Exam Blueprint – Technical Program Management Institute |

Introduction

The Certified Technical Program Manager (CTPM®) examination assesses competence across three core areas that are essential to the role of a Technical Program Manager. This blueprint serves as a guide for certification candidates to understand the structure, key topics, and competency areas.

Certification Content Outline

The CTPM® examination includes questions from each of the following disciplines, with associated weightings:

Technology (44%)

Program Management (33%)

People (23%)

Discipline Definitions

Technology

Focuses on the technical foundation needed for program management, covering system design, architecture, database management, and security.

Program Management

Encompasses processes and methods essential for planning, executing, monitoring, and closing programs effectively.

People

Addresses leadership and team dynamics, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills required to manage teams and foster productive environments.

Tier Definitions

The Certified Technical Program Manager (CTPM®) examination assesses competence across three core areas that are essential to the role of a Technical Program Manager. This blueprint serves as a guide for certification candidates to understand the structure, key topics, and competency areas.

Actions

Specific, measurable actions demonstrating competence within each responsibility.

Responsibilities

Core tasks that define each discipline.

Disciplines

High-level knowledge areas essential for the practice of technical program management.

Actions

Specific, measurable actions demonstrating competence within each responsibility.

Responsibilities

Core tasks that define each discipline.

Disciplines

High-level knowledge areas essential for the practice of technical program management.

Technical Program Management Blueprint by Discipline

Discipline 1: Technology (44%)

Responsibility	Actions
1. System Design and Architecture	– Identify system requirements and architectural solutions. – Design scalable system structures.
2. Technical Knowledge Application	– Apply database and networking fundamentals in program contexts. – Implement security protocols.
3. Systems Performance and Optimization	– Conduct performance analysis. – Optimize systems to ensure reliability and efficiency.
4. Technical Troubleshooting	– Diagnose technical issues. – Develop corrective actions to mitigate risks.
5. Integration of Systems and Services	– Ensure seamless integration between systems. – Verify compatibility of new components with existing ones.
6. Data Management and Analytics	– Implement effective data storage and retrieval solutions. – Analyze data to derive program insights.
7. Security Management	– Establish security protocols and monitor for vulnerabilities. – Conduct regular security assessments.
8. Automation and Tool Utilization	– Identify opportunities for automation. – Apply appropriate tools for task management and reporting.
9. Cloud Computing and Virtualization	– Manage cloud-based infrastructure. – Optimize resource usage in virtual environments.
10. Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge	– Ensure technical solutions meet compliance standards. – Document regulatory requirements for projects.
11. Testing and Quality Assurance	– Develop testing plans for software and systems. – Ensure QA standards are maintained throughout.
12. API and Interface Management	– Develop and manage APIs for integration. – Ensure API security and documentation.
13. Disaster Recovery and Backup Planning	– Create recovery plans for technical assets. – Regularly test backup solutions.
14. Emerging Technology Evaluation	– Stay informed of new technology trends. – Assess applicability of emerging tech for program goals.
15. Network Architecture and Management	– Design and optimize network infrastructure. – Implement protocols for network security and scalability.

Discipline 2: Program Management (33%)

Responsibility	Actions
1. Program Planning	– Define program scope and objectives. – Develop and validate project timelines and milestones.
2. Execution and Control	– Monitor progress against goals. – Adjust plans based on performance data and feedback.
3. Stakeholder Management	– Engage stakeholders through regular updates. – Align program goals with stakeholder expectations.
4. Risk and Change Management	– Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies. – Manage program changes in agile frameworks.
5. Budgeting and Resource Allocation	– Develop budgets aligned with program needs. – Allocate resources effectively to maintain program flow.
6. Scope Management	– Define program boundaries and deliverables. – Ensure adherence to agreed scope throughout the lifecycle.
7. Quality Control	– Implement quality metrics. – Monitor and enforce quality standards across program deliverables.
8. Performance Measurement	– Track KPIs to measure program success. – Use metrics to drive program improvements.
9. Vendor and Contract Management	– Oversee vendor relationships. – Ensure contracts are managed according to program requirements.
10. Documentation and Knowledge Sharing	– Develop and maintain program documentation. – Facilitate knowledge sharing across teams.
11. Compliance and Risk Assessment	– Assess risks related to regulatory and compliance requirements. – Ensure documentation meets standards.
12. Closure and Transition Management	– Plan for smooth transition post-program completion. – Conduct lessons-learned reviews.

Discipline 3: People (23%)

Responsibility	Actions
1. Leadership and Team Building	– Cultivate team culture and cohesion. – Empower team members to take ownership of their tasks.
2. Communication and Collaboration	– Facilitate clear communication across all team members. – Use conflict resolution techniques.
3. Performance Management	– Provide constructive feedback. – Assess and improve team productivity.
4. Diversity and Inclusion	– Promote an inclusive work environment. – Value diverse perspectives in decision-making processes.
5. Conflict Resolution	– Identify sources of conflict within the team. – Apply resolution techniques to maintain team harmony.
6. Mentoring and Development	– Support team member growth through mentorship. – Provide training resources and guidance.
7. Motivation and Engagement	– Recognize achievements and encourage motivation. – Foster team engagement in program activities.
8. Stakeholder Communication	– Establish clear lines of communication with stakeholders. – Ensure timely updates and feedback loops.
9. Cultural Sensitivity	– Demonstrate awareness of cultural diversity. – Adapt communication styles to respect cultural nuances.
10. Emotional Intelligence	– Understand and respond to emotional cues. – Adjust approach based on team members’ emotional needs.

Introduction

The Certified Technical Program Manager (CTPM®) examination assesses competence across three core areas that are essential to the role of a Technical Program Manager. This blueprint serves as a guide for certification candidates to understand the structure, key topics, and competency areas.

Certification Content Outline

The CTPM® examination includes questions from each of the following disciplines, with associated weightings:

Discipline Definitions

Technology

Program Management

People

Tier Definitions

The Certified Technical Program Manager (CTPM®) examination assesses competence across three core areas that are essential to the role of a Technical Program Manager. This blueprint serves as a guide for certification candidates to understand the structure, key topics, and competency areas.

Actions

Responsibilities

Disciplines

Actions

Responsibilities

Disciplines

Technical Program Management Blueprint by Discipline

Discipline 1: Technology (44%)

Discipline 2: Program Management (33%)

Discipline 3: People (23%)

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