What Is Microsoft Project Professional, and How Is it Different?

Posted on 09/26/2024 by Niko Venev

Project managers know that when it comes to project management software, Microsoft Project is a tried-and-true solution. Many employees new to the discipline, however, are often unaware that two versions exist: Standard and Professional.


       

Live Microsoft Project Instructor-led Courses

Course Title Length Price (USD)
Project - Level 1 1 day $350
Project - Level 2 1 day $350
Project - Combo (Levels 1 & 2) 2 days $625
       

Self-Paced Microsoft Project eLearning

Course Title Length Price (USD)
Project 2016/2019 eLearning Bundle 6 courses $300
Project 365 eLearning Bundle 6 courses $300
Project 2016/2019: Part 1 - Beginner 5 courses $150
Project 2016/2019: Part 2 - Advanced 5 courses $150
Project 365: Part 1 - Beginner 5 courses $150
Project 365: Part 2 - Advanced 5 courses $150

What Is Microsoft Project Professional?

To understand what Microsoft Project Professional is, students may start by asking the question, "What is Microsoft Office?" Project Professional is the advanced version of Microsoft Project, project management software offered by Microsoft that's typically included in the Office 365, Enterprise, Government or Academic subscription levels. It can, however, be installed as an app with or without a subscription. Broadly speaking, Microsoft Project Professional is software known for providing a complex set of project management tools for professionals who seek ultimate control over every detail of their workflow.

 

Microsoft Project Standard vs. Professional

Any answer to the question, "What is Microsoft Project Professional?" would be lacking if it didn't include a comparison between the Standard and Professional versions of the software. Simply put, Microsoft Project Professional offers more advanced project management tools than the Standard version.

Features Found in MS Project Standard vs. Professional

Microsoft Project Standard offers many of the basic features that users would come to expect in good project management software, such as:

  • Task scheduling
  • Resource management
  • Cost tracking
  • Creating Gantt charts
  • Reporting

MS Project Professional offers many of the same tools that are available in the Standard iteration of the software, but these tools can often be more complex and feature-rich. For example, while the Standard version may offer basic scheduling capabilities, Professional can provide scheduling that considers task dependencies and critical paths. Similarly, Gantt charts in Professional can offer more detailed views of projects than those found in the Standard version.

Professional offers complex tools that can takes project management to another level, like:

  • Advanced scheduling
  • Portfolio management
  • Resource engagement
  • Collaboration activities
  • "What-if" scenario analysis

The software offers enhanced resource management for project managers who are technically inclined. It also provides a higher-level view of a project's status and lays out additional avenues to complete administrative tasks. In the MS Project Professional vs. Standard debate, this type of functionality makes Professional stand apart.

 

Who Is Microsoft Project Professional For?

Microsoft Project Professional's key users tend to belong to mid-sized or large companies. Its breadth and complexity are perfect for project managers who need to manage large teams, and MS Project Professional is often the preferred tool of project managers who find themselves having to oversee multiple projects. Its detailed functionality makes it the perfect solution for those who need to manage the smallest details of a project. If you find yourself in the gray area of the MS Project vs. Project Professional debate, it can be best to err on the side of caution and opt for Professional, as Professional is sure to cover all of your needs.

 

Learn Microsoft Project With Hands-On Training

At Certstaffix Training, we know that understanding Microsoft Project Professional requires more than a simple answer to, "What is Microsoft Office?" Project Professional is a highly specialized piece of software that provides project managers with a litany of tools to perform high-quality work. Before diving into Project Professional, however, it can be a good idea to learn the basics of Microsoft Project. That's why we offer Microsoft Project courses that can introduce students to the complex features of the software or help them hone expert-level skills. Our classes are taught by a live instructor and can be conducted online or at your job site. Enroll today to start making your project management more efficient with MS Project!

 



 


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Public instructor-led Microsoft Project course prices start at $350 per student. Group training discounts are available.

Self-Paced Microsoft Project eLearning courses cost $150 at the starting point per student. Group purchase discounts are available.







 

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