The Project Management Examination in the Certified Knowledge Expert series is designed for professionals whose work profile requires them to interface with projects or be part of projects, irrespective of the industry they come from. This examination measures the ability of professionals to apply practical measures using relevant tools and techniques to help a project achieve its objective. This certification is specifically designed for professionals who are already leading, managing, directing or participating in projects. However, candidates who desire to improve their efficiency as a potential project team member or want to be part of a successful project can also appear for the certification examination.
CKE PM focuses on assessing conceptual project management knowledge and examines the ability of the candidate to apply relevant tools and techniques to guide the project to successful completion. CKE PM knowledgebase maps project management concepts and techniques to both management and technical tools that are available to professionals in the project management practice area.
The exam is based on a job practice analysis that was carried out across industries to identify desired knowledge and skill areas that can help professionals understand and manage performance in the project management practice area. The findings of this analysis was used in structuring knowledge areas and assign weightings to reflect the relative importance of that area on project management practice.
The CKE PM exam comprises of 150 multiple choice questions, to be answered in 180 minutes. Each question presents five options to the candidate, who have to select the option that best represents the answer. The other response options or distracters challenge the analytical and logical ability of the candidate to apply the standard body of knowledge in the correct perspective. The exam is delivered by an independent test agency worldwide using a standardized approach.
Candidates are assessed on their knowledge proficiency to carry out project management related tasks to perform project management related roles and responsibilities. These include the ability to do the following among other capabilities.
1. Conduct a feasibility analysis to determine whether a concept can be initiated as a project
2. Conduct a stakeholder’s analysis to identify the people who are directly or indirectly affected by the project
3. Develop an initial project scope statement which identifies key deliverables
4. Create a project proposal containing relevant information for key stakeholders (sponsors/clients)
5. Prepare the project charter
6. Prepare a detailed project scope statement and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
7. Identify key project milestones and develop a milestone deliverable plan
8. Develop detailed schedule estimates and prepare a project schedule plan
9. Develop detailed cost estimates and prepare a project cost budget plan
10. Define baselines for each task decomposed as part of WBS
11. Identify project required vendors
12. Identify the human resources required for the project and develop a resource management plan
13. Define project process quality standards and develop a quality management plan
14. Define communication channels and project communication matrix
15. Identify, evaluate, prioritize risks and develop a risk management plan
16. Define change and issue management process
17. Develop and implement a project execution plan
18. Conduct a project kick-off meeting
19. Administer project contracts
20. Address and document change requests, issues and risks
21. Develop project team and manage team performance
22. Analyze project performance reports and identify variance against established baselines
23. Compare team performance against performance baselines
24. Determine scope, cost and schedule variances
25. Forecast project progress and develop measures to control scope, time and cost
26. Perform quality control check for quality assurance
27. Evaluate project deliverables against defined specifications
28. Implement project closure process, release resources and sign-off contracts
29. Conduct post project review
30. Document and archive lessons learned and best practice
Source: http://www.iccke.org/certification/cke/pm/objectives.html