My CAPM® Training with ROSEMET LLC: Day 1 – First Steps Toward Certification
By: Ryan Malaluan; Editor: Geram Lompon; Alvin Villanueva, PMP
Project management has always intrigued me with its structured workflows, strategic decision-making, and the ability to turn ideas into reality. Organizations like the Project Management Institute set the standard for these methodologies, making certification even more valuable. Yet, despite my interest, I had never taken the plunge into formal certification. That changed when I enrolled in the Certified Associate in
As I stared at my course dashboard for the first time, a mix of excitement and uncertainty filled my mind.
- Would the course be too technical?
- Would I struggle with PMI®’s structured approach?
- Most importantly—would this training truly prepare me for the CAPM® exam?
I wasn’t just signing up for a certification—I was stepping into a new way of thinking about
Little did I know that, by the end of this course, I would see
Before You Get Started: Setting the Stage for Success
When I logged into the ROSEMET learning platform, I could tell that this course was built for efficiency and ease of learning. Everything was laid out in a way that made navigation simple, even for a first-time CAPM® candidate like me.
What Made the Platform Stand Out?
Right from the start, I was greeted with a well-organized dashboard that offered:
- Progress indicators – Helping me track lessons completed and what’s next.
- Quizzes – Designed to reinforce key concepts before moving forward.
- Downloadable resources – Extra reading materials and templates for deeper understanding.
- Community discussion boards – A space for learners to ask questions, share insights, and connect.
- Daily office hours – Real-time support from instructors and fellow students.
But what stood out was the community engagement. This wasn’t just a passive learning experience—it was an interactive and motivational space.
I noticed right away that learners weren’t just posting questions—they were celebrating milestones, helping each other out, and sharing study tips. It felt less like a self-paced course and more like a team effort, which was incredibly encouraging.
About the Course: What to Expect
The Certified Associate in
What This Course Covers
Throughout the training, I explored:
- Project Management Fundamentals – Core terms, concepts, and methodologies.
- CAPM® Exam Structure & Strategies – Understanding the test format and how to approach questions.
- Leadership in Project Environments – How project managers inspire teams and drive success.
- Agile & Adaptive Methodologies – Modern
project management techniques for dynamic industries. - Risk, Cost & Resource Management – Essential strategies for effective planning and execution.
- Real-World Applications – Practical examples that connect theory to everyday project challenges.
A Learning Experience That Fits Your Schedule
One of the biggest advantages of this course? Flexibility.
Unlike traditional classroom settings, I could move through the material at my own pace while benefiting from structured guidance. The course wasn’t just a series of videos—it was an interactive experience designed for real comprehension through:
- Video Lessons – Engaging explanations that made complex topics easier to digest.
- Quizzes & Assessments – Immediate feedback to reinforce learning.
- Reading Materials & Transcripts – Extra resources for deeper understanding.
This blended approach ensured that I wasn’t just passively consuming information but actively learning, applying, and retaining common
What I Liked Most: Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I found myself progressing with confidence, knowing that every lesson was a step closer to CAPM® certification.
Meet My Instructor: Dr. Michael J. Shick
A great course is built on great content, but the instructor is what truly makes it impactful. And in this case, Dr. Michael J. Shick, MSPM, PMP, CSM, delivered beyond expectations.
With over 25 years of experience, his approach to
Dr. Shick’s Background at a Glance
- Education: Degrees in
Project Management , International Relations, and Business Administration. - Military Leadership: Oversaw policy development, strategic operations, and large-scale projects.
- Industry Expertise: Experience spanning IT infrastructure, construction, and process improvement.
But what truly made his teaching stand out? His storytelling.
Turning Theory Into Reality
Instead of simply explaining
One story that stuck with me? His basement renovation project.
Rather than treating it as just another home improvement task, he applied PMI®’s step-by-step methodology—from securing permits and managing contractors to scheduling inspections.
That’s when it clicked for me:
- Project management isn’t just for large corporations—it’s a life skill. It’s about structuring tasks, managing risks, and ensuring efficiency, whether you’re leading a team at work or handling personal projects.
By the end of this lesson, I had learned
And that made all the difference.
Lesson 1: Welcome and Introduction to the CAPM® Journey
Key Takeaways
CAPM® is about knowledge, not experience – Unlike the PMP® certification, which requires hands-on
The CAPM® exam structure consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering four key domains:
- Project Management Fundamentals (36%)
- Predictive Approaches (17%)
- Agile & Adaptive Approaches (20%)
- Business Analysis (27%)
Recommended study strategy – PMI® doesn’t disclose the passing score, but many experts recommend aiming for 80%+ on practice tests to feel confident on exam day.
My “Aha” Moment: More Than Just Memorization
At first, I assumed that preparing for CAPM® would be straightforward: studying the materials, memorizing key concepts, and answering questions.
I was wrong.
CAPM® isn’t just about memorization—it’s about comprehension.
PMI®’s framework felt like learning a new language of
- Engage actively – Reading alone wasn’t enough. I needed to ask questions, participate in discussions, and apply concepts to real-world examples.
- Think critically – Instead of just recalling definitions, I had to understand how and why PMI® organizes
project management the way it does. - Practice consistently – The quizzes and assessments weren’t just checkpoints but tools to identify knowledge gaps and reinforce learning.
This realization shifted my entire approach. Rather than treating CAPM® prep as a checklist, I started treating it as an opportunity to build real
Final Thoughts on Lesson 1
By the end of this lesson, I no longer saw
Lesson 1 was just the beginning, but it set the foundation for approaching the rest of the course—with curiosity, engagement, and a mindset focused on real understanding.
Lesson 2: Fundamentals of Project Management
This lesson covered the core principles that every project manager must understand. As I progressed, I realized that
Key Takeaways: What I Learned
What is a project? – A temporary endeavor with a defined start and end, designed to produce a unique outcome (a product, service, or improvement).
Projects vs. Operations:
- Projects = One-time efforts (e.g., launching a website, developing software).
- Operations = Ongoing activities (e.g., manufacturing, customer support).
Why
- Ensures efficiency by optimizing resources.
- Improves risk management by anticipating potential issues.
- Aligns work with business goals, ensuring meaningful outcomes.
Key Project Approaches:
- Predictive (Waterfall): Fixed scope, detailed planning, and sequential execution. Best for projects with well-defined requirements (e.g., construction, manufacturing).
- Adaptive (Agile): Flexible, iterative cycles that evolve based on feedback. Ideal for projects with changing requirements (e.g., software development).
- Hybrid: A mix of both, offering structure with room for flexibility—perfect for dynamic projects where some elements are fixed while others adapt over time.
From Learning to Doing: My Personal Application
Like Dr. Shick’s basement renovation story, I decided to leverage
Example: Organizing My Content Strategy Using PM Techniques
Instead of working on content whenever inspiration struck, I structured my workflow using
- Defined objectives – Set a clear goal (e.g., publish 10 high-quality, weekly articles).
- Created a schedule – Broke the work into weekly sprints with defined milestones.
- Set risk factors – Considered potential blockers (writer’s block, research time, unexpected edits) and built contingencies into my plan.
Final Thoughts on Lesson 2
This lesson reinforced the power of structured planning. Whether managing complex business projects or personal workflows, the key is to:
- Define objectives before starting.
- Break work into phases with clear milestones.
- Anticipate risks and plan accordingly.
- Choose the right approach (Predictive, Adaptive, or Hybrid) based on the project’s nature.
I walked away from Lesson 2 with a new mindset: Project management makes a significant difference in how tasks are structured and executed. It’s not just about completing work but about building a system for success that drives efficiency and results.
Overcoming Challenges: Governance & Organizational Structures
While most of the lesson felt intuitive, understanding governance frameworks and organizational structures was challenging.
At first, terms like functional, matrix, and project-based structures felt abstract—just theoretical concepts with little real-world relevance. However, as I progressed, I realized these structures directly impact decision-making, communication, and project execution within an organization.
Breaking It Down: Understanding Organizational Structures
- Functional Structure – Teams are organized by department (e.g., IT, Marketing, Finance). Project managers have limited authority, as work is controlled by functional heads.
- Matrix Structure – A hybrid approach where employees report to a functional manager and a project manager, balancing structure with project flexibility.
- Project-Based Structure – Teams are explicitly assembled for projects and disband after completion, giving project managers complete control over resources and execution.
How I Finally Made Sense of It
Initially, these structures felt like textbook definitions—but when I engaged in community discussions and reviewed real-world case studies, the concepts started to click.
- A fellow learner shared how working in a matrix structure often leads to conflicting priorities as employees report to two different managers.
- Another example involved a functional structure, where project approvals took longer because managers had bureaucratic control over resource allocation.
- Someone in a project-based organization described the high level of autonomy and the challenge of reassigning team members after the project has been completed.
Hearing real-life experiences put things into perspective—I wasn’t just learning definitions; I was understanding how these structures shape project success or failure.
Pro Tip: If a concept isn’t clicking, don’t just reread the material—engage in discussions, ask for examples, and seek different perspectives. Sometimes, a simple analogy or real-world scenario makes all the difference.
Final Reflections on Day 1: A New Perspective on Project Management
Going into my first day of CAPM® training, I expected a rigid, technical course packed with industry jargon and exam prep drills. Instead, I walked away with a new perspective.
What Surprised Me Most?
- Project management isn’t just about following a process—it’s about delivering value: At its core, it is about efficiency, strategy, and problem-solving. It’s not just about ticking off tasks—it’s about ensuring the right work gets done at the right time and in the right way.
- The CAPM® framework applies far beyond the workplace. Before this course, I associated
project management with corporate settings, tech companies, and large-scale projects. However, the more I learned, the more I saw how these principles could be applied in my personal life—from planning long-term goals to structuring daily tasks more efficiently. - A supportive learning community makes all the difference: Tackling a new discipline can feel overwhelming, but being part of an engaged, collaborative community transformed my experience. Whether through Q&A discussions, shared study tips, or real-world case studies, having a network of learners helped me grasp difficult concepts faster and feel more confident in my progress.
What’s Next? Preparing for Day 2
With Day 1 in the books, I’m eager to take the next step in my CAPM® journey. Today was about laying the
Key Focus Areas for the Next Session:
- Leadership in
Project Management – Understanding how to inspire, guide, and empower teams to achieve project success. - Risk Management Strategies – Learning to anticipate and mitigate problems before escalating.
My Study Plan for Continued Success:
- Review key concepts & quizzes – Reinforce today’s learnings and identify any weak spots.
- Engage in community discussions – Gain insights from others’ experiences and real-world applications.
- Set study goals for the next module – Maintain momentum by planning my next steps.
One thing is clear: This journey is just getting started, and each lesson unlocks a new way of thinking about projects, planning, and execution.
If you’re considering getting CAPM® certified, ROSEMET LLC’s CAPM® training program is already a game-changer. Its structured lessons, expert guidance, and engaging content make it a valuable investment for someone serious about
*Important note: While I work at ROSEMET as a content writer, this is my real journey in pursuing my CAPM® certification and is in no way influencing my opinion.
