* Microsoft rolls out project management certifications around Office Project 2007
Microsoft is preparing three certifications for project managers around its forthcoming Office Project 2007 product.
Office Project 2007, a project management tool that allows users to manage the work, schedule, finance and people aspects of projects is part of the software giant’s Office 2007 suite, which is expected to be rolled out in early 2007.
Microsoft plans to announce the certifications at this week’s PMI Global Congress in Seattle. The certifications are expected to be available next spring and will involve students taking classes that last between two to five days with exams based on multiple choice and simulation-based testing.
The first certification (Microsoft has yet to finalize the names of the certifications) will be aimed at managing small project teams. It is designed to have managers demonstrate proficiency in project management fundamentals; Microsoft Project Professional 2007 overview features and configuration variations; scheduling fundamentals; overall best practices; and resource management.
The second certification will be aimed at managers of larger project groups. It will review scheduling fundamentals and overall best practices; building enterprise teams; enterprise resource allocations and management; optimizing project schedules; communications; and issues tracking.
The third certification is for managers of large and complex enterprise projects and programs. It is designed to allow managers to demonstrate knowledge of updating cycle processes; re-optimizing schedules; and leveling multiple projects.
Lutz Ziob, general manager of Microsoft Learning, says there are no prerequisites for the first two certifications, but candidates need to be familiar with project management. He says the certifications were designed closely with the Project Management Institute, which provides research and training and education to project management professionals.
