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