Training and Certification for MS Project Server

[Monika]

I would like to round out my knowledge of MS Project and to obtain one of the
new certifications offered by Microsoft.

We have MS Project 2003 in a server environment. We probably won't upgrade
to 2007 for at least one year - we haven't even got all our projects in 2003
yet and we are integrated with SAP.

My position is to work with our project officers to develop and manage
schedules using our EPM system. I have used the tool for one year and I have
used an older standalone version about 8 years ago to manage projects. I
have never had a formal course.

I have had various answers to which class and certification I should take
and am still unclear. I do not administer the software but use it as a
project scheduler would use it. I have made the decision to take the 2007
course(s) instead of 2003 since there is no certification for 2003 and I
would rather have a head start on the new version.

However, it has been suggested that I take the standalone course in 2007 and
the standalone certification ( 70-632) as opposed to the server course and
certification (70-633).

Can anyone give me a clear idea of which to take and why? Thanks!

 

[Jack Dahlgren]

Rounding out your knowledge and getting a certification are two different
things.
Personally I think there is more value in the prior and studying just for an
exam is not the best way to ensure you can be effective at work.

The key point is that the exam (particularly the 632) exam is focused
primarily on how to use Microsoft Project. It goes through all of the key
features and tests to determine if you know what they are and how they work.

However, knowledge of how a tool works is really only a small part of being
an effective project manager. For example, I am quite competent at using
excel. So are many accountants. Just because I am good at using excel does
not mean I am a good accountant.

All that aside, the 632 exam sounds as if it would be most appropriate for
your role. It is meant for the end user of MS Project who is primarily
building and managing schedules.

-Jack Dahlgren

 

[Chak]

Hi Monika,

If you are using MS Project mainly for project scheduling and also you
mentioned “I do not administer the software but use it as a project
scheduler would use it."

In that case you may consider the reading the Dale & Gary's book. The
title of the book is "Managing Enterprise projects using Microsoft
Office Project Server 2007". I hope this book will give more clear
idea on MS Project 2007 on stand alone as well as server platform. I
guess, they also offer certification course. Please refer the
following URL:

http://www.msprojectexperts.com/


Thanks
Chak
http://www.epmcentral.com

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Monika --

Given your current situation, I would recommend the following:

1. Get a copy of Microsoft Project 2007, install it, and begin using it to
manage real projects.

2. Get a copy of our "Ultimate Learning Guide to Microsoft Office Project
2007" and study the entire book thoroughly. Work all of the exercises as
well to confirm that you have the depth of knowledge required for the exam..

3. Register for and take the 70-632 exam.

4. Forget about attempting to take the 70-633 exam unless you are actually
using and administering Project Server 2007 on a daily basis. Your
experience with Project Server 2003 will be of limited help. And there are
actually ADMINISTOR questions on the 70-633 exam as well.

Hope this helps.

 

[David Blair]

Monika -

I agree that the 70-632 exam is the right one for your current situation and
being certified can heighten career potential in the field. Another option
since you are moving from 2003 to 2007 is to look at this CBT course link
that is a ridiculously cheap price if you are upgrading to 2007. It kind of
combines project management stuff with all the basics of Project 2007 that
map right to the certification. And as far as carrying on your project
management career, it is worth 16 PDUs if you are a PMP. Hope that helps.

http://www.keystonelearning.com/project2007promo/

(Oh, and by the way, I have all the books from MSProjectExperts, and they,
too, are quite good - Thanks Dale and Gary)

David Blair, MCP

 

[Monika]

Thanks to everyone for your insight. I am a PMP and I'm better at classroom
training than I am at online or on my own (with the book ).

I had some similar guidance from Gary Chefetz but I couldn't quite
understand why everyone kept directing me to the 632 as opposed to the 633
but I think with the added explanation from Dale, I kind of get it now.

So, I'm probably going to take a 2-day course on managing projects using MS
Project 2007 and then consider the exam afterward.

Thanks again!