If you are new to the world of project management or you are not a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), you may have seen the acronym PMP and thought, “what’s all that about?”
As per the PMI website (http://www.pmi.org), the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential is a globally recognised and demanded project management specific credential which demonstrates to employers, clients and colleagues that a Project Manager possesses the required project management knowledge, experience and skills to bring projects to a successful completion.
The PMP credential is highly valued and respected as it recognises and demonstrates that a Project Manager not only has the text-book knowledge of project management practices, skills, tools and techniques, but also that the Project Manager has applied these knowledge and skills to lead project teams to successfully deliver projects in the real world over a period of multiple years. To obtain the PMP certification, candidates are required to pass a four hour, 200 question (multiple choice style questions) exam however to be eligible to undertake this exam, candidates must meet educational and professional experience eligibility requirements.
To apply to take the exam, a candidate must have a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least five years (7,500 non-overlapping hours) demonstrated experience leading and directing projects as well as 35 hours of project management education. Alternatively, a candidate must have a four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or global equivalent) and at least three years (4,500 non-overlapping hours) demonstrated experience leading and directing projects as well as 35 hours of project management education. Candidates will need to verify their experience as part of the application process to take the exam.
If you are interested in a career in project management and you are not currently eligible to take the PMP exam, you might consider the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.
Candidates can apply to take the PMP exam at http://www.pmi.org. You will also find extensive information about the PMP credential, other available credentials, faqs as well as a range of other relevant project management industry information. The exam can be performed electronically or in paper-based form at registered testing and assessment centres. Currently the exam fee is US $405 for PMI members and US $550 for non-PMI members.
So if you are serious about your career in project management and would like to enhance your resume (and business cards) with a globally recognised and respected project management certification, you should consider working towards applying to take the exam to obtain the PMP certification. You may just also increase your marketability and earning potential while you’re at it.