Looking to upgrade your current position in the project management industry? PMP Certification might be the best option for you. PMP stands for project management professional and is a certification that provides essential expertise in working on master projects with expertise in professional frameworks like agile.
In this blog, we will explore PMP certification’s scope and requirements. We will also learn about the eligibility, cost, and advantages of this certification.
What is PMP Certification?
Managing projects and constantly being in touch with different teams at the same time is difficult. In a dynamic environment like the IT industry, managing projects with details and deadlines is crucial.
Involving complex deliverables and multiple departments at the same management levels in these fields cope with various needs and experience-related needs. This is where PMP Certification comes into the picture. Offered by PMI, PMP Certification is a well-known certification that is recognized all over the world.
It is a badge that proves one’s expertise in managing projects efficiently while reducing the gap between different teams. Given its success rate in the field, this certification is globally credited by top companies and plays an important role in modifying your resume.
Why should one pursue PMP Certification?
Before getting into the eligibility process, let’s understand why PMP certification is important and how it will benefit one’s career.
PMP Certification, being one of the most prestigiously recognized badges, holds an important role in the company. According to statistics, 2.3 million people would be needed to take up positions in the project management field. Given the huge numbers, here are the top 5 reasons you should invest in PMP certification:
1. Global Recognition:
PMP certification is not just a course that gives you practical information about project management; rather, it holds an important role in any top organization. Helping managers be more efficient and effective in their day-to-day tasks, this course helps increase focused outcomes and brilliant process structures.
2. Credibility:
Completing PMP Certificate marks the expertise a professional hold. Its completion showcases your credibility as a project manager as this certification helps you to be rigorous with globally accepted concepts like agile and scrum.
3. Adaptability to multiple industries:
PMP Certification not only establishes a professional profile in the department, but it also screams the reliability of any project manager. Its skills and knowledge are recognized and widely accepted across various industries. Whether it be construction, healthcare, IT, or finance, the versatility of solving issues and reducing the communication gap through cross-functional teams remains a crucial task. Gaining professional certification can help you to move across the industry without this change being a barrier.
4. Increased Salary:
Companies pay detailed attention to the completion of projects while making sure everyone involved in the team is playing their specific roles. Becoming certified in managing complex teams with strict deadlines can help you stand out in the process and land your dream positions. According to the PMI 9th survey, people who achieve this certification are expected to get a hike of 20% in their respective salaries from a professional who is not certified.
Eligibility: PMP Certification Requirements
Now that you are aware of the importance of the certification let’s move forward with knowing the eligibility requirements. There are three ways to be eligible for the certification; these are elaborated below:
A four-year degree (bachelor’s degree)
- One needs to have 36 months of working with projects in the past years
- This experience should be non-overlapping
- 35 hours of project management training required (Completed by PMI training)
Secondary degree (high school diploma or associate degree equivalent)
- One needs to have 60 months of experience working with projects in the past years
- This experience should be non-overlapping
- 35 hours of project management training required (Completed by PMI training)
Master or Post Graduate Degree
- One needs to have 24 months of experience working in the past years
- This experience should be non-overlapping
- 35 hours of project management training required (Completed by PMI training)
PMP Certification: The Guide
Completing any type of certification needs planning and commitment. Following these four easy steps, you will be able to complete the examination with ease and check all the necessary boxes.
Step 1: Determine your eligibility
This step determines where one is standing in the field and what type of certification he/she would need. As guided in the above section, make sure that you are in line with the required number of hours. Also, analyse your current educational background and what more you need to work on the profile before taking the examination.
Step 2: Register with PMI
PMI is the main source of information and partner for completing this certification. The PMI website and all the necessary details are easily accessible. All you have to do is fill out the form with the required information and submit the online application.
After submission, you need to wait for the confirmation from the website. As soon as your application and details are scanned through, you will receive the confirmation with other important details regarding the examination. It can take up to 5-7 business days to complete and get your applications approved.
Step 3: Preparation
There are several ways to prepare for PMP certification. One can start by studying examination content and understanding the important concepts. This can be achieved by using PMP study materials. Individuals also need to make sure to fulfill the criteria for the hours mentioned above. Further, you can take a practice exam and assess your progress.
Step 4: Schedule the examination
For this specific step, you can use Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE is a private organization that assists you with online exams. With nearly thousands of testing centers, it can prove to be a smooth addition to the process.
Step 5: Take the examination and reap the results
There are two options for taking the exam: either you can book an online examination or an in-person test in a center.
For fee structure in the first attempt, the examination fee in the US is $405 USD for members (Individuals who have taken membership from PMI), and for non-members, it is $555 USD.
For re-examination, $275 USD will be charged to members, and $375 USD will be charged to non-members.
PMP Examination details:
Exam Format: 180 questions
Question Type: Multiple choice
Passing Score: 60%
Domains of Questions: People (42%), Process (50%), and Business Environment (8%)
Conclusion
Management positions are going to soar in the upcoming times. The level of detailed work and commitment to stand in this position requires a person to have expertise and correct knowledge. Certification in PMP is exactly what you can pursue to upskill your current position and showcase your dedication in the field.
Completing this certification will help you stand out and differentiate yourself from the competition while landing superior opportunities.
If you are looking for a partner in the process of preparation and passing the examination successfully, then our experienced experts can help you at each step. For further information on our courses, visit Microtek Learning today.
