Can I Learn Project Management in 3 Months?

A common question in relation to learning project management is how long it takes. Many people want to know whether they can learn it in just a few months. There isn’t one single answer to the question of how long it takes to learn project management because the learning process is different for everyone. For most people though, three months is not long enough to master project management. However, it may be long enough to gain some fundamental skills and start working on basic projects. After that, you can keep adding new skills. If you’re trying to learn as quickly as possible, you can also consider enrolling in a live class to speed things up.

How Much Project Management Can I Learn in 3 Months 

How much project management you can learn in three months partly depends on how much experience you already have. In a March 18, 2022 entry on the Adobe Experience Cloud Blog, Adobe explains, “With previous managerial experience, you may be able to become a project manager within a few months.” However, it says, “If you’re just starting out on the road to becoming a project manager, building up your experience and qualifications may take a few years.” If you’re starting as a beginner, some of the things you might expect to learn in the first three months include an understanding of the strategies, methods, and terminology used in this field, a basic understanding of the five stages of project management, and an overview of some popular project management tools. As you keep learning, you’ll delve more deeply into all of these topics.

The way that you learn project management will also impact how much you can learn in three months. Many classes come in both full-time and part-time options. With a full-time class, you can focus all of your attention on learning and complete your training as quickly as possible. However, if you have a busy schedule or other obligations, then a part-time program can be a good alternative because it allows you to learn at the same time as holding a job or meeting other obligations. If you learn part-time though, you can expect to have gained far fewer skills at the three-month mark than with a full-time program. Some people choose not to take a class at all, and instead learn project management on their own. If you choose this option then you can expect the learning process to take a lot longer too.

How Can I Learn Project Management More Quickly?

If you’re trying to teach yourself some project management skills, you’ll find that there are a number of different free tools that you can use to learn more quickly. For example, there are lots of short, free instructional videos on YouTube and other websites, where you can learn a wide range of project management skills. You’ll also find that there are many experts willing to share their expertise online through various chat forums. You can visit these forums and look for relevant information, or you can even post a specific question. Schools that teach project management are another place to find free resources. Some schools, like Noble Desktop, provide free project management resources so that students can get a better understanding of this field before they commit to a class. Certain on-demand schools offer certain project management classes for free. These are generally not as comprehensive as paid classes, but they can be a good way to learn a limited number of skills. For instance, Udemy offers a free version of some of its courses. With the free option, you won’t get a certificate of completion and you won’t be able to ask questions, but you will be able to learn some fundamental skills for free. There are many other schools that offer limited free access to certain courses including Skillshare, Ripple Training, and Alison. 

Another great way to speed up the learning process is to enroll in a live project management class. With a live class, you’ll follow a structured program, under the guidance of an expert. Your instructor can personalize instruction to meet your needs, offer help and answer questions when needed, and provide feedback on your progress. With regular interaction and feedback, you can continually improve your skills and learn from both your mistakes and successes. Another benefit of a live class is that you’ll learn as part of a group. This can enhance the learning process and it can also lead to valuable networking opportunities. Finally, when you take a live class you can be confident that you’re learning the most current theories and tools. The field of project management changes often, and theories and tools have the potential to become outdated. 

What Project Management Skills Will I Need to Learn After 3 Months?

For many people, the next step after gaining some project management skills is to pursue a certification. Certifications can help you stand out from your peers and for some positions, they may even be required. There are a number of different project management certifications, and most are offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Two popular ones are the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and the Project Management Professional (PMP). All certifications have different requirements. For instance, PMP certification requires 36 to 60 months of professional project management experience depending on your educational background.

In the field of project management, you should also expect learning to be a lifelong thing. The field of project management changes often, and theories and tools have the potential to become outdated. In addition, you may work on many different types of projects throughout your career. In a January 2024 LinkedIn article, Project Manager Matt Wilkie explains that for these reasons, Project Managers need to stay open to learning throughout their careers. He says, “Continuous learning is a key component of a successful career in project management. By embracing a learning mindset, keeping up with industry trends, investing in professional development, learning from each project, and sharing knowledge, you can stay ahead in this dynamic field.”

Learn Project Management with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop is based in New York City and offers a number of different project management classes, with both short courses that can help you quickly master the basics, and longer, more comprehensive programs, where you can develop a strong project management skill set. Its project management classes can be taken in person at its Manhattan facility or in a live online format. Noble Desktop is licensed by the New York State Education Department. All courses include the option of a free retake within one year.

If you’re looking for a short introductory class, Noble offers Project Management Level I, which covers the methods and strategies of modern project management theory. You’ll learn about the process of project management and cover the five phases. After that, you’ll spend more time focusing on the initiation and planning stages. Finally, you’ll learn about what it takes to be a successful project manager, including important strategies and skills. This course includes an overview of project management apps, associations, and certifications. You’ll also receive a slide deck that contains practical knowledge and a variety of exercises. 

Noble Desktop also has a more advanced class called Project Management Level II, which builds off the skills covered in the Level I class. In Level II, you’ll learn about the execution monitoring, and closing phases of project management. Instructors will also cover working with budgets and costs, managing limited resources, and staying within your budget. This course includes an introduction to Agile Project Management and popular Agile frameworks.

If you want a more comprehensive course, Noble also runs a Project Management Bootcamp. This class is designed for students who want to learn more about project management, including the five phases of a project, and who want to begin a project management career. It is a combination of the school’s Level I and Level II classes and is offered at a discount. When you take the Project Management Bootcamp, you’ll learn the five phases of project management and will receive a slide deck that contains a variety of exercises. You’ll also learn about Waterfall, Critical Path, and Agile methods of project management, including popular Agile frameworks. You’ll receive a certificate of completion at the end of the class.

Another class option is Microsoft Project Level I, which is focused on this popular project management tool. This class is for PC users only; it cannot be completed with a Mac computer. The class is intended for users who need to manage multiple projects, want to increase efficiencies, and need to better manage resources. You’ll learn about the basic functions and features of Microsoft Project Professional. Covered topics include essential project management concepts, defining projects, entering tasks and examining task relationships, managing resources, optimizing, setting baselines, and sharing project plans. 

Noble also offers Microsoft Project Level II, where you’ll cover more advanced features of this application. You’ll learn how to update a project plan to reflect progress, how to monitor project progress in the project plan, and how to adjust the plan to control constraints. You’ll also learn to create project reports and customize project settings. Students who want to take the Level II course should have first completed Level I.