Patrick Girard, President and Adjunct Professor, at Okazy Consulting talks to APMG about how he believes the suite of House of PMO certifications can assist Project/Program Management Offices (PMOs) in Canada
Can you tell us a bit about your background Patrick?
I have worked throughout my career in project management. After holding positions in the National Bank and Standard Life of Canada project offices, I founded my own project management training company, Okazy, in 2013. Okazy now offers a dozen IT and Project Management certifications in all the major cities in Canada. I am also an adjunct professor at the University du Québec à Montréal.
Why did you decide to offer the House of PMO certifications?
When I was previously a PMO Director, I struggled to find tools and training for the people I was managing. We had to invent training and a career path, and it took a lot of time – time that we were not spending supporting programs and projects.
So as soon as I saw this suite of certifications, I thought this is something I want to offer, because I knew there was nothing like this in the market.
I also know from experience that PMOs often have to demonstrate their value, as some people think of this function as ‘only support’. So having ready-made quality training not only helps people bring more value to their organisation, but the training also explains some ways to measure a PMOs impact.
As you are based in Canada, can you tell us how these certifications are relevant to the North American market?
Many big projects, for example projects to improve infrastructure are run in Canada. This training helps those working in PMOs, on these projects, add value quicker.
Could you explain the House of PMO’s certifications?
There are four training courses targeting the various stages in a PMO practitioner’s career - Essentials for PMO Administrators, Essentials for PMO Analysts, Essentials for PMO Managers and Essentials for PMO Directors.
They are entry level courses, not for the profession, but for each of the roles. All four courses are practical and aim to develop individuals by explaining the key activities and the core competences required to perform each role. They are also not method or framework specific.
How would having one of these PMO certifications help me become a better PMO Practitioner?
If you start working in a PMO and you are dependent on only this experience, you will probably have quite a narrow view of a PMO. These certifications will allow you to see all the services that PMOs can offer.
They will also accelerate how useful you are to your organization as the syllabus has been created based on real world challenges that PMOs face. And as mentioned they will provide you with all the essential competences you need to perform in these roles.
How are the House of PMO Certifications different from other PMO training?
Other certifications available for PMO professionals, explain how to design, create or transform PMOs, these courses focus on developing individuals.
What should my next step be?
If you are interested in having a chat you can email me at info@okazy.ca or find out more information on our website, okazy.ca. We are running a virtual class for Essential for PMO Administrators in April 2023 and virtual classes for Essentials for PMO Analysts and Essentials for PMO Managers in February.
We also offer onsite or virtual classes for organisations, just get in touch to find out more.
