What is PMP certification?
The PMP is also known as project management professional certification. It is a designation provided by Project Management Institute known as PMI. It is an industry recognised credential for project managers. It showcases and displays the experience, education, skill and competency required to lead and direct projects and the essential skills required to be a project manager. It is one of the most coveted and sought-after certifications.
The importance of project management professionals in every single industry cannot be overstated. The demand is in terms of the skill requirements which vary between different industries and locations. As project managers have a standard set of skills their demand increases as companies begin recruiting from increasingly diverse backgrounds. A project manager is expected to undertake projects on system reorganizations, turn strategic vision into tangible goals, and ensure effective and agreed outcomes, while balancing various project constraints.
The importance of PMP certification
It is unbiased and credible proof of a person’s project management talents and expertise. It is accepted worldwide and gives better career opportunities, credibility, and increased income for those who have acquired it. As a PMP a person can work in almost any industry or geographical location. Although there are a few steps required to acquire this certification it is a powerful career-shaping tool whose benefits cannot be overstated.
The PMP certification is designed to build on and solidify the training an experienced project manager already has.
What is the PMP certification exam about?
The PMP exam tests the aspirants on tasks out of five performance domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project and closing the project. The exam has about 200 multiple-choice questions. Out of these, 25 are not counted towards the final score. These are used as questions to improve the standard of the exam. But, one cannot know what the sample questions are as they are placed randomly throughout the exam.
PMP exam requirements
PMI states that if you’re an experienced project manager responsible for all aspects of project delivery while leading and directing cross-functional teams then PMP is the right choice for you.
To be certified as a PMP there are certain prerequisites needed to take the exam. A candidate must have either
- a secondary school degree (equivalent to a high school degree)
- must have spent 7500 hours leading and directing projects
- 35 hours of project management education
or
- A four year degree
- 4500 hours leading and directing projects
- 35 hours of project management education
There are both costs incurred and benefits to getting a PMP certification but industry experts do stress that the benefits outweigh the costs.
The PMP certification is valid for three years but can be renewed or maintained by earning 60 professional development units—defined as hours spent on accepted professional development activities—in that time frame.
PMP Certification cost
If you are not a member of PMI, the cost of the PMP certification is 550 US dollars. However, if you are a member then you just need to spend 405 US dollars to write the exam. But PMI membership itself costs 139 US dollars. Though you save only 11 USD by becoming a PMI member, there is a host of other benefits that are associated with the membership. Hence, it is highly suggested that you become a member of PMI before registering for the exam.
Additionally, if you fail in your first attempt and want to retake the exam, you need to pay 275 USD if you are a PMI member and 375 USD if you are not a PMI member.
Apart from the cost of the exam, there are several other costs that one incurs during the preparation. These include the cost of PMP training sessions, preparatory books etc. Considering all this, you need to spend at least 750 USD to gain this certification. Yet, almost all the experts agree that this cost is nothing compared to the career evolution that an individual can have through this certification.
Benefits of a PMP certification
A PMP certification opens doors to excellent career opportunities. Moreover, it enriches your project management skills and displays your ability to manage challenging projects.
- Adding value to your resume
Interviewers tend to prioritize profiles with PMP certification over those which do not have such certification. Project management jobs are high in demand. So, in most cases, several people apply for these jobs. It is time taking for the employers to interview and assess the potential of all the applicants. They like to filter out and shortlist as many people as possible before the project management interview process. This is where the PMP certification proves beneficial as it is one of the most objective ways in which one can shortlist the candidates.
Many companies are making it mandatory to have a PMP certification. If you plan to advance in your given project management role a PMP certification will be very helpful.
- It makes you look credible
It serves as definite proof of your abilities and skills. Your resume looks more credible, but you will also come off as a knowledgeable expert to your potential employers and future employees.
- It helps you find new job opportunities
Being a member of PMI allows you to go to a lot of different meetings that it holds. With a PMP certification, you can attend these meetings and make influential connections, network, and learn about newer and different job opportunities constantly.
- It is universally recognized
PMP is globally recognized and works with any industry and in any location. So, regardless of your professional background and industry, you can gain by adding the certification to your resume.
Companies recognize that certified managers are better at completing the project on time and within the budget. PMP certification will make up for the lack of experience if you’re just starting out in the industry.
- Enables you to have a higher income
The biggest attraction of PMP certification is the higher salary it can bring to the project managers. Across the industry, the average salary of certified project managers is considerably higher. PMP has consistently been the highest-paid IT certification. Also, the trend indicates that PMP salaries will only continue to grow in the future. It also improves your job security
- Helps you master important skills
It teaches you important skills to excel in your career and helps you stand out in the crowd as a certified project manager. it is difficult to clear this exam and it requires extensive preparation. Moreover, it requires you to master the practical application of the material. Attaining a PMP credential will include learning several hard and soft skills. It builds the knowledge of fundamental project management processes, tools & techniques, and methodologies. It also exposes you to best practices and current trends in project management. You can also learn new tricks and techniques in project management activities. Ultimately getting better at what you’re doing is the best way to climb the ladder of success.
Conclusion
Although the PMP certification may be viewed as time-consuming, difficult, costly, and unnecessary to some people it is viewed highly by industry experts and adds important credibility to your resume, and aids in improving and building upon essential skills required in your career as a project manager. So ultimately PMP certification is worth every bit of effort it requires.
Author : Namita Gupta is a content writer with Axiswebart and author of Edu Hubspot blogs, who’s been working with other well renowned organizations where she is writing and handling content strategies.
