Elon students earn project management certifications

15 Project Management students earned the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credential; 11 Project Management students earned the Professional Scrum Master I (PSMI) credential

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credential

Fifteen seniors enrolled in the spring 2024 semester MGT 4300 Seminar in Project Management capstone course recently earned their Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credential. According to PMI.org, the newly updated, three-hour, 150-question CAPM certification exam “tests aptitude on project management fundamentals and core concepts [including] agile frameworks/methodologies, business analysis frameworks, and predictive plan-based methodologies”.

Taught by Professor of Management Matt Valle, the Project Management Seminar (MGT 4300) is the final course in the project management major offered by the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship.  For students and recent graduates, obtaining CAPM certification validates their knowledge of project management fundamentals and methodologies, enhances their academic qualifications and sets them apart in a competitive job market. It signifies a dedication to mastering essential project management concepts and demonstrates readiness to contribute effectively to project teams.

“The Project Management Institute (PMI) recently revised the CAPM exam to include material from over 2,000 pages of documents relating to project initiation, planning and execution, including agile methodologies and business analysis processes,” said Valle. “This cohort studied 6 guides, standards, textbooks, and software packages for over 10 weeks and took numerous practice exams and assessments in class. I am proud to recognize their hard work and dedication.”

Congratulations to the following students who recently earned their CAPM certification:

  • Carly G. Angel, CAPM
  • Cameron Q. Aries, CAPM
  • Ally Avena, CAPM
  • Adam Berry, CAPM
  • Anna R. Carmody, CAPM
  • William B. Eberhardt IV, CAPM
  • Calle Edelstam, CAPM
  • Austin K. Fitzgerald, CAPM
  • Lars T. Heidenreich, CAPM
  • Linn Hertz Saebboe, CAPM
  • Emma S. MacGuffie, CAPM
  • Kate Malloy, CAPM
  • Sarah M. Perciavalle, CAPM
  • Cozette S. Ries, CAPM
  • Adina M. Spiewak, CAPM

Professional Scrum Master credential

Eleven Martha and Spencer Love School of Business students recently earned the Professional Scrum Master I credential offered by Scrum.org, demonstrating their fundamental knowledge of the Scrum framework, Scrum Master accountabilities, and how to apply Scrum practices.

The Professional Scrum Master I certification exam requires a combination of academic coursework in project management and the successful completion (85% passing rate or higher) on a one-hour, 80-question certification exam.

Offered through Scrum.org, The Professional Scrum Master I (PSMI) certification exam is a globally recognized credential that tests the following Focus Areas as defined within the Professional Scrum Competencies: Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework, Developing People and Teams, and Managing Products with Agility. By mastering Agile practices, certified Scrum Masters gain the confidence to navigate evolving project requirements, mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement within their teams.

Within Elon’s project management curriculum, the PSMI certification is a mandatory component of the Agile Project Management (MGT 4170) course taught by Lecturer in Management Scott Oakes. Through engaging coursework, practical exercises, project-based assignments, guest speakers and simulations, students delve into the dynamic world of Agile methodologies, gaining a deep understanding of its principles and applications. This course not only familiarizes students with agile frameworks but also emphasizes the pivotal role of the Scrum Master within agile team settings.

Oakes said that this was the second iteration of this class, and so far there has been a 95% first-time pass rate at Elon. Additionally, Oakes also shared that Elon is now officially a university partner with Scrum.org and is listed as a certified partner on their website.

The PSMI complements the CAPM as the two project management certifications available to project management majors.

Congratulations to the following students for earning their Professional Scrum Master I certification:

  • Cameron Q. Aries, PSMI, CAPM
  • Grayson Artzt, PSMI
  • Ben Black, PSMI
  • Archie Corteil, PSMI
  • Ross Dooling, PSMI
  • Kaley A. Farmer, PSMI
  • Henry L. Larson, PSMI
  • Emma S. Macguffie, PSMI, CAPM
  • Kate Malloy, PSMI, CAPM
  • C.J. Nemsick, PSMI
  • Tyler Singer, PSMI