Module 1: Introduction to PMP® and Project Management

View as Markdown

Module Overview

This module introduces learners to the fundamentals of project management and the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

It provides an overview of the PMP certification, the examination structure and the Project Management Institute's Examination Content Outline (ECO). Learners will understand key project management terminology, the relationship between projects, programmes and portfolios, and how projects contribute to organisational objectives.

The module also explores the responsibilities of a project manager, professional ethics, project management standards and frameworks, and the PMP certification application and examination process.

By the end of this module, learners will have a clear understanding of project management fundamentals and the expectations associated with the PMP certification.

What Will Be Covered

1. Introduction to the Project Management Institute (PMI) and PMP® Certification

Understand the role of PMI in the project management profession and explore the value of the PMP certification.

Topics include:

Introduction to the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Understanding PMI's role in developing project management standards and professional practices.
Overview of the PMP certification and its purpose.
Understanding the professional value of PMP certification.
Exploring how PMP certification supports project management career development.
Understanding the importance of continuous professional development.

2. Overview of the PMP Examination Content Outline (ECO)

Learn how the PMP examination is structured and understand the major areas of project management knowledge assessed in the examination.

Topics include:

Introduction to the PMP Examination Content Outline (ECO).
Understanding the structure and purpose of the ECO.
Exploring the examination domains and their importance.
Understanding how project management tasks and responsibilities relate to the examination.
Recognising the importance of situational and scenario-based questions.
Understanding how the ECO guides PMP examination preparation.

3. Fundamentals of Project Management and Key Terminology

Build a strong foundation in project management concepts and terminology used throughout the project lifecycle.

Topics include:

Understanding project management and its purpose.
Defining projects and their key characteristics.
Introduction to project management terminology.
Understanding project objectives, deliverables and outcomes.
Exploring project constraints and assumptions.
Understanding the relationship between scope, schedule, cost and quality.
Introduction to stakeholders, resources, risks and project governance.

4. Understanding Projects, Programmes and Portfolios

Understand how projects, programmes and portfolios differ and how they contribute to achieving organisational goals.

Topics include:

Understanding the definition and purpose of a project.
Introduction to programme management.
Understanding portfolio management.
Comparing projects, programmes and portfolios.
Exploring how related projects are coordinated through programme management.
Understanding how portfolios support strategic priorities.
Recognising the importance of aligning project activities with organisational objectives.

5. Project Characteristics, Objectives and Organisational Alignment

Explore the key characteristics of projects and understand how project objectives connect with wider organisational priorities.

Topics include:

Identifying the defining characteristics of a project.
Understanding project objectives and expected outcomes.
Exploring project scope, deliverables and success criteria.
Understanding organisational strategy and project alignment.
Identifying how projects contribute to business value.
Understanding the importance of measurable project objectives.
Recognising the impact of organisational priorities on project decisions.

6. Roles and Responsibilities of a Project Manager

Understand the responsibilities of a project manager and how the role contributes to successful project delivery.

Topics include:

Understanding the role of a project manager.
Managing project planning, execution and monitoring activities.
Coordinating project teams and stakeholders.
Managing resources, schedules and project deliverables.
Supporting communication and collaboration.
Identifying and managing project risks and issues.
Understanding leadership, decision-making and conflict management responsibilities.
Supporting project objectives and organisational value.

7. Professional Conduct, Ethics and Responsibilities

Learn the importance of professional behaviour and ethical decision-making in project management.

Topics include:

Understanding professional conduct in project management.
Introduction to PMI's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
Exploring the core values of responsibility, respect, fairness and honesty.
Understanding ethical decision-making in project situations.
Maintaining transparency and accountability.
Managing conflicts of interest appropriately.
Respecting stakeholders, team members and organisational policies.
Understanding the project manager's professional responsibilities.

8. Overview of Project Management Standards and Frameworks

Explore the role of project management standards and frameworks in providing structure and consistency to project delivery.

Topics include:

Introduction to project management standards and frameworks.
Understanding the purpose of PMI standards.
Overview of the PMBOK® Guide and its role in project management.
Understanding predictive, agile and hybrid project management approaches.
Exploring how project management practices can be adapted to different environments.
Understanding the importance of governance and standardised practices.
Recognising how frameworks support effective project delivery.

9. PMP Certification Application Process and Examination Overview

Understand the steps involved in applying for PMP certification and preparing for the examination.

Topics include:

Understanding PMP certification eligibility requirements.
Overview of the PMP application process.
Understanding the information required for the application.
Introduction to application review and audit procedures.
Overview of examination scheduling.
Understanding the examination format and question types.
Exploring examination preparation and study planning.
Introduction to maintaining PMP certification after passing the examination.

Skills You Will Gain

By completing this module, learners will develop the ability to:

Understand the role of PMI and the value of PMP certification.
Interpret the structure and purpose of the PMP Examination Content Outline.
Apply fundamental project management terminology.
Differentiate between projects, programmes and portfolios.
Identify project characteristics, objectives and success criteria.
Understand the responsibilities of a project manager.
Recognise the importance of professional ethics and accountability.
Understand project management standards and frameworks.
Identify predictive, agile and hybrid project management approaches.
Understand the PMP certification application and examination process.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, learners will have a foundational understanding of project management and how it supports organisational performance.

Better understanding of project objectives: Identify project goals, deliverables and expected outcomes to maintain clarity throughout project activities.
Improved organisational alignment: Understand how individual projects contribute to wider business priorities and strategic objectives.
Clearer project responsibilities: Recognise the responsibilities of project managers and the importance of coordinating teams, resources and stakeholders.
Stronger project communication: Understand project terminology and use consistent project management language when communicating with teams and stakeholders.
Professional and ethical decision-making: Apply professional conduct and ethical principles when handling project responsibilities, stakeholder expectations and workplace challenges.
Better understanding of project structures: Differentiate between projects, programmes and portfolios to understand how work is organised and managed within an organisation.
Awareness of project management approaches: Understand the purpose of project management standards and recognise when predictive, agile or hybrid approaches may be relevant.
PMP certification readiness: Understand the certification requirements, examination structure and application process to plan the next steps towards PMP certification.

PMP Exam Alignment

Learning area	PMP relevance
PMI and PMP certification	Introduces PMI, the purpose of the certification and its professional value.
Examination Content Outline	Familiarises learners with the structure and examination domains.
Project management fundamentals	Builds an understanding of projects, objectives, deliverables and key terminology.
Projects, programmes and portfolios	Develops knowledge of how project work is organised and aligned with business strategy.
Project manager responsibilities	Introduces leadership, coordination, stakeholder engagement and project delivery responsibilities.
Professional ethics	Covers professional conduct, accountability and ethical decision-making.
Standards and frameworks	Introduces project management standards and predictive, agile and hybrid approaches.
Certification application and examination	Explains the application process, eligibility and examination preparation.

These topics provide the foundation for understanding the wider PMP examination content. Learners should also study the complete current ECO and the relevant examination preparation materials.

Continue to the Next Module

Continue to Module 2

To build on these project management fundamentals and explore the next set of PMP concepts.

Was this article helpful?

Still need help?