Project Manager Certification Guide

Certification Overview

The Project Manager (プロジェクトマネージャ) is a national certification in Japan that evaluates advanced expertise in IT project planning, execution, and management. It is an advanced certification that confirms knowledge required for leading projects to success.

This certification covers IT project management specialization techniques. It evaluates advanced knowledge across project management including project planning, schedule management, budget management, risk management, and team management. The goal is to develop experts capable of successfully leading large-scale IT projects.

Job Application Guide

The Project Manager certification is beneficial for specialized IT project management-related positions.

Project Manager: Suitable for roles overseeing IT project management. Project planning and execution management abilities are required.

Program Manager: Advantageous for roles managing multiple projects. Program management and resource allocation abilities are important.

PMO: Helpful for roles building project management systems in project management offices. Project management methodologies and process construction abilities are necessary.

IT Consultant: Suitable for consulting roles improving client IT projects. Project management improvement proposal abilities are necessary.

Management: Also useful for executives overseeing IT projects. Project management knowledge helps with decision-making.

Required Knowledge

Project Planning

• Project planning methodologies
• WBS creation
• Schedule planning
• Budget planning

Project Execution

• Project execution management
• Progress management
• Quality management
• Change management

Risk Management

• Risk identification and analysis
• Risk response planning
• Risk monitoring
• Problem resolution

Team Management

• Team composition and role assignment
• Communication management
• Conflict management
• Motivation

Stakeholder Management

• Stakeholder identification
• Stakeholder management planning
• Communication planning
• Expectation management

Project Management Tools

• Project management software
• Schedule management tools
• Resource management tools
• Risk management tools

Preparation Methods

Step 1: Basic Learning (2-3 months)

Learn basic concepts of project management. Study project management standards such as PMBOK using textbooks.

Step 2: Learn Methodologies (3-4 months)

Learn project management methodologies. Compare and understand agile and waterfall methodologies.

Step 3: Learn Practical Knowledge (3-4 months)

Learn practical knowledge of project management. Having actual project management experience makes understanding easier.

Step 4: Past Exam Practice (3-4 months)

Solve past exam questions from the last 5 years. The afternoon questions are essay-type, so practice explaining problem-solving processes logically.

Step 5: Mock Exams (1-2 months)

Take multiple mock exams during the 1-2 months before the test. Practice time management and focus on improving weak areas.

Pass Rates for the Past 5 Years

The average pass rate is approximately 13.6%, which is at the advanced level. Having practical project management experience makes learning easier.

Practical Tips

Utilize Work Experience: If you have experience managing projects, you can learn more easily by understanding based on that experience.

Study PMBOK: As PMBOK is the standard for project management, study it in depth.

Case Studies: Researching actual project management cases helps with the exam. Analyze both success and failure cases.

Essay Practice: As afternoon questions are essay-type, practicing logical explanation of problem-solving processes is important.

Latest Methodologies: As project management methodologies continue to evolve, staying informed about the latest methodology trends is also important.