Project management is changing. For years, earning the Project Management Professional (PMP)® credential was one of the clearest ways for a project manager to demonstrate expertise. The PMP remains an important credential, but today’s project leaders are being asked to bring more to the table.
Projects are increasingly complex, teams are more distributed, and artificial intelligence is changing how work gets planned and delivered. PMI estimates that the global economy will need 25 million additional project professionals by 20301. The opportunity isn’t simply for more project managers - it’s for professionals who can combine strong project management fundamentals with Agile and Hybrid approaches, strategic thinking, and AI-enabled decision-making.
To help professionals develop these capabilities, Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education has partnered with Simplilearn to offer the Professional Certificate Program in Project Management with GenAI. The program brings together the skills project professionals need to navigate today’s evolving workplace.
The journey begins with PMP Exam Prep, covering planning, execution, risk, governance, and stakeholder management, along with 35+ contact hours, 80+ PDUs, 2,000+ practice questions, and 14+ simulation examinations. Learners then build their expertise in Agile and Hybrid Project Management Frameworks before exploring how AI and digital tools can support planning, forecasting, reporting, and decision-making.
The program also addresses PMO implementation and scaling, helping professionals understand how effective governance and visibility can support projects across an organization. Virginia Tech instructors and industry experts contribute Masterclasses focused on topics such as change management, analytics, sustainability, and business impact. An optional Lean Six Sigma Green Belt elective provides additional tools for process improvement and data-driven problem solving.
Learning is reinforced through an AI-driven hybrid project simulation capstone, hands-on practice with 15+ industry tools, real-world case studies, live demonstrations, and guided practice sessions.
The role of the project manager isn’t disappearing as technology advances—it’s evolving. AI can help automate routine work and analyze information, but project leaders still need to apply judgment, communicate effectively, navigate uncertainty, and lead people through change. Developing both the technical and human sides of project leadership can help professionals take on increasingly complex projects and responsibilities.
Upon completion, learners earn a joint Virginia Tech–Simplilearn digital badge with a downloadable certificate and receive access to the Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education alumni community on LinkedIn.
The Professional Certificate Program in Project Management with GenAI is designed for professionals ready to expand their project management capabilities and prepare for the changing demands of the field.
For more information visit: https://courses.cpe.vt.edu/project-management-professional-certification
