Program Highlight: Professional and Organizational Development

In today’s world, profit or loss can depend on how well your organization selects and then manages projects. Consequently, the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a coveted credential in today’s workplace. With the PMP letters behind their name, project managers can work in any industry anywhere in the world.

To become PMP certified, the applicant must document hours they’ve worked on projects, complete 35 classroom hours and take a four-hour comprehensive online test at a testing center.

For approximately twelve years, the NBDC professional and organizational development program has helped project managers study for and pass the test. The NBDC PMP preparatory course runs four days from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M., fulfilling the 35 classroom hours needed to sit the exam. The course is split between two weeks to allow students to study and then return to class with questions.

The course cost includes resources such as an online bank of sample test questions, online modules that cover all processes, flashcards and an audio CD of conversations around key concepts. Also included is a popular book in question and answer format.

Jordan Sutter, a supervisor at Orion Advisors, took the class, passed the test and now encourages others at Orion to achieve their PMP.

“I loved the class,” says Olivia Kunhart, recent PMP, who manages projects at Orion Advisors. “I appreciated it was interactive, with activities that helped me truly understand the material.”

Pam Solderholm, PMP, who teaches the class at NBDC has guided over 200 NBDC students by walking through all the processes and giving good advice. Kunhart says, “Pam would be there early and late for student’s questions. She helped calm my nerves and assured me I was ready for the test.”

Students take sample tests in similar conditions to what they’ll be required to do in the testing center. “That really helped me prepare for the test,” says Kunhart. The class also walks through the application process and gives suggestions on how students can mentally prepare for the test.

Beth Giesbrecht, also a PMP, oversees the project management courses and curriculum for NBDC. “While many companies offer a test prep class, ours is designed to be more interactive and personalized than many. I think it stands as a testament to our class’s effectiveness that so many have passed the test on their first try after
taking the test prep class. Pam is an excellent teacher and has shepherded many people successfully through the process.”

Giesbrecht sends this warning to potential test-takers, “The exam is changing the summer of 2020, so if you’re considering getting your PMP, now is the time. We have a test prep class coming up in April.”

To download a pdf version:

CLICK HERE

For information about the Project Management Professional test prep class, LEARN MORE.

Join our email list!