In the modern world of project management, experience, and corporate certifications go hand in hand. Being able to work according to a set framework and proven best practices can help organizations to save time and resources while also enjoying higher ROIs. However, knowing the theory behind a framework isn’t quite the same as knowing how to apply it in practice. A project manager will need to have a track record of successful projects before they can opt for higher-level roles. It is not uncommon for green managers to view certifications as a fast track to six-figure salaries, not realizing that a lack of solid experience will still hold them back.
Project Management Professional (PMP)’ is a certification offered by PMI, the Project Management Institute. Unlike other project management standards, PMP covers both experience and best practices. A candidate cannot even qualify to take the PMP exam unless they have a significant amount of experience under their belt. Candidates need to have spent three to five years managing projects, as well as 4,500 to 7,500 hours spent leading and directing projects. Candidates must also have at least 35 contact hours of formal project management education, usually via a Project Management Certification (PMP Certification) online course.
Now that we understood what PMP is all about, let’s come back to the original question. Should you get a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification? There are both costs and benefits to getting the PMP certification. But, many hiring experts and certified professionals agree that the benefits far outweigh the costs.
First, let us look at some of the problems cited with PMP certification.
1. What value will it add to our resume?
There are several professional certifications that you can pursue throughout your career. But, among all of those, PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is the most valuable certificate program. Interviewers looking to fill in a position of a project manager understand this. Hence, they tend to prioritize profiles with PMP certification over those which do not have such certification.
Project management certification jobs are high in demand. So, in most cases, several people apply for these jobs. It is time and resource-consuming for the company to interview and assess the potential of all the applicants. As such, they like to filter out 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 candidates.
Furthermore, many companies are making it mandatory to have a PMP certification. It means you cannot even apply for some positions without these credentials.
It highlights your personal drive to stay abreast of your knowledge, credentials, and skills. Thus, it helps you to stand out in the competitive job market. Moreover, you can host a party with your friends for being a star in the group.
2. What skills will we learn?
There are many project managers out there in the job market. In such a scenario, how do you stand out from the crowd? What better way to do it than by becoming PMP certified? It makes your resume more attractive to companies. More significantly, PMBOK certification teaches you important skills to excel in your career.
PMP certification has high standards. As such, it is not easy to clear this exam without 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. Further, it exposes you to best practices and current trends in project management. You can also learn new tricks and techniques in project management activities.
Want to keep growing in your career? You cannot do it without becoming better at what you are doing currently. Experience may teach you to improve how you manage projects. But, a certification can do the same thing in a lesser span of time.
3. Will there be scope for a salary hike?
The biggest draw of PMP (Project Management Professional) 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. A recent PMI survey states that the average median salary for a project manager with certification is $ 1,08,000. In contrast, the median income for a non-certified project manager is only $91,000.
Another survey shows that certified project managers earn almost 20% more than non-certified ones. This trend can be seen all over the world including in Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Among women, PMP-certified holders earn a lot more than male-certified professionals in other fields.
What’s more? PMP certification has consistently been the highest-paid IT certification. Also, the trend indicates that PMP salaries will only continue to grow in the future.
4. Will the employers find it valuable?
As mentioned above, there are certain conditions which are needed to be met before getting PMP certified. If you are an associate, you require 60 months of experience to be eligible. On the other hand, a person with a bachelor’s degree requires 36 months of work experience. PMP (Project Management Professional) certification has high standards. A potential employer understands that clearing the exam takes dedication to the job. It indicates that you are serious about making project management your long-term career path.
An employee who invests in learning is a big asset for the company. A PMP certification symbolizes your drive toward improving your professional abilities, credentials, and knowledge. It also helps you command respect among peers and team members.
5. Is the certification industry specific?
If you are a firm believer in “Go Where Your Dreams Take You”, then PMP® (Project Management Professional) Certification is definitely for you. One of the major advantages of PMP® certification is that it is not restricted to any specific industry or sector. With this, you get the liberty to work for any industry of your preference; be it in IT, healthcare, aerospace, defense, government, etc. Once you are PMP® (Project Management Professional) certified your chances of landing your dream job increase drastically. Not only this but being PMP® certified also exposes you to various work scenarios and helps you in maintaining your PDUs.
