Congratulations! You've got the position of Head of the Project Management department.
This is something that all project manager career aspirants want to hear.
In this competitive job market, it is pretty challenging to be at the top of the employers' preference list.
What if you can get a prospective job with a handsome salary package?
No, you don't need a magic wand, or you might do. If so, then that magic wand would be your project management professional’s certification, shortly known as PMP certification.
The median salary for PMP holders globally is 16% higher (and 32% higher in the USA) than those without certification.
Before discussing how PMP can help you excel, let's give you a holistic idea of the PMP certificate and whether it is worth getting for your career.
What is a PMP certification?
Of all types of professional certifications, PMP certification is, to date, considered the most prestigious and globally recognized certificate.
The primary underlying reason is that it assesses a project manager's caliber and adds value to their career path.
Simply put, PMP certification helps project managers elevate to the next step in their careers.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers this certification, a US non-profit professionals organization.
What is the PMP certification exam about?
The PMP certification exam solely focuses on evaluating a candidate’s ability to perform all the tasks associated with project management.
Considering the current test pattern, PMI assesses each candidate based on five different domains, such as:
- Initiating the project
- Planning the project
- Executing the project
- Monitoring and controlling the project
- Closing the project
To be more precise, a project manager must meet specific criteria (we discussed this in the later part of the article) and pass a 180- question test.
What are the PMP exam requirements?
You are an experienced project manager. You want to advance your career to the next step. PMP examination is the right certificate for you.
Before you apply, make sure you meet the following sets of PMP Certification requirements:
- A four-year degree
- 36 months leading projects
- A total of 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM Certification
Or,
- A high school diploma or an associate’s degree (or global equivalent)
- 60 months leading projects
- A total of 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM Certification
Should you go for PMP certification?
As you now know what PMP is, perhaps, you are asking yourselves,
To be or not to be I need PMP certification?
Let's look at the 8 reasons a project manager should choose this certification for their career.
1. Career Growth
In today's world, the skill set is more prioritized, and it is no exception for project managers. As a result, adding this certificate to your CV will add enormous value to your career.
2. Build a Resilient Career
As we navigate the ever-changing world, becoming a future-proof project manager is essential. It has been found that employers will need nearly 88 million individuals in project management-oriented roles by 2027.
3. More Than Median Salary
PMP certification helps you stand out and earn more than non-certified ones. For example, PMP credential holders usually make 23 percent more than those without it.
4. Adds Credibility to Skills & Experience
Obtaining PMP certification can open many doors. The process of this certification assesses and verifies a project professional's skills, knowledge, and all the associated calibers.
5. Enriched Overall Profile
To pass the PMP certification test, a candidate goes through several steps. Those steps include but are not limited to planning, initiating, implementing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. All these steps prepare project managers for better project management.
6. Increase Marketability
Once you achieve your PMP certificate, you go a step ahead in the job market competition. As a result, you become a demanding professional whom every company wants. This increases your career versatility.
7. Global Recognition
Indeed, the project management institution (PMI) is a globally recognized body for evaluating and preparing project managers. So, this certificate also rewards its holder's worldwide recognition.
8. Agile Awareness
Agility is the fastest and most demanding method for small to large companies opting for agility. This means they are creating more jobs for PMP-certificated project professionals as they know the agile technique.
Is the PMP certification exam preparation course worth it?
A candidate can sit for the PMP exam up to 3 times, and each exam will cost $555.00 (non-member) and $405.00 (member).
Let's look at why you should enroll in the PMP certification exam preparation course.
Expert Trainer
PMP exam preparation courses are often taught by professional trainers equipped with the knowledge, certificate, and techniques to guide candidates in achieving a PMP certificate.
Authorized Training Partner (ATP)
Before you enroll in any PMP certification exam courses, you must validate whether they are an authorized training partner (ATP). The PMI– exam taker licenses ATP holders. As a result, you will access authentic resources and training materials.
Stay in Practice
It would be best if you had determination, hard work, and consistent practice to achieve PMP certification. This is where most exam preparation courses help you, as you will go through 35 contact hours of formal training in project management.
Saves Money
Are you worried about the cost? Suppose you enroll in reputed PMP certification exam preparation courses and follow their guidance. In that case, it will be a one-time investment.
From our experience, we believe that choosing a PMP exam preparation course offered by professionals with the above characteristics is the best choice.
The Upshot
Now that you know how vital PMP certification is for project managers, perhaps, you are looking for reputed, reliable, and affordable PMP certification exam preparation courses. And, training and preparation are essential before you sit for the final test.
Regardless of your country of residence, you can find that curriculum of PMP training in Bangladesh is the most effective and affordable. At the same time, you will get all the industry-standard accesses and facilities.