Training Methods in Project Management
PMBOK v8 Definition
Training includes all activities designed to enhance the competencies of the project team members. Training can be formal or informal. Examples of training methods include classroom, online, computer-based, on-the-job training from another project team member, mentoring, and coaching. If project team members lack the necessary management or technical skills, such skills can be developed as part of the project work.
Why It Matters for the Exam
Training methods appear frequently in PMI exam questions related to the Resource Management knowledge area, specifically within the Develop Team and Manage Team processes. Questions test your ability to distinguish between training types, understand when training is planned versus unplanned, and recognize how training costs are handled. Expect scenario-based questions where you must identify the appropriate training method for a given situation.
Key Points to Remember (for the exam)
- Two Categories of Training: Formal (scheduled, planned in resource management plan) vs. Informal (unplanned, arising from observation, conversation, performance appraisals)
- Six Core Methods: Classroom, online, computer-based, on-the-job training from another team member, mentoring, coaching
- Training Trigger: Lack of necessary management or technical skills in team members
- Cost Responsibility: Training costs can be included in the project budget OR supported by the performing organization if skills may benefit future projects
- Training Providers: Can be performed by in-house trainers or external trainers
- Scheduled Training: Takes place as stated in the resource management plan
- Unplanned Training: Results from observation, conversation, and project performance appraisals during Manage Team process
Typical PMI Exam Example
During a project status review, the project manager notices that a junior developer lacks the technical skills needed to complete a critical coding task. The project manager arranges for a senior developer to provide one-on-one guidance while the junior developer works on the actual task. What training method is being used?
Answer: On-the-job training from another project team member
PMI Exam Traps
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Trap: Confusing "mentoring" with "coaching" Reality: Mentoring is long-term career guidance; coaching is short-term skill-specific improvement
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Trap: Thinking all training must be formal and scheduled Reality: Training can be informal and unplanned, triggered by observations during team management
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Trap: Assuming training costs always come from the project budget Reality: The performing organization may cover costs if skills benefit future projects
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Trap: Confusing "on-the-job training" with "computer-based training" Reality: On-the-job training involves direct guidance from another team member; computer-based training is self-paced digital learning
Important PMI Connections
| Related Concept | Relationship Type | Exam Attention Point |
|---|---|---|
| Resource Management Plan | Input to training scheduling | Scheduled training is documented in this plan |
| Manage Project Knowledge | Related process | Lessons learned from training feed into knowledge management |
| Develop Team | Process where training occurs | Training is a key tool and technique in this process |
| Manage Team | Process triggering unplanned training | Performance appraisals may identify training needs |
| Project Budget | Cost consideration | Training costs may be budgeted or organization-supported |
| Lessons Learned Register | Output/Input | Training effectiveness should be captured as lessons learned |
Quick Review Questions
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A project team member consistently misses deadlines due to lack of understanding of the project management software. The project manager decides to have the team member complete a self-paced online module. What training method is being used?
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During a project performance appraisal, the project manager identifies that a team member needs coaching on stakeholder communication. Is this considered scheduled or unplanned training?
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The performing organization offers to pay for a team member's certification training because the skill will be useful for future projects. Where should this cost be recorded?
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A senior developer works side-by-side with a junior developer to teach them a new programming language while they complete actual project work. What training method is this?
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What document specifies when scheduled training activities will take place during the project?
PMBOK v8 Reference
Section 9.4 - Develop Team Section 9.5 - Manage Team