I'm particularly interested in the opinions of those who commission planning work and/or recruit planners.
How much importance do you place on a planner having a qualificatation? Which of those listed do you rate and the most attractive, and why? Would you be willing to pay more for a planner who had such a qualification, or is it just a nice to have?
My firm is looking at what qualifications to support for our planners. We're involved with the GPC, but progress has been slow in getting it off the ground, so now we're looking at other options, at least in the interim.
Appreciate your thoughts,
G
There are two international certifications for planners in existence:
AACEi PSP – a heavyweight certification primarily aimed at heavy construction/engineering planners with a bias towards claims and ‘expert witness’ work. Anyone who holds this certification knows their stuff!
PMI-SP – a planning manager certification, the scop covers the knowledge needed to manage a PMO or work as a senior planning manager. The technical scheduling requirements are fairly low. We offer this course see: http://www.mosaicprojects.com.au/Training-Planning.html PMI will be updating the certification requirements and changing the examination mid 2013, at this point I’m not sure of the new requirements (some Christmas reading…)
Both of the above are aimed at planners with 5 to 8 years experience.
The exciting news is the CIOB (UK) will be announcing today a practical entry level certification for planners. The PTMC – Project Time Management Certificate. I will be updating out web site at: http://www.mosaicprojects.com.au/Training-CIOB-TM_Credential.html within the next 24 hours to detail the exam, the requirements and the value!!!
PTMC is focused on the job of planning and scheduling projects so it should be far more practical…… as they say in the movies ‘watch this space’.
Hi Gary
As you know there is no formal accreditation for planners / schedulers in the UK.
Bachelor / Masters courses barely touch on it and the PEO since its resurrection is not helpful.
At a seminar yesterday the speaker touched on the CIOB accreditation which is being rolled out next year which will award broad classification ending at "Specialist" which gives CIOB entry level at ICIOB.
This looks promising and - like you - I am frustrated by the real lack of progress from the Guild.
At present prospective employers have to rely on references and practical tests.
Best regards
Mike Testro