If you’re a practicing project management professional, chances are you’ve heard of the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. After all, the accreditation is one of the most widely recognised and sought-after certifications in the industry.
However, is gaining PMP certification worth the trouble?
What is the PMP Certification?
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a globally recognised accreditation issued by the Project Management Institute and is held by more than 1 million people worldwide. Much like a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) qualification in the finance industry, the PMP is a respected and trusted indication of expertise within project management.
The PMP accreditation is not specific to a single methodology or standard. The management skills gained through completing the certification can be applied to a range of businesses, and the qualification is accepted across industries.
While many certifications relate to specific methodologies or industries, the PMP certification is general in nature, making it the most popular project management accreditation in the world.
Do You Need PMP Certification?
Certification is not a prerequisite for becoming a project manager, however, attaining the qualification has several benefits:
1. Earn Trust and Respect:
As a clear testament to your expertise, PMP certification will help you to earn the trust and respect of project stakeholders. Whether it’s from your project team or project sponsors, gaining trust will allow you to lead with authority and efficiency.
2. Stand Out
PMP certification can also help you to stand out in a competitive industry and attract the attention of hiring managers.
3. Earn More Money
According to PMI’s Project Management Salary Survey, professionals with a PMP certification on average reported a 33% higher salary than their peers.
Not only is a PMP certification a common denominator among high-performing management professionals, but it’s also a valuable bargaining chip in negotiating a higher salary with employers.
How to Get PMP Certified
PMP certification is prestigious, and that means it’s not granted lightly. The PMP is rigorous enough that it requires conscientious preparation and practice. As we’ve seen from the information above, though, the PMP is worth the effort.
If you’ve been working in project management for years, you’ll bring your skills up to the present. And if you’re coming from more traditional industries like oil and gas or construction, you’ll grow through your newfound knowledge of the adaptive and agile approaches.
And if you’re just a few years into your career, think about the edge you’ll have as a PMP-certified professional. With a robust understanding of modern project management methodologies and processes, you’ll have the ability to lead in today’s ever-changing business landscape.
The following tips can help you with your PMP exam preparation:
#1 Make sure you’re eligible
Before you start cracking the books, make sure you’re eligible for the PMP. There are two critical prerequisites:
- You must have project management experience:
PMI expects four-year diploma holders to have the equivalent of 4,500 hours of project management experience. In most cases, three years of full-time work will meet this requirement. If you don’t have a four-year diploma, PMI expects to see at least five years (or 7,500 hours) of experience. Keep in mind that these hours may be fulfilled in different roles (project engineer, analyst, team leader, team member, and so on).
- You must meet the education requirement:
In addition to satisfying the experience requirement, you must also meet the PMP education expectations. To sit for the exam, PMI requires candidates to have completed a 25-hour project management course within the last five years.
#2 Complement your training by learning about agile approaches
If you’re not already an agile practitioner, become familiar with the approach. The recent changes to the PMP focus heavily on this trend, and you’ll get more out of your studies (and be better prepared for the exam) if you have a solid understanding of agile practices.
#3 Complete an Accredited PMP Course
This type of course is designed for Project Managers and other Project Leaders (Project Coordinators, Team Leaders, Project Engineers, etc.) with at least three years of experience. It prepares candidates for the PMP exam while concurrently providing them with 35 hours of specific project management training. When you’re finished, you have the required training hours under your belt, and you’re ready to sit the exam.
#4 Take Advantage of Coaching and Study Materials
It never hurts to receive advice from a colleague who sat the exam last year, but if you want to give yourself the best odds, study with a PMI Accredited Instructor. When taking a preparatory course, you’ll have access to one-on-one coaching and quality study materials. If you don’t understand a concept, be sure to ask questions and to use all the resource material offered to you.
#5 Make Sure Your Application is Filled Out Correctly
While you’re busy studying methodology and memorising new terms, it’s easy to overlook details like an exam application. Any inaccuracies or omissions, however, can lead to delays in the approval process, potentially jeopardizing your eligibility to sit for the exam. Be sure to take the time to complete your application correctly.
#6 Practice, Practice, Practice
Some people are naturally gifted when it comes to taking exams. Others need a bit more practice. Either way, you’ll feel more confident going into the PMP when you’ve taken several mock exams ahead of time.
Conclusion
PMP certification isn't just for project managers; it's for anyone whose role involves leading projects or teams. Whether you're an aspiring project manager, a seasoned professional, or in a related role, obtaining certification can significantly enhance your career prospects.
The exam provides a unique opportunity to elevate your career and achieve significant professional and financial success. It equips you with advanced project management skills that are universally applicable across countless industries. But remember, success on your first try requires dedication, preparation, and the right resources.
Thank you to the MetaPM team for contributing to this article.
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