential holder can earn PDUs may also be offered by many of the same R.E.P.s who offer examination preparation.

PMI is excited about the possibilities of credentialed project team members, project managers and program managers working together using knowledge and techniques from the Project Management Body of Knowledge to achieve organizational success. Please contact customercare@pmi.org with questions or inquiries.

Sincerely,
PMI Certification Department