Microsoft Project 2013 Advanced Training Course

Editorial Take

Simon Sez IT's Advanced Microsoft Project 2013 course is tailored for professionals seeking mastery over one of the most enduring project management tools. While built on an older version, the foundational techniques remain highly applicable across industries. This review dives into its structure, value, and real-world relevance for aspiring project managers.

Standout Strengths

• Deep Functional Training: The course thoroughly covers consolidation of multiple projects, a critical skill for enterprise-level planning. Users gain confidence in merging timelines and dependencies seamlessly.
• Resource Management Clarity: Sharing Resources module explains team allocation across projects with precision. It demystifies over-allocation warnings and leveling techniques effectively.
• Budget and Cost Control: How to track costs and manage cost rate changes is taught with real-world examples. These sections are vital for financial accountability in project delivery.
• Practical WBS Implementation: WBS Codes and Outline Codes lessons teach hierarchical task organization. This strengthens project breakdowns and reporting accuracy significantly.
• Hands-On Learning Tools: Includes exercise files that mirror actual project scenarios. Practicing alongside videos reinforces learning and builds muscle memory in the software.
• Efficient Module Pacing: Each section is tightly edited, avoiding filler content. Users report high retention due to focused, actionable instruction from experienced trainers.

Honest Limitations

• Software Version Relevance: Microsoft Project 2013 lacks modern cloud integration and real-time collaboration. Learners may need to adapt skills to newer versions independently.
• Limited Agile Integration: The course follows traditional waterfall methodologies. Those working in hybrid or Agile environments may find limited applicability in sprint planning areas.
• Narrow Certification Scope: While helpful, the certificate doesn’t substitute for PMI or PMP credentials. It serves best as a supplementary skill builder, not a standalone qualification.
• Interface Usability: Some users note the 2013 interface feels clunky by today’s standards. Newer UI patterns in Project Online or Microsoft 365 are not addressed.

How to Get the Most Out of It

• Study cadence: Complete one module per week with hands-on practice. This rhythm ensures retention without overwhelming workflow integration.
• Parallel project: Apply each technique to a live or hypothetical project. Real-time implementation cements understanding of consolidation and budget tracking.
• Note-taking: Document key shortcuts and workflow steps. These notes become a personalized reference guide beyond course completion.
• Community: Join Microsoft Project forums to discuss challenges. Peer feedback enhances problem-solving beyond the video content.
• Practice: Re-run exercises until outputs match expected results. Mastery comes from repetition, especially in macros and visual reporting.
• Consistency: Schedule fixed weekly blocks for learning. Even 60 minutes weekly maintains momentum and builds long-term proficiency.

Supplementary Resources

• Book: 'Microsoft Project 2013 Step by Step' by Carl Chatfield complements this course with additional drills and explanations.
• Tool: Use free trial of Microsoft Project 2019 or 365 to compare interface updates while applying learned concepts.
• Follow-up: Enroll in a modern project management course covering Agile, Scrum, or hybrid frameworks to broaden methodology knowledge.
• Reference: Microsoft’s official documentation on WBS and resource leveling supports deeper dives into complex scenarios.

Common Pitfalls

• Pitfall: Skipping exercise files leads to weak retention. Without hands-on practice, consolidation and macros remain theoretical rather than usable skills.
• Pitfall: Assuming 2013 skills transfer perfectly to cloud versions. Differences in sharing and reporting require additional learning for modern environments.
• Pitfall: Overlooking budget tracking setup steps. Incorrect initial configuration can lead to inaccurate forecasts and stakeholder misalignment.

Time & Money ROI

• Time: Just over 5 hours of content allows completion in under two weeks with daily 30-minute sessions. Efficient for busy professionals.
• Cost-to-value: Priced competitively on Udemy, it offers strong ROI for intermediate users needing advanced scheduling and cost control skills.
• Certificate: The completion credential adds value to resumes, especially when paired with project management experience or certifications.
• Alternative: Free YouTube tutorials lack structured progression. This course’s organization justifies its paid cost for serious learners.

Editorial Verdict

The Microsoft Project 2013 Advanced Training course delivers exactly what it promises: a confidence-boosting deep dive into intermediate-to-advanced features of a long-standing project management tool. Despite using an older software version, the core competencies—consolidation, resource sharing, cost tracking, and WBS structuring—remain foundational for project success. The inclusion of exercise files and concise, professional instruction from Simon Sez IT makes this a standout option for learners who prefer structured, hands-on training over fragmented online tutorials. It fills a niche for those working in organizations still using legacy desktop versions of Project or needing to master underlying principles before transitioning to cloud platforms.

However, learners should approach this course with realistic expectations. It is not a gateway to Agile project leadership or modern collaboration workflows. Its true value lies in mastering deterministic scheduling, budget control, and hierarchical planning—skills that remain relevant even in contemporary project environments. When paired with broader project management knowledge, this course becomes a powerful component of professional development. For intermediate users aiming to solidify their technical proficiency and earn a credible completion certificate, this course offers strong educational value and practical utility. It’s recommended for those committed to mastering the mechanics of project planning, even if the interface feels dated.