The USDA IT Investment Project Management Training Program provides participants the tools and techniques needed to manage IT projects effectively with an emphasis on the issues encountered in managing within the USDA Capital Planning and Investment Control process and other Federal guidance. This training program was initiated in response to the results of a survey of USDA IT executives, which indicated the need for more training in project management. The Federal CIO Council as well as industry leaders consider Project Management as a critical competency for IT managers.

OCIO has sponsored the IT Investment Project Management training since October 2001. The training covers Federal best practices as well as the nine knowledge areas specified by the Project Management Institute (PMI) in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), the industry standard for project management training. At the end of the training, participants are eligible to take the examination administered by PMI for Certification as a Project Management Professional.

In addition to the formal training, each person receives the following: Rita Mulcahy's Prep Exam Workbook, flashcards, and a PMP test simulation CD; one year membership to Project Management Institute and the cost to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification test.

This training is being presented in collaboration with the Robbins-Gioia Consulting Company. For more information about the training, contact Efren Valerio at 202-720-8888 or via email: Efren.Valerio@usda.gov

Career Focus:

The USDA IT Investment Project Management Training Program is excellent preparation for those working in the field of IT with project management responsibilities as either a project manager or as part of a project team within an organization. IT project managers should have an understanding of core computing skills, but their chief focus will be in working with customers and technical team members to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and scope and to justify their projects by having a strong business case. This training is targeted for IT professionals with at least three years of experience working or leading IT projects. See our Syllabus for Course Content detail.

At this time, several classes of 15-20 USDA IT professionals each have completed the training. Many graduates of the program have obtained PMP certification, see our list of PMP certified graduates.

http://www.ocio.usda.gov/p_mgnt/index.html
Last Modified: 03/14/2008