PMI Nashville Study Groups
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The Project Management Institute (PMI) Nashville Chapter’s objective is to connect professionals with similar goals – to obtain their Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).
Study Groups are self-directed by the members of the group and consist of 8-12 individuals that are preparing to take the CAPM or PMP. A member of the PMI Nashville Chapter, usually the Director of Study Groups will facilitate a kick-off meeting upon receiving enough interest from individuals that have committed to participate in a group and a meeting location is established. Meetings are usually conducted during the evening at a conference or meeting room obtained by one of the study group members.
Benefits of Study Groups
The PMI Nashville Chapter benefits from the study groups by offering members additional opportunities to learn, encouraging alternative ways to networking, and adding value to chapter memberships.
The PMI Study Group attendees benefit:
- It encourages attendees to alter their old ways of thinking
- It minimizes less effective patterns of behavior and maximizes productivity
- In a group environment, you are less likely to procrastinate because you have accountability to the others in the group
- Group study encourages you to explain things aloud, which by speaking to and listing to others, often improves recall ability
- The various perspectives from others in the group improve your chances of anticipating test questions
- One or more group members are likely to understand something you don’t
- Group members will listen and discuss information and concepts during the group sessions
- Teaching/explaining information/process/concepts to other group members will help you reinforce your mastery of the information/process/concepts
Study Group Recommended Protocol
- Study groups typically meet once per week, between 1.5-2 hours
- Study groups range in durationCover one knowledge area per study group session
- Typical length is 12 weeks, (however, it is up to all members of the group to decide)
- Each member volunteers to facilitate/teach a knowledge area at least once – approx. 60 mins
- Take a pre-test prior to each subject – approx 20 mins
- Review answers in round table
- Take a post-test after each subject – approx. 20 minsBe prepared for each knowledge area – even if you are not the facilitator
- Review answers in round table
- Participate – encourage positive dialogue
- Some study groups have used prepared questions to facilitate the study sessions rather than prepare a presentation. The group has the option of deciding the best method for their style of learning.
Study group requirements
- Study groups should have a minimum of 8 members and generally no more than 12 so that there is critical mass to continue should someone drop out and not so many people that everyone does not have a chance to participate and lead
- A study group member must secure a location for the group to meet (preferably a conference room at their office/business)
- Study groups are self-directed after the kick-off meeting
- Each member contributes to discussions
- Study group members work collaboratively during discussions
Study Group Materials
- Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK) for study material – will receive upon joining PMI or can purchase separately
- The PMBOK is always your primary source of information
- http://www.pmi.org/PMBOK-Guide-and-Standards/Standards-Library-of-PMI-Global-Standards-Projects.aspx
- PMP Exam Prep
- PMBOK Q&A
- PMP Study Guide (members choice)
- PMP Prep by Rita Mulcahey - http://www.rmcproject.com/
- PMP Study Guide - http://www.amazon.com/PMP-Project-Management-Professional-Study/dp/0782141064
- PMP Practice Tests
- PMP Exam Practice Test and Study Guide - http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_2?_encoding=UTF8&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books&field-author=J.%20LeRoy%20Ward
Study Group Commitments
- Study groups require a commitment of 100 or more hours to studying
- Study group members should set a date to take the exam
- Study group members should be on-time to group sessions
- Study group members should be respectful of others knowledge and viewpoints
- Create a study plan – this will help you be prepared for each session
- Study groups members should follow the protocol set forth by the their group
Study Group Potential Challenges
- Time management
- Work
- Personal life
- Studying
- Commitment to groupSeparating particular work terminologies and practices with PMI philosophies
- Attend study sessions
FAQs
Q: How often do study groups meet?
A: Study groups typically meet once per week, between 1.5-2 hours
Q: How long does the study group stay together?
A: Typical length is 12 weeks, (however, it is up to all members of the group to decide)
Q: What is typically covered in each study session?
A: Usually one knowledge area is covered per study group session
Q: Who facilitates the study group?
A: Each member volunteers to facilitate/teach a knowledge area at least once – approx. 60 mins
Take a pre-test prior to each subject – approx 20 mins, review answers in round table
Take a post-test after each subject – approx. 20 mins, review answers in round table
Q: How do I prepare to facilitate a session?
A: Some study groups have used prepared questions to facilitate the study sessions rather than prepare a presentation. The group has the option of deciding the best method for their style of learning.
Q: What happens if I can’t make it to a session?
A: Participating in a study group takes a commitment from everyone for it to be successful. You should make every effort to attend each session. We all realize that emergencies do come up and if they do, you should contact those in your group to let them know you will not be in attendance.
Q: What types of certifications does the study group help to prepare me for?
A: Currently, study groups are targeted to the PMP and CAPM, although PMI offers other certifications. For a list and description of those, visit - http://www.pmi.org/Certification.aspx