On March 1, 2011 the PMI® (Project Management Institute) will implement a new PDU structure simplifying the existing 18 categories to just 6. Other changes will ensure a 1 hour per PDU consistency across all categories and ensure all credential holders receive ongoing education. The PMI recommends submitting all existing PDU claims you may have before the transition.

How to obtain PDUs in the new structure

Under the new structure, PMP® credential holders may claim up to 30 PDUs for ‘Self-Directed Learning’. This can include reading project management related book or articles, watching educational videos or listening to podcasts, or having formalized discussions or mentoring sessions with colleagues. Additionally, you may claim up to 5 PDUs per year for ‘Working as a Project Manager’. This leaves 15 hours that must be obtained through formal education or giving back to the project management community by being a volunteer, author, or teacher.

For those seeking PDUs through ongoing education, Off Peak Training offers free 1-hour webinars as well as 2 day classes on project management topics such as ITIL®, Project Scheduling (PMI-SP®), and Risk Management (PMI-RP®). All Off Peak Training courses will provide students with ‘Category A’ PDUs. Visit our website for a list of upcoming classes in your area. For more information on the new PDU structure, visit the PMI’s Website:
www.pmi.org

Chris Talmont, Partner at Off Peak Training

News Alert

The demand for professionals with IT security and project management certifications has never grown faster. Off Peak Training has expanded its ownership and its course offerings. This month Chris Talmont and Chris Schulz, were added as principals to the business.

Official Press Release:

www.offpeaktraining.com/press

Additional Courses:

Additional PMP Certification courses and CISSP Certification courses.
www.offpeaktraining.com/pmp
www.offpeaktraining.com/cissp

In 2008, the Project Management Institute (PMI®) released two new credentials to its family of certifications. These credentials are meant to complement previous offerings, such as the PMP®, and recognize subject matter expertise in a specific knowledge area.

They include: PMI-SP® – Scheduling Professional and PMI-RMP® – Risk Management Professional

The PMI-SP® is a versatile certification ideal for both new project schedulers lacking the experience required to obtain a PMP®, as well as experienced project managers wanting to highlight their expertise in the knowledge area of project scheduling. The PMI-SP® focuses on the development, maintenance, analysis, and communication of the project schedule to the project team. In order to be eligible to take the exam for the PMI-SP® you must meet one of the two following sets of requirements based on experience and education:

A high school diploma or international equivalent.
5,000 hours of scheduling experience within the last five years
40 education hours completed with a certified educator.

- or -

A bachelor’s degree or international equivalent.
3,500 hours of scheduling experience within the last five years
30 education hours completed with a certified educator.

Earlier this year, Off Peak Training became the first training provider in the United States to have a PMI-SP® course registered under the PMI Registered Education Provider program. We are pleased to announce our first public PMI-SP® Exam Preparation course in November 2009. Two levels of the course will be offered:

Level 2 – Provides 24 hours of education to prepare students for the PMI-SP exam. This course is intended for students who already possess a PMP® or CAPM®. It will be held over 3 weekend days (11/14, 11/21, 11/22).

Level 1 – Provides 32 hours of education to prepare students for the PMI-SP exam. This course is intended for students who do not already have a PMI® certification. It will be held over 4 weekend days (11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/22).

To learn more or register for class, please visit:
http://www.offpeaktraining.com/courses/projectmanagement/pmi-sp/

Off Peak Training, a Reston, VA based company, offers public and private classes to help prepare business professionals for the PMP®, CAPM®, PMI-SP®, CISSP®, CAPM®, CISA®, and is a Registered Education Provider for the Project Management Institute.

If you are a member of PMI®, you probably read the PMI Passport® newsletter. In this month’s edition is a great article about building schedules. I’ve consulted with a number of clients on how to build effective schedules using Microsoft Project® on Windows® or FastTrack Schedule® on Mac®. The advice I’ve given aligns well with PMI’s article, Seven Tips on How to Build a Solid Schedule:

1. Realize the importance of the schedule.
2. Identify the availability of team members.
3. Build the schedule around deliverables.
4. Include regular milestones.
5. Expect that the schedule will change.
6. Have a process for managing change.
7. Watch for “hangers.”

This is a great read. I recommend you share it with your fellow project managers.