FPM 134: Fundamentals of Leading Projects and Programs Course (Self-Paced)

This course includes

12 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Accredited program
Credits: 1.2 CEUs

This course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take FPM 134: Fundamentals of Leading Projects and Programs.

This course builds the leadership and interpersonal skills new federal project and program managers needing to move from individual contributor to effective team leader. It focuses on core competencies such as clear communication, influencing without authority, team building, accountability, and ethical decision-making, showing how leadership directly affects team performance and project outcomes.

Students also learn strategies for managing conflict and change, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and maintaining customer focus in government environments. By the end, participants understand their leadership strengths and have practical tools to motivate teams, navigate challenges, and lead with integrity, aligned to the leadership component of FAC-P/PM Entry-Level training.

Full Tuition

$1,769
Due before the class starts

This course includes

12 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Accredited program
Credits: 1.2 CEUs

Learning Experience Highlights

Training from government‑experienced instructors

Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.

Specialized for government & DoD

Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.

The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student

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Real-world solutions

Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.

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24/7 access to our premium course videos and projects.
Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
Participate in GSUSA online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.

Earn a Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!

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Sample credential for completion of FPM 134: Fundamentals of Leading Projects and Programs Course (Self-Paced)

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FPM 134: Fundamentals of Leading Projects and Programs Course (Self-Paced) Curriculum

What You'll Learn at a Glance

Define the project manager’s leadership role and demonstrate behaviors that foster trust and ethics.
Set expectations and hold team members accountable using clear goals and feedback techniques.
Identify conflict sources and apply the appropriate TKI conflict mode to resolve issues constructively.
Communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders and align team efforts to customer and stakeholder needs.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Module 1: Leadership and the Project Manager

Distinguish between managing processes and leading people.
Identify traits and behaviors of effective project leaders.
Apply emotional intelligence principles to build team trust and motivation.
Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in leadership decisions.

Module 2: Fostering Accountability

Set clear, measurable performance expectations for team members.
Use coaching and feedback techniques to reinforce accountability.
Recognize and address underperformance constructively.
Create a team culture of ownership and mutual responsibility.

Module 3: Building Relationships, Solving Problems, and Managing Conflict

Identify sources of conflict in project environments.
Apply the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) to manage conflict effectively.
Use collaborative problem-solving techniques to reach win–win outcomes.
Strengthen team relationships through trust and communication.

Module 4: Leadership and Communication

Communicate clearly and persuasively with diverse stakeholder groups.
Adapt messages and mediums for different audiences (executives, team, customers).
Practice active listening and constructive feedback in project settings.
Develop communication plans that promote transparency and alignment.

Module 5: Serving the Acquisition Customer

Define who the “customer” is in a federal acquisition context.
Align project outputs and team priorities with customer and mission needs.
Balance stakeholder interests while upholding fairness and procurement integrity.
Demonstrate commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical decision-making.

Group Training

Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.

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Installments
	10% non-refundable deposit
$1,769.00	Total You Pay