Associate Director's Q&A on the FAC Program and Project Manager Certification Process
How are Code 400's Program and Project Manager (P/PM) Certification candidates "nominated" each year?
Each September I ask the Director of Code 400 for his list of candidates for P/PM certification for the coming year. He typically asks the Program Managers if they have any candidates that they would recommend. Once I have the total list of names, I contact the candidates, solicit the necessary paperwork from them and start the ball rolling to meet the April 30 deadline for completing the entire process for final sign-off for that year.
How does a Code 400 candidate accomplish the P/PM certification process once he or she has been nominated?
First, the candidate completes a self-assessment on the "FAC PPM Competency Assessment 2010" form (see Code 400 website for form). In order to be considered for certification, the candidate must meet or exceed the criteria outlined at the beginning of the form (i.e., Level 4 proficiency for the common NASA/FAC competencies, and Level 3 proficiency for 80% (15) of the remaining 18 NASA competencies). Second, the individual's supervisor must review the self-assessment form with the candidate, confirm that it complies with the criteria, and sign the "Endorsement Form Letter" (see Code 400 website for letter), signifying that the supervisor concurs with the candidate's self-assessment, and furthermore attesting that the candidate has at least four years of management experience. The form, the letter, and the candidates resume constitute the candidate's certification application file. Third, the Center's P/PM Certification Review Panel, which is chaired by the Deputy Center Director and comprised of the senior leadership of Code 400, must also certify the form on behalf of the Center and recommend the candidate for certification. Fourth, the candidate's file is submitted to Headquarters for final approval and sign-off. All of this must be accomplished prior to the April 30 deadline.
Does this P/PM certification process also apply to Instrument Managers, Deputy Program Managers and Deputy Project Managers?
No. The certification of Program and Project Managers is a U.S. Government-wide requirement that was triggered by an audit several years ago that found all Government agencies lacking in this regard. It only applies to Program and Project Managers. FAC P/PM Certification is not required for Instrument Managers, Deputy Program Managers or Deputy Project Managers. Although it is not required for deputies, we have elected to seek certification for many of our current deputies so that we will not find ourselves constrained from moving one or more of them into the lead positions, if necessary, due to lack of certification.
What can I do now to prepare myself for my own future certification?
The obvious part is for you to seek management experience opportunities; you want to reach the minimum threshold of four years of experience. The less obvious part is for you to review the minimum criteria listed on the "FAC PPM Competency Assessment 2010" form and for you to plan to obtain additional experience and/or training over the coming years in the areas where you are currently weak.
