Exam Objectives:
The Program Management Professional (PGMP) exam assesses an individual's ability to manage and coordinate multiple related projects as a program, with the objective of achieving strategic goals and business benefits. The exam objectives cover five domains:
- Strategic Program Management
- Program Benefit Management
- Program Stakeholder Engagement
- Program Governance
- Program Life Cycle
Each domain includes a set of tasks that a program manager should be able to perform in order to be successful. The exam questions are designed to test a candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities in each of these domains.
Related Books:
PMI offers a range of study materials to help candidates prepare for the PGMP exam. These include:
- Standard for Program Management, Fourth Edition
- Program Management: A Life Cycle Approach
- Program Management Professional (PgMP) Handbook
- Practice Standard for Program Management, Third Edition
- PMI Lexicon of Project Management Terms
Candidates may also find it helpful to study other project management guides and resources, such as the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and related industry publications.
Exam Details:
The PGMP exam is a four-hour, computer-based test consisting of 170 multiple-choice questions. The passing score is determined by a psychometric analysis and is not published by PMI. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE, PMI's official exam partner, and can be taken at any of their testing centers worldwide. The cost of the exam varies by location and membership status, but is typically around $1,500 for non-members and $800 for PMI members.
The exam format includes a mix of situational, scenario-based, and knowledge-based questions, which are designed to test the candidate's ability to apply program management principles in a real-world context. Candidates are given a calculator and scratch paper to use during the exam, but are not allowed to bring any other reference materials or electronic devices into the testing room.
PMI recommends that candidates have at least four years of experience in program management, as well as a secondary degree (such as a bachelor's or master's degree), before attempting the PGMP exam. However, individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent may also be eligible to take the exam if they have at least seven years of program management experience. In addition, candidates must have completed at least 35 hours of formal program management education before applying to take the exam.
After passing the exam, candidates must also maintain their PGMP certification by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years, and by participating in ongoing program management activities and education.