Membership

PMI CVC Members and Membership

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

How do I join PMI CVC?

To be a member of the Central Virginia Chapter you must first be a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI). All membership is handled through the PMI web-site at pmi.org . New individual membership dues are $129, and annual renewal is $119. Once you have joined PMI, be sure to add the chapter. The CVC chapter dues are only $25. Non-members are welcome to attend our monthly meetings to get to know our chapter.

How do I renew my membership?

Membership is good for the twelve months from the date you joined. You can renew at any time; however, near the end of your membership year you should get a reminder from PMI. Simply renew your membership at pmi.org. Be sure to renew your CVC membership at the same time!

I am a member of PMI but not of the chapter. How do I join the Central Virginia Chapter?

Once you are a member of PMI, you can join any number of components. The Central Virginia Chapter is just such a component. Simply go to pmi.org and join a chapter (found in the Components and Communities area). If you are very close to your renewal time, you will not be able to join a component. When you renew you can add the component then.

I am a student and would like to join PMI. Is there a student rate?

If you are enrolled in a degree-granting program at an accredited (or global equivalent) college or university, you may join PMI as a student member. Student membership is only $40 and renewal only $30. Don’t forget to join the Central Virginia Chapter (CVC) component as well!

I would like to get my Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. Do I have to be a member?

You do not need to be a member of PMI to apply for or obtain a certification. However, the difference in cost to you might make it worth it to join. Check on pmi.org for the costs of applying and taking the test for the PMP.

What can the CVC do to help me get my PMP?

The CVC offers workshops to help you prepare for the PMP exam. For the latest in news about the workshops check the Certification page for information about upcoming workshops and available scholarships.

How do I meet with other members in my career specialty?

We hope that you will meet other members of CVC with whom you have common professional interests. Our monthly meetings and other events are great opportunities to meet and get to know other professionals. However, if you want the opportunity to meet others in your career specialty on a global basis … join a Specific Interest Group (SIG). There are over 25 SIG that offer virtual or face-to-face opportunities in specialized subject areas. Just go to pmi.org and add a SIG to your membership.

I have heard the term “component” used in PMI. What’s a component?

A component is a unit of organization in the Project Management Institute’s structure. Chapter, including CVC, are components of PMI. Specific Interest Groups (SIG) and Colleges are other types of components. You can join any number of components once you have become a member of PMI.

How is the Project Management Institute organized?

PMI is a non-profit professional association founded in 1969. The Global Operations Center is in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Regional Service Centers can be found in Brussels, New Delhi, and Singapore. PMI is organized into components that have geographic or topic interest. The Central Virginia Chapter (CVC) is one of over 250 chapters in over 70 countries.

How can I find out about PMI CVC activities?

CVC offers a website, a bi-monthly newsletter, and regular e-mails to keep our members informed.  Some of the communications require a member to opt-in . Consult our website at pmicvc.org to consult out calendar of activities. Be sure to join our mailing lists at so that you receive our newsletter announcement, meeting reminders and/or job opportunity service.  If you need help with joining or leaving a mailing list, please see the directions on THIS page (opens in a new tab or window).

I just joined the CVC, how can I get involved?

CVC is run entirely by volunteers. There are opportunities to become involved in standing committee roles, special events, or by serving on the Board of Directors. CVC has a VP of Volunteerism who can help you find the role that fits your needs.

I do not seem to be getting my PMI publications/CVC emails. Why?

There are several possible explanations for why you may not be receiving e-mail notifications about CVC activities or PMI mailings. Both PMI and CVC use the contact information that is in your profile on the PMI site. CVC gets a download each month. If your email address or any of your contact information had changed, you need to go to your profile on pmi.org and provide your current information.

Some of CVC’s communications require that you opt-in to the service. CVC’s current e-mail distribution service allows for recipients to opt-out and no longer receive our messages. If at any time you chose to opt-out, you may have stopped the communications you had formerly been receiving. If this is the case,  and you need help with joining or leaving a mailing list, please see the directions on THIS page (opens in a new tab or window).

I have lost my job and am managing to a tight budget. What can PMI do for me?

PMI offers a hardship provision. Any member in good standing for three years or more who can demonstrate that they have lost their job can renew their membership and have their dues waived. Look for the Hardship Provision information located on the back of the Renewal Invoice. Be sure to renew your CVC membership too!

How can I find out more about PMI Central Virginia Chapter?

CVC monthly meetings are open to non-member participants. Join us for a meeting to see firsthand how we work. Visit our website for the date and locations of upcoming meetings or contact any of our Board of Directors with specific questions.

How do I find out more about the Project Management Institute?

The PMI website is extensive. PMI’s Customer Care Center can respond to your specific questions by e-mail or phone. Contact them at 610-356-4600 or at customercare@pmi.org.

Whether you are a longstanding member or are just thinking about PMI CVC membership, you are welcome at our meetings. We hope to see you there soon!

Barbara Nichols

VP Membership 2011-2012