Detailed Explanation Of Why PMP Exam Is Worth It

A recent study states that three out of four high-performing projects are handled by PMP project managers.

Also, the same study shows that the projects handled by project managers have a higher success rate than non-certified project managers. On top of it, PMP is one of the highest highest-paying certifications in the world.

Sounds good enough? Well, let's now understand all the in and out of PMP and understand what PMP certification is, How to get PMP certification, Its benefits, and finally, if it's even worth it or not!

What is a PMP certification?

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a widely recognized certification specifically for project managers. The Project Management Institute (PMI) conducts the PMP certification exam. The PMP certification is like a validated proof of skills and knowledge that an individual possesses in project management. It is a widely respected credential and immensely helps to climb the corporate ladder.

The PMP exam tests these five performance domains

1. Initiating the project
2. Planning the project
3. Executing the project
4. Monitoring and controlling the project
5. Closing the project

The PMP exam consists of about 200 MCQ-based questions, out of which 25 questions are pilot questions that are not counted towards the final score. Even though marks of these pilot questions are not counted towards the final score, the problem with these questions is that you can not find them in the question paper as they are disguised as routine questions.

Eligibility For PMP Exam:

You're eligible for the PMP exam if you are an experienced project management professional with at least three years of work experience.

But still, there are a few prerequisites that you should meet if you want to appear for the PMP exam. A candidate must have either

1. High school diploma or an associate degree
2. 7,500 hours of leading and directing projects
3. 35 PDUs

OR

1. Four-year degree
2. 4,500 hours of leading and directing projects
3. 35 PDUs

Is PMP certification worth it?

The PMP exam is undoubtedly one of the hardest professional certifications in the world. It takes a lot of time, energy, and money to get the certification. But if you look at the benefits that come with PMP certification, they far outweigh the efforts you have put in. To understand it in more depth, let us look at some of the benefits you get after getting PMP certification.

Benefits Of Doing A PMP Certification

1)    Help You Stand Out In Slew Of Resumes.

Did you know there are more than 16.5 million project managers in

the world as of now? So, how would you stand out in this hefty competition? The answer is the PMP exam. As I said, the PMP exam is proof of your project management skills and knowledge. It acts as evidence that you can efficiently manage the project and bring the desired results. So, having the PMP certification on your resume is a sure shot way to increase your chances of getting hired. 

Furthermore, a lot of companies these days are making PMP certification a mandate for higher positions.

2)    Provides Industry recognition

PMP certification is acceptable in any specific domain or geography.

Regardless of your professional background, you can get PMP certification to add value to your resume.

Various reports show that the increase in the number of PMPs in a company also increases the success rate of their projects. PMP certification opens a wide array of opportunities for you in a variety of industries, be it manufacturing, marketing, healthcare, or any other domain.

3)    It helps you learn essential skills. 

It is a proven fact that when you prepare for the PMP exam, you learn a lot of skills that immensely help you become a better professional.

PMBOK Guide, which is considered the bible of PMP, teaches you all the critical skills you need to excel in your career. The PMP exam is tough, and you cannot pass it without rigorous preparation. It also requires you to master practical applications of the different project management processes. Accomplishing PMP certification will include learning numerous hard and soft skills. In simple words, it's like a challenge that we all need in our professional life to become an expert.

4)    Helps You Get Higher Salary

The biggest benefit of PMP certification is that you can earn hefty salaries after accomplishing the certification.

The average salary of certified project managers is way higher than non-certified professionals. And even in your current company, you can easily get up to a 30% hike in your current salary after getting certified. Also, various researches and trends indicate that the salary of PMPs will continue to increase as a huge demand for PMPs is expected in the near future.

Conclusion

In summation, PMP certification might be expensive, time-consuming, and a hard nut to crack, but the benefits that you get after getting certified are definitely worth it. It adds credibility to your resume and tells the hiring managers that you are the perfect candidate who has mastered all the skills needed to become a great project manager.

Author Bio

Senior Data Scientist and Alumnus of IIM- C (Indian Institute of Management - Kolkata) with over 25 years of professional experience Specialized in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning.

PMP Certified

ITIL Expert certified APMG, PEOPLECERT and EXIN Accredited Trainer for all modules of ITIL till Expert Trained over 3000+ professionals across the globe Currently authoring a book on ITIL "ITIL MADE EASY".

Conducted myriad Project management and ITIL Process consulting engagements in various organizations. Performed maturity assessment, gap analysis and Project management process definition and end to end implementation of Project management best practices

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