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How do I Choose the Best Project Management Training Course?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

There are four things to consider when looking for the best project management training course: appropriate level, qualified instructors, accreditation, and group interaction. Project management courses are available from both traditional universities and colleges, as well as dedicated online schools. A project management training course can help you to complete the Project Management Professional® (PMP®) program, count toward a minor specialty as part of your degree, or improve your career opportunities. Project management is a skill in demand in a wide range of positions and disciplines, ranging from engineering to information technology.

The level of courses in project management will vary widely, depending on the institute and its target audience. Read the course description carefully, and make sure it provides the appropriate level of detail for your needs. If you are taking this type of course as part of your degree, make sure it has been accepted by the program registrar. People who are taking a project management training course to improve their career options should look for courses that are available part time or online. This flexibility will allow them to complete the coursework while working full time.

Qualified instructors often train others how to manage projects.
Qualified instructors often train others how to manage projects.

Project management training courses should be taught by qualified instructors who are experts in their field. The level of skill of the instructor has a huge impact on the depth of material that can be covered, as the instructor is responsible for writing the course notes, creating the recorded lectures, and facilitating discussions. Traditional schools offering online courses typically use the same instructors as their classroom courses. Read the biographies of the instructors with care to make sure that you are corresponding with the instructor and not a teaching assistant.

The level of courses in project management will vary widely depending on the institute and its target audience.
The level of courses in project management will vary widely depending on the institute and its target audience.

When reviewing the course options, it is important to ensure that the school is accredited. An accredited school has been reviewed by an independent agency to ensure minimum standards are met. If you decide to use an online school, verify the status of the school independently to make sure that it is valid. If not, the cost and time spent on the class is wasted, as you will have to repeat the class from an accredited school to receive credit for it.

Management training includes how to effectively lead group projects.
Management training includes how to effectively lead group projects.

Check the online program description for information about system availability, communication methods, group projects, and tools for facilitating group discussion. Project management training courses should provide the same opportunities for interaction and discussion as would be available in a traditional program. All the technology required to do this is readily available and should be used to enhance the learning experience.

Discussion Comments

anon333540

To answer BAU79 and nextcorrea's questions, yes, it is possible to learn PM o your own and at your own pace online. It depends on your understanding and intent (for example, a person who wants to get into the PM role but has never done it would be better suited for online training like through Udemy (look up "Project-Management-Training" by Natalie Disque) while another person who has done PM work but is more interested in learning the way to certification, should check out PMI for their certification program.)

BAU79

Do you think it is possible to learn project management on your own? My library has a number of books on the subject, including some of the textbooks that are used in actual project management courses. If I just read all of these and did some of the assignments in the textbook do you think that would prepare me adequately?

chivebasil

I went to a project management program at my state college and it has been a huge help in my professional life. It was a one year program to get a specialized certification but the skills and knowledge that I gained have been invaluable.

They made me more productive and also more appealing as a candidate to take on greater responsibilities. I had never managed a project independently until I got the certification but once I did my boss felt like I had the skills necessary.

nextcorrea

Is it possible to take a project management training course online? Would you recommend doing one of these or is it better to take the class face to face. I am kind of torn personally.

On the one hand I feel like it would be good to take it online because so much of management is done online these days. Being able to effectively go to school online would contribute a lot to being able to manage others online.

But at the same time I feel like the ability to be there in person and make an impression and defend yourself face to face counts for a lot in a project manager. Maybe something would be lost if I did the whole thing online. What do you think? Any ideas are appreciated.

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    • Qualified instructors often train others how to manage projects.
      By: auremar
      Qualified instructors often train others how to manage projects.
    • The level of courses in project management will vary widely depending on the institute and its target audience.
      By: Photographee.eu
      The level of courses in project management will vary widely depending on the institute and its target audience.
    • Management training includes how to effectively lead group projects.
      By: gstockstudio
      Management training includes how to effectively lead group projects.
    • Online management training courses can be taken in a person's free time without interfering with work.
      By: elnariz
      Online management training courses can be taken in a person's free time without interfering with work.