Certified Project Director (CPD™)

Certification Overview

The Certified Project Director (CPD)® is a globally recognized credential considered the most prestigious level of project management certification. It is designed for senior and experienced project management executives who want to go beyond Professional Project Management (PPM) and other business/project management certifications.

The CPD program enables senior managers and executives to acquire advanced techniques for managing and controlling today’s complex project issues—from risks and quality to scope and budgets. Whether managing a group of project managers, overseeing multiple projects, or progressing toward a Project Director career path, CPD equips leaders with the tools to succeed.

Exam Information

1. Exam Pattern: 100 Multiple Choice Questions; pass mark: 80% (80/100 correct).

   • The CPD exam is considered one of the most challenging for both mid- and senior-level project managers.

2. Duration: 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes).

3. Format: Non-proctored, available anytime and anywhere within an 8-month validity period.

   • Premium Package includes a voucher code with 2 attempts.

   • If both attempts are unsuccessful, a new voucher may be purchased for 2 additional attempts.

   • Kindly Note: The voucher is not valid for a second attempt if the candidate passes on the first attempt.

4. Certification Validity: 5 Years

   • Renewal via retaking the exam or completing the CPD E-Course with Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

   • Certificates must be renewed on or before expiration to remain active.

Course Outline

Module 1 – Introduction

• When is a project a project and not an organizational activity?

• Additional information that makes “projects” become “operational activities”

• Project Lifecycle phases

• Project Processes

• Project Management Fundamentals

• Top 10 qualities of a Project Manager

• The Project Team’s Key Players

• Scope and Scope Creep

• Five Scope Management Processes for a Project Director

• Budgets and Cost (Estimate Costs, Determine Budgets, Control Costs)

• Fundamentals of the Project Life Cycle

Module 2 – Aligning Goals, Projects and Competencies

• The Alignment Matrix

• Ranking Priorities

• Identifying top 3 skills needed to manage each project

• Establishing the organization’s 10 Core Competencies

• Aligning project skills with competency values

• Comparing listed strengths vs. project skills to complete the Matrix

• Identifying gaps and utilizing strengths

Module 3 – Organizing Multi-Project Communications

• Delivering information across multiple ongoing projects

• Influences on communicating

• Ensuring the right information reaches the right people in the right way

• Completing and simplifying the Communication Matrix

• Communicating issues; managing and documenting change

• Issue Log Document

Module 4 – Managing Risk Communications

• Introduction to managing risk

• Identifying risks: “What is it and where can I find it?”

• Probability and Impact

• Risk Matrix

• Tools for managing multiple projects

• Project Management Technology

• Technology Needs Assessments

Module 5 – Tools for Managing Multiple Projects

• Project Management Technology

• Technology Needs Assessments

Module 6 – Team Building

• Types of teams

• The TORI model

• The Team Player Survey

• Organizations Today

• Stages of Team Development

• Communication Skills

• Shared Leadership

• DeBono’s Thinking Hats

• Managing Team Conflict

• The Trust/Relationship Model

• Obtaining Consensus

• Team-Shaping Factors

• Team Problem-Solving

• SWOT Analysis

Module 7 – Leadership

• Establishing Goals

• The Role of a Project Director

• Project vs. Practice Management Roles

• Project Accounting Roles

• Qualities of an Effective Leader

• Professional Qualities of a Successful Project Director

• Career Path Competencies for a Project Director

• Organizational Responsibilities

Target Audience

• Project Managers managing multiple projects

• Project Sponsors

• Project Steering Group / Project Board Members

• Project / Business Owners

• Senior Stakeholders