Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is the PMI?
A The , or PMI, is a global professional organization for project managers. Currently, it supports over 112,000 members in 67 countries worldwide. PMI members are individuals practicing and studying project management in many different industry areas, including aerospace, automotive, business management, construction, engineering, financial services, information technology, government, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications. Over time, PMI has become, and continues to be, the leading professional association in project management.
Q What is the UNY Chapter?
A UNY is the Upstate New York Chapter of the Project Management Institute. We are located in Loudonville, NY.
Q How long has the UNY Chapter been in existence?
A The UNY Chapter was chartered as a chapter of PMI in 1977.
Q Who should I contact with questions?
A See the Officer's page, then contact an appropriate officer via e-mail. Or, come to one of our monthly dinner meetings and talk to us there.
Q Are there any seminars?
A Yes. We present to the project management community at large both seminars on project management and Project Management Professional (PMP) test preparation courses. Check our PMP Prep Workshop page for the latest information.
Q What is PMP and what is the value of the PMP certification?
A

PMP stands for Project Management Professional. Enrolling in PMI's Project Management Professional Certification Program offers individuals a wide range of important benefits. The PMP designation following your name demonstrates to current and potential employers that you possess a solid foundation of experience and education in project management that can have a positive impact on bottom-line results. The PMP designation symbolizes knowledge and accomplishment and is highly regarded by colleagues and employers. As a certified PMP, you will proudly join a successful group of professionals who are enriching and advancing their careers and the project management profession.

To achieve PMP certification, each candidate must satisfy all educational and experiential requirements established by PMI and must demonstrate an acceptable and valid level of understanding and knowledge about project management that is tested by the Project Management Professional Certification Examination. In addition, those who have been granted the PMP credential (certificants) must demonstrate ongoing professional commitment to the field of project management by satisfying Professional Development Program requirements.

For more information see: PMI Certifications and our PMP FAQ page.

Q What are the demographics of the UNY Chapter membership?
A The Chapter has about members (of which approximately are PMPs), most of whom live and/or work in or around Albany, NY. The majority of our members are employed in the following industry areas: Computers / Software / Data Processing; Information Technology; Telecommunications; Business Management Services; and Financial Services.
Q Are there regularly scheduled meetings?
A We hold dinner meetings on a monthly basis - see the calendar for details. The dinner meetings allow time for networking among project management professionals and a speaker is brought in to talk on a topic of interest.
Q What does it cost to join?
A In order to join the UNY Chapter you must first be a member of PMI. Membership in PMI is annually (new members will be charged a $10.00 US application fee) and the cost to then join the UNY Chapter is .
Q What is a SIG?
A A SIG is a Special Interest Group. SIGs provide a forum for project managers to share experiences with others managing similar types of projects and facing the same project management challenges and concerns. SIGs participate in a wide range of activities which include, but are not limited to, quarterly newsletters, networking directory, seminars, technical tracks at PMI Seminars & Symposium, teleconferences, interactive web sites, publications, and much more. The SIGs that the majority of our members belong to are: Information Systems; Government; and Financial.

For more information see: PMI's SIG Overview.

Q Are there networking opportunities?
A Yes, during the monthly dinner meetings.
Q Do you hold PMP Certification Prep classes?
A Yes. See the PMP Prep Workshop page for details.
Q I'm interested in speaking at a dinner meeting, or I want to recommend a speaker. Who should I contact?
A For details on speaking opportunities contact .
Q What sorts of topics are appropriate?
A Any topic with a basis in project management will be considered. Our member's interests are as diverse as the industries they represent: healthcare, telecommunications, construction, electronics, insurance, agriculture, local government, and more. Previous speakers have addressed topics such as Business Continuity Planning, Risk Management, Establishing a PM Office, and e-Commerce Outsourcing.