Is PMP Certification Right For You?

What is PMP certification? Is it right for you? If you’re wondering about the answers to these questions, then keep reading to learn about this and more.

Regardless of where you might be around the world, or even the specific industry that you might be working in, PMP certification is what will help you speak the lingo that more than 750,000 other certified project managers on every continent already know. The PMP is globally recognized as a gold standard in the area of project management. PMP stands of Project Management Professional, and this certification is more important than any other certification that the industry of project managers recognizes.

On any day of the week, you’ll find PMPs leading up projects in almost every single country. Also, unlike some certifications that might focus on a particular domain or geography, the PMP certification is a global one. If you become a PMP, then you can work in any location, with any methodology, and in nearly any industry that you want.

There are substantial advantages in terms of earning potential and salary with the PMP. According to survey respondents to an earning power salary survey, professionals who had their PMP certification averaged 20 percent higher salaries as compared to those without or having yet to get their own.

Employers stand to benefit as well. In organizations and establishments where over one-third of all project managers have PMP certification, there are more projects that meet their original goals, and they do so on budget and on time.

PMP certification is a signal that you know the international language of project management. Use it to connect with the the global community of experts, organizations, and professionals. Your PMP certification might just make you a project guru that others turn to and follow.

Who should consider applying? Experienced project managers that meet a set of certain requirements are ideal candidates. First, they need to be performing their duties under only general supervisions, where they are responsible for every aspect of their project for the entire duration of the project. Secondly, they should lead and also direct cross-functional teams that deliver projects inside the constraints of resources, budget, and schedule. Third, they should demonstrate sufficient experience and knowledge as to properly apply a methodology to their projects which have requirements and deliverables that are relatively well-defined.

The actual certification exam has several hundred multiple-choice questions. You get only 4 hours to finish it. If you want to maintain your certification, then you need to earn 60 PDUs (professional development units) every three years.

Members pay $405 for the test, and nonmembers can take it for $555. Prerequisites for taking the exam include 35 hours of specific project management education and 7,500 hours of leading and/or directing projects. You also need a secondary degree, which is either a high school diploma or associate’s degree (or global equivalents based on where you are from).

If you have a 4-year degree under your belt, then you only need 4,500 hours of directing and/or leading projects instead of 7,500.