PM Career Path and Levels
At PM Academy, We’ve been helping organizations select and develop the right professionals for the right project. We have also been helping project professionals map extraordinary careers onto their changing roles and business contexts.
If you are an individual interested in our programs and workshops, you can identify your professional role with the Job profile and Responsibilities in the table below. The related programs column should help you understand the next step of your career path.
Organization who are recruiting or training project managers can use this career levels and plan for development road maps for their managers and professional based on different PM levels and associated roles/responsibilities.
LEVEL | JOB PROFILE AND RESPONSIBILITIES | EDUCATION AND YEARS OF EXPERIENCE | RECOMMENDED PM ACADEMY COURSE |
|---|---|---|---|
PM 1 |
Typically a technical or a functional or work stream leader, who would work under direct supervision of a more senior project manager, or a Program Manager, oversees a small project or phase(s) of a larger project. Must be familiar with system scope and project objectives, as well as the role and function of each team member to effectively coordinate the activities of the team. |
Management Experience: 1 to 3 years Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent |
Workshops: |
PM 2 |
Leads and directs multiple small projects or one large project, who would work under general supervision of either a Portfolio Manager or a Program Manager. In addition to duties of Project Manager I, must be responsible for assembling project team, assigning individual responsibilities, identifying appropriate resources needed, and developing schedule to ensure timely completion of project. Would communicate with a Senior Project Manager, Functional Area Manager/Heads, or Program Manager regarding status and performance of specific projects. |
Management Experience: 3 to 6 years Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent Suggested Certifications: |
Workshops
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PM 3 |
Leads and directs high priority projects, which often require considerable resources and high level of integration across multiple functions/groups. Would report to either a Portfolio Manager or in some cases a Program Manager. In addition to duties of a Project Manager II, takes projects from original concept through final implementation. Interfaces with all areas affected by the project including end users, distributors, and vendors. Ensures adherence to quality standards and reviews project deliverables. May communicate with a senior company executive regarding the status and performance of specific projects. |
Management Experience: 6 to 10 years Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent |
Advanced Skills Workshops
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Program Manager |
Responsible for the coordinated management of multiple related projects, and in many (most) cases, ongoing operations which are directed toward a common objective. Would report to executive and or leadership levels in the organization. Works with constituent Project Managers (who are responsible to the program manager for the execution of their project and its impact on the program) to monitor cost, schedule, and technical performance of component projects and operations, while working to ensure the ultimate benefit realization from the program. Generally responsible for determining and coordinating the sharing of resources among their constituent projects for the overall benefit of the program. Usually responsible for stakeholder management, particularly stakeholders external to the organization. |
Management Experience: 11 to 15 years Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent |
Programs Workshops Adv Skills
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