PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PMP / CAPM Exam Prep

Certification Examination Preparation Seminar (CEPS)

The course is designed to help you prepare for the Project Management Institute (PMI) Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM^©) and Project Management Professional (PMP^©) certification examinations.  These examinations are challenging and expensive to write; CEPS will significantly improve your likelihood of passing on your first attempt.  The course is offered by the PMI Vancouver Island Chapter, using experienced PMP facilitators.  If CAPM or PMP certification is part of your career plan, CEPS is a valuable resource to help you move forward.

The course consists of ten, 3 ½-hour sessions covering the introductory and the nine knowledge area sections of the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK), 3^rd edition.   In addition to direct instruction, the course exposes you to sample exam questions and provides the opportunity for discussion with senior PMP facilitators and your fellow future CAPMs/PMPs in the class.  Consider the value and register in the next CEPS offering if you’re ready to take the next step in your career development by obtaining your professional certification in project management.

The next course will be scheduled to begin Tuesday, 3 February. Watch this space for forthcoming information. Class size is limited.

Thank you for your interest in taking PMI Vancouver Island Chapter's seminar.
For information on other Educational initiatives, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions about CEPS

1.      What is VI PMI CEPS?

2.      What is VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009?

3.      What is the purpose of the VI PMI CEPS program?

4.      What are the PMP and CAPM certification examinations?

5.      How many people have taken the VI PMI CEPS program?

6.      What is the feedback from participants of prior VI PMI CEPS programs?

7.      Who are the instructors?

8.      How does the VI PMI CEPS program compare with those certificate programs offered by University of Victoria and Royal Roads University?

9.      What is the format of the VI PMI CEPS program?

10.  Is the VI PMI CEPS course content the same as the PMBoK?

11.  How do I register for VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009?

12.  What are the prerequisites for registration?

13.  Should I apply for PMI membership before registering for the course?

14.  Where do I get a PMBoK?

15.  What is the cost to take the VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 program?

16.  How do I pay for VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 program?

17.  Why is there a difference in the member versus non-member rate?

18.  What do I do if I find that I can’t continue once I’ve registered; can I get a refund?

19.  What do I get when I register for VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009?

20.  What is the schedule of the VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 program?

21.  When does VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 begin?

22.  Where will VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 be held?

23.  Is parking available?

24.  What about food?

25.  What time are the VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 classes?

26.  What happens if I miss a class?

27.  Who do I contact for more information?

1.      What is VI PMI CEPS?

VI PMI CEPS is PMI Vancouver Island Chapter’s (VI PMI) Project Management Institute Professional Certification Examination Preparation Seminar (CEPS).

VI PMI CEPS is designed to facilitate and focus the self-study of project managers and project team members who wish to obtain the professional credential of Project Management Professional (PMP^®) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM^®), offered through the Project Management Institute (PMI^®).

For more information on PMI and the value of the professional credentials, go to www.pmi.org.

2.      What is VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009?

VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 is PMI Vancouver Island Chapter’s Spring 2009 offering of the VI PMI CEPS program.  PMI VI Chapter has successfully offered VI PMI CEPS in 2004, 2005, 2006, three times in 2007, and twice last year.  VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 is the ninth offering of this successful program.

3.      What is the purpose of the VI PMI CEPS program?

The VI PMI CEPS program is intended to help practicing project managers who aspire to earn the Project Management Professional (PMP^®) certification offered by the Project Management Institute.

The VI PMI CEPS program is also applicable to practicing project team members and entry level project managers who aspire to earn the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM^Ò), also through PMI.

The VI PMI CEPS program is designed to facilitate and focus your self-study program as you prepare to take these certification examinations.

In addition to helping you prepare for the certification examinations, VI PMI CEPS also fulfills PMI’s requirement for 35 hours of formal project management training for PMP^® certification.

4.      What are the PMP and CAPM certification examinations?

Excerpt from PMI^® Certification Program description at www.pmi.org.:

“This four-hour (PMP^®) examination composed of 200 multiple-choice questions measures your ability to apply knowledge, skills and techniques used in project management. The examination is developed by groups of individuals from around the globe who hold the PMP^® credential and is routinely reviewed and revised to ensure the best and consistently objective assessment.

“Applicants (for the CAPM credential) must pass a three-hour, 150-question, knowledge-based examination that uses the PMBOK^® Guide as its only source. The questions are developed by individuals from around the globe who hold the CAPM credential and are monitored to ensure that the examination continues to be a reliable and valid assessment of project management terms and practices.”

The computer-based examinations are administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.

5.      How many people have taken the VI PMI CEPS program?

More than 250 project managers and project team members have taken the Vancouver Island Chapter’s VI PMI CEPS program over the last five years. 

6.      What is the feedback from participants of previous VI PMI CEPS programs?

“Without the CEPS course I would probably not have gone through with the PMP examination.  The course provided me with the 35 hours PM training required, but more valuable was the encouragement and tips from the instructors.    Also, because all areas of the PMBoK are covered, it forced me to focus on and study all subject areas.  I highly recommend it to anyone considering obtaining PMP certification.” – Toby Voss

“The sheer volume of information that must be absorbed - and more importantly, understood, in order to do well on a PMI exam - makes this course a must for anyone looking for accreditation.  No one information source is comprehensive - not even PMBOK itself - so having a group of experienced guides to point you to what is really important is essential.  What you get is in-depth training from people who have learned to think like project managers.  That’s what you need in an exam in which 3 out of 4 (sometimes 4 out of 4) responses in a typical multiple-choice question look equally plausible.  Take this course!” – Mike Skinner

“The CEPS course was extremely well organized and well run.  I was able to keep up with the material provided in each session and follow the guidance of the qualified practitioners regarding extra study to make sure that I passed the PMP exam on the first try.   The PMP designation has already helped my in my career aspirations.  Thanks for your support!” – Bonnie Laine Farrell

“The CEPS course just what I needed, with more than 10 years project management experience under my belt I was less interested in learning basic PM techniques, but more about getting “under the skin” of the PMI ethos to help me plan, prepare, sit and pass the exam. Many thanks.” - Ian Hennem

“I took a compressed version of the CEPS course which ran twice a week for five weeks and, while it was a heavy commitment at the time, it proved to be vital in preparing me to pass the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam. The PMPs, who were obvious subject matter experts, presented the content of the course and many valuable personal experiences. The anecdotes about how the information is applied and how to personally prepare for the exams brought the topic to life. I know that, at the end of the course, the participants will be as ready for the exam as they will ever be.” – Jim Hogg

“CEPS is the course you need to pass PMP/CAPM exam the first time.  It covers the right material and keeps you confident but honest about yourself.” – Chunying, Dong

7.      Who are the instructors?

The facilitators (instructors) are all certified PMPs and practicing project managers who are members of PMI Vancouver Island Chapter.  They are experienced professional project managers who bring a wealth of hands-on knowledge and skill to the VI PMI CEPS program and are committed to helping fellow project managers who wish to become PMP or CAPM certified.

Facilitators cover a wide range of industries including IT and IS, Construction, Facilities, Communications, Public Policy, and Event Management, and they work in different sectors such as:  Federal and Provincial Government, Defence, Health, Education, Real Estate, and Pharmaceuticals.

8.      How does the VI PMI CEPS program compare with those certificate programs offered by University of Victoria and Royal Roads University?

The University of Victoria and Royal Roads University project management certificate programs and VI PMI CEPS have very different objectives, purposes, and orientation.  The university programs teach project management and offer a Master’s Certificate in Project Management, whereas VI PMI CEPS is intended to facilitate and focus your self-study in preparation to take the PMP and CAPM certification examinations.

9.      What is the format of the VI PMI CEPS program?

The VI PMI CEPS program is delivered through lecture-style presentations, which are facilitated by experienced PMPs.

A different area of project management is covered in each session. 

The ten sessions for VI PMI CEPS program cover:

1. Introduction and Orientation

2. Scope Management

3. Time Management

4. Cost Management

5. Human Resources and Communication Management

6. Quality Management

7. Risk Management

8. Procurement Management

9. Integration Management and Professional Responsibility

10. Exam Review

10.  Is the VI PMI CEPS course content the same as the PMBoK?

PMI’s credential examinations are based on content from the “A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge Third Edition (PMBoK® Guide)” and additional globally-validated knowledge on project management. 

The VI PMI CEPS course covers the content of the PMBoK, plus additional material which is critical to the knowledge needed to successfully pass PMI’s certification examinations.  Throughout the VI PMI CEPS sessions, facilitators will highlight key project management concepts and terms as aids to focus your study.  Sample questions will also be reviewed allowing you to become familiar with the particular style of certification examination questions.

VI PMI CEPS participants are expected to have their own copy of the PMBoK.

A CD copy of the PMBoK is included in your PMI membership.

11.  How do I register for VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009?

Registration information is available at PMI Vancouver Island Chapter’s web site.  The Registrar may be contacted at cepsregistrar@pmivancouverisland.com Clicking on this link will generate an email message with a registration form.

Payment must be received by the Registrar prior to the start of VI PMI CEPS for your seat to be confirmed.

12.  What are the prerequisites for registration?

You are strongly encouraged to become a member of PMI and the Vancouver Island Chapter.  PMI membership gives you, among other things, your own CD copy of the PMBoK.  The PMBoK is an essential aid to getting full value from VI PMI CEPS.

We also strongly encourage you to begin the process of applying to write your PMP or CAPM exam with PMI.  Visiting the PMI examination registration web site (http://www.pmi.org/prod/groups/public/documents/info/PDC_CertificationsOverview.asp?nav=0401) will help you ensure that, on completing VI PMI CEPS you are ready to write and that you derive the maximum benefit from your time in VI PMI CEPS.

13.  Should I apply for PMI membership before registering for the course?

Yes.  Membership is easy and takes only a few minutes on line:  http://www.pmi.org/prod/groups/public/documents/info/GMC_MembershipOverview.asp?nav=0301

14.  Where do I get a PMBoK?

You can purchase a hard copy of the PMBoK at the PMI on-line bookstore:  http://www.pmi.org/Marketplace/Pages/Default.aspx.  Hard copy PMBoKs may also be available through local book stores.  A CD of the PMBoK is included in your PMI membership.  You should get, and start reading, the PMBoK before you start the course.

15.  What is the cost to take the VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 program?

The PMI member rate is $650.00 and the non-PMI member registration fee is $750.00 (both inclusive of GST).

16.  How do I pay for the VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 program?

Make cheques payable to “PMI Vancouver Island Chapter” and mail to:

Registrar, VI PMI CEPS 2009

c/o Dave Bachmann

10296 Gabriola Place

Sidney, BC

V8L 3J8

Cheques may be post-dated to 10 February 2009.

If you are paying by corporate or government cheque, please ensure that your name is clearly indicated on the cheque.

You may now also make your payments online via EventBrite – the same service we use for our chapter meetings. The cost will be the same as the chapter is assuming theEventBrite fee. To pay via EventBrite, please go to http://www.eventbrite.com/event/214699171.

Receipts will be issued on the last day of class.

17.  Why is there a difference in the member versus non-member rate?

By joining PMI, you automatically save $125.00 when registering for VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009.  Also, as a member of PMI, you will receive a significant discount when you apply to write the PMP Certification Examination, a digital copy of the “A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge Third Edition (PMBoK® Guide)” and discounts for any books and related study material purchased at the PMI on-line bookstore:  http://www.pmi.org/Marketplace/Pages/Default.aspx.

Please check the PMI web site www.pmi.org for the most current details on PMI membership / non-PMI membership rates.

18.  What do I do if I find that I can’t continue once I’ve registered; can I get a refund?

You can get a full refund from the Registrar up to one week before the course begins.  After that, the Vancouver Island Chapter will consider partial refunds in exceptional circumstances.

19.  What do I get when I register for VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009?

Registration and attendance provides:

Ø      35 hours of in-person facilitator-led contact hours;

Ø      A VI PMI CEPS Participant Manual (approximately 600 pages) which presents comprehensive content designed to facilitate and focus your self-study in preparation to take the PMI certification examinations;

Ø      Access to experienced professional project managers to answer questions as you prepare for your examinations;

Ø      Two 200 question Project Management Professional Sample Examination Questions booklets (a total of 400 questions in all);

Ø      A VI PMI CEPS 2009 Participant Certificate indicating that the participant has achieved 35 hours (if all the sessions were attended) of project management training ; and

Ø      A positive, helpful learning environment with many tips and suggestions to be done to be successful when you take the certification examination.

20.  What is the schedule of the VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 program?

PMI VI Chapter has developed a 10 week, 3.5 hour per week program for a total of 35 hours.  This schedule offers several advantages:

Ø      To accommodate working professionals who wish to become PMP or CAPM certified but cannot take five straight days off of work. 

Ø      To provide a format that is different from the programs offered by professional training companies. 

Ø      To provide participants with different facilitators/instructors for each session.  This provides VI PMI CEPS participants with an exposure to a wide range of professional project managers, who bring their own experience to each session.

Ø      To meet the minimum number of mandatory education hours in project management which PMI requires in order to approve a candidate to sit their certification examination.

21.  When does VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 begin?

VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 begins on Tuesday 3 February 2009 and continues for the next ten Tuesdays, ending on 7 April 2009.

22.  Where will VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 be held?

VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 will be held in room ECS 108 (Engineering & Computer Science building) at the UVic main campus. Click here for a map.

23.  Is parking available?

Yes, parking is available for $2 from 6:00 in Lot 1. Click here for a map.

24.  What about food?

There are vending machines in the Engineering Computer Science building.  Food is available at the student union, but it’s not all that close to the classroom.  If you’re going to want food you will probably want to bring your own.

25.  What time are the VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009 classes?

All classes begin at 6:15 p.m. and end at 9:45 p.m.

26.  What happens if I miss a class?

All project managers have very busy lives!  If you have to miss a class, it is your responsibility to cover the material on your own and you may contact the specific Facilitator if you have any questions.   It is important that you notify the VI PMI CEPS Project Leader, as attendance is checked (you have to sign-in at each session). This course provides the minimum number of mandatory education hours in project management that PMI requires in order to approve a candidate to sit their PMP^© certification examination.

27.  Who do I contact for more information?

The following contacts will be pleased to provide more information about VI PMI CEPS Spring 2009:

Resources

With more than 250,000 members, PMI is the largest association of project managers and is the premier international certification body.  However, project management is a rapidly growing field and a number of other associations and groups have helpful project management-related information.

Related Associations

The Canadian Association of Management Consultants http://www.camc.com/index.cfm?PID=12590&PIDLIST=12590

The Canadian Public Relations Society http://www.cprs-vi.org/contact/index.html

The Computer and Information Processing Society (CIPS) http://www.victoria.cips.ca/

The BC Human Resources Management Association http://www.bchrma.org

The International Institute of Business Analysis http://www.iiba.com/chapters/victoria.cfm

The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) http://www.isacavictoria.ca/

The Planning Institute of British Columbia http://www.pibc.bc.ca/chapters/index.php?action=chapter&chapterid=5

The Risk and Insurance Management Society http://britishcolumbia.rims.org/ChapterWebsite/RIMSChapter.cfm?CID=314

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