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After passing my PMP two years ago, pursuing the PgMP felt like the next logical step. At least, that’s what I told myself. The truth is, I was increasingly involved in managing interdependent projects that clearly behaved like a program, even if they weren’t officially called one. I wanted the knowledge, the structure, and perhaps a little external validation to prove to management (and maybe to myself) that I wasn’t imagining things when I said, “This isn’t just a big project… this is a program.”

I started my preparation by purchasing The Standard for Program Management. From my PMP experience, I knew that PMI expects you to think in PMI language, and the best way to do that is to immerse yourself in the source material. What I hadn’t fully appreciated was that the PgMP application process significantly raises the bar. Having a panel review your experience certainly sharpens your writing skills. It took me about a month to build up the confidence to finally press the “submit” button.

When the approval email arrived, there was relief, quickly followed by the realization that now the real work would begin. I went back to the standard and read it multiple times to fully internalize the PMI mindset. Program governance, benefits management, stakeholder alignment. These are not just concepts you memorize; they require a shift in perspective. The PgMP pushes you to think beyond delivering outputs to realize strategic outcomes. That mindset shift alone was worth the journey.

One surprisingly valuable resource was Reddit. The PgMP community there is small but incredibly supportive and insightful. That would be my first tip: don’t study in isolation. Join the conversation. You’ll quickly discover that everyone else also occasionally wonders if they truly understood that last paragraph in the standard.

My second tip is to look beyond PMI for study materials. Unlike the PMP, where resources are abundant (sometimes overwhelmingly so), PgMP preparation requires a bit more detective work. Mock exams were essential for me. They help you understand not just the content, but the thinking pattern behind the questions. Developing a strategy for eliminating distractors and choosing the “most PMI” answer becomes a skill in itself.

I won’t pretend it was easy. The PgMP is a demanding certification. Studying after a long day at work requires discipline, and perhaps a strong cup of coffee (or a whiskey). I even took my study notes on holiday. Nothing says relaxation like reviewing benefits realization frameworks in the sun.

What truly made the difference was the support of two close colleagues. Their encouragement kept me accountable and motivated. Certification journeys can feel solitary at times, but they don’t have to be.

For those considering the PgMP, I would say this: it’s more than just another credential. It stretches your thinking, sharpens your strategic perspective, and builds confidence in your ability to manage complexity at scale. It challenged me even more than the PMP, and passing the exam didn’t just feel like earning letters after my name. It felt like stepping more fully into the program leader role.

And yes, it also finally gave me a very structured way of saying, “I told you this was a program.”

Bio

Garth Koppen is a pragmatic program and project leader with over 15 years of international experience guiding cross-functional teams through complex IT, Business Intelligence, and customer experience initiatives.

He has a particular passion for bringing structure to complexity, whether that means coaching agile teams, driving digital transformation, or gently convincing stakeholders that what looks like “just a few projects” might actually be a program.

Known for combining strategic thinking with practical execution, Garth enjoys helping organizations deliver not only outputs, but real business outcomes. When he’s not immersed in governance frameworks or benefits realization plans, he’s usually exploring ways to make project delivery just a little more effective — and a little more human.

Feel free to connect with Garth on LinkedIn.

Newsletter Editor’s Note: Preparing for a certification can feel both exciting and overwhelming - and who better to learn from than colleagues who have just gone through the process? In this new Q&A series, we highlight recently certified team members who share their personal journeys, study approaches, challenges, and tips for success. Their real-world experiences aim to inspire and support anyone preparing for their next exam, offering practical insights and honest reflections from those who’ve been right where you are. At the end of each feature, you’ll also find a short author bio to help you get to know the voices behind the stories.