Selecting a project management professional (PMP) exam prep course is one of the most important decisions that you’ll make in your career.
Whether it is PMP certification cost or location, it’s necessary to do some research to make the best decision.
The project management certification is considered to be the gold standard for professional project managers and can set you apart from your peers.
Below are just a few factors to consider when selecting a PMP exam prep course:
1. Credentials Of The Instructor
One of the essential factors in determining a quality course is the credentials of the instructor. The PMP credential has strict guidelines that have to be followed and should not be taken lightly.
A certified instructor will ensure all necessary teaching requirements are met, such as work experience or educational qualifications. This ensures you’re getting an accurate depiction of what it is to prepare for the exam and what you are expected to know.
The online certification course should also be accredited PMI® Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.) This ensures that all teaching standards have been met, ensuring quality instruction is given to students. Accredited courses will provide updated materials, structured lessons; up-to-date standards; and a detailed summary of the exam.
You should also be able to view information about the instructor, such as their teaching experience. It is important for an instructor to have knowledge in both project management and PMI, so ensure they do before signing up with them.
2. Course Outline
A review of the outline of the PMP certification course is often an excellent place to start. Make sure that all your needs are being met, such as eligibility requirements, length of lessons, and availability for online learning.
Think about how much you want to spend on an exam prep course and what form it will take (in-person or virtual).
3. Application Support
The best course for you will be one with a wide variety of subjects and can support the study needs of individual learners.
Some PMP certification courses offer e-learning, which allows students to take classes on their own time in an asynchronous manner, such as at night or during breaks from work.
Other options are live online classrooms, where students can log in at a designated time to participate.
4. Online vs. Face-to-Face Classes
If you are a self-starter, an online course might be the best fit for your study style.
However, if being in a classroom with other students and teachers is what helps motivate you to learn more efficiently, then attending face-to-face classes may be better suited for your needs.
5. Location Of The Course
Location of the course can be a factor to consider when selecting an exam prep course, especially if you have limited mobility.
For example, if your job requires that you work at client sites on occasion and will need access to project management software while there or during project management training in order to take notes for yourself about what is being covered.
These types of sites may not have internet access, so you’ll need to be able to take a break from the course in order to get online and work on your project management tasks at the office when needed.
6. Compare Courses
There are a lot of different PMP exam prep courses out there. You can find everything from an in-person course to online video lectures, webinars, and live group training sessions on your computer or mobile device.
The best way to compare them is by looking at the materials available for study: what would you be expected to learn in the course, how long would it take to complete, and what is included?
A lot of PMP prep courses come with supplemental materials such as a workbook or a flashcard app. Some might even include access to webinars, online lectures, or live group training sessions hosted by an instructor. All these courses are different, so you have to find the one that is best for you.
You should also consider and compare the PMP certification cost and plan your budget accordingly.
Conclusion
Getting a project management certification requires you to pass an exam and for that, you have to prepare well. A good prep course will allow you to get the required knowledge and understanding. However, there are a lot of PMP certifications courses and above are some factors that will help you choose the best among them.
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