About Project Management Institute (PMI)

The Project Management Institute (PMI) , incorporated in 1969, was founded by five volunteers, with its headquarters in Newtown Square, outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It has published a number of standards related to project management, and manages several levels of project management certification.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) published the first Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide as a white paper in 1987 in an attempt to document and standardize generally accepted project management information and practices[1]. The current edition, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – Third Edition, was released on 2004-10-31 and provides a basic reference for Project Management.

The PMBOK Guide – Third Edition is an internationally recognized standard (IEEE Std 1490-2003) that provides the fundamentals of project management that are applicable to a wide range of projects, including construction, software, engineering, automotive, etc.

The Guide recognizes 5 basic process groups and 9 knowledge areas typical of almost all projects. The basic concepts are applicable to projects, programs and operations. The five basic process groups are:

1. Initiating,


2. Planning,


3. Executing,


4. Controlling and Monitoring,


5. and Closing.

For more information about PMBOK Guide, please click here

Certification Courses offered by PMI
With three credentials currently available — and market research being conducted to learn of the profession’s need for more — PMI offers a comprehensive certification program for professionals with varying levels of experience that supports a career framework:

• Program Management Professional (PgMPSM)


• Project Management Professional (PMP®)


• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®)


• New PMI Credentials for Project Management in Development

Program Management Professional (PgMPSM) Credential
PMI's newest credential has been developed to demonstrate the skills of professionals who manage multiple related projects that are aligned with an organization's strategy. Those with the PgMP credential have successfully completed a rigorous multi-stage knowledge, skills and experience assessment process

Program Management Professional (PgMPSM) Credential

PMI's newest credential has been developed to demonstrate the skills of professionals who manage multiple related projects that are aligned with an organization's strategy. Those with the PgMP credential have successfully completed a rigorous multi-stage knowledge, skills and experience assessment process.

Candidates for the PgMP credential:

• Are responsible — under minimal supervision — for the coordinated management of multiple related projects directed toward strategic business and organizational objectives. These programs contain complex activities that may span functions, organizations, geographic regions and cultures.
  
• Define and initiate projects and assign project managers to manage cost, schedule and performance of component projects, while working to ensure the ultimate success and acceptance of the program. Program managers are responsible for determining and coordinating the sharing of resources among their constituent projects to the overall benefit of the program.
  
• Possess the knowledge and skills needed to be effective in both the project and business or government environment and to make decisions that accomplish strategic objectives. They should have advanced skills in finance, cross-cultural awareness, leadership, communication, influence, negotiation and conflict resolution.

For more information, download the PgMP Credential Handbook

Project Management Professional (PMP®) Credential

One of the most valued credentials in project management, the PMP credential assures employers that you are committed to project management. Earning and maintaining this credential demonstrates a solid foundation of experience in effectively managing projects.

Candidates for the PMP credential:

• Perform their duties under general supervision and are responsible for all aspects of the project for the life of the project.


• Lead and direct cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget and resources.


• Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and experience to appropriately apply a methodology to projects that have reasonably well-defined project requirements and deliverables.

For more information, download the PMP Credential Handbook

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) Credential

Considered an essential step for project team members, the CAPM credential can benefit a wide range of individuals who want to demonstrate a comprehensive and consistent understanding of the application of their work. By gaining knowledge of project management processes and terminology, project team members can enhance their contributions to the team’s success.
The CAPM is designed for project team members who:

• Provide subject matter expertise (e.g. marketing, finance, customer care, processing, fulfillment)


• Serve as project team sponsors, facilitators, liaisons or coordinators

For more information, download the CAPM Credential Handbook

New PMI Credentials for Project Management in Development

In response to market demand to distinguish specialized roles on project teams, PMI introduces two new credentials: one for project risk and one for project scheduling. Because projects are getting bigger, more complex and more globally diverse, the market suggests that risk and scheduling are key aspects of a project. As a result, PMI initiated a two-pronged global research study, employing its dedicated research function, to determine the importance of specialty credentials.

The project scheduling credential and project risk credential addresses the need for project practitioners to distinguish their roles and contributions in their specialized area of project management. These new credentials are currently in development and PMI will release them in 2008.