Project Management Professional (PMP), certification is one of those credentials that keeps coming up in every best paid certifications’ list. Is it really that good? Should you pursue it? Let’s take a closer view.
PMP was developed and offered by Project Management Institute (PMI). There are over 500,000 PMI certified holders. This credential can be used to enhance a career in project management.
Despite the credential being very popular, many project managers claim that certification does not confer the industry knowledge and professionalism that is required to earn high salaries. It is a result of years of hard work and professional experiences. However, there is a lot of resistance to the idea that project management may have a different quality, e.g. It is possible to manage a project for a small, medium or large company as well as a Fortune 500 company. PMP also opens up the possibility of working with Fortune 500 companies.
Experts in project management agree that the PMP certification creates a common language between project managers and allows them to work within a shared framework. The PMP certification gives its holders the ability to apply processes, tools, techniques to projects better. It builds on the Project Management Body of Knowledge framework and shows that you can build your personal brand within your company as someone who is able to deliver. Managers must be able to deliver consistent and successful projects using PMBOK framework in order to move up the project ladder to more complex projects and better-respected business organizations. You will be able to compete for higher-ranking positions by demonstrating greater competence in managing complex projects.
However, it is not a guarantee of success in your career, unlike any other certification. It does not prove your track record in delivering successful projects. It is a great way to distinguish yourself from other candidates and make it easier to get great jobs, especially for those with less experience. It’s a great way to kickstart your project management career.
What about those who have been in project management for many years and are satisfied with their career progression and don’t feel the need to be validated? Congratulations if this is you. You don’t need to spend the time or money on this credential. You could be doing great no matter where you are!
There is still much to be considered. Many PMP holders say that the credential has helped them improve their perception of themselves, how they are perceived by other project managers, and the credibility they have been granted. This is especially true for candidates who haven’t built up their reputation and name.
PMP is a great place to start your career as a project manager. You meet other PMP holders as well as people in the industry. This is the same benefit many get from MBA, MA, or other high-end college programs: networking, getting to meet people, and forming the circle that has high potential for exceptional professional opportunities, references, endorsements, etc. It’s no secret that personal connections are important these days.
If you’re looking to make around $1000 (PMI and PMP registrations + preparation materials, courses etc), then you need to be prepared to study hard. The PMP exam is extremely complex and has a high failure rate. But, if certifications are associated with high salaries, it is not easy.
Before you take out your credit card to pay for your PMP certificateio,
