PgMP Exam Preparation Tips and Tricks

The Program Management Professional (PgMP) certificate is designed for mid to senior-level project managers who have handled multiple related projects to achieve integrated benefits that surpass those possible through individual management. Aspiring PgMP candidates often face uncertainties about where to begin, which study materials to use, and the optimal path to success. This blog clarifies these issues for anyone interested in preparing for the PgMP certification exam. Here are the break down essential PgMP exam tips and lessons learned into the following sections to guide you effectively:

1. PgMP Exam Information
2. Eligibility Requirements
3. Study Resources
4. Gaining Expertise
5. Submitting Your PgMP Application
6. Practising Test Questions
7. Sitting for the Exam

Let's start by addressing the first point: understanding the exam information & prerequisites for pursuing the PgMP certification.

PgMP Exam Information

Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the PgMP exam format, fees, and other essential details.

PgMP Exam Format

The PgMP exam tests your knowledge and skills in managing multiple projects aligned with organizational objectives. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Number of Questions: 170 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 20 questions are pretest questions and do not affect your score.
2. Duration: 4 Hours
3. Question Types: The questions are scenario-based, testing your ability to apply program management principles in real-world situations. They cover five domains:
   • Strategic Program Management
   • Program Life Cycle
   • Benefits Management
   • Stakeholder Management
   • Governance

PgMP Exam Fee

The cost of the PgMP exam varies depending on your PMI membership status:

1. PMI Members: $800.
2. Non-Members: $1,000.
3. Re-examination Fee: If you need to retake the exam, the re-examination fee is $600 for PMI members and $800 for non-members.

PgMP Eligibility Requirements

Before diving into the specifics of preparing for the PgMP certification exam, you must ensure you have certain foundational elements in place. While eligibility criteria for the exam are outlined on the PMI's PgMP certification page, here we focus on prerequisites that will facilitate adequate preparation:

1. Understanding of Project Management Dynamics: Holding a PMP Certification provides valuable insight into the distinctions between the roles of a project manager and a program manager, as defined by PMI. While not mandatory, having a PMP Certification can help grasp these differences and is beneficial for understanding the standard structures, study approaches question styles, and exam environments encountered in PMI’s PMP certification training.

Read more, PgMP Vs PMP

2. Hands-on Experience: Extensive experience as a project manager is important. Direct experience as a program manager is preferred, as it aligns closely with the responsibilities and challenges addressed in the PgMP certification exam.

These prerequisites lay a solid foundation for preparing for the PgMP certification exam. Now, explore the best materials and studying approaches to ensure you're fully prepared.

PgMP Study Resources

Effective preparation for the PgMP exam requires utilizing specific resources to cover the required knowledge domains comprehensively. Here are the essential materials every aspirant should incorporate into their study plan:

1. Standard for Program Management – Fifth Edition: This comprehensive guide, available for download from the PMI website (free with PMI membership), forms the backbone of PgMP preparation. It outlines best practices and methodologies essential for program management.
2. Examination Content Outline (ECO): The ECO, available for free download from the PgMP certification page on PMI's website, details the tasks and knowledge areas covered in the exam. It aligns directly with SPM Fifth Edition, effectively guiding your study focus.
3. PMBOK Guide - Seventh Edition: Although primarily focused on project management, the PMBOK Guide provides fundamental tools, techniques, and practices that are indispensable for understanding the broader context in which programs operate.

Once you have obtained the SPM Fifth Edition and the ECO, it's advisable to complement your study materials with practice questions. Numerous question banks and books are available on the market that are specifically designed to simulate the PgMP exam environment and test your comprehension.

Integrating these materials into your study plan will build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the PgMP certification exam.

Gaining Expertise

Once you have gathered all the necessary study materials mentioned earlier, it's time to acquire the essential knowledge for the PgMP certification exam. Here's a structured approach to effectively absorb and retain the information:

1. Initial Comprehensive Reading: Begin by thoroughly reading the Fifth Edition of the Standard for Program Management (SPM) and the Examination Content Outline (ECO). Initially, aim for a general understanding of the content without diving deep into details. This approach helps in grasping the overall structure and key performance domains.
2. Note-taking Strategy: Develop a systematic approach for taking notes as you read. Capture important concepts, terms, terminologies, and any key points that stand out. These notes will serve as valuable aids in memorization and understanding.
3. Detailed Study and Mapping: For subsequent readings, focus on each performance domain outlined in the SPM. Review the corresponding tasks in the ECO before delving into each domain chapter. As you read, actively connect the content with the specified tasks to deepen your comprehension.
4. Practice with Questions: After completing a performance domain or a chapter in the SPM, reinforce your understanding by solving practice questions from recommended books or question banks. Maintain a score sheet to track your progress over time. Avoid immediately checking correct answers in the materials; instead, rely on your current knowledge to gauge your understanding.
5. Progress Tracking: Continuously monitor your performance by calculating the percentage of correct answers for each domain. Aim for at least 80% accuracy before moving on to the next domain. Reattempt questions multiple times to improve your scores, reinforcing your understanding with each attempt.
6. Supplementary Reading: The PMBOK Guide—Seventh Edition—provides core tools and techniques for the scope, schedule, cost, quality, communication, procurement, and risk management domains. It's beneficial to study specific chapters related to these domains.
7. Maintaining and Updating Notes: Regularly update and refine your notes as you progress through your study sessions. These notes will prove invaluable during your final review before the exam, helping to reinforce key concepts and insights.

Following this structured approach to acquiring knowledge'll build a solid foundation of understanding and readiness for the PgMP certification exam.

Check out, Why PgMP Certification is a Must-Have

Submitting Your PgMP Application

Before you start the PgMP application process, it's essential to thoroughly study the Standard for Program Management (SPM) at least three times. Here’s why this approach is recommended and how to proceed effectively:

1. Understanding Strategic Level

Unlike the PMP application, which focuses on project management, the PgMP application requires a strategic perspective. Completing multiple readings of the SPM helps you personalize the content and align your experience with program management principles at a deeper level.

Dedicate time to read the SPM cover-to-cover three times. Take notes, highlight fundamental principles, and reflect on how your professional experience aligns with these concepts. This thorough understanding is important for articulating your program management experience in the application.

2. Preparing Your Application

Only after consolidating your understanding through repeated readings should you begin filling out the PgMP application. This ensures that your responses are well-informed and accurately reflect your strategic knowledge of program management.

Start by gathering all necessary information, including detailed descriptions of your program management roles, responsibilities, and achievements. Use the knowledge gained from the SPM to frame your experience regarding program management principles.

3. Application Review

Reviewing your completed application by an experienced PgMP Certification holder ensures that your application effectively demonstrates your program management experience and meets PMI’s stringent criteria.

Contact a training provider such as simpliaxis or a PgMP Certification holder within your professional network. Request a detailed review and constructive feedback. Based on their insights, make revisions to strengthen your application.

4. Timing Considerations

It is important to start the application process early in your preparation phase. The application review by PMI can take up to two months or more. By initiating the process early, you allow ample time for review and any necessary revisions before exam scheduling.

Plan your application timeline. Start working on your application when you decide to pursue the PgMP certification. This way, you can submit it well ahead of your intended exam date, ensuring you have a buffer for PMI’s review process and any required adjustments.

By following this approach, you streamline the application process and improve your readiness for the PgMP certification exam by grounding your experience in the principles outlined in the SPM.

Practising Test Questions

As you near the final stages of your preparation, focusing on practising exam questions becomes important, consolidating your knowledge and readiness. Follow these steps to utilize this phase effectively:

1. Review and Skim: Allocate one to two hours skimming through the Standard for Program Management (SPM) and your detailed notes. This quick review helps reinforce key concepts before diving into exam simulations.
2. Select a Question Bank: Choose a reputable question bank available in the market. These resources offer diverse perspectives and enable you to tackle challenging topics from multiple angles.
3. Practice and Assess: Start practising test questions systematically. Aim to cover all subjects comprehensively to ensure a well-rounded understanding. If your practice exam scores consistently exceed 75%, it indicates a solid readiness to pass the PgMP exam on your first 

Sitting for the Exam

Having completed the preceding steps, you're now prepared to schedule and take the PgMP exam. With confidence in your preparation, plan your PgMP exam at a convenient time and location. Before exam day, review your notes and key concepts, ensuring you're mentally prepared and well-rested for the big day.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, enrolling in Simpliaxis's PgMP Certification Training is your definitive path to acing the PgMP exam on your first attempt. Our PgMP course, led by certified trainers, ensures a thorough understanding of critical study resources such as the Standard for Program Management – Fifth Edition, the PgMP Examination Content Outline (ECO), and the PMBOK Guide - Seventh Edition, all through the lens of the PgMP exam.

Our 24 hours of interactive training sessions are designed to educate and empower. With Simpliaxis, you are not just learning but mastering the material. And our commitment to your success doesn’t end there. Our post-training learning support ensures that you continue to have the guidance you need even after the training.

FAQS on PgMP Exam Preparation

1. What is the key to success in the PgMP Exam?

Thorough preparation, an understanding of PMI standards, and practical experience in program management are key to success in the PgMP Exam.

2. Is PgMP tougher than PMP?

PgMP is considered more challenging than PMP due to its focus on program management and the higher level of experience required.

3. What is the passing rate for PgMP?

The passing rate for PgMP is around 65-70%.

4. How should I prepare for the PgMP exam?

Use study materials such as Standard for Program Management – Fifth Edition, Examination Content Outline (ECO, PMBOK Guide - Seventh Edition), attend a PgMP training program with simpliaxis, and practice mock exams to understand program management concepts thoroughly.

5. Is work experience necessary for the PgMP exam?

Yes, PMI requires a minimum of four years of project management experience and four years of program management experience for eligibility.

6. How many questions are in the PgMP exam?

The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions to be completed within four hours.

7. How can I maintain focus during exam preparation?

Create a study schedule, dedicate specific time each day for preparation, and take breaks to avoid burnout.