Posted on

What Good Are Certifications, Anyway?

African American women questions if certifications are good

Let’s face it: project management certifications can be time-consuming, mentally taxing, and sometimes expensive. So it’s fair to ask, are they really worth it? At RMC Learning Solutions, we hear this question all the time—from newcomers just starting out to experienced professionals eyeing their next big career move.

Here’s the truth: certifications aren’t just about passing an exam. They’re about signaling credibility, sharpening your skills, and unlocking new doors—both professionally and financially.

Employers Notice the Letters After Your Name

Whether it’s a CAPM®, PMP®, PMI-ACP®, or PMI-PBA®, certifications are a quick way for hiring managers and executives to understand your commitment to the profession. In a competitive job market, having a certification:

  • Moves your resume to the top of the stack
  • Demonstrates current, standardized knowledge
  • Builds trust before you even walk into the interview

Employers want to reduce risk when hiring. Certifications reduce that risk. They show you’ve met a global benchmark and can speak the same language as the teams you’ll lead.

It’s Not Just the Paper—It’s the Process

Getting certified isn’t just about the end result. The preparation itself is a growth experience.

  • You learn frameworks and practices that improve your work immediately
  • You gain confidence in terminology, stakeholder management, and planning
  • You often discover new methodologies or tools that weren’t part of your daily work

In other words, certification study doesn’t pull you away from your role—it levels you up inside of it.

Your Career Deserves Momentum

Many professionals reach a plateau and wonder how to take the next step. Certifications are one of the clearest ways to signal you’re ready for more:

  • Looking for a promotion? Certifications back your ask with evidence.
  • Changing industries? They validate transferable skills.
  • Going independent? They boost client confidence.

For some, certification leads to a title change. For others, it brings salary increases, expanded scope, or relocation opportunities. One thing is constant: it opens doors.

RMC’s Learning Plans: A Smarter Way to Certify (and Keep Growing)

At RMC, we don’t just want you to pass an exam. We want to see your whole career accelerate.

That’s why we launched our new subscription-based learning plans—to give learners at every level a structured, supported, and affordable path to certification and beyond. Whether you’re working toward your CAPM or building leadership confidence after earning your PMP, our plans:

  • Include coaching, practice exams, and tailored study paths
  • Are built to fit around busy schedules
  • Provide access to ongoing professional development

Because once you earn your credential, the journey doesn’t end. Your learning shouldn’t either.

So, What Good Are Certifications?

They set you apart. They sharpen your thinking. They move your career forward.

Certifications aren’t a shortcut. They’re a commitment. And they’re one of the most proven ways to turn experience into opportunity.

If you’re ready to make your next move, or simply want to validate the skills you already bring to the table, RMC is here to help you do it with confidence.

Posted on

What Makes an eLearning Course “Good”?

Person a desk attending an eLearning class

Interactive eLearning courses are hugely popular because so many people lead busy lives that make it difficult to get to a classroom or take an online course that’s offered live on a set schedule. Also, many people don’t have the funding available to travel to classes or leave work in order to attend class. Put simply, a lot of learners today need flexibility so they can study around their schedule, and they need to absorb new concepts in short amounts of time.

When you enroll in the right eLearning course, you can study the material that you need to advance your career, but you can do it from the comfort of home and at your own pace. Yet, despite their many benefits, not all eLearning courses are created equal. So, what makes an eLearning course worth your time and money?

Continue reading What Makes an eLearning Course “Good”?

Posted on

Create a Project Charter in Project Management

Young man creating a project charter

The project charter is a critical element of the project management process.  The charter is one of the first steps in initiating a project.  It is the tool allowing you to gain “buy in” on the project and its goals. Given its purpose, the charter should have minimum jargon and be easy to read.

 

Creating a Project Charter

  1. What Is a Project Charter?
  2. What Are the Benefits of Using a Charter?
  3. What to Include in A Project Charter

 

What Is a Project Charter?

The project charter is a document created by the project manager (along with the resources available). It is issued by the project’s sponsor and authorizes the project, giving the project manager authority to do their work. The charter is a high level description of , a target that must be met.The project has to be plans the project to reach that target.

 

Contained in the charter are the high-level scope and direction for the project, as well as other constraints and objectives that a project must meet in order to build that scope and be  considered a success. The information in the charter is the basis of the more detailed project management plan used to keep everyone focused on what needs to be achieved throughout the life of the project.

 

What Are the Benefits of Using a Charter?

A project charter provides the basis for the project manager and the team to know what problem they will solve or opportunity they will  take advantage of for their organization. Beyond that, a project charter provides the following benefits:

 

  • Formally authorizes the project to continue
  • Gives the project manager authority to spend money and commit resources on behalf of the organization
  • Provides the high-level project  requirements
  • Links the project to the ongoing work for the organization

 

What to Include In a Project Charter

Following are a list of items you should have in your project charter:

 

  1. A high-level description of the project. It should include the business case with the financial or other basis justifying the project.
  2. Establishment of a clear view of the initiative’s organizational value by addressing the business case and maintaining focus on meeting project objectives.
  3. dentification of  pre-assigned resources that may influence how the project will be planned. Some projects come with constraints on the number, location, or type of resources.
  4. identification of the key stakeholders who will affect or be affected by the project or product, as well as their known requirements.
  5. High level documentation of the major deliverables and the end result of the project as part of the product description.
  6. The intended end results of the project.
  7. Any known project constraints, such as time cost, scope, quality, resources, communications, risk, or stakeholder expectations. These may limit how the project is delivered.
  8. Known organizational, team or stakeholder assumptions.These will be tested , during planning, and updated throughout the project.
  9. Finally, the charter should describe project objectives in measurable terms, along with how the project will be evaluated for success or failure, who will sign off where necessary, and the authority level assigned to the project manager.

 

A charter including all this allows for the development of a project management plan that thoroughly defines the project, defines “done” and helps ensure a clear picture of what constitutes the end of the project.A

 

A Charter’s Big Impact on Your Project

Keep in mind that the project charter serves as a definition of how success of the project and the project manager will be measured. Therefore, without a charter, a project’s success, efficiency, and effectiveness are often difficult to measure.

 

If you are looking for additional resources about a project charter or other project management techniques,  get RMC’s Project Management Fundamentals book.  Our online book breaks down the tools and techniques every successful project manager should know and use in a predictive project environment.

 

Given its purpose and original (management) audience, the project charter should have a minimum of jargon, to be easy to read. It is a critical element of the project management process,  and is one of the outputs of project initiating .  It is essential to gaining buy in on the project and its goals.

 

Posted on

How to create a project communication plan

Woman writing a project communication plan

Creating a clear communication plan can help you effectively collaborate with your team, client, and stakeholders. Like other tools that you’ll use for the duration of a project, this plan will set straightforward guidelines that everyone will follow to stay on the same page as they work on meeting goals.

What’s a Project Communication Plan?

This plan outlines the methods that will be used to share information (think: meetings, emails, phone calls, status reports, discussion boards, etc.). And it also covers when information will be shared, who will be sharing it, and who will be receiving it. Plus, it gives everyone the opportunity to provide critical feedback that can help ensure a project’s success. Continue reading How to create a project communication plan

Posted on

Rita’s PMP® Exam Prep – New Upgraded Tenth Edition

Rita’s PMP® Exam Prep - New Upgraded Tenth Edition b

RMC Learning Solutions has combined its best-selling PMP® exam preparation book with our number-one exam simulation software to create a new upgraded PMP® exam preparation product that combines the best features of both to help you pass the PMP exam.

PMP® Exam Prep Upgraded

  1. What is the PMP Exam Prep, Tenth Edition – Upgraded?
  2. How is the PMP Exam Prep, Tenth Edition – Upgraded Different?
  3. Rita’s Exam Prep Reach
  4. The Ongoing Problem of Infringement

What is the PMP Exam Prep, Tenth Edition-Upgraded?

PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition — Upgraded  is FULLY updated to reflect PMI’s changes to the PMP® Examination Content Outline (2021).  It is intended for the current PMP® exam and will continue to be relevant throughout 2022.  This Upgraded Edition of our best-selling book now includes a license to the new PM FASTrack® – PMP® Exam Simulator – Version 10 Basic subscription.  PM FASTrack® Basic includes all the great features of our full online exam simulator.

Our book continues to offer the content and techniques you expect to help you pass the PMP® exam on our first try. You’ll find hundreds of sample questions and thought-provoking exercises along with critical time-saving tips. Rita’s Course in a BookTM will teach you Tricks of the Trade for passing the exam and help identify gaps in your knowledge with content developed exclusively by RMC. Busy project managers can optimize study time and focus on what matters to become certified.

How is the PMP Exam Prep, Tenth Edition-Upgraded Different?

Our prep book is now supplemented by our new exam simulator that gives you access to multiple focused tests.  These tests are designed to be taken after completing study of a specific topic from the book: Knowledge on a topic can be tested by answering the questions at the end of the chapter and taking the focused test in FASTrack®. After completing focused tests, the student then takes the full, 180-question exam simulation to determine whether they are ready for the exam.

The PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition – Upgraded contains the following features:

  • Exam Simulation digital access to exam prep questions from our 2200 + question database including:
    • 8 focused online exams with questions and answers
    • 1 complete 180-question PMP® exam simulation
  • Agile, hybrid agile and predictive project management content covered on the exam
  • Exclusive study techniques to help you focus on what you really need to know pass the exam

A straightforward approach to complex material and includes more than 400 exercises and practice questions in the book

Rita’s Exam Prep Reach

The philosophy behind all these products is to give learners multiple pathways to preparing for the PMP® exam. The method works and continues to be effective; however, we have come to realize that there are some students who may need more than just the book to prepare for the exam but do not wish to purchase the complete RMC system.  For these students we created the PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition – Upgraded.  Now, for the price of the book, students are given an added resource to help them to pass the PMP® exam.  It’s an exciting addition to our lineup of products for students who wanted something in between.

We also recognize that PMP® candidates are getting younger.  These students are more comfortable with online content and have come to expect some online learning as part of their test preparation experience.  PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition – Upgraded is designed for these students.

For more than 25 years, Rita Mulcahy’s® PMP® Exam Prep book has been helping project managers all over the world pass the PMP® exam.  To complement the book, RMC published its exam simulation software and then the Hot Topics flash cards, creating an integrated system (“The System”) to pass the PMP® exam.  The System was supplemented by an audio book.  These products are effective and (along with our PMP® Exam Prep eLearning course) provide a comprehensive approach to preparing for the PMP® exam for those students wishing to self-study for the exam.

The Ongoing Problem of Infringement

One of the problems of having the number-one best-selling PMP® Exam Prep book in the world is the fact that infringement and illegal copying is a comprehensive problem.  Our book is sold all over the world.  It is also illegally copied all over the world.  We see print copies that have typos, pages that stick together, duplicated paragraphs or they simply fall apart when opened.

We aim to bring a quality product to our students, so this is not acceptable to us. Currently the only way to purchase a genuine copy of Rita’s PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition is to buy it directly from us or from the Amazon store (not a third-party seller on Amazon).

RMC Helps You Prepare for the PMP

Rita’s PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition is still the premier exam preparation book in the industry.  This is borne-out by pass rates and feedback we receive from our students.  PM FASTrack® is still the best exam simulator in the industry.  It is continuously updated with new questions, including questions relating to concepts contained in PMBOK® Guide―Seventh Edition, and questions in PMI’s new question formats.

RMC’s PMP® Exam Prep System combines the power of our book, exam simulator and flashcards. Our PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition audiobook provides an alternative to the printed book to improve the convenience of your exam preparation experience. RMC’s PMP® exam prep virtual instructor-led classes and eLearning course still represent some of the best ways to prepare for and pass the PMP® exam.  And now, joining these products is our PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition — Upgraded.

Contact us today if you have further questions about the PMP® exam or to explore which exam prep option is best for you.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Posted on

RMC Titles on Kindle, Nook, and Apple Books

Young woman reading an RMC title on iPad

RMC offers some of our most popular titles on your favorite digital book e-readers. Check out four of our latest and popular skills books on Kindle, Nook, and Apple.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”]

Project Management Fundamentals

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://store.rmcls.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/7e37201e02b11a6a3fef27dca189de0e/p/m/pm_fundamentals_12month.jpg” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TRXHLSF/” button_text=”Kindle” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1141348910″ button_text=”Nook” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”http://books.apple.com/us/book/id1611224269″ button_text=”Apple” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”]

Agile
Fundamentals

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://store.rmcls.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/7e37201e02b11a6a3fef27dca189de0e/a/g/agile_fundamentals.jpg” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”200px” hover_enabled=”0″ align=”center” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V39ZTHS/” button_text=”Kindle” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1141348911″ button_text=”Nook” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”http://books.apple.com/us/book/id1613353656″ button_text=”Apple” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”]

Beyond
Agile

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://store.rmcls.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/166e18c94edefc24a33db15ecab54cc1/b/e/beyondagile_cover.jpg” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”179px”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VX3Y4BD/” button_text=”Kindle” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1141348912″ button_text=”Nook” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1614847862″ button_text=”Apple” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”]

PM Crash
Course 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://store.rmcls.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/166e18c94edefc24a33db15ecab54cc1/p/m/pm_crash_2nded_l_1_1.jpg” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”179px”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X7PHQMF/” button_text=”Kindle” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1141348909″ button_text=”Nook” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1617827159″ button_text=”Apple” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false”]Popular eBook features give students more control in how the book will look and which device they prefer to read it on. This includes adjusting the font size, using a font of your choosing, or change the background color (white text on a black background, for example). You can also highlight text, search for text and bookmark pages.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://rmcls.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Project_Management_Fundamentals_eBookExample.jpg” title_text=”Project_Management_Fundamentals_eBookExample” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-25px|||||”]

Project Management Fundamentals eBook Example (Apple Book on iPad)

RMC Cloud Certification Prep Books

Several years ago, RMC began offering our exam prep books (PMP®, PMI-ACP®, PMI-PBA®, CAPM®) in a Cloud format, providing a convenience way to prepare for certification anytime or anywhere.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”]

PMP Exam Prep

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://rmcls.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Upgraded_PMP_Exam_Prep_232x300.jpg” title_text=”Upgraded_PMP_Exam_Prep_232x300″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”179px”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/pmp-exam-prep-tenth-edition-online-12-month” button_text=”12 Month” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/pmp-exam-prep-tenth-edition-online-6-month” button_text=”6 Month” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”]

Also available in Spanish and Portuguese

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”]

CAPM Exam Prep

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://rmcls.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/capm_book.jpg” title_text=”capm_book” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”179px”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/capm-exam-prep-fourth-edition-online-12-month” button_text=”12 Month” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/capm-exam-prep-fourth-edition-online-6-month” button_text=”6 Month” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”]

PMI-ACP Exam Prep

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://store.rmcls.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/166e18c94edefc24a33db15ecab54cc1/p/m/pmi-acp_exam_prep_cover_2nd_ed_updated.jpg” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”179px”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/pmi-acp-exam-prep-second-edition-online-12-month” button_text=”12 Month” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/pmi-acp-exam-prep-second-edition-online-6-month” button_text=”6 Month” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”]

PMI-PBA Exam Prep

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://store.rmcls.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/166e18c94edefc24a33db15ecab54cc1/p/m/pmi-pba_book_cover.jpg” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”179px”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/pmi-pba-exam-prep-premier-edition-online-12-month” button_text=”12 Month” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/pmi-pba-exam-prep-premier-edition-online-6-month” button_text=”6 Month” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-25px|||||”]These books look just like the print book, but students can view the content on a computer screen. The Cloud book has a fixed layout (much like a PDF) where the user can bookmark pages, add notes, increase and decrease the screen size, and search the book using keywords.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://rmcls.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Project_Management_Fundamentals_Cloud_BookExample2.jpg” title_text=”Project_Management_Fundamentals_Cloud_BookExample2″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-25px|||||”]

Project Management Fundamentals Cloud Book Example

RMC Cloud Skills-based Titles

We have several skills-based books also available on our website in the Cloud platform on topics like Project Management Fundamentals and Risk Management.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://store.rmcls.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/7e37201e02b11a6a3fef27dca189de0e/p/m/pm_fundamentals_12month.jpg” title_text=”Upgraded_PMP_Exam_Prep_232x300″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”179px”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/project-management-fundamentals-book-online-12-month” button_text=”Project Management Fundamentals” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://store.rmcls.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/7e37201e02b11a6a3fef27dca189de0e/a/g/agile_fundamentals.jpg” title_text=”capm_book” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”179px”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/agile-fundamentals-book-online-12-month” button_text=”Agile Fundamentals” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://store.rmcls.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/166e18c94edefc24a33db15ecab54cc1/b/e/beyondagile_cover.jpg” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”143px”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/beyond-agile-online-12-month” button_text=”Beyond Agile” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://store.rmcls.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/166e18c94edefc24a33db15ecab54cc1/p/m/pm_crash_2nded_l_1_1.jpg” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”143px”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/pm-crash-course-second-edition-book-online-12-month” button_text=”PM Crash Course” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://store.rmcls.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/166e18c94edefc24a33db15ecab54cc1/r/i/risk-cloud-book_store_graphic.jpg” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”143px”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/risk-management-tricks-of-the-trade-third-edition-book-online-12-month” button_text=”Risk Management” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-25px|||||”]

New eBooks Coming from RMC

RMC is working on additional eBooks of interest.

  • Risk Management, Tricks of the Trade for Project Managers by Rita Mulcahy
  • Stop Playing Games, A Project Manager’s Guide to Successfully Navigating Organizational Politics by Rick A. Morris
  • Managing the Gray Areas, Essential Insights for Leading People, Projects and Organizations by Jerry Manas
  • Project Branding, Using Marketing to Win the Hearts and Minds of Stakeholders by Peter Taylor
  • 100 Things Project Managers Should Do Before They Die by Rita Mulcahy

If you’re new to project management, or a seasoned pro, RMC has something for everyone, no matter your learning style. Check out what we have to offer.

RMC eBook Titles

Project Management Fundamentals Agile Fundamentals Beyond Agile PM Crash Course
Kindle Kindle Kindle Kindle
Nook Nook Nook Nook
Apple Apple Apple Apple

Skill Building Cloud Books Available from RMC Directly:

Other Cloud Certification Prep Books Available from RMC directly:

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Posted on

The PMP Exam 2023

Woman gathering information about the PMP exam 2023 at her desk on her computer [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

In January 2021 the Project Management Institute (PMI) changed the Project Management Professional Exam.  As part of that change, it shifted away from changing the PMP exam every 4 to 5 years in favor of a continuous improvement model with more frequent exam content updates.  The benefit is to align project management trends and the work project managers perform today to the exam content to keep the certification relevant.

In 2023, the exam continues to align with the Examination Content Outline. In September, 2023 PMI/Pearson made a crucial change to the scoring timeline for certification exams. To enhance security measures, the evaluation process of exam results will now require additional time. Let’s take a closer look at this change and additional shifts of the PMP exam since 2021.

The Latest on the PMP Exam for 2023

  1. What’s New on the PMP for 2023?
  2. What Skills Does the PMP Cover?
  3. New PMP Exam Prep Materials for 2023
  4. PMP Exam Prep Training for 2023
  5. Keep Up on PMP Exam Updates

What’s New on the PMP for 2023?

There are several notable changes to cover.

  1. PMI/Pearson Exam Scoring will require additional time due to enhance security measures.  As a result, the release of post-exam pass/fail notice and detailed results analysis will be delayed by up to 5 days after completing the exam. You may receive a provisional notice of pass/fail upon completion of the exam.  The score in this provisional notice is still subject to review for verification and validation.  In this case the official final score report will typically be available within 48 hours, according to PMI/Pearson. This change reflects their commitment to maintaining the utmost integrity and accuracy throughout the certification process.
  2. The PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition will now be a reference to inform the development of the PMP exam topics. As such, we expect that students will be tested on content from the PMBOK® Guide 7.
  3. PMI’s Process Groups: A Practice Guide repurposes essential content from the PMBOK® Guide – Sixth Edition, which was phased out in 2022. The Process Groups model is likely to become a resource for the PMP exam for predictive project management best practices and processes (e.g., process groups guidance, inputs, tools and techniques and outputs). Representing almost half of the exam, students preparing for the PMP will continue to need a strong knowledge of predictive methods.
  4. The way of doing project management is not process dependent. In fact, in many ways, it’s situational.  Depending on the project, the process that is applied can be tailored to accommodate each project. Today’s project manager must have a comprehensive understanding of agile and predictive project management. They need to know the processes of both and how and when they work best on a project-by-project basis.

In addition to understanding how the PMP is shifting, let’s review the project management skills covered on the exam.

What Skills Does the PMP Cover?

The PMP certification requires an understanding of the most important project leadership skills and practices across three domains as listed in the Examination Content Outline. You’ll be expected to apply this knowledge in the context of leading and managing predictive, agile and hybrid projects.

People Doman: The people domain represents 42% the questions on the PMP exam.  It covers leading projects teams and managing stakeholders with effective interpersonal skills including:

  • team building
  • removing roadblocks
  • conflict management

Process Domain: The process domain represents 50% of the PMP exam. You’ll be tested on the technical skills to integrate all facets of project planning and management to realize project benefits such as:

  • budgeting & scheduling
  • managing risk
  • project methods and practices

Business Improvement Domain: This domain represents 8% of exam questions.  You will need to understand the connection between the people and process within the business context. Domain topics include:

  • compliance
  • delivering value
  • organizational and business change

New PMP Exam Prep Materials for 2023

As the exam evolves, RMC is adapting our PMP prep materials to meet the needs of our students.

Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep Book – All New 11th Edition

This book is vastly different from our previous editions. It is structured so that you can easily relate it to the Examination Content Outline (ECO).

Rita’s PMP® Exam Prep book is the ultimate one-source prep guide to help you pass the PMP the first time. In this Course in a Book™, we bring together the terminology and concepts used in the ECO, the PMBOK® Guide, and the Process Groups: A Practice Guide. We synthesize the concepts in a way that makes it easier to understand and prepare students for the exam. No other prep guide brings this level of knowledge while explaining things simply and clearly.

Rita’s Process Chart™ remains in this edition along with a new process chart: Rita’s Agile Process Chart™. These process charts break down what happens in each of the process groups when working on predictive and agile projects. These powerful tools help students gain knowledge and prepare them to answer questions on the exam.

PMP Self-Study Materials Updated for 2023

We have applied this same rigorous approach to our self-study materials. Our PMP Exam simulator has an extensive database of over 2,220 questions.  We offer a realistic exam environment with unlimited 180-question exams to test your knowledge. Our popular Hot Topics flashcards for the PMP are also fully aligned to the ECO and accessible from your phone and other mobile devices.  We’ve combined these products in our popular PMP Exam Prep System. If you prefer an instructor-guided study experience, RMC’s all-new live online training course is worth considering.

PMP Exam Prep Training

The 11th Edition of RMC’s PMP Exam prep instructor-led course has been updated to reflect new and essential exam content from multiple sources.  In addition to original content, the class integrates diverse PMP resources.  The new course offers the latest prep tools and techniques including new case studies, exercises, and games, and access to both Rita’s Process Chart™ and the new Rita’s Agile Process Chart™. The class also includes exam simulation with a personalized assessment and a post-class study plan.

Our rich classroom experience is led by PMP-certified instructors focused on teaching practical techniques and test-taking strategies.  With proven training techniques, students gain the knowledge needed in a supportive learning environment to pass the exam on the first try.

Key aspects of our class remain the same. First, Rita’s learning method, which maximizes retention – not memorization. Second, we continue to present complex material in a straightforward approachable manner. Finally, our approach allows you to apply your learning to projects, long after exam.

Keep Up on PMP Exam Updates

It’s important to know how the PMP exam in evolving.

RMC is there to help keep you informed. That’s why we offer our free webinar,  Take the PMP Exam: What You Need to Know.  It’s intended to help stay up-to-date on the PMP exam and help you get your questions answered.

Sources:

https://rmcls.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pmp-examination-content-outline.pdf

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Posted on

CAPM Exam Format and Content

Male professional reviewing the CAPM exam format and content from his laptop.

The CAPM certification is a great way to demonstrate your project management knowledge and understanding to pursue entry level positions in project management across any organization and industry.

Now more than ever, the CAPM reflects the way project work gets done by entry level project professionals.  That because in PMI, the certifying body for the CAPM, underwent a thorough analysis and made significant changes to the CAPM content and format for the exam starting in July 2023.   In this post, we will cover the exam content and format for the new exam, explain the value of project management and benefits of taking the CAPM exam.

CAPM Format and Content

  1. What is the CAPM exam format and content?
  2. Why is Project Management Important?
  3. CAPM Career Opportunities
  4. Preparing for the CAPM Exam

What is the CAPM Exam Format and Content?

It’s important to know what kind of questions and topics will be on the CAPM exam. This will help you study to help you pass the exam. By getting to know the material, you can focus your study time and make sure you’re ready for the exam.  Specific details of the 2023 CAPM exam are as follows:

New CAPM exam format

The main change to the new exam format is the transition from knowledge areas to domains and tasks that typically occur within each domain.  The exam will now be broken out in to four main areas. Specific details include:

  • Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts: 36% of questions
  • Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies: 17% of questions
  • Agile Frameworks and Methodologies: 20% of questions
  • Business Analysis Frameworks: 27% of questions

The CAPM exam format consists of 150 questions, and you have three hours to complete it. You will have a 10-minute break after you answer the first 75 questions.

New CAPM exam content

The domains also inform the changes to the exam content.  Following is a summary of the content changes by domain:

Domain 1:  Covers concepts and the fundamentals of predictive and agile project management.

Domain 2:  Tests your knowledge of both predictive and adaptive project management approaches.

Domain 3:  Introduces agile and other adaptive development approaches (e.g., Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP) and others).

Domain 4:  Contains content about business analysis, and how to gather and validate requirements.

Based on the exam content changes, the 2023 CAPM Exam Content Outline indicates several question formats including:

Matching questions: You will have two columns of concepts to match.

Hot spot questions: A graphic will be presented where you click on a hot spot containing the correct answer.

Animation Video multiple choice questions: You will watch an animated video scenario and select a single answer from several choices.

Comic Strip multiple choice questions: You must read a comic strip scenario and select one answer from multiple options.

Why Project Management is Important?

When you invest time and effort in developing project management skills like planning, organizing, and task management, it can improve the chances of success for the projects you are involved in, and bring value to your company.

It’s also important to understand how and when to use different methods, develop various tools and techniques, and learn about different methodologies, as this will leading to other leadership roles on more complex projects.

Poorly managed projects can have negative impacts on a company. According to a PMI analysis, 48% of projects miss their delivery dates, 43% go over budget, and 31% fail to meet the organization’s goals. That’s why it’s important to learn and practice good project management skills to avoid these issues and ensure successful projects.

CAPM Career Opportunities

Project management jobs are in high demand, in fact, according to industry experts, employers will need more than 87 million people filling project management related roles.  Key growth industries include information services and publishing, finance and insurance, oil and gas, manufacturing and construction, management and professional services and utilities.

Every year, there are more than 500,000 jobs that need people with project management skills, according to the PMI.  Getting your CAPM certification is a great qualification that further validate your project knowledge. After getting your CAPM, you may qualify for careers such as operations assistant, project assistant, project coordinator, and program assistant.

You might be surprised to find job opportunities that don’t mention project management in their titles, but still require project management skills such as planning and organizing work, managing, and building team relationships, and time management.

Preparing for the CAPM Exam

If you considering getting your CAPM certification, RMC offers a free webinar you can attend called Taking the CAPM Exam: What You Need to Know.  Get answers to all your questions from one of RMC’s expert instructors. You can learn more about the CAPM including the exam costs and requirements.

When you are ready to prepare for your CAPM exam, you can stay up-to-date on our 2023 CAPM exam prep materials and classes.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Posted on

5 Tips to Reduce PMP Exam Test-Taking Fear

Woman at computer studying for the PMP exam

Are you losing sleep worrying about taking the PMP exam? Is your mind flooded with all sorts of “what-ifs” related to possible exam catastrophes? Well, did you know that thoughts like these can hinder your exam performance and can cause you to waste exam prep time. Many of the fears you might be having are unrealistic and can be relieved through positive thinking and practicing your test-taking skills with an exam simulator. Consider these 5 tips to help alleviate your fear to achieve your goal of passing the exam.

1. Remember Your PMP Exam Test Taking Strategies

If you’ve used RMC exam prep products, or other study tools, you’ve developed test taking skills to boost your confidence. Focus on the test taking strategies you’ve learned, including:

  • Control the exam; do not let it control you.
  • Read the question and all four answer choices.
  • Watch for choices that are true statements but do not answer the question.
  • Be prepared for more than one “correct” answer, but there is only one “best” answer
  • Control frustration and maintain focus on each question.
  • Use the Mark for Review function on questions you struggle to answer. Return to marked questions later.

2. Keep a Positive Attitude

If you worry, you are spending time on the negative and will, in all likelihood, have a terrible experience. What can you do to change your view? Ask yourself what’s going on in your head? When taking practice exams, are you saying things to yourself like the phrases listed below?

  • I’m not fast enough
  • I will never get this
  • I will fail
  • Oh no, a formula question
  • I am sure I got that question wrong

Thoughts like these waste brain power and actually hurt you on the exam! Your strategy needs to include what you will do to stay positive before and during the exam.

Try using deep breathing techniques to help you relax and focus. Breathing techniques can be as simple as breathing deeply five times. If you have read a question more than three times, try taking a few deep breaths.

3. Dispel Common Unrealistic Fears

Your mind is a powerful tool. It can conjure up common fears or misconceptions that may not be realistic. For example:

  • Running out of time. Almost no one runs out of time. Practice your timing using PM FASTrack®.
  • Having test anxiety. Panic is a personal issue. If you think panic is a concern for you, make exam simulation core to your prep strategy. Practice taking exams in a situation similar to the actual testing environment.
  • Misunderstand PMI’s Perspective. Answer questions by applying good practices of project management from PMI’s perspective.  During the exam, rely on your exam prep training then your own project experience.
  • Remembering the formulas. Formulas may appear on the test. Thus far, test takers have not had to perform calculations during the exam.  However, you will need to know how to correctly identify key formulas.

4. Understand What to Expect

Though many fears you may have about taking the PMP exam are unrealistic, there are some things you should be prepared to expect. Doing so will also reduce your worry.

  • Follow your study plan. It is your road map and will serve you well.
  • Use exam simulation more than twice before taking the exam and achieve a score 75% or higher.
  • Use your project management knowledge — but be prepared to separate your experience from PMI’s perspective.
  • Understand your own test-taking tendencies. Pay attention to these during your prep class and practice tests.
  • Know what a project manager should do for each process. Practice Rita’s Process Chart game Track your score until you achieve 80% or higher.

5. Know Your PMP Exam Test Environment

You have the option to take your test online or in person. For in person testing, each center is different.  You will not have the exact same experience as someone else who has taken the exam before. Even in the same test center, you may experience differences. You need to eliminate as many distractions on the day of the test as possible. Read up on the test center process and their policies. PMI and your test center also have video tutorials that walk you through the experience. Consider some of these questions to reduce the unknowns about the test environment:

  • What can you bring into the test?
  • How many breaks do I get and what is the best way to use my breaks?
  • Where can I put my snacks so I can get to them when I need to?
  • What happens if the test crashes while I am taking it?”

Answers to these types of questions will give you a sense of control over the unknown. Know the process for signing in, taking the exam, and the post-test processes. Anything that might worry you, get the answers now.

For online testing, there can be a lot of technical elements to plan in advance to reduce stress and worry. Consider some of the following to set you mind at ease:

  • Make sure you are well versed in the rules of the online proctored format. Pearson Vue and PMI do a nice job provided the details of what to expect.
  • Find a quiet place away from the delivery people, pets and children. If you cannot be assured you will not be interrupted, consider scheduling a conference room at the office.
  • You will be asked to perform a system check. Try to do this beforehand so you don’t experience delays once the exam starts. This will also help you make sure your anti-virus and firewalls allow access.

Trust Your PMP Exam Testing Skills

Don’t underestimate the power of your test prep training. Studying and taking practice tests have honed your test-taking skills. You’ve tweaked your strategy until it works for you. Now you just need to follow it. Don’t do things differently when you sit for the real exam. Remember to bring a positive attitude

So, stop losing sleep and use these tips to help reduce or eliminate your worries about the exam. Good luck on your exam!  And remember if you have any questions, just contact us.  We’re here to help.

Posted on

CAPM Costs and Requirements

Your CAPM certification journey includes knowing the CAPM certification costs and requirements. The CAPM is a globally recognized entry-level certification to help launch your career in project management.  It empowers professionals like you with the knowledge to work effectively with teams on any project in any industry.

CAPM Certification Costs and Requirements

  1. What is the CAPM Certification?
  2. CAPM Exam Costs
  3. CAPM Exam Certification Requirements
  4. More Ways to Earn CAPM Certification Hours
  5. How to Prepare for the CAPM Certification

What is CAPM Certification?

The CAPM exam demonstrates the competency and foundational skills in project management.  The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers the CAPM certification for individuals who want to gain more responsibility or add project management skills to their current role.  In July 2023, the CAPM certification exam will change to integrate content across project management including agile and business analysis.

On 25 July, the new CAPM certification exam will be available and will better support customers in their career journey by going beyond the PMBOK® Guide to integrate content across project management including business analysis & agile.

The value of CAPM certification exam extends beyond validating project management best practices. Common principles and processes can also improve work from one project to the next.  It can also increase opportunities for new roles and responsibilities, improve leadership skills and enhance salary opportunities.

CAPM Exam Costs

PMI charges a fee to apply for the CAPM. You have 1-year to pass the examination and you may take the examination up to three times.  Following is a breakdown of costs:

  • $225 for PMI members
  • $300 for non-members

Other related fees associated with the CAPM exam include exam retakes, cancellation fees for scheduled exams, certification renewal and exam preparation materials and training.

Exam Retakes:  You will be charged for each exam retake.  PMI notes the discounted fee for an exam retake is subject to regional and membership pricing rules.

Exam Cancellation: If you reschedule or cancel your exam within 30 days of your scheduled appointment, you will be charged a fee of $70.

Certification Renewal: Every three years, your CAPM certification must be renewed. PMI members pay $60 and non-members pay $150 to renew the CAPM certification.  You are also required to complete 15 professional development units related to project management for learning, teaching others, or volunteering.  You can pay for an eLearning course or a bundle of classes to fulfill the 15 PDUs.

Exam Preparation:  For an additional fee, you can pay for CAPM exam prep materials or training courses. Prices vary depending on the type of preparation.  Self-study materials include a study guide which costs between $40 – $80, exam simulation costs about $150 and an on-demand eLearning course costs up to $600.

CAPM Exam Certification Requirements

To take the exam, you must meet the requirements as outlined by PMI.

  • A high school diploma, GED or global equivalent
  • 23 contact hours of project management education

Note: You can meet the 23 contact hours when you take a CAPM Exam prep instructor led class or a CAPM Exam prep eLearning course.  Both options provide materials and instruction to help you prepare for your exam while fulfilling the 23 contact hours of formal education to complete your certification application.  You need to complete your coursework hours at the time of your exam.

More Ways to Earn CAPM Certification Hours

According to the CAPM ECO, the 23 contact hours can include content from project management topics including: quality, scope, time, cost, resources, communications, risk, procurement and integration management.  When looking for courses, workshops, training sessions and self-study guides, look for a reputable education provider such as PMI Chapters and partners, training companies and employer programs.

How to Prepare for the CAPM Certification

You can take the current CAPM certification exam until July 24, 2023 using RMC current classes, materials, and eLearning courses. After that, you can count on RMC to provide you with the most current exam preparation materials. RMC has analyzed the Exam Content Outline and is updates to our Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep System and our Exam Prep Courses.

Stay current on CAPM exam updates by attending our free webinar Taking The CAPM® Exam: What You Need to Know.

Sources:

CAPM Examination Content Outline[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]