State Certified Project Managers Reach 200

GITA Builds Essential Skills for State Employees

Since announcing the State Project Management Certification (SPMC) in April 2007, over 200 State, county and city government employees have successfully completed the program and have become Certified State Government Project Managers.

“This program has grown faster and been more successful than anyone expected,” said State CIO Chris Cummiskey. “GITA will continue to grow this program in 2008 and we are exploring new opportunities to build human capital among State employees.”

Registrations for future classes remain strong for this year, but there is still room for additional people. The State Project Management Certification program consists of three components:

1. An intensive, week long class in Project Management taught by an instructor certified by the Project Management Institute. Upon completion of the class students take a comprehensive exam to measure project management aptitude.

2. A one-half day class emphasizing State requirements in security, privacy, enterprise architecture, policies & standards, oversight and project investment justification.

3. An attestation from the agency CIO or Director that the candidate for certification has at least two years of project management experience.

Starting in July 2008, the Government Information Technology Agency and the Information Technology Authorization Committee will require certain major and/or critical projects be managed by State certified project managers.

The SPMC has consistently received excellent evaluations from State and local government employees who have been through the program. One County official said, “First and foremost, thank you GITA for administering a class emphasizing various State requirements in relation to Project Management. Having served as Project Manager on various projects over the years, much of my knowledge gained throughout the 5 day course would have been of great value long ago. Nonetheless, the future should be brighter so I truly commend GITA for offering this certification program.”