Events Type: Training program

The PIPM is designed to provide a strong foundation in mechanical project management education. This program is delivered online, with weekly 90-minute sessions on topics fundamental to successful project management that are applicable regardless of company size. Our team of contractor-instructors provide an introductory education on everything from planning to scheduling; from cost control to time management. Lectures are live, never recorded, and students are regularly called upon to come onscreen and contribute. Lessons learned in class are reenforced through quizzes and homework assignments.

Classes will take place 2:30pm-4pm EDT (11:30am-1pm PDT).

The PIPM is designed to provide a strong foundation in mechanical project management education. This program is delivered online, with weekly 90-minute sessions on topics fundamental to successful project management that are applicable regardless of company size. Our team of contractor-instructors provide an introductory education on everything from planning to scheduling; from cost control to time management. Lectures are live, never recorded, and students are regularly called upon to come onscreen and contribute. Lessons learned in class are reenforced through quizzes and homework assignments.

Classes will take place 11:00am-12:30pm EDT (8:00am-9:30am PDT).

What Is It?

• An online program, intended to be a precursor to the MCAA’s Institute for Project Management, overseen by the same committee that manages the IPM and AIPM.
• A 12-week curriculum, taught as a series of 90-minute classes, covering topics fundamental to project management at an introductory level.

Who Should Attend?

• Individuals on the project management track, who have relatively little (0-3 years) experience.
• This includes:
  • Assistant Project Managers
  • Project Engineers
  • Recent college graduates
  • Employees transitioning from field to office, or from estimating to project management

Course Structure

• Pre-IPM is designed and taught by 6 experienced contractors and professional instructors who have first-hand understanding of the challenges facing project managers, and the skills required to meet those challenges.
• Each session is a combination of lecture and Q&A, ensuring that students are involved in a dynamic learning experience.
• Participants will complete weekly quizzes and homework assignments, demonstrating what they have learned.
• Upon completion of all course requirements (lectures, quizzes, and homework), students will receive MCAA Pre-IPM certification.

Curriculum Overview by Topic

• Understanding The Project Manager’s Role
• Planning: The Key to Successful Projects
• The Project Manager’s Impact on Productivity
• Knowing Your Costs, Catching Problems Early, and Getting Paid
• Documentation: Why Great Projects Need Great Records
• Project Scheduling: The Importance of Having a Clear Game Plan
• Relationships Are Everything: Understanding Yourself and Managing Others
• Being A Professional: Problem-Solving and Issue Resolution
• Change Orders 101: Identification, Importance, and Management
• Time Management & Personal Efficiency
• Leadership at All Levels: Your Ability to Influence Others
• Project Completion: Starting Strong and Finishing Stronger

How Will This Benefit My Workforce?

• The Pre-IPM curriculum is designed to build participants’ understanding of key components of mechanical project management.
• Pre-IPM will improve participants’ efficiency, management skills, and ability to adapt to change. Practical application is a core focus, and participants will walk away from each session with new ideas and skills to apply to their jobs.

Participation Requirements

• Students must attend all 12 lectures. Lectures will not be recorded.
• Students must complete all quizzes and submit all homework assignments by their respective deadlines to be eligible for Pre-IPM certification.
• Students must be able to participate on a computer (not a tablet or phone), with audio and video capability and a reliable high-speed internet connection that allows video streaming. Each student must be signed in on their own computer, and must be prepared to come onscreen and ask/respond to questions.

2025 Course Information

• All 2025 courses begin the week of April 28th and conclude the week of July 28th.
• Classes will take place 2:30pm-4pm EDT (11:30am-1pm PDT).
• There are no classes the weeks of May 26th or June 30th, due to holidays.
• Participants much attend all sessions to be eligible for certification

Registration & Waitlist Information

• If you have any questions or issues with registration (including payment), email events@mcaa.org
• Tuition is payable online during registration. Refunds will not be issued after the first day of class, nor for partial completion of the program.
• When the 2025 classes are filled, we will maintain a waitlist in case of cancellations. If you would like to add yourself or someone from your company to the waitlist, please complete and submit the form below.
• If we receive a cancellation, waitlist requests will be processed in the order in which they are received.
• You will only be notified if we receive a cancellation in a class that you have indicated you are able to attend (please select all that apply in the waitlist form).