Introduction

Program Management Professional (PgMP®) certification validates advanced capability to manage multiple related projects and deliver strategic benefits through coordinated governance, stakeholder alignment, and benefits realization. This intensive 5-day program equips participants with PgMP-aligned knowledge, practical tools, and exam-focused practice to confidently plan, govern, and lead complex programs from initiation to closure.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the PgMP framework, domains, and exam approach
• Apply program strategy alignment and program chartering techniques
• Design program governance, structure, and integrated program plans
• Build benefits realization plans, metrics, and sustainment approaches
• Strengthen stakeholder engagement, communications, and change alignment
• Practice PgMP-style questions and case-based scenarios across all domains

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

• Senior project/program managers targeting PgMP certification
• PMO leaders and portfolio/program governance professionals
• Transformation and strategic initiative leaders managing multiple projects
• Program sponsors, business leads, and workstream leaders supporting programs
• Professionals moving from project management to program leadership roles

Course Outline

Day 1: PgMP Overview & Program Strategy Alignment

• PgMP certification overview: eligibility, domains, exam structure, and study approach
• Difference between project, program, and portfolio management
• Program lifecycle overview and key program artifacts
• Strategy alignment: translating organizational strategy into program outcomes
• Activity: Program concept canvas (vision, drivers, outcomes, success criteria) + baseline quiz

Day 2: Program Initiation & Governance Setup

• Program charter development: scope, objectives, assumptions, constraints, and success measures
• Program governance: steering committee, decision rights, escalation paths, and cadence
• Program structure: components, workstreams, roles, and responsibilities
• Program roadmap and high-level planning: milestones, dependencies, and integration points
• Workshop: Draft a program charter + governance charter (RACI + meeting cadence)

Day 3: Program Planning, Integration & Control

• Integrated program management plan: scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, procurement, resources
• Dependency management across projects: sequencing and critical path impacts
• Program risk management: systemic risks, interdependencies, and response planning
• Issue and change control at program level: thresholds, impact analysis, and approvals
• Practical activity: Build an integrated program plan outline + RAID and change control simulation

Day 4: Benefits Realization & Stakeholder Engagement Excellence

• Benefits management: benefits map, realization plan, owners, baselines, and KPIs
• Benefits delivery governance: tracking, variance handling, and corrective actions
• Stakeholder analysis and engagement strategies: influence, resistance, and alignment
• Communications and change alignment: messaging, adoption readiness, and sustainment
• Case study: Benefits realization + stakeholder conflict scenario (actions, decisions, and communications plan)

Day 5: Program Closure, Sustainment & PgMP Exam Readiness

• Program closure: transition to operations, acceptance, and knowledge transfer
• Sustainment and value tracking post-closure: embedding benefits into BAU
• Lessons learned and continuous improvement: program maturity and playbooks
• PgMP exam practice: domain-by-domain question techniques and time management