What mode of PMP training to choose?

There are 10s of PMP institutes who are providing PMP training programs. It will be obviously very confusing for you to select an appropriate one.

First of all, the overly marketing types are the most untrustworthy. Please remove them from your search list first. Mostly the ones who do not have inherent competencies, do rely heavily on marketing to attract professionals. My suggestion is that word of mouth is the best method of selecting one good one.

There are many providers who do in different modes like-

• Classroom – In-person, instructor-led
• Online – Live, instructor-led
• Online – Self-paced & recorded videos
• E-Learning modules

Some training providers do this in all modes. Let me explain the differences to you.

• Classroom – Fact-to-face is the best mode as there is personal interaction as well as you will be part of a group in the workshop which helps in higher collective learning. You require a lot of support to clarify all your queries from the instructor as the project management tested in the PMP exam is different to what we actually follow.

                    Cost: Medium to High; Effectiveness: High; Risk of failure: Low to Medium;

• Online (Live)- (Updated 2021) This mode of training has evolved over time and with rising demand, lots of technological innovations and interactive tools have made this Online (Live) training more effective. While it is not as effective as Classroom programs, but still due to the advanced tools, Online (Live) is made near Classroom experience.

                    Cost: Low; Effectiveness: High; Risk of failure: Low to Medium

• Online (Video recording)- This is to be used just as a backup to refresh your concepts but is not the primary choice. PMP is different and difficult.

                    Cost: Low; Effectiveness: Low; Risk of failure: High

• E-Learning modules (Self-paced presentation or a pdf)- Again, here there is no interaction possible.

                    Cost: Low; Effectiveness: Low; Risk of failure: High

The general guideline is to select which is good for you depending on the individual constraints. Remember, the choice you make here decides your success in the PMP exam and reaping the benefits of the credential.

Recommendation

As technology has improved over the last few years, Online programs are a better choice now.  However, the MOCC (Mass Online Open Courses) has less authenticity and the results are not very positive.  The number of views and students/subscribers is highly misleading.  So select those whom you can call and seek guidance and if required, reach out in case of any requirement.