Josh Nankivel
I was interviewed on PM411.org recently, take a listen if you want to know a little more about me. Ron asked me about my history in project management, we talked about scope management a bit, and my thoughts on the future of the PMP certification. It was an enjoyable discussion, thanks Ron!
http://pm411.org/2009/07/23/podcast-episode-043-interview-with-josh-nankivel-pmp/
Project Manager Interview Series
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Josh –
I enjoyed reading the transcript, but I found one comment particularly interesting: “The process of studying, seeing how that knowledge applies to your job as a project manager, asking colleagues questions about how to apply best practices within your organization, and searching out PM resources and networks is what preparing for the exam should really be about.”
Why? What gives you the right to judge how others choose to prepare for the exam? Rather than implicitly criticizing the people who have made a choice that differs from yours, why not criticize the exam itself? If I can pass the exam after a 3-day boot camp, why shouldn’t I? Is it because that cheapens the value of your credential? Why blame the exam prep industry? Why not blame the people who created an exam that can be passed after a 3-day boot camp?
I realize that I am biased. But on the other hand, a quality certification process would verify that you did all the things you think someone should do. So when are you going to apply for asapm/IPMA certification? I’ll even assess you for free if you think you can pass.
Duncan
Thanks for the comment Bill. Of course we’ve been here before.
You should really listen to the interview, especially the last half. You’ll see I support your position about a competency-based exam more than you know, and I DID talk about how the PMP certification is becoming, and I fear will become even more obsolete if the PMI does not change it dramatically. I made this point to Greg Balestrero in person last October, and spoke a little about that encounter in this interview.
I have every right to my opinion about how people prepare for the PMP exam. I do criticize the choice of attending a boot camp for ANY certification or test of any kind whenever and wherever I see it mentioned. In the interview I spoke about this in relation to the MCSE certification as well, and what was happening in the late 90′s with boot camps and that cert.
And we’ll probably be here again …
I find a great deal of irony in your position. You say that the PMP is losing credibility, but I think what is really happening is that people are beginning to recognize it for what it is: an entry level credential for anyone involved in project management. That was how the program was designed, that was its original intent, and it still serves that purpose well. Boot camps are fine for such credentials. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, and engineers all have boot camps for their entry level exams.
It’s only if you try to make the PMP out to be more than it is that the questions of the appropriateness of boot camps and the “loss” of credibility come into play.
Josh –
I enjoyed reading the transcript, but I found one comment particularly interesting: “The process of studying, seeing how that knowledge applies to your job as a project manager, asking colleagues questions about how to apply best practices within your organization, and searching out PM resources and networks is what preparing for the exam should really be about.”
Why? What gives you the right to judge how others choose to prepare for the exam? Rather than implicitly criticizing the people who have made a choice that differs from yours, why not criticize the exam itself? If I can pass the exam after a 3-day boot camp, why shouldn’t I? Is it because that cheapens the value of your credential? Why blame the exam prep industry? Why not blame the people who created an exam that can be passed after a 3-day boot camp?
I realize that I am biased. But on the other hand, a quality certification process would verify that you did all the things you think someone should do. So when are you going to apply for asapm/IPMA certification? I’ll even assess you for free if you think you can pass.
Duncan
Thanks for the comment Bill. Of course we’ve been here before.
You should really listen to the interview, especially the last half. You’ll see I support your position about a competency-based exam more than you know, and I DID talk about how the PMP certification is becoming, and I fear will become even more obsolete if the PMI does not change it dramatically. I made this point to Greg Balestrero in person last October, and spoke a little about that encounter in this interview.
I have every right to my opinion about how people prepare for the PMP exam. I do criticize the choice of attending a boot camp for ANY certification or test of any kind whenever and wherever I see it mentioned. In the interview I spoke about this in relation to the MCSE certification as well, and what was happening in the late 90′s with boot camps and that cert.
And we’ll probably be here again …
I find a great deal of irony in your position. You say that the PMP is losing credibility, but I think what is really happening is that people are beginning to recognize it for what it is: an entry level credential for anyone involved in project management. That was how the program was designed, that was its original intent, and it still serves that purpose well. Boot camps are fine for such credentials. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, and engineers all have boot camps for their entry level exams.
It’s only if you try to make the PMP out to be more than it is that the questions of the appropriateness of boot camps and the “loss” of credibility come into play.