PMI-CP™ – A dedicated project management Certification for Construction Professionals

Recently, PMI announced a new certification – PMI-CP™, which we covered in our Blog PMI-CP™ – Improved Project Outcomes in the Built Environment. The aim of this Blog is to provide answers to why you should do the PMI-CP™ and is from the viewpoint of one of our PMI-CP™ trainers, Brandon Byford and why PMI-CP™ is a great certification for those working in the construction industry.

My name is Brandon Byford and I consider myself a “lifelong learner”. I have had the privilege to work in all markets, across all stages of projects globally. I have worked on multiple billion-dollar programmes to small feasibility studies.

Based on my historical engagements and roles within Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) and consulting firms, I have been able to achieve the PfMP®, PgMP®, PMP®, PMI-ACP®, and now the PMI-CP™ certification (including the new PMI-SCP™ distinction in which we will discuss in a later blog) so far in my career.

As one of only a handful of people across Australia/New Zealand to hold the PMI-CP™, and as a new trainer for Millpond, it will be a privilege to assist you on the journey to PMI-CP™ certification.

I am enthusiastic about not just solving the wicked problems found in the construction industry, but I get much pleasure knowing that I get the opportunity of going on a potential life changing journey with you and knowing that the construction industry will be safe in your hands going forward.

The below covers why you should do PMI-CP, how hard it is, how much you’ll need to study and what the exam questions are like, along with relevance to NZ and Australia and those leading Construction projects. If you are after further details on what the PMI-CP in construction is, how you can benefit, or who it is for,  you can also refer to our earlier Blog PMI-CP™ – Improved Project Outcomes in the Built Environment.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your Quality Assurance and Testing needs for your next project.

Why should I do PMI-CP™? 

It is fair to say that many people can be defined as leaders on a construction project. 

It is not just the Project Director or the Project Manager. Various team members, from Construction Managers, Interface Managers, Discipline Leads, and others depending on the size of the project will have “skin in the game”, when it comes to project leadership. 

After conducting significant global research which included various projects of complexity, spanning multiple industries, PMI answered the call to team up with CII (Construction Industry Institute) and the LCI (Lean Construction Institute), as well as several Tier 1 EPC firms and their industry specific clients, to bring together best practices and the latest techniques for Construction Leaders to apply to their projects. 

PMI also engaged with the construction industry and made note of various practical concepts and techniques that differ from theoretical Project Management concepts currently taught within the CAPM® and PMP® programs. 

Successful PMI-CP™ certification holders have already provided positive feedback on being able to immediately implement the concepts learned in the PMI-CP™ course, which has resonated and been well received by project stakeholders. 

Immediate Pain Points rectified on projects by PMI-CP™ certification holders have been: 

1. Project Delays
2. Scope Creep
3. Project budget overruns 

The PMI-CP™ certification is designed specifically for construction professionals who have first-hand experience encountering the pain points listed above at site. The certification will validate the individual’s in-depth understanding of construction management methodologies, contracts, risk management practices, scheduling techniques, and cost control strategies. This differs from those investing in the PMP®, which covers a broader scope, is industry agnostic, and covers all stages of the project lifecycle.

PMI also felt obligated to live up to its mission of sustainability, and incorporated lean construction methodologies within this course, to provide further benefits to participants who take the course so they can apply their learnings immediately on their projects. 

PMI’s research shows:

That for every $1B dollars spent, there’s $127M wasted within the construction industry.

And The construction productivity imperative | McKinsey notes that 98% of megaprojects face cost overruns or delays. PMI was motivated to make a positive impact to that amount of waste. 

– PMI Pulse of the Profession research; 2020

Why should I do PMI-CP™ instead of PMP® or is there value in obtaining both? 

The general approach recommended by PMI is for all practitioners to obtain a generalised project management certification first (PMP®, CAPM® etc), and then reinforce their growth with a specialised certification (PMI-CP™, PMI-ACP® etc.) 

The PMP® certification is, as intended, industry agnostic. It covers a wide range of knowledge and best practice advice for all project managers, including approaches (prescriptive and adaptive), and techniques (people and process). It has something for everyone. 

PMI-CP™ is more targeted, focusing in on the current needs of the construction and built environment industry. There are four core areas that have been identified as essential skills for development by construction practitioners: 

1. Project Management Skills:
   • Practitioners gain expertise in planning, scheduling, risk management, and cost control for effective project execution.
2.  Technical Proficiency:
   • Enhanced knowledge of construction methods, quality and safety management ensures projects meet technical standards and regulatory requirements. 
3. Leadership and Communication:
   • Improved leadership and communication skills facilitate better team management, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution. 
4. Strategic and Business Acumen:
   • Increased understanding of contract management, procurement, and sustainability practices enhances overall project efficiency and compliance. 

There is value in obtaining both certifications, PMP® and PMI-CP™. However, I would recommend to anyone thinking about both or either to first consider where they want to take their careers and what they are most enthusiastic about. 

My take is that if you have a desire to lead projects throughout all stages of an engagement, with a desire to maintain an agnostic view of management, and you are open to how other organisations and industries might operate across the project lifecycle, to look more at PMP® training and certification, or CAPM® training and certification if you don’t quite have the experience to be able to sit the PMP® exam yet. 

If you come from the trades or a technical background, have construction experience, and want to excel specifically in the construction industry, the PMI-CP™ certification will augment your technical and practical skills, as well as introduce you to new concepts, technologies, and methodologies, and will allow you to differentiate yourself amongst other leaders in the industry who have yet to achieve this certification. 

If you are enthusiastic about obtaining both certifications, I highly recommend this too due to the scarcity of individuals having both globally, and intertwining both courses will further solidify your knowledge across all stages of the life of a project. 

Aside from practical experience in construction, I have found that the PMI-CP™ certification has enabled me to have more meaningful discussions with both clients and stakeholders during the pre-construction phase, forming a better plan of attack before construction commences. 

There are no disadvantages and/or cons for a prospective individual looking to go after the PMP®, PMI-CP™, or both, other than the time commitment to study and the financial commitment to pay for courses and the exam. 

How hard is PMI-CP™? 

Like all certifications created by PMI, each applicant will have to dedicate and make time to study for the micro exams (where applicable) as well as the capstone PMI-CP™ exam. 

As typically found on PMI exams, the exam structure is heavily scenario based. Memorisation alone will not lead to a passing grade. 

After ensuring they having a firm understanding of the material, the applicant should prepare themselves for scenario/practical questions that put a spotlight on both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience an applicant brings on the day of the exam. 

Investing in Millpond’s PMI-CP™ Exam Preparation course will further solidify the confidence of applicants. As the instructor, I have been successful in the micro exams and the capstone exam, am currently one of a few people globally to have successfully passed the exam achieving “Above-Target” in all domains 😊. 

Is PMP® harder than PMI-CP™? 

I would not say one is “harder than the other”. The quantum of content is roughly the same. 

The PMP® certification has a much broader coverage of people and project environment considerations, and more processes (inputs/outputs and techniques), which integrate across all Project Management knowledge areas, in comparison to the PMI-CP™. 

The PMI-CP™ certification, in contrast, goes more into depth on plans and strategies across each domain than the PMP®. 

A PMI-CP™ applicant will be introduced to Interface Management and more in-depth learnings in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, and Contract Management (which covers the contract and claims lifecycle). Concepts which are not covered in depth within the PMP® course syllabus. 

Existing PMP® certification holders will come across some familiar topics like Stakeholder Management, Communication, Risk, Performance, and Scope Management, but will also be introduced to new terminology and “construction specific” information that they should pay close attention to. 

Overall if I had to choose, I would say the PMP® will on average require a bit more study and be a bit more taxing due to having more questions to answer on the exam than the PMI-CP™. The PMP® exam has 180 questions, whereas the PMI-CP™ exam has 120 questions over the same 3hrs 50min timeframe. 

What are the PMI-CP™ exam questions like? 

As mentioned earlier, the questions are predominantly scenario based. 

Most of the questions are multiple choice, and there are a handful of questions that require the applicant to choose “more than one correct answer” (i.e. choose the 2 correct options). 

The content for the exam is explained in the Exam Content Outline and Millpond’s training course uses the official training materials provided by PMI to Authorised Training Partners. Students will also be presented with additional readings and case studies to highlight real construction project scenarios globally. 

Reading the question carefully will be key to successfully eliminating incorrect options and to choosing the best choice, just as in all PMI certification examinations. 

How can I be confident that I can pass the PMI-CP™ exam? 

Being confident lies with the applicant and only the applicant. 

If an applicant adheres to the key messages and instructions from the PMI-CP™ instructor, the applicant should be confident that they will have covered all the relevant material and have a strategic plan of attack when studying for the exam after a PMI-CP™ exam preparation course. 

A strategic plan tailored for the applicant will put them in the best position to achieve a high score on exam day. For first time PMI exam takers, further information will be disseminated within the course for them to prepare for before sitting the exam. 

How is the PMI-CP™ relevant to me here in New Zealand and Australia? 

PMI ensured that they reached out to industry stakeholders globally, including New Zealand and Australian players to ensure the content was region agnostic and applicable globally.

I personally noticed that some of the terminology used in the course was the same terminology used in New Zealand and Australia.

The material will resonate with students who have construction experience from New Zealand and/or Australia, and they will readily be able to reflect on their own experiences as it relates to each of the topics in class. e.g., processes such as establishing “The Big Room” at site offices or choosing an IPD contract type (Integrated Project Delivery Method, similar concept to a JV or Alliance model). I too have experience from both countries and will draw comparisons where applicable.

One thing to make note of, like all other PMI courses, is that the spelling of words is in US English and not UK English, so students should be mindful of this throughout the course, and especially in the exam.

How is the PMI-CP™ relevant to me in the construction industry? 

The PMI-CP™ will be relevant to everyone who is leading construction projects. 

When PMI teamed up with leading profit and non-for-profit organisations, all stakeholders identified common pain points experienced globally. 

A change for the better was required, and PMI led the charge in finding solutions to the wicked problems that have consistently plagued the construction industry. With projects becoming more complex, equipping construction leaders with the right tools and processes was deemed paramount. 

The PMI-CP™ course will equip the novice and the most experienced construction professionals with skills to lift their game and make an impactful change for the better on their current and future construction projects. It is also relevant for personnel who work in the pre-construction phases of a project, to give them insights on preparing to transition to construction, and to have meaningful conversations with their stakeholders who will transition to the construction phase. 

Personnel from the consulting and client side will also find this course useful for them, in addition to construction contracting audiences. 

With New Zealand and Australia performing more Alliance and JV contracting engagements for large projects, applicants will gain a better understanding of such arrangements due to the benefits derived from partnership agreements. 

How much time do I need to study for the PMI-CP™ exam? 

The time required to study will be different for each applicant, as found in other PMI exam preparatory courses. 

Based on the learning style of each applicant, the instructor will have tailored discussions with each to determine their learning style, personal arrangements, and prior/parallel commitments, to determine when the applicant will be best placed to sit the exam. In general, we advise that students should allow at least as much revision time as ‘face-to-face’ course time, sometimes one and a half times as much. This depends on their previous study experience, the recency of their last exam experience, and their proficiency in English. 

This is my first time sitting an exam since my trade qualification. What do I need to know? How big a leap is it? 

Welcome fellow trades people! I would first want to acknowledge your interest and dedication to lifting your skill set in the construction industry. 

I can imagine the daunting and uneasy feeling of sitting an exam, in which your last one might have been done many moons ago, but if you remain comfortable and do not challenge yourself, you will not grow. 

As for what you will need to know… We will focus on the PMI-CP™ ECO (Exam Content Outline), as well as the supporting material for each module. We will discuss key areas that will be important to focus in on, as well as topics that are deemed important in the eyes of PMI, CII, and LCI. 

Your practical knowledge and the hard lessons you have learned in various topic areas will be instrumental and key to your success, and in turn will make the learning experience more enjoyable. 

Again, as found in all of PMI exams, diligence, staying calm, and moving at pace throughout the timed exam might be a new experience and deemed a “Big Leap”, but rest assured you will be provided a full-length mock exam to give you a flavour of what to expect in terms of PMIs exam style. 

Like all things in life, the 5Ps will come before you, “Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance”. 

Be sure to help yourself and tell your organisation lead and loved ones at home that this is a commitment to yourself, and you will need support to block out dedicated time to be successful and pass the exam with a high score.