How to make the best of online project management training

One of the recent trends in Project Management Certification training is mass migration of project managers towards online training programs. The training programs helps working project managers to continue their learning without sacrificing working hours.

Online learning suits best for a project manager than anyone else. The reasons are plain simple. They are time efficient, flexible and offer the same if not better quality of learning at one’s own comfort. For a Project Management Professional aspirant, this is the best of both worlds. Work and continued professional education will not come at loggerheads.

In fact, the trend has even led to the availability of several project management training resources too. Some even confirm this mode of virtual learning to be more effective in nature since it allows them to progress the coursework at their own pace.

But convenience is not the end of it. There are plenty of other benefits why virtual a.k.a online Project Management Training has come to the foray as a first choice for both organizations and aspiring project managers.

In fact, the Enterprise Project Management Survey 2014 states that at least 61% of the organizations offer their business managers and executive managers online project management certification training. (refer chart)

The number as of 2016 would have substantially increased. The increase in enrollments at MOCC websites like Coursera, Udemy, Khan’s Academy, etc. also assure these statistics to have gone in the favor of online project management training.

So, is it right for anyone for to go in and sign up for online PMP certification training? Yes, provided the necessary criterion of an ideal online training course is met.

Some of the criterion to be borne in mind while selecting an online PMP certification course are listed as below:

• Credits: Does the program accredited with Project Management Institute?

• PDU provision: In case of qualified project managers taking the course, does it provide eligible PDUs?

• Convenience: Is the online classes scheduled on fixed time slots or taken at the convenience of the student?

• Size: What is the average class size and is there any possibility of classes being cancelled if quorum is not met?
• Instructors: Who are the instructors? What are their qualifications? Are they practicing Project Managers with practical PMP experience?
• Communication: how will communication with the program coordinators and the instructors happen? Internal communication facilities with lecturers?

• Assistance: Will the program coordinators be accessible at all times for any kind of assistance?
• Standards: Does the program conduct the training in alignment with the Project Management standards as laid down in Project Management Book of Knowledge?

How to make the best of virtual PMP certification training?

Online courses are convenient. They have risen in popularity. Point confirmed.

However, that does not necessarily urge one to sign up for online Project Manager Certification without scrutinizing the conditions of the course in detail.

A thorough reading and understanding of the course description prior to the admission is a must. This will save any possible loss of time, effort and money in the future.

Also, it is necessary to create a communication and rapport with other participants of the course. Most online training institutions are now providing private discussion forums, bulletin boards, social media pages and instant messaging groups that foster a learning culture.

Make use of them for maximizing learning and also to keep a pulse on the latest trends and happenings in project management. This will also aid in expanding one’s professional network of project managers and management professionals.