Last Updated: January 25, 2024
MS Project Mastery Journey
There are several ways to take this MS Project Master Class. To determine the MS Project Mastery Journey you might be interested in taking, ask these questions:
What content do I want to cover?
Three sets of content can be covered in this Master Class, and this content is broken out into three distinct Master Classes. For example, you could choose to cover all of the material in this MS Project Master Class Book and the Online Applications, but that would require a considerable commitment because there are over 2,500 pages of material, 15 exams, over 125 files to download, over 75 exercises to complete, and a Master Project work or personal project to build. We estimate that it takes most students 80 hours to review and complete this content and exercises. It could be that the time commitment is outside your time constraint, and you would like to look at other options.
The following table lists these three different classes and the requirements for each Master Class. The first part of selecting your Mastery Journey is to select the class or content you wish to cover.
Do I want to work with a coach?
These Master Classes can be entirely self-paced, allowing you to complete a course by purchasing the Amazon MS Project Master Class Book. However, many people find they achieve their goals more efficiently and quickly with the guidance of a coach. Typically, students meet with their coach weekly to review their work, ask questions, and prepare for the upcoming material
Do I want to earn a certificate when I complete the Master Class?
We offer three distinct certificates of completion. Students can earn a certificate based on the content covered in their chosen Master Class, their exam scores, their performance on exercises, and a Master Project they completed during the course.
Reviewing the information in this introduction will assist you in deciding on the Mastery Journey you wish to pursue. Regardless of which Journey you choose, each Journey follows these seven steps:
Step 1: Purchase the MS Project Master Class Book from Amazon and then register for the Master Class.
Step 2: Define your objectives and constraints and take the pre-test. This MS Project Master Class is the most comprehensive class or book materials and related files ever produced on Microsoft Project. Your objectives and constraints will likely determine the Master Journey you want to take and which certificate you want to earn.
Step 3: Select your Mastery Journey (the class you will take). There are three basic paths (classes) to pursue in this Master Class. Each Master Class can either be self-directed or guided by a coach. Additionally, three certificates can be earned.
If you are working with a coach, they will work closely with you to define the map for this Journey clearly and help you prepare, navigate, and stick to the plan.
The primary goal of each Master Class is not just to learn Microsoft Project but also to use the software to build a technically correct Master Project that adheres to best practices and industry standards.
Step 4: Start the Master Journey. Read the first section of the chapter in the MS Project Master Class Book before proceeding.
Step 5: When directed at the end of a section in the Master Class Book, complete the appropriate Online Application. There is a page on this website for each Activity or chapter in the Master Class Book. These pages contain content and exercises for learning about Microsoft Project and building your Master Project.
Step 6: When you have completed all the sections for an Activity (chapter in the Master Class Book) and the appropriate Online Applications for an Activity, take the online exam.
Step 7: Take the post-test and then meet any requirements for a Master Class certificate you would like to earn. As mentioned, three types of certificates can be earned. To earn a particular certificate, meet any remaining requirements.
Purchase the MS Project Master Class Book
Purchase the “MS Project Master Class Book” from Amazon and register for the Master Class. The online downloads and exams are password-protected. When you register for the MS Project Master Class, you will be provided a password.
When you send your registration, you will be provided with a password. If you forget your password for the exam and download pages, register again to get the current password.
The password will change periodically for the exam and download pages. Only this Master Class can provide you with a new password; no other person, organization, or entity is authorized to share the password.
Define Your Objectives and Constraints
Before starting one of the Master Classes, define your objectives and constraints to prepare you for your journey.
Download
Click the icon above to download and open the Introduction – Master Class Objectives and Constraints.docx file.
Consider answering the questions in this Introduction – Master Class Objectives and Constraints.docx file. If you are working with a coach, send them this file when completed.
These are some suggested questions to ask as you define your objectives and constraints:
How fast do you want to complete the MS Project Master Class?
What content do you want to master?
Do you want to work through the Master Class independently, or would you like to hire a coach?
Do you want to earn any of the available certificates?
What are your constraints?
Do you have any other objectives for taking this class?
When defining your objectives and constraints, there are several things to consider related to timing and costs.
MS Project Master Class Content
First, let’s consider the structure of this MS Project Master Class.
This comprehensive MS Project Master Class consists of 15 activities (or chapters) that cover 95% of the features and techniques in Microsoft Project, along with additional tools and methods for initiating and closing a project. Furthermore, these 15 activities are presented within the framework of a standard project planning life cycle, as illustrated in the figure below This project management life cycle is the outline for the MS Project Master Class. Each Activity (chapter) has a corresponding page on this site, and Online Applications contain additional
information and exercises.
Traditional project management theory emphasizes the importance of thorough planning, documentation, and control in managing projects. It divides a project into smaller, more manageable tasks and uses tools like Gantt charts and critical path analysis to schedule and monitor progress. In contrast, Agile project management theory centers on flexibility, collaboration, and iterative development in managing projects. It operates in short cycles, adapts to changing requirements and feedback, and prioritizes customer satisfaction.
Although Microsoft Project has added a few Agile-like features in recent years, we assume those using Agile methodology have chosen more suitable software tools. Therefore, the limited Agile-like features included in the software are not covered in these Master Classes.
This Master Class utilizes traditional project management theory. Within this conventional framework, a project life cycle encompasses the phases of a project from initiation to completion. It usually consists of several phases or stages to ensure the project is completed on time, within budget, and meets the necessary quality standards. The specific phases of a project life cycle may vary based on the methodology used, but the following phases are commonly included:
Initiation. This phase entails defining the project's objectives, scope, and requirements. It also involves identifying stakeholders and assessing the feasibility of the project.
Planning. In this phase, the project team creates a comprehensive plan detailing the tasks, timelines, resources, and budget required to complete the project successfully
Execution. This phase involves selecting the project team, establishing a project baseline, and executing the tasks and activities outlined in the project plan. During this phase, the project team monitors progress, tracks project metrics, and makes necessary adjustments to ensure the project remains on track
Closing. In the closing phase, the project team formally completes and delivers the final product, service, or result to the stakeholders. This may include a post-project review to assess the project's success and identify improvement opportunities.
Controlling. Controlling the project often refers to monitoring project performance, identifying variances from the project plan, and taking corrective action to keep the project on track. In this life cycle, the controlling phase refers to the project management tools and techniques used better to manage each activity in each project life cycle phase. Standard techniques include the Project Charter, Work Breakdown Structure, Critical Path Method, Risk Management, Change Management, and Project Reviews. At the end of each Activity (chapter), the techniques and tools used to enhance control are reviewed.
Enterprise Environment. The phases or stages of the project life cycle are often tailored to the Enterprise Environment. This term refers to an organization or enterprise’s complex and interconnected system of people, processes, and technologies. It encompasses the organization's departments, systems, operations, and external factors that impact its performance, such as the economy, competition, and regulatory environment.
Various functions and departments work together in an enterprise environment to achieve the organization's goals and objectives. These functions include operations, finance, marketing, sales, human resources, and information technology. The enterprise environment also includes the organization's relationships with customers, suppliers, partners, and other stakeholders.
In a projectized enterprise environment, projects drive the organization’s objectives. Project managers typically control human resources more than functional managers in these environments.
This Project Map life cycle provides a framework for managing the project effectively and ensuring it meets the stakeholders’ requirements and expectations. It allows the project team to manage the project systematically from start to finish and provides a roadmap for successful completion.
Project MAP is a comprehensive project life cycle designed to provide the best approach for planning and executing a project in Microsoft Project. Please take a moment to review the outline for this Master Book in the table of contents. The outline aligns with the Project MAP graphic above and the workflow detailed under each Activity.
This project life cycle, which we will follow in this Master Class, can be used to structure your projects. However, that is not the primary purpose of using it in this MS Project Master Class.
You may follow very different project life cycles in your organization, so we do not suggest you approach all projects this way. The purpose of Project MAP in this Master Class is to structure your learning experience using a typical or traditional project management life cycle or process that is easy to understand and follow. This project life cycle also fits tightly with how Microsoft Project is organized and works.
This process approach to learning Microsoft Project differs significantly from standard training classes. For instance, a typical class follows a learning outline used in most one or two-day classes.
Chapter 1: Microsoft Project Overview
Chapter 2: Creating an Outline
Chapter 3: Scheduling Tasks
Chapter 4: Assigning and Leveling Resources
Chapter 5: Managing Costs
Chapter 6: Tracking and Earned Value Analysis
Chapter 7: Customizing Project
Chapter 8: Working with Other Software Tools
Chapter 9: Managing Multiple Projects
Chapter 10: Advanced Features
In addition, these classes focus on available features in the software in contrast to building a technically correct expert project in the software.
There is a better approach to learning Microsoft Project. Learn the software, how it was meant to be used, and how most people initiate, plan, and execute projects. You will learn features of the software along the way as you create and build a technically Master (expert) Project.
Because Project MAP provides the structure for this Master Class, it is presented in chronological phases for learning purposes. We recognize that many of these activities or steps are often iterative. For instance, Activity 3—Initiate Project Charter—is revisited after completing subsequent Activities. Alternatively, it is assumed that if the Planning Phase does not validate timing, scope, cost, and work constraints, those constraints and possible project objectives must be reassessed.
Project MAP consists of:
Five Phases. Initiating, Planning, Executing, and Closing phases are presented in a sequence and slightly overlapping. The Controlling phase overlaps all the other four phases.
There are 15 Activities across the phases. Each Activity is a chapter in the MS Project Master Book and a page in the MS Project Master Class Online Application.
Workflows: Each Activity has a workflow or steps to follow and an outline of its content (chapter).
Tools and Techniques: Each workflow contains the appropriate methods, techniques, tools, features, and best practices for mastering Microsoft Project.
The colored circles and half-circles in the Project MAP graphic above represent time estimates. These estimates are illustrative, not definitive. For many projects, it is typical for the Planning Phase to require less time than the Executing Phase, although this may vary for the projects you manage. We have collaborated with several teams who plan year-round for a single event, such as a “plant shutdown” for general maintenance, an office move, or a trade show. In these cases, the Execution period may last just a few hours or, at most, a couple of weeks. While Planning might take months, Execution might only take hours, days, or weeks.
Time Constraint and Learning Objectives
The next step in choosing your Mastery Journey is determining which content to include. As mentioned, three Master Classes are available.
Master Class 1: MS Project Master Class for the Expert (80 hours)
This approach covers all the content in the MS Project, including all 15 Activities (chapters) in the MS Project Master Class Book and all exercises in the Online Applications.
Master Class 2: Advanced MS Project Master Class (24 hours)
This option does not cover topics not directly related to Microsoft Project features. Nine Activities are covered, and earned certificates are available.
Master Class 3: MS Project Essentials Master Class (16 hours)
Microsoft Project does not contain features that automate all aspects of a traditional project life cycle. Instead, it covers sections of eight Activities.
Depending on the approach you take, you can earn several certificates.
Take Master Class 3: MS Project Essentials Master Class (16 hours) and earn the MS Project Master Class Certificate of Completion.
Complete the directed sections of eight Activities (chapters) in the MS Project Master Class Book and Online Applications directly related to Microsoft Project’s core functionality. This involves studying over 1,500 pages of content, reviewing over 80 charts, posters, worksheets, and documents, and completing over 15 Microsoft Project exercises. Eight exams are taken with scores of 70% or higher. To earn this certificate, exercises, exams, and a Master Project are submitted for review.
Take Master Class 2: Advanced MS Project Master Class (24 hours) and earn MS Project/PM Master Class Certificate of Completion.
Complete nine Activities (chapters) in the MS Project Master Class Book and Online Applications. Microsoft functionality and features are covered in all Activities (chapters) in the Master Class Book, but these additional Activities round out the Initiating, Planning, Executing, and Closing project management phases. This involves studying over 2,000 pages of content, reviewing over 100 charts, posters, worksheets, and documents, and completing over 40 Microsoft Project exercises. Nine exams are taken with scores of 70% or higher. To earn this certificate, exercises, exams, and a Master Project are submitted for review.
Take Master Class 1: MS Project Master Class for the Expert (80 hours) and earn the MS Project Certificate of Mastery (MSPCOM).
Complete all the Activities (chapters) in the MS Project Master Class Book and all on the exercises in the Online Applications. This involves studying over 2,500 pages of content, reviewing over 125 charts, posters, worksheets, and documents, completing over 75 Microsoft Project exercises, and passing 15 exams with 80% or higher scores. This class also includes:
· Keeping a journal on how the tools and techniques reviewed will be used on future projects.
· Completing 15 learning objectives evaluations.
· Presenting a Master Project in a kickoff simulation.
To earn this certificate, exercises, exams, and a Master Project are submitted for review.
Certificates come with additional costs. If you are working with a certified Master Class Coach, there is a nominal cost associated with each certificate. If you are not working with a certified Coach, you can have your work and exams reviewed by a Certified Master Class Reviewer.
The MS Project Master Class Book is available on Amazon for $68. This Master Class can be taken and completed entirely at your own pace, making the overall cost of enrollment extremely low, even for students in developing nations. You can confidently master Microsoft Project for as little as $68 within a few weeks. By the end of the full version of MS Project Master Class, you will understand Microsoft Project better than 95% of the over 30 million users worldwide.
$1,000 to $3,300. Many people find that having a Master Class Coach to review their work and meet with them periodically can keep them on track and help them speed through the more challenging features and concepts in MS Project. There are various coaching options, but expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,300 for a certified coach who works with you throughout your Mastery Journey.
$450 to $1,200. If you are not working with a certified Master Coach, expect to pay a Master Class Reviewer to verify our submitted exercises, exam scores, Master Project, and any other requirements for the desired certificate.
Time Estimates
Time estimates are provided for sections of each Activity (chapter) and the Online Applications so that you can better budget your time as you progress through the Master Class you have selected.
For example, the table of contents for this chapter’s introduction includes time estimates.
Those estimates are explained and provided in the beginning section for each Activity (chapter) in this MS Project Master Class Book.
Select Your Mastery Journey
After completing Step 1 by purchasing this Master Class Book and registering for the Master Class, and Step 2, defining your objectives and cost and time constraints, finalize what Master Class you are going to take if you are going to work with a coach, and if you intend to earn a certificate.
Start the Journey
After reading this introduction, start with the appropriate Activity (chapter) in this MS Project Master Class Book.
If you have selected Master Class 1: MS Project Master Class for the Expert, begin with the first chapter, Activity 1: Clarify Objectives.
If you have selected Master Class 2: Advanced MS Project Master Class or Master Class 3: MS Project Essentials Master Class, begin with chapter four, Activity 4: Adopt PM/Software Standards.
If you are working with a coach, they will likely provide more specific guidance.
Read a section in the Master Class Book and then Complete the Appropriate Online Application.
Begin reading a chapter. Each chapter is organized in the following way:
The Activity or step in the phase is reviewed in the context of the Project MAP life cycle.
You are encouraged to download and open a list of files to follow along with as you read the Master Class Book.
The time constraints of the Activity (chapter) are reviewed along with a detailed Microsoft Project plan or outline.
§ The learning objectives are reviewed.
The workflow, or outline for the Activity (chapter) is reviewed.
The student is then directed to this website to complete the first Online Application.
After completing an Online Application, the student is directed back to where they left off in this MS Project Master Class Book.
This is how the Online Applications are structured:
Activity Pages. There is one online Activity Page for each Activity in the MS Project Master Class Book.
Activity Page Outline. Each Activity Page is organized the same way.
Applications. There are four to eight applications for each Activity Page.
A Particular Application. An application will provide more information on a topic a student was reviewing in the MS Project Master Class Book, and an Application could have one or more exercises. When finished with an Application, the student is directed back to this Master Class Book.
The Page Outline for Activity 3 – Initiate Project Charter is shown in the figure below. Each outline starts with the Activity Workflow, and the last Online Application follows this same structure:
Review the Microsoft Project features and concepts covered.
A check to make sure your Master Project is up to date.
A review of the completed application files that you might send to your coach or submit for review if you would like to earn one of the certificates.
An evaluation of the learning objectives for the Activity.
Take the Activity (chapter) Exam
Each activity has an online exam. The exams evaluate or test your understanding of the activity's content and the features and concepts covered in Microsoft Project.
A passing or honor-level score is also required to earn one of the certificates.
Here are some essential guidelines for taking the exam:
Approach the exam as a closed-book assessment, relying solely on your memory and grasp of the subject matter.
Always select the most appropriate answer.
Keep in mind that answers carry different weights.
Feel free to attempt the exam multiple times to refine your understanding.
To attain the MS Project Master Class Certificate of Completion or the MS Project/PM Master Class Certificate of Completion, achieve a final score of 70% or higher.
A final 80% or above score is requisite for the MS Project Certificate of Mastery (MSPCOM).
Repeat Steps 4, 5, and 6 above until you have completed all the Activities in your MS Project Master Class.
Closeout the MS Project Master Class
Finally, once you have completed the sections, chapters, and online application related to the Master Class you have taken, complete the Microsoft Project Post-test and evaluate what you learned about Microsoft Project. Compare your final score with your pre-test score.
In addition, meet any remaining requirements for one of the certificates you might want to earn.