Prerequisites
I don't have a technical background—can I successfully earn a certificate in project management?
Yes! Project managers can come from virtually any educational or experience background. Project managers have to be able to understand and communicate both the technical and business cases for a project.
Do I need prior experience with computers?
Participants must have basic computer skills with the ability to navigate file directories, save and open files, copy and paste, and be familiar with Microsoft Windows functions.
Program / technical details
Is the certificate primarily a software-training course?
No, but software is used in most of its modules, and familiarity with software support is needed to effectively plan, structure, and control projects in the working world. The program includes training in Microsoft Project software.
My company doesn't have Microsoft Project, and neither do I. What will I do when I need to use it outside the classroom?
Program participants are provided with Microsoft Project software (click here for system requirements). The software is also available on the computers at the UD Downtown Center (subject to machine availability).
Each module is graded by the facilitator, using a letter-grade system. The specific criteria and grading method is explained in the syllabus for each module. Our objective is to have participants earn the certificate, so in the event unsatisfactory work is submitted, it is usually returned with feedback to help do it correctly and is resubmitted for a final grade.
Do I have to complete all the modules to earn the certificate? I sometimes have to travel or have family obligations that might make it difficult to attend all the classes.
Yes, you do need to complete all the modules. We realize that circumstances can sometimes make it difficult to attend all the classes, so the facilitators will work with you to try to keep you from falling behind in the program. Complete or nearly complete attendance will be necessary to earn the certificate.
Project management careers
I’m thinking of a career change, and I'm investigating project management as a possibility. What is the job market for project managers like?
In short, very good. The growing application of project management in many organizations has created a long-term upward growth trend in demand for project managers. The economic downturn has hurt demand in some industries (construction, as one major example), as has the delay of growth-related projects. Over the long term, however, increasing demand and Baby Boomer retirements lead many observers to predict continued long-term growth in demand.
My company has significant international operations—is project management something that can be used outside the U.S.?
Not only can it be used, but it is highly recommended. In many ways, project management is an international “language” of work—it permits people of many nationalities to plan, organize, track, and control projects on common, well-understood terms, without regard to differences in the way people behave or communicate in different parts of the world.
I'd like to earn the certificate, but I don’t know if my organization will ever give me a project to do. What if that happens?
Project management is a way of thinking as well as a management method, and that way of thinking can be applied to much “non-project” work, with significant benefits.
We’re not a technical company—is project management of any value to us?
Absolutely yes! “Projects” are found in every kind of organization, whether profit or nonprofit, private or public. Project management has become a nearly universal (and growing) management tool.
What would you say is the single best payoff of being a project manager?
That’s easy—fun! There is an old expression in human resource management: “There’s a huge difference between having 25 years of experience and having one year of experience 25 times.” Project managers get 25 years of experience.
PMP® credential / PMP® exam
As a registered education provider for the Project Management Institute, The University of Delaware is authorized to issue Professional Development Units (PDUs). PDUs are always associated with certification or re-certification and are not correlated to college credit (ACE) in any way. Click here for more information about PDUs, including the PMI® informational video "What are PDUs?"
I am a project manager with a PMP credential. How many PDUs can I earn with this certificate?
Upon completion of the certificate, Project Management Professionals will earn 42 PDUs.
I am a project manager who would like to sit for the PMP exam. Does this certificate provide me with the 35 contact hours of project management education required?
Yes, completion of this certificate will provide 42 contact hours of project management education.
Does this program prepare me for the PMP Exam?
The Project Management Certificate program is a starting point in preparing the student for taking the PMP Exam by introducing them to the core competencies of Project Management as described in the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). It is suggested that as with any exam, the student should study and be prepared to answer 200 multiple choice questions over a 4-hour period. This can be done by taking a PMP prep course or by purchasing a PMP Exam Guide.
Why should I consider professional certification?
Professional certification is a way to formally document your expertise and accomplishments in a particular business discipline. It is a way to enhance and enrich your resume with formal recognition from industry associations. The achievement of a professional certification can aid in career advancement and position you to earn a higher salary.
PMP, PMI, PMBOK and the PMI Registered Education Provider logo are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
