About Passionate Project Management

• Do you have references?
  
  Yes. We have many pleased customers who are more than happy to provide a reference. Please review our Testimonials page. (You will notice that all of our testimonials are linked to actual students!)
  
  
• Are you a PMI^® Registered Education Provider?
  
  Yes. We are PMI R.E.P. Our REP number is 2973.
  
  
• Are accredited with the Better Business Bureau?
  
  Yes. We are proud to be accredited by the BBB and of our exemplary BBB record. We invite you to read our BBB file and reviews and compare us to other training companies!
  
  
• What is the exam pass rate of PPM students?
  
  We are proud to report a pass rate exceeding 98%! As of December 2011, PPM is pleased to report a 100% pass rate on the new PMP^® exam (changed on 8/31/11) and a 100% pass rate on the PMI-RMP^® (Risk Management Professional) exam.
  
  
• I see a lot of PMP provider sites that say things like "Highest Documented Pass Rate" and "Highest Audited Pass Rate". What does that mean?
  
  That's a great question!! We have the same question. Unfortunately, there is no centralized reporting body that documents or audits the pass rates of the different exam prep providers. We would love PMI to gather and provide those statistics, but it is not within their scope of responsibilities with the R.E.P. program, although we have asked for that to occur. We can assure you that we have never been asked by those other companies to provide our pass rates or student statistics, so the word "highest" is definitely false and misleading. Can you say "advertising gimmick?".
  
  
• How long has Passionate Project Management been in business?
  
  We have been in business since 2007 and despite a turbulent financial environment, PPM has posted year-over-year growth by keeping it simple: do the right thing!
  
  
• Where is Passionate Project Management based?
  
  We are a US-based company operating out of Peoria, Arizona. We have a number of virtual team members as we believe in keeping our overhead costs as low as possible in order to provide cost-effective offerings to our customers. PPM has delivered courses worldwide.
  
  
• What makes Passionate Project Management different from other exam preparation training providers?
  
  We are an instructor-owned, US-based business. Belinda Fremouw is a highly experienced project professional and the first woman to obtain all of the PMI credentials and certifications (currently pending the results of the PMI-ACP^® exam). This brings real-world project management information together with practical exam taking strategies. We value the customer experience and put that above and beyond all else, including profits. And ultimately, we will do everything we can to ensure you are successful on your exam.
  
  

Exam Prep Boot Camps / Course Information

• Which version of the PMBOK^® Guide are your courses based on?
  
  Our courses are based on the PMBOK^® Guide, 4th Edition.
  
  
• How soon after the class should I take the exam?
  
  While many candidates are tempted to take their test on the day after class, PPM actually recommends scheduling your exam a few days after class but within four to six weeks. Our boot camps are very intense and our number one goal is to ensure you pass on your first attempt. Giving yourself a day or two to digest the material and the customized feedback you receive from your instructor is critical to success.
  
  
• Where and when are the PPM Prep Camps?
  
  PPM Prep Camps are offered multiple times per month in major metropolitan locations within the US. Please see our Course Schedule page. In addition, PPM is available to deliver courses via On-site Courses world-wide.
  
  
• I live in the city where the training will be held. Do I still need to reserve a hotel room?
  
  While it is not mandatory, PPM recommends that students stay at the hotel, whenever possible. This allows access to the evening learning sessions and also creates a peaceful study environment to help ensure your success on the exam. PPM has negotiated rates with all of our hotels.
  
  
• Where and when are the PMI exams held?
  
  Candidates must take their exams at a Prometric Testing Center. There are multiple Prometric testing locations around the world. The candidate is able to schedule their exam at a convenient time and location.
  
  
• Do you teach these courses in-house (i.e. for companies)?
  
  Yes, we do offer the customized PMP Prep Camp solutions for companies, offering added convenience and significant savings. Please see our On-site Courses page for additional information.
  
  
• How can you guarantee I will pass the exam after taking your class?
  
  PPM Prep Camps are designed to give you all of the information that you need to successfully complete the exam. We're so certain, we guarantee it! If you do not pass the exam, PPM will refund you your re-examination fees and you will be eligible to participate in another class at no cost. Please see the details of our course guarantee.
  
  
• Does the cost of the course include the cost to take the exams?
  
  No. The credentialing fees are paid separately to PMI.
  
  
• How are Passionate Project Management's Exam Boot Camps different from other training programs?
  
  Many ways: Energy, enthusiasm, fun, and most importantly a proven method of knowledge transfer. PPM cares about their customers and it shows. We provide assistance with the application process, convenient locations, and excellent training facilities and accommodations. Your satisfaction and comfort is our primary concern. And we will be with you through the entire process - we begin working with you immediately upon registering for a course and our job is not complete until you have successfully completed the exam. Check out our Testimonials page and our Facebook page to see what people are saying about us!
  
  
• Do the courses require any pre-work before the class starts?
  
  No pre-work is required for any of PPM’s courses. We provide everything during the course.
  
  
• What is the daily class schedule? (Hours Per Day, etc.)
  
  PPM Prep Camps run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a 1-hour lunch break. Many of the courses also offer an additional evening study session should the candidate feel they need some additional time with the instructor or the materials.
  
  
• Can I have the course materials shipped to me prior to the class?
  
  Generally speaking, you will receive all materials on the first day of class. It is important to us that you receive the maximum benefit of the class and the materials are designed for an instructor-led environment.
  
  
• What are the credentials of the PPM instructors?
  
  PPM instructors bring together the best of both worlds. Our instructors are seasoned and accomplished project management professionals that hold current PMI credentials. In addition, our instructors are adult learning professionals who create an incredibly engaging learning experience! Check out our Team page!
  
  

The PMP^® Credential

• Has PPM updated their PMP materials for the newest version of the PMP exam that occurred on 8/31/11?
  
  Yes! PPM was one of the first companies to have comprehensive updated materials to reflect the 8/31/11 changes to the PMP exam. As a matter of fact, our materials and classes are so awesome, that our students have had 100% success on the new exam!
  
  
• PMI requires 35 "Contact Hours" of Project Management training before you can take the PMP Exam. Can I take this course to meet the Contact Hour requirement and then take the exam
  
  Yes. This course does meet the 35 hour requirement. However, we recommend that you take this course shortly before taking the exam so that you have the peace of mind of the Pass Guarantee. PPM can provide you with some additional recommendations to satisfy the 35-hour requirement that can be completed prior to your boot camp class.
  
  
• I am new to project management. Is the PMP a good credential for me to pursue?
  
  The PMP credential is intended for experienced project managers who meet the PMI qualifications. If you are new to project management, we recommend starting with the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam. Once you meet the experience requirements, you will be able to seek your PMP.
  
  
• Once I achieve my PMP, are there any continuing education or recertification requirements?
  
  Yes. In order to maintain your PMP credential, you will need to obtain 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) within every three year credential cycle. One PDU is the equivalent of one hour of education. Failure to meet the continuing education requirements will result in suspension of your credential.
  
  

The CAPM^® Certification

• Was the CAPM exam affected by the 8/31/11 changes to the PMP exam?
  
  No. The CAPM exam is still based on the PMBOK Guide^®, 4th Edition.
  
  
• PMI requires 23 "Contact Hours" of Project Management training before you can take the CAPM Exam. Why does the PMP/CAPM Boot Camp you offer exceed that requirement?
  
  Although the CAPM is an introductory certification in project management, the breadth of knowledge required in order to pass the exam is significant. At PPM we believe that it takes four full days of class in order to have a firm understanding of the PMBOK Guide^® and the 42 project management processes.
  
  
• Do you have stand-alone CAPM preparation courses?
  
  At this time we offer the CAPM preparation in conjunction with the PMP exam prep boot camp, as the same material is required for both exams.
  
  
• Once I achieve my CAPM, are there any continuing education or recertification requirements?
  
  No. The CAPM certification is valid for a period of five years. At the end of the five years, the options are to either re-test or pursue the PMP credential.
  
  

Other PMI Certifications and Credentials

• Where can I find additional information on the other PMI certifications and credentials?
  
  We have information regarding all of the PMI certifications and credentials: PMP, CAPM, PMI-RMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-SP, and PgMP
  
  

Course Registration and Payment

• What is your cancellation/refund policy?
  
  Cancellations more than 30 days prior to the class will receive a 100% refund minus any credit card processing fees that we incur. Between 30 - 15 days prior to your class, your enrollment fees can be applied to a different course date. Between 14 - 1 day prior to class, your fees will be applied to a different course date and you will be charged an additional $500 off-set PPM prep-paid (and non-refundable) event expense.
  
  
• Can I pay by check?
  
  Yes, if paid in full 45 days prior to the start of class. Please contact a PPM Representative at 928-252-3129 or contact us for mailing information.
  
  
• Can I pay in installments?
  
  PPM recognizes that times are tough and we want to make it as easy as possible for our students so we do offer various payment arrangements. Please contact a PPM Representative at 928-252-3129 or contact us.
  
  
• Do I need to be a PMI member to take the exam?
  
  You do not need to be a PMI member, however, membership does greatly reduce your credentialing fees and allows you access to the PMI network.
  
  
• Do you offer corporate or group discounts?
  
  We do have group discounts available. If you are interested in sending five or more people to the class, there is a 15% discount on course fees.
  
  
• Is the PMP exam fee included in the PPM course fee?
  
  No. The credentialing fees are paid separately to PMI. For the PMP exam, it pays to be a member of PMI! PMP Credentialing fees are $555 for non-members and $405 for members.
  
  

What did we miss?
If there are any questions that you can't find the answer to, please let us know and we would love to answer them for you and add them to this page so they might help someone else!

We are PASSIONATE about sharing knowledge! Simply send us an e-mail from our Contact page.