Like to express innovation, create, manage, organize, and lead? In terms of career interest, project management is the professional science of creation and development. This position can apply for the development of a new product, architecture, interior designing, a marketing campaign, wedding planners- the possibilities of this title can usefully apply to many fields in today’s work force.
However, being a great planner and project builder comes with great responsibility, and employers need to be assured that you know what you’re doing- just like every other job position needing to be applied for. Experience and education is required to become certified to be a project manager in most facilities and businesses, and a Project Management Professional certification is hands-down the best approach to making a great first impression in pursuing a career in project management.
What is PMP Certification?
PMP certification, otherwise known as Project Management Professional Certification, is a credential title that is distributed by the Project Management Institute. The Project Management Institute, abbreviated commonly as PMI, is a non-profit organization geared towards forwarding the advancement of the project management profession. A PMC certification serves to officially demonstrate one’s valid ability to plan, organize, secure, and manage in the work force. PMI certifications distributed are known for being recognized globally and establishing a standardized qualification for project managers around the world, the first organization to do so beginning in 1949.
Before moving forward with obtaining a PMI-licensed certification, one must realize that there are plenty PMI-distributed certificates available to prospective project managers. Other PMI distributions include the CAPM, PgMP, PMI-SP, and PMI-ACP- therefore it is important to narrow down one’s desires based on their qualifications, interests and intentions. PMP however, is the highest in demand and most industry-recognized certificate. The Project Management Certification specifically demonstrates sufficiency in leadership skills and sense of direction in an individual’s worth ethic.
PMP Certification Requirements
For the PMP certification, PMI states that the equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree in project management, or any other post-secondary equivalent in the same field. Active involvement is also required for certification in project management however, and not just a pretty degree.
If using a secondary school diploma to qualify, you need 7,500 hours of experience in leading and directing projects, with 35 hours of project management education. One with a four-year bachelor’s degree in the field requires 4,500 hours of leading and directing experience with 35 required hours of project management education as well. If these requirements are in progress and a long time away, PMI recommends a lesser-ranked associate’s certification under the same institute’s name, a CAPM.
PMP Certification Cost & Fees
PMI fees vary depending on your relationship with the institution (member or non-member) and the delivery of the exam. The cost of the exam administration varies between $250 and $555 dollars- the cheapest way to go about taking the exam would be to become a member of the Project Management Institution, which can cut regular costs by $150 dollars depending on the method of administration.
Paper-based testing (completing the examination in physical form) costs much less than online administration and can cut costs in the range of $200! The cheapest trend as for PMP testing seems to be taking the examination physically under membership with the PMI- the same recommendation applies for re-examinations, in which the costs are much more lenient yet harbor the same trend between paper and virtual testing, and member versus non-member. Credential renewal fees do not have a separate cost between paper-administration and computer-administration, but members must only pay $60 whilst non-members owe $150. By this point, it is apparent that becoming a member is only necessary and most convenient to do business with PMI! Don’t let it get as far as needing a renewal without membership.
PMP Certification Training
Exam preparatory courses around the world exist in order to assist potential project managers in achieving these certifications- they often take place in higher frequency in larger cities, which may require some traveling to reach conveniently. Books and online information directories also are offered to those who wish to take it without the hassle of a class though hands-on training is by far the most effective method.
Cost, location, and scheduling come into play for choosing a class that will prepare you properly for the examination. For example, ARTFS in New York city offers a five-day course along with extensive training sessions and mock exams for $999, whilst San Fransisco’s Project Management Academy ranks top amongst positive exam results and prestige regarding the field and offers a four-day boot camp in preparation for the exam. Options are diverse, and any prospective PMP-holder should explore them fully.
PMP Certification Exam
Computer-based testing is the standard method of PMP examination administration, but if one lives within 300 kilometers of a Prometric CBT testing site specific for administration of the exam, they are eligible to take it by paper (in terms of cost, this method is more beneficial). Language aids in thirteen languages are available for testing, as well as accommodations for special needs or a disability.
Computerized examinations must be cancelled within 48 hours of testing if there is an issue, and paper-based testing event no shows are intolerable and non-refunded unless a cancellation takes place 35 calendar days ahead of time or an understandable circumstance takes place that prevents one from being able to take the test under normative conditions. Government-issued identification, a photograph, and signature is required from all testers.
PMP Certification Salary
Project Management Professional certification is recognized worldwide as the standard indicator of excellency in project management- naturally, a certified official in a particular field of work is bound to have a much higher salary than a counterpart who cannot prove their expertise through similar means. PMP-earners are considered particularly valuable and reliable to a company therefore bring in more money for their businesses- this, in turn, constitutes a naturally higher pay. The certificate holds the key to diverse job opportunities in project management above all other certifications, with money and career-related benefits alike in store for every aspiring manager.