For those starting their careers in the project management field, there is a strong possibility that they will be required to prove their knowledge with some form of qualification. The Project Planning and Control course is one foundation qualification that is popular with many project managers. Even those with no prior knowledge of planning and control can benefit from this type of training.

Whether you are just starting in the industry and want a thorough understanding of the control process, or if you’re an experienced project manager looking to boost your profile and CV, then this course could be right for you. This article will cover some of the key things you need to know before studying for the Project Planning and Control Foundation Training Course.

What is project planning and control?

In any project, there is an element of uncertainty. Project planning is all about managing this uncertainty to keep things on track. This can include techniques such as planning, scheduling, monitoring costs and control outcomings. If you want to learn how to manage key areas of a project such as time, cost and risk, then this course is right for you.

How can I study?

There are three main ways to study for the course. The easiest and cheapest is with an online course. This will allow you to study at your own pace, anywhere in the world. Provided you have an internet connection, you’ll be able to access the course materials and learn at your own pace. This is particularly useful for those who are juggling other commitments such as work or family.

You can also choose to study in a classroom, which is perfect if you need a little more supervision to keep yourself motivated, or if you want the added support or an experienced tutor. Being able to ask questions straight away and learning from the experience of those around you can be a hugely rewarding experience.

And finally, you can choose to have the training provider come to you. If there are a few people within the organisation who would like training in project planning and control then this can be a great way to bring everyone up to speed. This is also very useful if you want to minimise disruption to the working day, or if you don’t want your employees to have to study in their own time.

What’s included on the syllabus?

This isn’t a purely academic syllabus with theoretical applications. The course has been developed in a real-world setting based on years of on the job experience. It’s also free of jargon, so everyone starts the course on even footing. The course covers the basics of project planning, including standards and best practices, dealing with contracts, stakeholder management, scope management and performance reporting. It’s possible to cover the entire course syllabus in 5 days, but some people prefer to take longer and study in their own time.

How is the course assessed?

Once you have finished the learning materials, you will sit a multiple-choice closed book exam. The exam lasts for 40 minutes and you will need to answer 50 questions, which means you have to work quickly in order to complete the exam. In order to pass, you need to answer 25 correctly.

Is it right for me?

The Project Planning and Control Foundation Training Course is the ideal course for anyone looking to gain a practical understanding of the principles of planning and control in a project management setting. It can help you to learn the industry best-practice control techniques which will allow you to gain more certainty over a project. Whether you have been working in project management for years or are just getting started in your career, this course can help you to ensure your projects come in on time and on budget.

What support is available?

If you require more support in your studies then choosing the classroom learning course is the best option. This will allow you to ask questions while you are studying and help to strengthen your understanding of the course materials.

As this is a practical course based on real-world principles, your own work environment will also provide plenty of learning opportunities. To help you prepare for the exam, there are a number of practice papers available online. These will help you to understand the exam format and what is expected of you in the final exam. These should be used alongside your course materials to help you to prepare for the exam.

For those looking to gain a strong understanding of industry best practice, terminology and techniques, the Project Planning and Control Foundation Training Course offers a good place to start. This internationally recognised qualification will help to enhance your CV and boost your career prospects as you will be able to offer valuable insight, no matter what industry you are operating in.