"Dr. Ra did an excellent job of emphasizing key points. I was very pleased with the quality of instruction."
Lowell Usrey,
Booz Allen Hamilton

"The instructors were very knowledgeable on the materials taught. They kept the attention of the course attendees and the focus on the PMBOK and PMI criteria."

"It was thorough and comprehensive."
Stephen Barker,
Booz Allen Hamilton

PMP Certification Prep Course
October 1-3 & 9-10 '08 (W-F & R, F) Syllabus, Photo

"This course is organized to emphasize learning the basic concepts to maximize test success. This is a great way to apply learned information to many situations rather than just memorizations. This was especially of value."
Nick Faulkner,
Consultant, NANA/Colt Engineering

What did I like best about the course? "The knowledge and experience of the instructors, both with the test material and real world applications and experience."
Chris Largent,
Manager of Special Products, Tatitlek Corporation

"The experience of the instructors and how those experiences were utilized during the lectures. This helped me get a "real world" understanding of the PMIsms"
Jessica Morales,
President/Project Manager, Acquisition Business Consultants, Inc.
                                    

PMP Certification Prep Course, Anchorage
April 9-11 & 17-18 2008 (W,R,F & R,F) Course Syllabus, Photo

"Thanks to all of you for instructing such an excellent course when I was there in February 2008. I sat for the PMP exam on April 9th and passed!  The quality of instruction in the course was a significant factor in my being able to pass the PMP exam on the first try.  I started my PMP application about a week after I took the course and then spent the rest of the time studying for the exam. 

While I used a combination of the PMBOK, exercise book, and the course materials (in the big binder), I was surprised at how often I referred back to the course materials for study.  I look forward to further interaction with all of you while being an active member of the Alaska chapter of PMI as well as supporting the UAA ESPM program in any way that I can.  I have already recommended this course and others in the program to my supervisors and peers.  Please feel free to share my comments in any way that you see fit."

Thanks again and best regards,                                    
Chris Gabriel, PMP,
ConocoPhillips Alaska

"The constant review and the instructors knowledge of information."
                                                                                               - Jim Smith, Rockford Corporation

"All instructors focused toward PMP Exams and did not allow distraction during discussion. Every tutor provided good tips related to exam. A timely break of 10 minutes was appreciated. Time management was also good.  I was able to pass the PMP in the first attempt and I am really proud of myself on this success. There are number of people to whom I would like to thank and you guys (UAA PMPP instructors) are on the top of that list.           
                                                                                               - Naeem Shaikh, PMP, BP Alaska

"It was presented in an abridged, what you need to know manner with Most of the fluff removed. Excellent focus on the material."                         - Travis Jensen, Arnell ICM Co., Inc.

"LuAnn: Wonderful enthusiam; practical exercises hit home for WBS! Teach more. Would be great for an afternoon session."

"The real life experience of the instructors added a lot. The emphasis on points for passing the exam."

"The instructors were extremely knowledgeable. Breaks well timed. Food and snacks were great. Resources were well planned and prepared. I really enjoyed Dr. Ra's presentations where he went through the book and specifically noted the important items while giving supplemental explanations through his lecture/pp presentation."

"Roger provides valuable real world experience."


PMP Certification Prep Course, Anchorage
Feb. 4-8 '08 (M-F) 2008 Course Syllabus, Photo

“Very focused instruction , taught by highly qualified and experienced instructors”.
                                                                                                                        -Bob Stirling        

 “Coverage of PMBOK was good and made the general knowledge areas more interesting than just straight out of the book. Good balance with power point and interesting sample questions and test taking tips. All instructors were good; Roger Hull was very good with his experience relating to the topic”.                                                               -Julia Redington                                                                                                                
“Instructors are extremely knowledgeable in the field, course material logically organized and covered in and efficient manner. I am seriously considering the MSPM program after taking this course”.                                                                                                    -Chris Gabriel
     
                                                                                                                                                                
PMP Certification Prep Course, Anchorage
November 7-9 & 15-16 (W,R,F) 2007, Course Syllabus, Photo

"Great test prep course.  I hope to take additional classes in the near future.  Instructor knowledge is impressive."
                                                                                               -C Starbuck

"Well organized.  Dr. Ra and Roger Hull were thorough and encouraged questions and communicated well."

"Taught by very knowledgeable instructors who have real world experience."

"Good course design.  Both Dr. Ra and Roger Hull have good teaching knowledge and different styles, which gave the class some variety."

"Overview of the PMBOK was good.  Instructors were good and they stayed focused on on the PMP exam prep.  Good tips for taking the exam."


PMP Certification Prep Course, Anchorage
September 18-22 (T,W,R,F,S) 2007, Course Syllabus, Photo

"Major Quality: Instructors, information, resources, and points toward passing the exam."
                                                                                               -Ralph Creek

"I believe this course is invaluable to passing the PMP exam.  It provides the context in which PMI expects.  Course materials are great and I like the reference material Mr. Hull provided.  Dr. Ra eats and breathes PM.  Mr. Hull has the breadth and depth of knowledge and skill of PM that makes it very interesting."
                                                                                                -Deb White

"A lot of good information was presented in a very short period of time-very efficient!"
                                                                                                -Ron Dailey

[What did you like best about course] "Knowledge of instructors, comfortable facilities."
                                                                                               -Doug Flemming

PMP Certification Prep Course, Anchorage, (Sponsored by Conoco Phillips)
May 2-4 & 10-11 (W,R,F) 2007, Course Syllabus, Photo

"I recently passed the PMP Certification exam and wanted to let you know how prepared
I felt for it after attending UAA's prep course. Dr. Ra and Roger Hull were both excellent instructors and put the Knowledge Areas and Processes into terms and examples which made sense. After taking the exam, it is obvious that reading the PMBOK alone (although important) does not prepare you for the exam. I also felt a real comradeship with the other students and have heard from some of them since the class and received congratulations after passing. I would highly recommend that anyone who wishes to sit for this exam take UAA's prep course. Thank you for your help"        
                                                              - Lynn Wiggins, PMP, QA /QC Administrator, Nana-Colt

"Coverage of material, which should provide a comprehensive overview of PMP test questions. Extent and quality of documentation provided. Excellent time management of the instructors"                                                 - Markus Heuwes, Project Engineer, ConocoPhillips

"I've taken the PM Fundamentals class but I appreciate the "teaching to the exam" aspect of this prep course. Excellent class!" 
                                                     - Mike Driscoll Facility Development Engineer, ConocoPhillips

"Dr. Ra's enthusiasm for and command of the subject matter; Rodger's knowledge and vast practical experience, including examples; focus on the exam prep"

"The focus on exam prep was excellent. PMI-ISMS vocabulary analysis and conceptual dissection was excellent as well. Earned Value has been demystified"

"For a prep course, I think this course does an excellent job by going through the specific categories that are pertinent on the test"

"Good conversation and questions. Good focus on the goal of passing the test. Roger Hull did a great job on the information we needed to understand to pass the test"


PMP Certification Prep Course, Anchorage, Photo
Feb 27 - Mar 3 (T-S) 2007

"I wanted to let you know I passed the PMP exam on Friday.  Your course presentation and class materials were right on.  Thanks. "
- Ronald D. Goughnour, P.E., PMP, Associate, Transportation Engr Project Manager, USKH Inc.


"I appreciated the emphasis on the TEST! Dr. Ra + Roger Hull are excellent instructors. Loved having computers available"                              - Carla Williams, Technical Writer, ASRC

"Integrates the subject with the exam. Yet it provides enough content to make the course worthwhile regardless of whether I take the exam or not. The course also boosted my interest and confidence in taking the MSPM"
                                      -John Metzler, Project Engineer/Manager, Nana/Colt Engineering, LLC

"The overall professionalism, it included the progression of the material presentation and the expertise of the instructors. Very well done!"                                               
                                                       
"The attitude of the instructors was great! Roger was Really Great"
                                                        
 "Amount of course materials"                                
                                                        
"Instructors' knowledge and professionalism"               
                                                        
 "Class room environment. Training materials. Instructor knowledge with subject. Last, but not least, the food"                                  - David Sanders, SCADA Technician, Alyeska Pipeline
                                              
"Well organized, lots of examples and supplemented materials. Very helpful"
                                                        
"Mastery of content by the instructors was obvious and single most impactful aspect of the course"
                                

PMP Certification Prep Course, Valdez, Photo
Feb 14-16, & 21-23 (W,R,F) 2007, (Sponsored by Alyeska Pipeline)

"I liked the lectures followed w/ sample questions - I learned a lot from the test questions. Dr. Ra did a great job of keeping us on track even though we could not get into Valdez on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday mornings. We were able to get the training without having to reschedule based on weather"
                                - Dave Jensen, Pipeline & Civil Maintenance Coordinator, Alyeska Pipeline

"Professional, succinct, stimulating, culminating a span of life and educational experiences validating a known knowledge. Dr. Ra and associates are very dynamic speakers with vast range of known knowledge and experience"
                                       - Fred Wentz, Operation & Maintenance Supervisor, Alyeska Pipeline

"Dr. Ra is very attentive to how he's being understood - or not. I like it much better when Dr. Ra is here in person - hands on. The Video Conference"
                                                            - Judy Miller, SERVS Operation Advisor, Alyeska Pipeline

"Excellent instructors and materials. I appreciate also the attention to non-course attributes of the class, such as facilities and meals. Thanks for a great job"
                                                     - Erin McKay, Environmental Field Scientist, Alyeska Pipeline

"1) Each instructor was able to breakdown the various PMBOK processes in a way that made the flow of project management easy to see. With so much information to absorb, this approach made the information more manageable.
2) Review the questions and types of questions.
3) How to prepare for test; e.g. study habits, what to expect, etc.
4) Lunch and Bfasts. Food was good and helped keep us focused on the class.
5) You did great to deal with the logistics of our windy days here in Valdez"

"Handout slides provide concise reference of material. Some good referencing of where to find material on slides in PMBOK. Great instructors"


PMP Certification Prep Course, Barrow, Photo
Feb 2-3, 9-10 & 16 (F,S) 2007, (Sponsored by ASRC)

"The decision by ASRC's upper management to integrate management training and standards into the lower levels of subsidiary companies, which will empower employees involvement in Management"                  - Nathaniel O. Rexford, Assistant Superintendent, SKW/Eskimos Inc.

"SKW invested their time for my training. Dr. Ra's presentation was very enjoyable. David I would like to thank you for the training and the beginning of a new thought process for me"
                                                                                - Nick Fritsch, Operator, SKW/Eskimos Inc.

"It relates to the job I am doing"

"A) The fact that you would bring the class to Barrow. B) Open discussion among the class"

 
PMP Certification Prep Course, Course Flier, Photo
Nov: 2-4, 9-11 (R,F,S) Anchorage, Syllabus

"Dr. Ra, I took your class and I finally got around to taking the PMP exam yesterday and passed. Thanks for the great class, it really helped. "
                           - Richard Clement, PMP, Project Manager/Senior Analyst, Resource Data Inc.

“Today I passed the PMP exam on the first try.  I believe this was the hardest test I have ever taken.  Including your class I calculated that I spent 160 hrs studying for the test.  Thank you for your class.  It was extremely helpful.”
                                                                             - Mike Lanegan, PMP ASRC Constructors Inc.

"The classes didn't try to teach PM fundamentals, but rather focused on information needed for the PMP exam."

"The instructors varied in style of presentation, which I like."

"The instructors...were enthusiastic, clear and able to answer questions and stuck to the course/purpose of the courses."

"This was an incredible amount of information to be taught and absorbed. I appreciate different instructors and their approaches to the challenge that teaching brings."

"I am very pleased with the amount of information presented in a short amount of time. Very professional and well put together."

"Instructors with real PM experience that can relater to the PMBOK body of knowledge. Diversity of instructors and approaches, all participants are working professionals."
 
        
PMP Certification Prep Course, Course Flier, Photo
Oct: 6-7, 13-14 & 20-21 (R,F,S) Anchorage, Syllabus

“I found the PMI test preparation class to be extremely informative because it focused on the important test areas and the instructors were very knowledgeable. Their general input and specific recommendations helped me pass the exam. I highly recommend this class to PMP candidates. Further, for maximum gain, prior to taking this course I suggest that the individual reads (not just “skims”) both the PMBOK and Rita’s Book”.
                                              - Vladimir Petrov, P.E, PMP,C/S/A Engineer, ASRC Energy Services

"Knowledgeable instructors. Good pace"

"I liked that I could find commonalities between the various aspects of project management throughout companies. Nice to come together with other professionals in similar fields."

" 'Real world' examples. Instructors were passionate about project management. Hands-on problem solving."

"The course certainly improved my understanding of the core concepts described in the PMBoK. This enhanced understanding allowed me to view my existing project management methods within the context of the PMI framework as well as immediately apply what I was learning to current projects. The course was a critical component of my preparation for, and my subsequent success with, the PMP exam. I would strongly recommend this course to anyone serious about attaining the PMP designation."
                                                       -Daniel Hamacher, PMP, IT Manager, Nabors Alaska Drilling

"The course and the studies laid out by Dr. Ra and the other instructors were the key to getting PMP. Thanks again"                             - Gregory Donald Kinney, PMP, Alyeska Pipeline

"The class was excellent. The instructors seemed to honestly want us to both pass the test and understand the material. I took the PMP test within two weeks of the class ending and I feel that contributed substantially to my passing grade. There is so much material thrown at you from so many sources, it’s good to regurgitate as much of it as possible as quickly as possible"                                                  - Jodee Pederson, PMP, Project Manager ACS Alaska

"All the instructors were very knowledgeable about the material and they were good at laying it out and presenting it. I especially liked the fact the course focuses on passing the PMP exam, and the presentations are set up that way."
                                                                     - G. Hahn, PMP, Project Manager, Dowl Engineers

What I liked best about the course was first, Dr Ra, second, support staff and instructors and third, the materials/resources. In summary, everything.
                                                                        - D. Husted, PMP, Trainer, Nabors Alaska Drilling

"[I liked about the course] Well structured class that presents a comprehensive overview of PMP exam structure and project management in general. Instructors are very knowledgeable. Dr. Ra is great as always. Among the practitioners present, I have to single out Roger Hull's work as excellent."

"Took the PMP Exam today and passed with comfortable margin. Thanks for your invaluable insight and prep course."            - Dan Healy, PMP, CIO, National Park Service, Alaska Region.


PMP Certification Prep Course, Anchorage, Apr 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, Photo

"Dr. Ra,

I appreciated the outstanding quality of your PMP Prep Course when I successfully passed the PMP exam on July 28^th, 2006. Your class set in place a good foundation of the understanding of the current status of project management practice as well as preparing me for the actual exam.

Everyone on your team was highly motivated, and that helped provide encouragement to those of us in the class to proceed forward and take the exam.

My thanks to you and your fellow instructors."                      -Dave Haugen, PMP, Lynden, Inc.


PMP Certification Prep Course, Anchorage, Feb 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 2006, Photo

"After taking the PMP prep course in February, I scheduled to take the PMP exam. In my case the exam was tougher than I thought it would be, but I passed and now am able to call myself a Project Management Professional.  The PMP Prep course was no doubt instrumental in obtaining the certificate" 
                        - Jered Stewart, PMP, Consulting Associate, Alaska Growth Capital

"Thanks for your course and promoting PMP in the Pacific Rim! My employer,
The Shaw Group is promoting the PMP certification in all its U.S. and international offices.
I am the first Shaw staff in Alaska to become a PMP. Below are my observations:

1. Course structure was very conducive for working professionals
    (conducted in a structured, professional manner).
2. Thorough coverage of PMBOK in lectures. Excellent supplemental info from the individual
    instructors with handouts, CDs, references to helpful websites.
3. Food provided on-site allowed studying during the lunch break. (Any precious time to
    review material away from work and home distractions was very important.)
4. Advice "don't be intimated by the exam."
5. Advice to take the exam as soon as possible after the class (4 days in my case).
5. Practical test preparation tips from all instructors.
6. Emphasis on integration management and communication throughout entire project.
7. Working PMPs as instructors offered insight to the PMP beyond the exam and was
    motivating for me. All instructors had stellar credentials, which validated the
    professionalism associated with the PMP certification."
                                              - John Ingold, PMP, Client Program Manager, Shaw Alaska, Inc. 

"Everything was well prepared: Environment, food and materials."

"I was pleased and impressed at the dedication and motivation of the instructors in this course."

"Well covered information, very focused. Served the purpose for which I took the course."

"I liked Roger Hull's ability to sum up what has been rolled out by other instructors."

"I really liked all of the sample test questions and presentation of additional information beyond the required textbooks."

"I liked the fact that a variety of prep materials or references were provided. Most instructors focused on 'how to' pass exam; key on this unique and specific exam."

                                                                                                                                              PMP Certification Prep Course, Anchorage, October, 2005
"Thank you - this has been a wonderful learning experience for the exam and well beyond!"

"I enjoyed and got a lot out of [the] style of teaching. I think quizzes were effective teaching tools. Dr. Ra's analogies were good to better understand PM application in all fields such as engineering, construction etc."

"[I liked] instructors' knowledge about Project Management, software demonstrations during class sessions and enjoyed having a variety of professionals teaching the course."

"Excellent material, presentation and top quality instructors."

"Realistic assessment of what the test will contain. Different perspectives in Project Management is valuable."

"On Integration Management - well organized and delivered."

"[I liked] the variation in instructor style, adequate time to really focus on topic areas; examples were provided when working through each section and instructor professionalism."
 

PMP Certification Prep Course - Valdez, April, 2005, Photos: 1 2 3  

"I passed the exam!! Thanks for your great refresher course. It worked."
                                                                                                  - Laura O. Meadors, P.E., PMP

"I passed the PMP exam last Tuesday. The UAA preparation course was invaluable, and your heuristic to read the book 3 times was good advice. The test was more challenging than I had expected. The overall project management processes, the phase when each should be done and specific order of the planning and closing phases were well represented in the exam. Once again, I appreciate your help."                                             - Bill Thompson, PMP
                                                                                                             
"After reading the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) I was intimidated. Your instruction has raised my attitude about being able to complete this course."      
                                                                                                                  - James Weisgerber
                                                                                                                               
"Very knowledgeable about the different aspects of PM. Also instructed us in areas that are “good to know” and not just the areas that will be on the test."            - Scott E. Mittlestadt
                                                                                                                 
"All instructors were very knowledgeable. I listened to class input and liked the hands-on-lab, especially after lunch and the problems we worked. Good instructor & instruction that was familiar with Alyeska processes. Very helpful on the questions worked. I liked the negotiation section."                                                                                                            - Steve Schudel
   
                                                                         
PMP Certification Prep Course - Anchorage, Feb, 2005, Photos: 1 2 

“Group participation, quality instructors, very focused, and easy to take home and continue study.”                                                                             – J. Parker, ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc.

“Brought out ‘high-points’ of the processes and gave focus to a very convoluted subject.”
                                                                                                            – Gary Dubuisson, MWH


PMP Certification Prep Course - Fairbanks, January, 2005, Photos: 1 2 3 


PMP Certification Prep Course - Juneau, December, 2004

"Five years ago, I was told to form a Project Management Unit for my division. I received 5 days training from a contractor, Global Knowledge. Three of us took that training and thought we had a good idea of how it was all supposed to work.

We were penciled in as a box on an organization chart, managed projects and developed a Policy and Procedures Handbook. It has been a struggle. My group has been the victim of politics, control, and power games. And unbeknownst to me - lack of adequate PM skills. I really thought my group had it pretty well figured out, but we were in an environment where others were preventing us from being more successful. It was their fault, not mine." Read more.                                                                                                 - Juneau State Employee


PMP Certification Prep Course (35 PDU's), Sept 24-25, Oct 1, 2 &8, 2004, Photos

"The UAA PMP Preparation Course that I attended was a key step in preparing me for the test. I appreciate all instructors' passion and commitment to the field of Project Management. It helped to energize and motivate me into putting in the effort necessary to pass the exam. The really exciting thing for me is that I am able to apply some new insights into the projects that I am currently leading at work."
       - Jon Ah You, PMP, IT Enterprise Applications Manager, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company

"Overall, I'm glad I took your prep course. Prior to taking the prep course, I considered just taking the exam and was reasonably confident that I could pass. I took your course more for my assurance and personal development. After completing your course I was very confident I would pass which I did. After taking the exam, I now know that I likely would not have passed without your prep course."                                - Peter Vellinga, PMP, Alyeska Pipeline


PMP Certification Prep Course (35 PDU's), April 16-17, 23-24, May 1, 2004, Photo

"Just wanted to share my exciting news - I passed the PMP exam. Studying from Rita's book and taking the practice exams was helpful. Dr. Ra hit the nail on the head when he said that the key to studying from Rita's book is to really understand why the selected answer is correct but equally important - to be able to give reasons why the incorrect answers are not correct. That was a good technique."                                   - Rita Heidkamp, Alyeska Pipeline

"The PMP Exam Prep course, at the University of Alaska, was invaluable in preparing for the PMP Certification Exam. For me, the course provided a jump start and excellent foundation, in the preparation and training required to understand the PMP certification process. Networking with other candidates during the course was an additional motivation to further my professional development. In short, anyone who is serious about the PMP Certification, would be wise to do themselves a favor and enroll in the PMP Exam Prep course at the UAA.

I extend a thank you to Dr. Ra and the dedicated instructors, for helping to set me on the right road, to being successful and doing well, in passing the PMP Certification Exam."
                                                    - William L. Hunter, PMP, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company


PMP Certification Prep Course (35 PDU's), Feb 28, Mar 5-6, 12-13, 2004, Photo

"I was glad to have the Prep class locally available. After taking the course, there were no surprises on the exam."
                               - Christa Connors, PMP, Project Manager, GCI Communication Corp., Inc.


PMP Certification Prep Course (42 PDU), Oct 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 2003, Photo

"Dear Dr. Ra and other instructors,
Just a quick note to let you know I took and passed the PMP exam yesterday, 11/22/03, with a very high score. I want to express my appreciation for your October PMP prep course at UAA. While I believe I could have passed the exam eventually, I am sure your course made it much easier and less expensive overall.

Due to lots of new projects and other demands on my time, my total study time for the exam was less than 10 hours exclusive of the time spent in your class. I believe it is a testament to the structure and content of the class that I was able to be so successful. Thanks again!"
                                            - Jim Peterson, PMP, Project Manager, North Slope Telecom, Inc.


PMP Certification Prep Course (42 PDU)
April 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, & 26, 2003 - Photo


PMP Certification Prep Course for Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. - Website
Feb 5-6, 11-13, 2003 - Photo


PMP Certification Prep Course for ASRC Energy Services - Website
Oct 18-19, 25-26, Nov 1, 2002


PMP Certification Prep Courses at UAA
May 4, May 10-11, May 17-18, 2002


PMP Exam Prep Course, Anchorage
Aug 8-10, 2001