Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do I need to do to be certified as an IT Project Manager?
2. What are the requirements for each level?
3. How long does the entire process take?
4. How do I find out when the courses are being offered?
5. What if the classes I need to take are unavailable?
6. What happens if I have already taken all the courses for a specific level and want to be an IT Project Manager?
7. Who should I contact for more information?
8. Does it matter where I take the courses?

1. What do I need to do to be certified as an IT Project Manager?

To begin the process for being certified as an IT Project Manager, the applicant should review the IT PM Qualifications, complete the IT Project Manager Profile and email the completed profile to ITProjectManager@hq.doe.gov.  FAX a copy of the signed signature page to 202-586-6626.  An electronic copy of the profile can be downloaded on the IT Project Management Assessment page. 
Once received, the information provided is reviewed to determine if the applicant has met all of the education, training, and experience requirements for certification at the requested level. 

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2. What are the requirements for each level?

Level 1:
For qualification at IT Level 1, the candidate must have successfully completed:
• Project Management Essentials (001022) Module 1 or equivalent (certified PM from the Project Management Institute),
• Contract Officer's Rep. (001028) or COTR (000058) (COTR is for Federal employees only)
• Earned Value Management Systems (001026), and
• Have three (3) years of project management experience. The PM assigned to a Level 1 Major IT investment is expected to have as part of the project team people knowledgeable in the bureau or business area specific skills and knowledge.

Level 2:
For qualification at IT Level 2 the candidate must have met the requirements for IT Level 1 Qualification and successfully completed:
• Advanced Concepts in Project Management (001023),
• Project Risk Management (001033), and
• Have five (5) years of project management experience.  The PM assigned to a Level 2 Major IT investment is expected to have as part of the project team people knowledgeable in the agency-specific skills and knowledge.  

Level 3:
For qualification at IT Level 3, the candidate must have met the requirements for the IT Level 2 Qualification and successfully completed:
• Project Management Simulation (001029),
• Federal Budget Process (000288), and
• Have seven (7) years of project management experience with at least two of those years having been of theory or practical application at the IT PM Level 2 qualification or above.  The PM assigned to a Level 3 Major IT investment is expected to have as part of the project team people knowledgeable in the agency-specific skills and knowledge.  

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3. How long does the entire process take?

If all the requirements have been met the process takes 2-3 weeks. Time varies upon completion of courses yet to be taken and completion of the IT PM Profile.

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4. How do I find out when the courses are being offered?

Visit the CHRIS (Corporate Human Resource Information System) website.  There is an updated list of the training schedule. Another quick resource for courses is located on the OECM Project Management Career Development Program Website.

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5. What if the classes I need to take are unavailable?

The IT Project Management Program allows for training alternatives. We understand that sometimes courses being offered by the Department are not as convenient. A list of training alternatives can be found at http://cio.energy.gov/it-project-management/314.htm.

Provisions are sometimes made if the PM meets the qualifications for an appropriate level, but has not taken the DOE specified course work.  The IT Executive shall send a memo to Janice Ausby stating that the Project Manager is qualified at the appropriate level for managing the Exhibit 300 project and reference the PM's profile in the memo, indicating the training or experience that meets the requirements.

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6. What happens if I have already taken all the courses for a specific level and want to be an IT Project Manager?

If you have already taken the required courses for a specific level, then complete and submit your profile to ITProjectManagement@hq.doe.gov, and we will start to process your certificate.

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7. Who should I contact for more information?

Send an email to ITProjectManagement@hq.doe.gov and cc: Janice Ausby, Director of IT Planning and Architecture at Janice.Ausby@hq.doe.gov  for more information or visit our website at http://www.cio.energy.gov/it-project-management/ITPM_qualification.htm.

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8. Does it matter where I take the courses?

A list of training alternatives can be found at http://cio.energy.gov/it-project-management/314.htm. Check with ITProjectManagement@hq.doe.gov if you are unsure. Courses are accepted from USDA Graduate School, ESI International, Management Concepts, Defense Acquisition University, Federal Acquisition Institute, and other accredited education providers.

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