The Value of PMP Certification for Both Employer and Project Manager?

Answer 1

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (http://www.pmi.org) as a credential to ensure the abilities and expertise of a person claiming project management experience. The certification process is quite rigorous and requires both training and practical, documented experience in project management. The applicant must also pass a multiple choice exam. Without both experience and training, it is impossible to pass the exam. The test is demanding, covering every aspect of project management from identifying alternatives through closure and archiving, and requires diligent study to pass.

However, anyone thinking about a career in project management would do well to consider the PMP certification. In some industries and companies, it is difficult to secure a project management position without PMP certification. Many employers insist upon the credential because it guarantees a certain level of proficiency in an otherwise unknown candidate. The PMI credential speaks for itself; the applicant has either passed the test or he has not. Furthermore, a certified project manager is required to complete ongoing training requirements to retain the certification, speaking to the commitment of the individual to continuing professional development.

In addition, PMP certification establishes a common methodology and terminology for managing projects that will be consistent across the entire organization. This in itself presents an efficiency that is gained as team members become sensitized to concepts such as the triple constraint (schedule, budget and scope) and risk management. The entire organization beomes empowered to develop a discipline with respect to projects. Further efficiencies are realized through the lessons learned process, an integral aspect of the PMI methodology.

There are other benefits for the certified project manager besides opening doors to employment. While many project managers may feel that experience is the best teacher, the ongoing training requirement exposes an individual to new ideas and challenges him to consider new situations. With the normal demands of the workplace and other responsibilities, the training requirement ensures the project manager will give attention to professional development, remain current and even advance his skill set. This allows the project manager to accept projects of increasing complexity, which in turn will command a higher salary grade.