If you have decided to break into the world of project management and you started researching this subject, you must have already heard of the Project Management Institute (PMI®).

The Project Management Institute is focused on the needs of project management professionals world-wide. With more than 200,000 members,
PMI® is the global leader in the discipline of project management. Among other things, the institute stands as a global leader in the development of standards for the practice of project management; is the world’s leading publisher of project management materials; offers online career services for project management employers and practitioners; provides certifications as the preeminent professional credential for individuals associated with project management.

If you are an aspiring project manager and you need an edge over others, nothing can serve you more than becoming a PMI® member and acquiring PMI® Credentials. Currently, PMI® offers three distinct certifications.

  1. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) - A CAPM Credential can benefit professionals from all disciplines by demonstrating clear direction to their work and by gaining knowledge of project management processes and terminology. You can get more information on CAPM® Credential by visiting http://www.pmi.org/prod/groups/public/documents/info/pdc_capm.asp.
  2. Project Management Professional (PMP®) - This is the profession’s most globally recognized and respected credential. The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management. You can get more information on PMP® Credential by visiting http://www.pmi.org/prod/groups/public/documents/info/pdc_pmp.asp.
  3. Program Management Professional (PgMPSM) - Candidates who earn this credential will be internationally recognized as professionals with the knowledge and experience to make and implement the important decisions and accomplish the strategic objectives that enhance business results. You can get more information on PgMPSM Credential by visiting http://www.pmi.org/prod/groups/public/documents/info/pdc_pgmp.asp.

One of the first steps to the project management career path is to acquire Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) credential.
You can benefit from a CAPM if you are a:

1. Project team member;

2. Junior project management practitioner or new
to the project management profession;

3. Undergraduate or graduate student with an
interest in project management.

The exam is based on one and only one publication - “A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)”, Third Edition.

About the PMBOK® Guide

The PMBOK® Guide is ever evolving sum of knowledge within the profession of project management. It is always evolving because it is compiled by professionals who are always striving to improve the project management process. The primary
purpose of the PMBOK® Guide is to identify that subset of the Project Management Body of Knowledge that is generally recognized as good practice.

The book is divided into three sections:

Section 1 – Project Management Framework (describes basic structure for understanding project management)

Section 2 – Project Management Processes for a Project (describes 5 required Project Management Process)

Section 3 – Nine Project Management Areas – Integration Management, Scope Management, Time Management, Cost Management, Quality Management, Human Resources Management, Communication Management, Risk Management, and Procurement Management.