But first off: Why the need for a certification? Management-based jobs within an organization feel the need for applicants to obtain certifications that will help them determine if the former’s management skills and capabilities will live up to their expectations. Some organizations prefer applicants to have certifications attached on their resume, rather than who’s already experienced in the field of management.

Certification has since been then a go-to edge for aspiring managers and this has been made possible by PMI, a nonprofit organization that provides such management certification, as well as standards such as the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK® Guide) that includes the project management principles and best practices.

You will get perks of being a PMI member including discounts on certifications, a PMBoK® Guide, and digital standards.

If you want to amp up your management game, then PMI is the best place to do so. PMI and its affiliated organizations are responsible for assisting people with research, education, and other management-related opportunities. And there are more selections of management certifications to choose from.

PMI Certifications : Choosing the Right PMI Certification for Your Career

Below are the following PMI certifications to help you boost your career or skills or if you’re aspiring to climb to the top of the management ladder. Some management certifications have certain requirements so ensure that you have prepared one. All applicants must undergo an exam for all types of certifications.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®

This is the PMI’s entry-level certification or inexperienced applicants who are up or a project management career. Obtaining the CAPM® certification shows that you comprehend the aspect of project management, its terms, as well as its procedures.

Requirements:

High school diploma or associate’s degree or equivalent, with project experience of 1,500 hours or a project management education of 23 hours.

Project Management Professional (PMP)®

The Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is considered to be the most well-known and sought after PMI certifications globally. One of the benefits of the PMP® certification is an increase in salary and networking opportunities.

Requirements:

• High-school diploma or associate’s degree or equivalent
• Project management experience of 5 years, plus 7.500 hours leading or directing projects.
• Project management education of 35 hours

Or

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Project management experience of 3 years, plus 4,500 hours leading or directing projects
• Project management education of 35 hours

Program Management Professional (PgMP)®

Next to the most coveted certification is the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. This is for program managers who can tackle multiple projects at the same time, all the while achieving the required benefits.

Requirements:

• Highschool diploma or associate’s degree or equivalent
• 4 years of project management experience with 7 years of experience in program management

Or

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• 4 years of project management experience and 4 years of program management experience
• All experiences mentioned must be gained in a span of 15 years.
• Applicants must also pass their application indicating their experiences that are then reviewed by a panel.

Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)®

The Portfolio Management Professional certification is for the working in the portfolio management, aligning and governing projects and programs with the the organizational objectives and business priorities.

Requirements:

• Highschool diploma or associate’s degree or equivalent
• 7 years of experience in portfolio management

Or

• Bachelor’s degree
• 4 years of experience in portfolio management
• All applicants must have business experience of at least 8 years

PMI – Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®

This is for practitioners who are knowledgeable of the agile principle of project management, as well as strategies and tools.

Requirements:

• 2,000 hours of experience in project management
• 1,500 hours of agile experiences, with 21 hours training in agile principles
• The experiences in project team must be gained prior within 5 years, while agile-focused experiences must be gained in 3 years.

PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)®

PMI-RMP® certification is ideal for candidates who plan, manage, analyze, and control project risk procedures and strategies.

Requirements:

• Highschool diploma or associate’s degree or equivalent
• Project risk experience, of 4,500 hours, with project risk management education of 40 hours

Or

• Bachelor’s degree
• Project experience of 3,000 hours, with project risk management education of 30 hours.

PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)®

This is for individuals who maintain projects schedules and ensure the project doesn’t run out of resources.

Requirements:

• Highschool diploma or associate’s degree
• 5,000 hours of scheduling projects and 40 hours of education in project scheduling

Or

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• 3,500 hours of project scheduling experience, with 30 hours of project scheduling education

PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)®

The PMI-PBA® certification serves as an aid to help close the project requirement gap that is often the major factor of project failure issues. Individuals obtaining this certification have all the elements needed in order ti implement projects and bring them towards success.

Requirements:

• Highschool diploma or associate’s degree or equivalent
• Business analysis experience of 7,500 hours, project team experience of 2,000 hours, and business analysis education of 35 hours

Or

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Business analysis experience of 4,500 hours, project team experience of 2,000 hours, and business analysis education of 35 hours

Note: All experiences must be acquired within 8 years.

Renewing Your Certifications

Renewal of certificates is always available. CAPM® certification lasts up to 5 years, while the rest is a solid duration of 3 years. However, certificate holders must take another test to renew their CAPM® credential.

Maintenance requires earning 30 to 60 PDUs within a given period. PMI-ACP®, PMI-RMP®, and PMI-SP® certification require 30 PDUS and 60 for PMP®, PgMP®, PfMP® and PMI-PBA® certifications.

PMI Certification — Getting Ready for the Road Ahead

Certifications and Careers

More and more organizations are seeking employees who have certifications under their belt. As the business industry grows, so is the evolution of project and program management. And this also means the need for more prospective employees who are well-versed with the language shared within the hierarchy of management industry.

Individuals who obtain the entry-level certifications CAPM® or the darling of the crowd PMP® can start as project managers. You will also find working in PMI are coordinators, schedule managers, and directors in the field of project management.

PMI-ACP® certified individuals on the other hand often find themselves working as Scrum experts or agile project managers.

PgMP® and PfMP® professionals can be typically managing or implementing portfolio and program strategies. Regardless of what type of certification you have obtained, you will have a wide array of multiple project or program-based careers to choose from.

PMI, CAPM, PMP, PgMP, PfMP, PMI-RMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-PBA  and PMBok are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post PMI Certifications : Your Guide to a Newly-Paved Career Path appeared first on Management Square.

Project Management Certification—A Boost in Career

Almost every activity that is running within the department of an organization is a project—for developing strategies to delivering products or services to the clients or stakeholders, project management is the prime approach to making all that possible.

That is why more organizations need an individual who is not only an expert in managing projects but well-versed in the area as well. Someone who can live up to the expectations of the clients and who understands the business case of the project he or she oversees.

And that’s where the certifications have become readily available for individuals who want to add a project management certification in their credentials, as well as boost their skill set. Such certification will help you become more in-depth with the project management processes, as well as tasks such as scheduling, controlling, and implementing.

Selecting Your Project Management Certification

There are numerous project management certifications to choose from according to your needs and preferences. The Project Management Institute (PMI)® provides a wide array of project management certifications to cater to the needs of prospective candidates looking to boost their career or build one from their existing job endeavor. Each of the certifications covered in this article has different features and all of them require an exam and a set of other requirements to be qualified for the said exam. Below are the most sought-after project management certifications.

Project Management Professional (PMP)®

One of the most common projects management certifications in the PMI, PMP® provides all the things you need to acquire in terms of knowledge and skills in managing projects, as well as time, cost, and scope constraints. Furthermore, this is where all the basic skills are which is essential for those who want to enhance or create a new skill set in project management.

Requirements: 

Candidates must have a high school diploma with a project management experience of 5 years, 7,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of education in the same area.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree are also qualified, provided that they 3 years of project management experience, 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours’ project management education.

How much will it cost me?

Online exams cost a total of $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members. If you opt for a paper-based exam, you need to rack up $250 if you are a PMI member and if you are not, it will cost you $400.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®

CAPM® is the pre-requisite of PMP® and it aims to provide a more advanced skill set and knowledge to aspirants who want to move further to the project management ladder. If you are up for a rather slightly treacherous path towards becoming certified, then CAPM® is the right certification for you.

Requirements:

A high school diploma or equivalent accompanied with project management experience of 1,500 hours or a project management training of 23 hours.

How much will it cost me?

Non-members of the PMI will need to pay $300, PMI members only get to cough up $225.

CompTIA Project+

Considered to be the first step towards the CAPM® ladder, CompTIA surveys feedback from an organization such as academics, government unit or computing resources to plan the certification.

Requirements:

Requirements for the CompTIA are less strict; a year of managing and working on small and medium projects are the only requirements needed for this certification.

How much will it cost me?

The CompTIA costs $269

Master Project Manager (MPM)®

This particular certificate is outlined after the same certification of lawyers, doctors, and engineers, as well as working in the aviator industry. MPM caters to experience project management but also inclines to business and technical jobs.

Requirements: 

Applicants must have at least 3 years of project management experience and education. Candidates with a master’s degree and military and project professionals are also legible for MPM certification.

How much will it cost me?

Application, review, and overall processing cost a total of $300. This also covers the certification.

Certified Project Manager (CPM)®

Known around the world, CPM concentrates different skill set such as marketing, information technology, communication, and human resource, and risk management.

Requirements:

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or above or any global-recognized accreditation. You are also legible if you have a professional certification with project or program management experience of 4 years, CPM contact hours of either project or program management, and must pass the required CPM exam.

How much will it cost me?

Certification is $370. Both the annual and renewal fee cost $70 each.

Project Management in IT Security (PMITS)®

The PMITS certification was born from the terrorist attack of 9/11 to acknowledge the issues regarding cybercrime, as well as security and information of the countries. The certification’s purpose is to provide aspirants to execute IT security within their organizations and projects.

Requirements:

An education that is related to security and at least two years of experience in information security. The following aspirants can also attend an EC training program before pursuing the exam.

How much will it cost me?

The PMITS course is $250

Associate in Project Management (APM)®

The APM certification program also aims to cater to applicants and project managers who want to work on an entry-level credential.

Requirements:

Unlike other certification, APM only requires a Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) body of knowledge.

How much will it cost me?

The certification is $300.

Professional in Project Management (PPM)®

The PPM® certificate caters to intermediate and advanced project managers who work in crisis management, as well as the day to day tasks in the same domain.

Requirements:

Education or formal training are not mandatory; candidates must have at least experience in the project management field in order to pass the exam and GAQM body of knowledge course.

How much will it cost me?

This certification will cost you an amount of $300

Certified Project Director®

It is the highest project management certification and is designed for project managers involved in implementing and directing two or more projects and focusing on managing scope, managing teams, and evaluating and minimizing risks in order to deliver the projects successfully.

Requirements:

A GAQM body of knowledge, as well as an online course, is required to obtain the certification. Applicants must be also knowledgeable with project management methods and they must pass the PPM exam or an equivalent to that.

How much will it cost me?

A fee of $300 is needed for this certification.

Obtaining Project Management Certification Can Found Everywhere

Besides the PMI, academic institutions or universities also offer different types of certifications, as well as training or education to help an aspirant with their PDUs or contact hours.

You can also ask your local universities, colleges, or training centers for available programs and seminars towards certification qualification.

CAPM, PMP and PMI are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post Your Guide to Project Management Certification appeared first on Management Square.

The fifth part of the six-series PMP® exam preparation article covers how to prepare for the PMP® exam using certain guidelines or tips and tricks to help you be less stressed with the process of PMP® exam preparation. Gone are the days of cramming studies—leave those styles to high school and college kids.

Tips and Tricks : How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam In Just Four Easy Steps ?

If you are the type of person who tends to get to what he or she studied, don’t fret studying is not all about memorizing, but rather understanding things by heart. Understanding the information will embed more into your memory rather than going back and forth with the terminologies.

Some exam takers create their own keywords, key phrases or set acronyms that will help them understand the information better. However, not everyone is well-versed with this particular technique.

There is always a basic methodology and PMP® exams have one too, especially when it comes on an applicant way of preparation. And these methods are in a form of steps that will help you study efficiently without the cramping and headache.

Here are the following simple steps on how to prepare for the PMP® exam.

Step 1: Map it Out

Create a roadmap of what you are about to tackle before you start studying. Think of it as tracking a project—you have to run checks and reviews with your materials as well as information provided by your PMBoK® Guide and other study resources. This will make the following information more organized.

Step 2: Think About Your Motivation

That knowledge won’t go into your head and your PMP® exam preparation will simply be just a dust in the wind if you are not motivated enough to take the PMP® certification. Ask yourself what drives you to take this PMP® exam and what it really means to you and your career. Pinpointing a specific reason for taking the PMP® exam will help you see that reward clearly.

Step 3: Read and Inquire

Be an active reader by coming up with your own set of questions. Test yourself by plucking out information from your reading materials and create PMP® exam-related questions out from it. Keep reading. Enrich your mind with the constant flow of information.

Step 4: Learn to Break Down Your Timetable

Say you only have 6 hours to devote to your studies, but there are too many resources to cover and too many workshops to attend. Break these hours into smaller hours. For example, devote 3 hours with one reading material and 2 hours of the other, and so on. Managing your time as this point is essential since you need to acquire all the learning and review you need in preparation for the PMP® exam.

Tips and Tricks : How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam Via the PMBoK® Guide

So how to prepare for the PMP® exam when you have a lot of resources and almost pressed for time to study your PMBoK® Guide? The guide shouldn’t be intimidating—it should be an efficient assistant in your studies while preparing for your PMP® exam. However, some applicants are overwhelmed with the information overload so the get lost in the sea of time pressure.

Studying the PMBoK® Guide doesn’t have feel like climbing Mt. Everest. First off, study the guide every week. Study the same topic in your other resources. They might not be exactly the same, but at least you get to see all the angles from a different point of view. This will sharpen your comprehension skills.

Don’t underestimate the power of reading and understanding. If you continuously read the guide with intent concentration, you will likely absorb a lot of information. Rather than opting for memorization, you will likely remember what you’ve read while in the middle of the PMP® exam. Keep in mind that you also need to study the dynamics and disciplines of the PMBoK® Guide. This is very important since it will likely come out in the PMP® exam.

Don’t forget to track your progress so you won’t end up studying the same topic all over again.

Understanding is one of the main factors when studying for a PMP® exam. It doesn’t mean understanding the terminologies, but the significant components of PMP® and PMBoK® Guide as a whole. The next article (and the last one) will help you prepare for the PMP® exam, this time with sample or practice questions.

PMI, PMP and PMBoK are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam: Tips and Tricks for Studying (Part 5) appeared first on Management Square.

Project management skills are probably one of the most coveted and well-known areas by IT professionals and career-seekers. And it doesn’t limit to one job domain—every type of company you go to, you will definitely find yourself surrounded by preferences from the higher-ups when it comes to skills—and project management is on the top of their list.

That being said, more and more job applicants want to stand out from the rest by obtaining credentials that will help them boost their chances of being hired. And the PMP® exam is one of the solutions to that. A PMP® certification will give more opportunities for candidates in terms of experience and knowledge. Undergoing a PMP® exam means preparation. This article is the first of how to prepare for the PMP® exam series and securing your eligibility to be a candidate.

Everyone is eligible to take the PMP® exam. The only thing to keep in mind here is to ensure you have all the requirements and are qualified for one. All of these will be covered by the first series of this article.

Are You a Qualified Candidate? How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam Once You Have All the Said Requirements

How to prepare for the PMP® exam doesn’t have to be a daunting task. As long as you have all the requirements listed below, you are on the road towards eligibility. On the other hand, you need to have a formal training or education, as well as experience in the field of project management. The PMP® Credential Handbook has all the list of requirements and qualifications that you can actually download from the web. Below are the following basic requirements for eligibility:

• Candidate must four-year degree or equivalent and have an experience of management for at least 3 years. The candidates must spend a maximum of 4,500 hours within that 3-year duration leading projects. They should also be required to have a 35-hour education in the same area.

• In case the candidate doesn’t have a degree, he or she can submit a high school diploma or equivalent with at least 5 years experience in project management. There should be a 7,500-hour experience within that 5 years and 35 hours of education in the same field.

How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam : It Involves Time

If you are pressed for time (or not time at all), then you have to think twice about taking the PMP® exam. You need all the time to devote yourself from both what they call as experience and contact hours. So what do these terms mean exactly? Experience hours mean the word itself, the duration you spent on leading and managing projects. The candidate doesn’t have to be a project manager in that field—as long as he or she did relevant tasks in project management she is legible for the PMP® exam, provided he or she fulfills the required hours.

The following candidates should also have experiences in project initiation, monitoring, tracking, and planning or processing. The online application is limited to 500 characters in which candidates must state and describe their significant tasks and experiences in project management.

Contact hours, on the other hand, refer to the hours the candidate or applicant has spent in project management training or education. It doesn’t matter if you took it online or in a school or classroom.

The PMI Membership Matter

No, you don’t need to be a PMI member in order to avail of the PMP® exam. However, it has its own benefits. PMI members have discounts in their PMP® exam cost and they will also receive a copy of the PMBoK® Guide.

The next article will tackle the advantages of basic knowledge on how to prepare for the PMP® exam.

PMI, PMP and PMBoK are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam: Securing Your Eligibility (Part 1) appeared first on Management Square.

From the exam down to its preparation, PMP® certification cost is serious business and others will see at as an investment and they don’t mind racking the money to be PMP®-certified. Some applicants opt to be members of PMI to avail the benefits such as discounts in PMP® exam. If you are on a tight budget, you can consider giving it a go.

How PMP® Certification Cost Is Worth It?

There are other means to be able to obtain the same style of PMI if you are not up to be a member. You can opt to go under a training from PMP® expert, but you still have to think about the cost that comes with it. However, the benefits are basically almost as similar for PM memberships.

Training or undergoing coaching is one of the best methods an applicant does to prepare for a PMP® exam. Such training is readily available for both member and non-members of the PMI.

Speaking of cost; it has its own impact towards PMP® certification. The PMP® certification cost still varies, and it depends on the following elements:

• If the applicant is willing to become a PMI member.
• If the applicant resorts to self-study or take up a PMP® training or, 
• If the applicant is up to take the PMP® training with a trainer or coach.

PMP® Certification Cost with Boot Camp, and Self-Study

The PMI Membership

If you do want to have a go with PMI membership, then you have to keep track of the following cost—and the benefits—that come with it. There’s the discounted exam fee for every type of certification you want to take. In this case when you take a PMP® certification exam and if you are a member, the cost is $405 and for non-members, it will cost them $555. There’s also the matter of study and test materials and resources.

You can basically save $150 when you become a PMI member and you also have the liberty to access their exclusive resources such as the free copy of the latest edition of PMBoK® Guide. So when you are planning to take your PMP® exam, your PMP® Certification cost won’t be a heavy burden since you get to save a lot of money if you are a PMI member.

Once you are granted a PMP® certification, you can acquire of what they call PMP® Professional Development Units (PDU), free of charge. The renewal of the PMI membership equals to a cost of $129 a year.

The Self-Study Option

It’s really not necessary to do a self-study, but it can be useful when it comes to fulfilling the project management education requirement to apply for a PMP® certification. On the other hand, formal training or education is not mandatory if the applicant has an MBA or a business degree or equivalent if he or she desires to pursue the PMP® certification exam.

There is still cost involved if you opt for a self-study. In this case, study materials and resources such as PMBoK® Guide and other related books as well as online prep classes and reviews. The PMP® certification resources range up to $500. The downside of this approach though is you cannot acquire the same learning other applicants who do formal training or coaching in terms of interaction and knowledge from a PMP® expert or instructor.

A self-study prep is only ideal to those who are more well-versed in the academic domain and those who can easily navigate their way to these type of exams.

The Boot Camp

Interested applicants can also resort to a training called the PMP® Boot Camp to help them prep for a PMP® exam. Going to a boot camp is recommended to Project Management Experts or professionals. The applicants will get to choose from multiple training programs to help them boost their skills and expertise.

The following trainers undergo a series of assessment by the panel based on their expertise, experience, and skills. They are also undergoing interviews and need to demonstrate their skills that will qualify for the training.

The PMP® Certification cost for the boot camp is around $700 to $3,000.

So What Should I Choose?

The cost can be pretty overwhelming and it’s not cheap for sure. But if you want to resort to the following approaches but still hesitant to spend money, think of it as an investment. A PMP® certification has a lot of advantages other than the increase in salary; it will give you more networking opportunities and train new employees. The possibilities are pretty much endless. Carefully assess your situation and preference and ensure that you are ready for what type of approach you want to pursue. In this case, worry less of the cost and visualize your career growth.

PMI, PMP and PMBoK are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post The Concern with PMP® Certification Cost appeared first on Management Square.

Certification Requirements :

Three years have passed by since you earned your PMP® Certification. During that time you’ve honed your Project Management skills, progressed in your career and met some great people. To top it all off, you have kept up with your continuing certification requirements and met your minimum of 60 PDUs. But how will you keep it?

In order for you to satisfy the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) Program and maintain an active credential status individuals who have attained the PMP® (Project Management Professional) credential must accrue and report a minimum of 60 professional development units (PDUs) during each CCR cycle, which is typically 3 years, complete an Application for Certification Renewal and payment of the renewal fee, and reaffirm PMI’s Code of Professional Conduct.

Is this an automatic renewal process or is there more involved?

Yes. Continuing certification requirements should be. There are four criteria that must be met to maintain your status as a PMP®.

• Obtain 60 PDUs within the three-year certification cycle: Obtaining PDUs is really essential in keeping your continuing credential requirements moving forward. One of the best ways to proactively plan your PDUs is to get creative and leverage one PDU opportunity upon another. For example, if you attend a PMI Chapter Meeting you will earn 1 PDU in Category A. Why not piggy-back on that PDU opportunity by taking an active role as a volunteer at the registration desk? This will give you credit towards Category E PDUs as it counts towards volunteer service. You’ll be at the Chapter Meeting anyway, so it is a great opportunity to use your time wisely and get the most out of the evening.
• Complete the Application for Certification Renewal to get your continuing certification requirements going: The easiest way to renew your PMP® certification is online. Here’s what you will do:
• • Log in to your account at www.pmi.org.
  • In the left sidebar there is a Certification Status block. Click on Certification and Application Information.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will receive a message of whether you have accumulated the required number of Professional Development Units. If you do not have enough PDUs, you will need to take the steps necessary to acquire the required number of PDUs.
  • If you have received the required number of PDUs, click on Begin the Renewal Process and follow the step-by-step instructions that will allow you to finish the process.
  • Reaffirm PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and the PMI Certification Application/Renewal Agreement: this refers to the document that outlines the mission and values of the PMP® certified who are expected to approach every situation on an ethical manner.
  • Pay the Renewal Fee (currently $60 for PMI Members): this is part of your continuing certification requirements so make sure that your membership pay on time.

Three statuses:

You have three full years from the date you pass your PMP® exam to renew your certification to remain in Active Status. Always keep your continuing certification requirements updated. This allows you to continue to use the PMP® designation.

Always maintain yourself in “good standing”, is there a PMP®. But, if you find yourself past the active date of your continuing certification requirements and have not met it, you can no longer call yourself a PMP® until those continuing certification requirements have been met. Your continuing certification requirements might be considered in Suspended Status and the overdue continuing certification requirements must be met within one year of your certification date. If you slip past this one year grace period, your PMP® certification will be lost and you will need to start all over again.

In addition, there is also a Retired Status. Anyone who has had their PMP® Certification for at least 10 consecutive years and is no longer paid for their Project or Program Management services can apply for this status.

Every PMP® certified is expected to adhere to the continuing certification requirements. Your career is a journey, and you’ll need to stay relevant as the profession evolves and as the needs of employers grow and change that is why you need your continuing certification requirements updated. Maintaining your continuing certification requirements is a significant competitive advantage. It keeps you relevant and helps you better position yourself as the answer to what companies demand.

PMP is a registered trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post How to keep your PMP® Certification Active? appeared first on Management Square.

PRINCE2® and PMP® certifications are the most important certifications in project management. Getting to know them and their differences will help…

Certifications are now becoming valuable tools if you want to grow in your career. With so many certifications emerging in the IT industry, most project managers are having a tough time in deciding which certifications are actually worth pursuing. Depending on your career plans and the kind of project you are associated with, you need to be careful in choosing the right certifications to take, so as not to waste your time and resources. Aim for those that come from reputable sources and those that will truly help enhance your skills to meet the ever-changing demands of projects and employers across the world.

In project management, PRINCE2® and PMP® certifications are considered the most important certifications. Getting to know them and their differences will help you identify which one will suit your career needs.

PMP® and PRINCE2® certifications : Definition

• PMP® or Project Management Professional is a certification offered by the prestigious PMI or Project Management Institute. It is globally recognized and tests your knowledge in effective project implementation. Being PMP® certified is an indication that you have sufficient project management experience and education which is very sought after in the industry.

In addition, aside from the well-known PMP® other certifications offered by PMI are the following; PMI Agile Certified Practitioner ( PMI-ACP )®, Program Management Professional, PMI Scheduling Professional, Portfolio Management Professional, OPM3 Professional Certification, Certified Associate in Project Management ( CAPM )® which is the junior level of PMP® and PMI Risk Management Professional.

• PRINCE2® or Project IN Controlled Environment Certification is a standard developed and used by the UK government and is now widely recognized in different IT sectors, both in the UK and internationally. Currently, it is owned by AXELOS. It provides a systematic approach to project management. It provides a well-defined methodology that outlines in details the steps needed to complete the project. It uses tools like templates and charts to show the processes that should be followed in order to achieve successful project delivery. PRINCE2® also defines clearly the roles and responsibilities of each team members.

PRINCE2® is categorized into different levels namely; PRINCE2® Professional, PRINCE2® Agile, PRINCE2® Practitioner and PRINCE2® Foundation.

PMP® and PRINCE2® Certifications : Comparison

1. INDUSTRY DISTRIBUTION

One factor to consider before getting a certification is your area or location. You need to make a thorough research as to which certification in your area will increase your employability. Although PMP® and PRINCE2® are both globally recognized, there are some countries where PMP® is preferred than the latter.

PMP® is widely popular in the USA, Canada, Middle East and Australia while PRINCE2® is highly recognized in the UK, Australia and European countries.

2. SALARY PERSPECTIVE

Being a PMP® or PRINCE2® certified professional will benefit you primarily in your income. If you have a PMP® or PRINCE2® certification, this entitles you to a bigger salary compared to those who are not.

In the USA the average yearly salary of a certified PMP® is $105,000. Meanwhile, the average annual salary for PRINCE2® certified professionals is $77,540.

3. PMBoK® – Guide and PRINCE2® CONFLICT

 The knowledge of the PMBoK®-Guide or Project Management Book of Knowledge is the main focus of the PMP® exam. As such, to pass the PMP® exam you need to have in depth knowledge and understanding of the PMBoK®-Guide. Basically, PMP® focuses on the ‘How’ in project management. It deals with the terminologies, standards and skills necessary for a successful project delivery.

On the other hand, PRINCE2® is process-focused. It mostly answers the W questions – What, When, Who. PRINCE2® is primarily focused on the steps, methods, framework, and processes needed for a successful project execution.

Therefore, effective project managers should have both certifications. Having both certifications make you well-rounded enough to meet the demands of the project and the employers.

4. THE EXAM FORMAT

The PMP® exam is a 200-item multiple choice test. You will need to complete the exam in four hours. The exam is split into areas that deal with the five major project management process groups: Project Initiation, Project Planning, Project Execution, Project Monitoring and Controlling, and Project Closing.

The PRINCE2® exam type depends on the level. PRINCE2® foundation exam is a 75 multiple choice questions. You will need to finish the test in 60 minutes. The passing percentage of the exam is 50.

PRINCE2® Practitioner is a scenario based exam. There are only nine questions that you need to answer within 2.5 hours. The passing percentage is 55 percent.

5. THE PREREQUISITES

In order to qualify for a PMP® certification you need to have at least a secondary degree or equivalent associate program. If you are secondary degree holder you need to have a minimum of 7,500 hours of experience in managing projects. If you have a bachelor’s degree you need to have 4,500 hours of experience in managing projects. In both cases you should have 35 hours of formal project management education.

PRINCE2® exams do not have a predefined prerequisite. However, for PRINCE2® Practitioner exam you need to pass the PRINCE2® Foundation test first.

6. THE COST OF THE EXAM

To register for a PMP® exam you need to log on to the PMI website. The exam costs $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-PMI members.

The cost of PRINCE2® exam depends on the region where you will take the exam. Although usually for PRINCE2® Foundation the cost is around $365 and for PRINCE2® Practitioner it is $485.

7. CREDENTIAL MAINTENANCE

For you to maintain your PMP® credential you need to attain 60 PDUs or Professional Development Units every three years.

PRINCE2® certification does not need a renewal. However, for PRINCE2® Practitioner the certification is valid only for five years.

8. THE BENEFITS

The Advantages of being PMP® certified:

1. Bigger Paycheck. PMP® certified professionals have a higher salary compared to non-certified managers.
2. Enhanced Skills. Passing the PMP® exam requires that you have thorough understanding of the PMBoK®-Guide. PMP® helps equip you with knowledge and skills in efficient project management.
3. Networking Opportunities. Being PMP® certified will link you to other PMI members globally. This will increase your market scope, help you find better job opportunities and get bigger projects.
4. Recognition. PMP® certified professionals are recognized and trusted by employers. Their skills are sought after and their project ideas are much valued not only by the employers but also by other seniors and project team members and colleagues.

The advantages of being PRINCE2® certified:

1. Bigger Salary. PRINCE2® certified professionals have bigger pay especially in the UK.
2. Bigger Job Opportunities. PRINCE2® skills are much needed for easier and successful project execution which is valuable to employers.
3. Solid Project Execution Body of knowledge. Skills acquired from PRINCE2® enable you to be equipped with strong skills needed in project management. You will be knowledgeable in using different tools and techniques to better handle a project.

So as you can see, PMP® and PRINCE2® certifications are actually non-competing credentials. If you want to be a well rounded project manager you will benefit from the knowledge and skills you will reap from both certifications. Both certifications will accelerate your career and enhance your effectiveness as a project manager.

PMP and PMBoK are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

PRINCE2® is a registered trademark of AXELOS Limited.

The post PRINCE2® vs PMP® Certifications: 8 Important Differences appeared first on Management Square.

Getting the PMP® certification is not that easy though. First, in order to be eligible you need to satisfy the two basic requirements – project management experience and project management education. If you have a high school diploma, you need to have a minimum five years of project management experience with at least 7,500 hours spent in project management. If you have a bachelor’s degree, three years of experience is required with at least 4,500 hours spent in project management. Also, these experiences must have been accumulated within eight years prior to your application submission.

The PMP® certification is a 200-item multiple choice exam. You need to complete the test within four hours. As you can see, there are quite a lot to consider if you want to be PMP® certified. So you need to be well prepared to increase your chances in passing the exam.

Here are some helpful guidelines to help you pass the PMP® Certification Exam:

• Study Smart :
  

Studying at least three months prior to taking the exam is recommended. There are so many learning materials available – printed or online, that you can use for reference. Be sure to read the PMBoK® – Guide which contains the standard terminologies and guidelines for project management. Do not get too overwhelmed though by studying too hard. Study wisely by following a good study guide, follow a few PMP® blogging communities and join one or two forums to gain additional helpful insights.

• Choose your study materials wisely :
  

With so many PMP® certification study guides now available it is easy to get confused on choosing which one to consider. Ensure that you choose only the reputable PMP® learning materials, those that accurately follow the PMI set of standards and processes.

• Remember, it’s not about memorization!

You might be tempted to memorize the PMBoK® – Guide, but it is an awful waste of time. Rather, read and understand the guidelines and processes religiously. You need to get an in depth knowledge of the process and how to properly implement the processes in actual projects.

• Consider attending preparatory courses :
  

Although it might be an additional cost, joining boot camps and preparatory classes might be a wise idea. Boot camps provide you immersive training to give you an idea of what to expect during the PMP® exam. Joining boot camps increase your confidence so during the actual exam you are well prepared and less likely to panic.

It is already known that taking the PMP® exam is hard work; in fact many project managers fail on their first attempt. Yes, the PMP® certification may not be easy to achieve but it should be worth it. So before anything else, make sure to get enough preparation – it’s the key to success.

PMP and PMBoK are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post How to Pass the PMP® Certification Exam? appeared first on Management Square.

Obtaining the Project Management Professional certification will give you a high recognition for your Project Management skills and knowledge.

Project managers are expected to be well rounded people, and are knowledgeable on how to run a project. These professionals lead with confidence, manage the stakeholders, and engage themselves to successfully reach the project objectives. However, having the passion for work and being knowledgeable may not be enough in this world of ambitious people and stiff competition, a project manager must step up his game.

In order to become ahead of the race, project managers are encouraged to enhance their professional skills by taking the course: Project Management Professional Certification Preparation. Since almost everything is being run by Information Technology, adding a project management certification to the list of someone’s credentials is a great way to showcase your skills for potential employers and prove that you have a know how plan which you can also implement.

Project Management Professional Certification

The PMP® certification exam covers absolutely everything a project manager would like to know. This PMP® Certification will help you improve your skills and knowledge in managing constraints, time, cost and scope…

To pass the Project Management Professional certification exam, you need to fulfill one of the following requirements:

• Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent)
  • 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.
  • 35 hours of project management education.
• Four-year degree
  • 4,500 hours leading and directing projects.
  • 35 hours of project management education.

A person who would undergo this training will have to expect learning the following components of project management framework:

1. Initiating– Defining a new project or phase, identifying of goals and vision, and authorizing the start of the new project or phase.
2. Planning– Establishing the project scope, refining the project objectives, and define the project’s plans.
3. Executing– Implementation of the project activities according to the project’s plans.
4. Monitoring and Controlling– Supervising and tracking the entire project execution, reporting the project progress.
5. Closing– Finalizing all project activities to formally close the project.

Before you get a Project Management Professional certification training, you should also consider the following: First, you need to understand what PMP® is all about. This is best suited for those who already know they want to pursue a career in project management. Having a professional experience on handling projects will make it worthwhile. Next would be the cost, how much are you willing to spend for the entire training? Then would be the effort, how many hours are you willing to spend for studying?

What are the Benefits of getting a PMP® certification?

• You would be valuable to your employer. Employers need certified Project Management Professionals to complete their project on time, within the budget and meeting the original goals.
• It also signifies that you speak and understand the global language of project management and connects you to a community of professionals, organizations and experts worldwide.
• It will expose you to the mainstream on the project management standards, techniques, practices, and current trend.
• You will learn new tricks in doing your project management activities.
• It will serve as a proof of your professional ability.
• It will provide networking opportunities.
• It illustrates your personal drive to further your career.
• It can raise your salary. Yes, having Project Management Professional certification would make your salary significantly higher.
• It helps you to be distinguished against other project managers.

Getting a Project Management Professional certification is a big investment on time and money. If you want to become a good and effective project manager, this would be a best option for you to take it. This PMP® certification carries a high level of prestige within the project management community.

By obtaining Project Management Professional certification you would upgrade your skills. Most organizations are looking for a more systematic project management processes and there is a huge demand for professionals who have the substantial experience and skills in the field. It would also help you to be more in line with the industry and would make you feel more confident.

PMP is a registered trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post How to Clear the Project Management Professional Certification ? appeared first on Management Square.

Given all these considerations, a lot of project managers are wondering if getting a “PMP® Certification” is worth even a try.

PMP® Certification

“Nothing that’s worthwhile is ever easy.”

While it is true that being PMP® certified is never easy. It sure is very much worth it. Getting a PMP® certification opens a lot of opportunities for project management careers. More importantly, it enhances your career as a project manager.

Here are the reasons why PMP® certification can provide valuable advantages to your project management career:

First: PMP® certification enhances your skills

In order to pass the PMP® certification you need to have in depth knowledge of the PMBoK® – Guide processes. You need to go beyond simple understanding; you must be able to associate it to real project implementation. As a result, skill enhancement will become a by-product from your exam preparation.

Additionally, if you are PMP® certified you will get associated to fellow PMP® certified leaders where you can discuss and share tips and fresh ideas in directing a project. This gives you more exposure to the latest and trending project management strategies.

Second: PMP® certification is an avenue for career growth

With a PMP®, you will get more advantage in getting into complex and bigger projects. Your skills will be sought-after so promotion is not too far to achieve.

Third: PMP® certification provides networking opportunities

PMP® is internationally recognized making it easier for you to attain global opportunities in project management. The credential links you to other project management professionals in the world. This gives you access to a wide network of project management professionals through conventions and events increasing your networking opportunity. This will be another way to extend your learning and in finding better job opportunities.

Fourth: PMP® certification gives you more recognition

PMP® is a gold standard in the project management industry. The PMP® certifications indicates you have a strong foundation and experience in leading a project, making your skills valuable to the workplace. Hence, a PMP® title added to your resume make you more attractive to potential employers.

What’s more, many employers are now making PMP® certification as their basic qualification requirement, and therefore they will not hire non-certified project managers. Having a PMP® credential will certainly make it a lot easier to find a job in this highly competitive project management industry.

PMP and PMBok are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post How PMP® Certification Can Enhance Your Career? appeared first on Management Square.