How can I find a good PMP training provider?

When choosing a PMP training provider, I recommend that you evaluate the following critical factors. Some of this will be new to you if you've already read the 4 Pillars of PMP Certification, but it shouldn't come as a surprise coming from me.

Research Prerequisites Yourself

Even if you do not qualify for the exam, PMP training companies may try to sell you their course. Be incredibly sceptical of them. In a strict sense, they aren't responsible for your application or the information you've provided as valid experience.

You're setting yourself up for being duped if you don't know what the experience requirements are. I've heard from training providers that building a shed in your backyard counts as project management experience. That's nonsense. "Leading and directing project work" does not cover your own home projects, and if you believe it does, I'm impressed with your ability to justify such a broad interpretation. It presumably counts if you are "leading and directing project duties" on behalf of an organisation, whether you are a volunteer or a paid employee.

Check the Guarantee

I advise you to avoid courses that provide a "pass or your money back" promise.

What I'm looking for is a satisfaction guarantee. However, if they guarantee that you will pass, the incentives and connection between you, the student, and them, the training provider, will change.

Let me explain.

A satisfaction guarantee indicates that the company wants you to be satisfied with the PMP training. Even if you don't pass the exam, they want you to feel like their training provided you with a lot of value and information. It could be your native tongue or simply the fact that some people are better at taking tests than others.

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that I believe the most essential reason for getting certification is the information you learn in the process. Providers who offer a satisfaction guarantee are putting themselves in a position to agree with me on this, and I believe you'll emerge as a better-educated individual with a good chance of passing the test.

A pass guarantee offers a whole distinct set of benefits. These companies want you to pass the test and receive the certificate. There's no reason why rote memorization should be the norm in a short boot camp scenario.

They aren't concerned with long-term retention or your understanding of PMI's standards and framework.

But Hey, That’s Just Me

Many people simply wish to pass the exam. They're doing it for the wrong reasons, in my opinion. A long-term strategy and a focus on improving oneself as a professional are required to receive significant value from the process.

You shouldn't pay attention to what I'm doing if all you care about is the piece of paper. There are many training companies prepared to accept your money in exchange for that piece of paper. No, if you stay here long enough, you'll become irritated with me. I'll be preaching on pursuing mastery rather than just passing the PMP exam.

I'm going to tell you that you're doing it wrong.

Over and over again.

Looking for a PMI registered PMP training provider? Find the best PMP Course instructors right here!

Richard Pierce An expert in Pmi and Iiba Certifications.