Project Manager (PM Level 1)
As a follow up from the previous article about project management as a profession, this article will discuss the levels of project managers in more detail.
Project Management South Africa (PMSA) have registered three designations for project managers.
A project manager has earned this designation when fulfilling the full spectrum of responsibilities associated with project management being the core focus in their working environment. A PM will have obtained an appropriate first degree / qualification or accreditation and built up the required years of experience performing the role of project managers taking multiple projects through the life-cycle over the required period of time. Project managers maintain a high ethical standard and a minimum endeavour to comply with the principles of the Code of Conduct.
Awarding Criteria
| Knowledge: An industry relevant tertiary qualification or a certification/accreditation plus five years of relevant experience. | Practical experience should show skills, experience and commitment. Three years of managing projects of low complexity through full life-cycle. | Signs and adheres to the prevailing PMSA Code of Conduct | Competence: In the process of developing ability in each competency area. |
| Commitment | Member of a professional body for a minimum period of one year.Engage in activities required to maintain registration and further their professional development and current knowledge | ||
Senior Project Manager (PM Level 2)
A senior project manager earns this designation when they have actively chosen to pursue a career in project management within the field they originally qualified. They will have the technical knowledge associated with their first degree / qualification and related experience. They will have made the professional commitment to obtain one or more, further qualifications, certifications or accreditations related to project management.
A senior project managers will have applied their knowledge to deliver projects through the complete life-cycle on multiple projects of varying complexity for a period of at least 6 years.
Senior project managers will have membership with a relevant professional body to gain knowledge into current trends and best practices and to share their knowledge with peers. They maintain a high ethical standard and comply with the principles of the Code of Conduct.
The awarding criteria
| Knowledge: An industry relevant tertiary qualification and any formal short learning in Programme / project management of 120 hours or certification, accreditation in a recognised methodology at the advanced level (PMP, IPMSA and completion of one renewal cycle of such. | Practical experience demonstrated ability to practice in a chosen PM methodology. Experience will include 3 years low complexity, and three years moderate complexity taking projects through the complete life cycle. | Members of at least one relevant project management association and participation in activities, like presenting. Signs and adheres to the prevailing PMSA Code of Conduct. |
Competence: Developed ability in each competency area. |
| Commitment | Adopted and conform to Code of Ethics of professional body. Member of a professional body for a minimum period of one year. Engage in activities required to maintain registration and further their professional development and gather required number of points.Engage in activities required to maintain registration and further their professional development and current knowledge. |
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Professional Project Manager (PM Level 3)
A professional project manager earns this designation when they reached a level of proficiency associated with an expert in the practice of project management.
This designation is awarded based on an individual’s portfolio of evidence as well as peer interviews in which proficiency, namely knowledge, skill, attributes and emotional intelligence, are analysed. It reviews a candidate’s past work in terms of consistent excellence across multiple projects of a required size and complexity, ongoing professional development and contribution to the growth of the discipline.
Awarding criteria
| Knowledge: An industry relevant tertiary qualification and a qualification in project management. | Practical experience would show a skill level of advanced or expert ability to practice in a chosen PM methodology. Experience would equal ten years in managing moderate to highly complex projects. | Membership and active participation in a professional project management association. Signs and adheres to the prevailing PMSA Code of Conduct. |
Competence: Attributes would demonstrate traits required of an expert including emotional intelligence, leadership, decision making and problem solving. Developed expert or advanced ability in each competency area. |
| Commitment | Adopted and conform to Code of Ethics of professional body. Member of a professional body and made a tangible contribution for a minimum period of one year. Made a contribution to the Body of Knowledge or future project managers through active engagement, research, sharing of best practices and mentorship. Engage in activities required to maintain registration and further their professional development and gather required number of points. |
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What should you do next
If you are based in South Africa, you are encouraged to visit the Designations FAQ.
Once the system is available, you can activate membership and populate your member profile.
Once you understand the designation criteria, you need to upload all relevant documentation. When invited to do so, make an application for the relevant designation.
Welcome to the world of Professional Project Managers!