Do You Need PMP Certification?

Introduction

According to a recent PwC poll, qualified PMP project managers supervise more than three-quarters of high-performing projects. Moreover, firms with much more than one-third of PMP-qualified managers outperform non-PMP-certified companies in terms of project performance.

What else? In 2016, the PMP was the seventh highest-paying credential. Seems significant enough? If it does, should you pursue PMP certification as the following step? Before actually delving into this subject in this post, it is important to first grasp what PMP means.

What is a PMP certification?

The Project Management Professional or PMP is a certification that is a globally renowned professional certification for people whose main tasks involve managing projects.

The Project Management Institute (PMI), a non-profit professional association based in the US, provides it. PMP is a well-known and highly regarded certificate that is deemed vital for project managers. If you want to become a certified project management professional, such certification is essential to progress your career.

What is the PMP certification exam about?

The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) with professional norms serves as a reference for exam takers. The PMP exam assesses applicants on activities from five quality domains: project initiating, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing.

The sample questions are distributed randomly throughout the exam, it is impossible to determine what they consist of. It is also a closed-book exam, which indicates that the candidate will be unable to utilize any reference materials throughout the exam.

What are the PMP exam requirements?

Several requirements must be met to be certified. A candidate must possess a secondary degree, which could be a high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the worldwide equivalent, 7,500 hours of project management experience, and 35 hours of project management schooling. Or a four-year degree, 4,500 hours of project management experience, and 35 hours of project management schooling.

Is PMP certification worth it?

Here are a few of the issues with PMP certification that have been raised.

For starters, it is pricey. The PMP certification costs 550 US dollars unless you are a member of PMI. But, if you’re already a member, you only need to spend $405 to take the test. It is strongly urged that you join PMI before applying for the test. Though PMI membership charges $139, there is a slew of other advantages to the membership.

Second, most individuals believe that the PMP test is difficult. This is because the test assesses not just recollection, but also the actual application of topics. The significance of this certification stems from the high requirements necessary to obtain and retain it.

Third, it is time-consuming. You must invest some time each day studying the PMBOK manual and different guides, attending preparing seminars, and taking mock exams. All of these procedures take a significant amount of time. Alongside this, the PMP application needs you to document all the projects you executed. That’s because PMI conducts an audit process to establish the authenticity of applications.

Benefits of doing a PMP certification

After looking at the downside of PMP certification, which in the face of the advantages seem almost irrelevant, here are the six reasons why you should get a PMP certification.

Adds value to the resume

The most beneficial credential program is the PMP certification. This is understood by interviewers seeking a project management role. As a response, they choose individuals with PMP certification instead of those without this certification.

PMP certification is advantageous since it is among the most reliable methods of shortlisting applicants. Moreover, several employers are considering the PMP certification compulsory. It implies you won’t be able to apply for various jobs unless you possess these qualifications.

Provides Industry recognition

PMP certification is a certification that is globally accepted. PMP may be used in any business, project, or area. So, irrespective of your professional history or field, having the qualification on your resume can benefit you. If you are only beginning, the PMP certification will compensate for your deficiency of experience. If you have prior experience, then PMBOK certification can assist you in progressing in your organization.

Helps you learn important skills

PMP certification has stringent requirements. You must grasp the material’s direct implementation. Mastering numerous soft and hard skills will be required to gain the PMP certificate. It increases your understanding of essential project management procedures, methods, tools, and approaches. It also introduces you to top techniques and current project management trends.

In project management tasks, you may also discover new approaches and methods.

Contributes to higher income

The most appealing aspect of PMP certification is the increased compensation that it may offer to project managers. Certified project managers earn significantly more than the standard earnings in the sector.

According to one report, certified project managers make about 20% more than their non-certified counterparts. PMP-certified women make significantly more than female-certified professionals in different professions. PMP has long been the highest-paying IT certification. Furthermore, the data implies that PMP wages will likely continue to keep going up.

Provides networking opportunities

PMI now has over 773,840 current PMP certification bearers worldwide. PMI has regular meetings in key cities throughout the world for its participants. Such sessions are also aimed at assisting participants in earning Professional Development Units (PDUs). These units are required to meet Continuous Credential Requirements, generally known as CCRs. These are required to maintain the certification for the next three years.

There are several advantages to participating in such networking events. Throughout these discussions, individuals who appreciate this credential might share any new work prospects. Establishing professional networks is made easier by these communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, most people would think that obtaining a PMP certification is expensive, complicated, difficult, and time-consuming. However, a lot of recruiting professionals view this PMP certification as a very significant qualification that strengthens your profile.

Furthermore, it helps in the development of essential abilities that are required to succeed and thrive in the workplace. With all these, so then absolutely it can be used to one’s advantage. Earning a PMP certification is indeed worthwhile!