A PROJECT connotes purposefulness, some minimum size, a specific location, the introduction of something qualitatively new, and the expectation that a sequence of further development moves will be set in motion.

Development projects are the privilege particles of development process. The PROJECT MANAGEMENT is a specialized branch of management capable of differentiation from others based on variety of factors, which include the organization structure, the process of planning and control, human relations etc.

Today formal training for professionals working in organizations is available from high school to doctoral level. The training programs are run by universities, training and consultant companies, government and non-government organizations, and independent consultants through their learning centers and internet programs.

One of the most valuable certificates today is PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL from PROJECT MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE (PMI). The certification is available at two levels testing individuals' knowledge in core areas of project management and is both expensive and tough to clear.

The levels include:

• LEVEL 1: PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL (PMP)


• LEVEL 2: CERTIFIED ASSOCIATE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT (CAPM)

The test taken is completely based on the workbook provided by the institute and focuses on teaching handling single project at a time rather than multi-projects. Good amount of experience is needed to crack the exam.

Another valuable certificate is offered by IPMA. It offers certification at 4 levels namely:

Level A: Certificated Program Director (CPD):

It is offered to personnel's having experience and competence in managing and handling projects with a team of professionals.

Level B: Certificated Project Manager (CPM):

It is given to those having capability and knowledge to handle complex projects independently themselves.

Level C: Registered Project Management Professional (RPMP):

It is awarded to those having the skills to manage simple projects in a team.

LEVEL D: Project Management Fachman/Fachfrau/Practitioner (PMF):

It is given to those applying some specific area of knowledge in handling projects. Another renowned organization providing certification is the Association of Project Management (APM)

It is the British member of IPMA, offers certification in project management at three levels namely:

· IPMA Level B: Certified Project Manager

· IPMA Level C: Practitioner Qualification

· IPMA Level D: APMP

New institutes understanding the growing importance of project management in today's scenario are also coming up. Some of the latest institutes to join the race include:

The Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM):

It judges individuals potential at three levels namely:

· PROJECT TEAM LEVEL

· PROJECT MANAGER

· PROGRAM MANGER

American Society for The Advancement of Project Management:

It will judge individuals capability at three levels and has been designed with the main of filling the gaps in PMP program offered by PMI.