Technical Program Management: A Practitioner’s Guide Course Syllabus

Overview: This course provides a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to Technical Program Management, designed for beginners with some exposure to engineering or product teams. Over approximately 5 weeks, learners will build practical skills in planning, executing, and scaling technical programs, guided by real-world frameworks used at top tech companies. Each module combines foundational concepts with actionable exercises, culminating in interview preparation and best practices for career growth. Lifetime access ensures ongoing learning and review.

Module 1: Introduction to Technical Program Management

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Role of a Technical Program Manager (TPM)
• Differences between TPM, Product Manager, and Engineering Manager
• Core responsibilities and mindset of a TPM
• Career paths and growth opportunities in TPM roles

Module 2: Program Planning & Prioritization

Estimated time: 8 hours

• Aligning programs with business goals using OKRs
• Creating and managing technology roadmaps
• Gaining stakeholder buy-in for technical initiatives
• Building a program charter with measurable milestones

Module 3: Execution Frameworks

Estimated time: 8 hours

• Applying Agile, Scrum, and Kanban in technical programs
• Establishing program cadences and sprint planning
• Tracking progress and managing deliverables
• Conducting retrospectives for continuous improvement

Module 4: Communication & Leadership

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Effective status reporting to executives and teams
• Navigating escalation paths during program risks
• Exercising influence without authority
• Writing clear stakeholder communications

Module 5: Risk Management & Technical Depth

Estimated time: 8 hours

• Identifying and categorizing technical and operational risks
• Developing mitigation and contingency plans
• Understanding system design fundamentals for TPMs
• Creating and maintaining a risk register

Module 6: Metrics, Feedback & Scaling

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Defining KPIs and success metrics for programs
• Using feedback loops for program improvement
• Scaling programs across teams and orgs
• Conducting effective program retrospectives

Module 7: TPM Interview Preparation

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Understanding the TPM interview format
• Answering behavioral and situational questions
• Approaching system design and estimation problems
• Practicing mock interviews with real-world cases

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with software development or engineering teams
• Basic understanding of product or project workflows
• Interest in technical leadership and cross-functional collaboration

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Define and lead technical programs with confidence
• Plan and prioritize initiatives aligned with business goals
• Communicate effectively with engineering, product, and leadership
• Identify, track, and mitigate program risks
• Succeed in TPM interviews with proven strategies and practice