Frequently Asked Questions

Certificate in Professional Project Management

1. What is the purpose of the Project Management Certificate Program?
   The goal of the program is to improve the professionalism of the students, both on the job and through formal education. In the six years of the program's existence 99% of the exam candidates successfully passed the PMP exam. Those who did not pass the PMP exam were predicted to do so by the diagnostic exams used in the program.
    
2. How often are the Project Management Certificate courses taught?
   The Framework and Advanced Project Management Certificate courses are taught every Fall and Spring semester. The program is not offered during the summer. The scheduling format is designed to make the program convenient for working individuals. Classes meet one night per week for three hours.
    
3. Are the courses offered online?
   The Framework class is offered as a face to face class and the live class is normally filmed to be presented on the internet through streaming video. The Advanced class is a face to face class and is not offered online.
    
4. What are the course prerequisites?
   There are no specific pre-requisites for the Certificate courses. However, due to the advanced nature of the course content, it is highly recommended that the potential student have exposure to the project environment. Also, potential students should be fluent in English (written and spoken). A minimum TOEFL score of: 79 IBT, or 213 on the computer based exam, or 550 on the paper based exam, is a good guideline to determine if English language skills are\adequate. It is suggested that you read through the information on the website to determine if this program fits your professional goals. If you still have questions, please contact sources identified on this website.
    
5. Do you offer tuition payment plans?
   Payment plans are not offered at this time. Therefore, tuition is due in full at the time of registration.
    
6. Do you offer financial aid for certificate courses?
   Sallie Mae now offers personal loans to pay for professional development and continuing education courses. Please visit Sallie Mae's website for more information.
   
   Please note that all course fees must still be paid by the posted deadlines. For more information as to how to apply for the Sallie Mae student loan, please contact our office or UH financial aid at 713.743.1010 option 3.
    
7. Can you hold a spot for me if I do not pay for the course when I register?
   The registration process is not complete until full payment has been submitted. Therefore, we do not hold seats for incomplete registration. Registration is handled on a first come, first served basis.
    
8. Will I receive a 1098-T Tax form for the course(s)?
   You will need to contact your CPA or a local tax office for instructions on how to file educational fees paid on your taxes.
    
9. Will I be certified upon completing the course?
   You will receive a UH certificate of completion upon successfully completing and passing each of the courses. To become certified by one of the industry certification sources such as PMI, you will need to take their Certification exam. The industry Certification exam fee is NOT included in your course fee. The UH courses will prepare you for their respective exams.
    
10. What does the course fee cover?
    The course fee will cover your tuition and parking. Textbooks and other required materials are not included in the course fee.
     
11. Will this course require much studying and preparation?
    Yes. Due to the difficulty of the level of information and the comprehensive nature of the course, the student is expected to dedicate additional personal time for studying, class preparation, and projects.
     
12. Can I enroll in more than one class at the same time?
    Please note the following prior to enrolling: The Framework class is focused on improving job skills and introducing the student to project management vocabulary. The Advanced class is dedicated to preparing the student to take the PMP Certification exam. Taking the PMP exam without first enrolling in the Framework course requires approval of the program coordinator, Dr. Gary Richardson. If you are still unsure as to which course you should enroll in, please contact Dr. Richardson at: grichardson@uh.edu. He will be able to advise you as to what is most appropriate given your background.