One of the most coveted of them all is the PMP® certification. But what is PMP® certification and why is it a big deal for some organizations seeking qualified applicants to add in their department? With so many PMI Certifications, you need to get your way around them to know exactly what type of certification you want to obtain and why you want to apply in the first place.

What Is PMP® Certification ?

Project Management Professional ( PMP )® certification is a widely-recognized certification for project managers and it is known around the industry. It is recognized around the globe so every organization is aware of the whole idea of PMP® certification.

What is PMP® certification when we talk about project management entirely? First off, it boosts the salary rate. Employees who obtain such certification also has other advantages such as improvements in their skills, an opportunity to have their skills and expertise to be recognized by PMI®, and expansion of market scope. A one-third of managers have PMP® certification and your manager is one of them. Chances are your projects are completed in a timely manner as well as you get to save resources in the long run.

There may be numerous certifications out there that everyone can avail, but what makes PMP® different from the rest? PMP® covers a more general aspect of project management. From the basics, down to the advanced knowledge obtaining a PMP®, certification doesn’t just fall into one specific spectrum. Having a PMP® certification means you have the opportunity to assess potential employees and moving up to a higher position will be a walk in the park.

Plus, employers are attracted by an applicant whose resume boasts of a PMP® certification. It is a concrete evidence that he or she has sufficient experience and knowledge in the world of project management. PMP® certified applicants have more advantage in the hiring process—it’s also a sigh of relief for the employers since they don’t need to train someone who’s already well-versed in this area.

Some people are asking if you need to be a project manager in order to be qualified for a PMP® certification. This is more about tasks contribution or leading a project rather than a designation proclaiming, “Hey, I’m a project manager, I oversee things here.” So the answer to that is, no. Anyone can be PMP® certified, provided that the tasks they executed have contributed to project management. This means the applicant has to lead a team in creating or operating a project or his or her outputs have been instrumental to the project’ success.

And that’s where experience requirements come in:

• The PMI requires an applicant to have 3 years of project management experience (4,500 hours leading projects) for those who have a 4-year degree and 5 years of experience in the same field (7,500 hours leading projects) for those who have a highschool diploma.
• Then there’s a 35-hour education in project management.

These experiences and the accompanying education must be documented and filled out in the PMP® certification application to determine if you are qualified for the exam.

What Is PMP® Certification When It Comes to its Benefits?

So you wonder, “what is PMP® certification at the end of the day? Is it worth it?” There are more benefits a person can attain once he or she becomes certified. Sure, it means that a boost in one’s career and every certification in the PMI roster share that advantage. Some of these PMP® benefits are:

• The capability to handle more complex and challenging projects
• Gives you more edge for applying to a higher position in the corporate ladder
• An opportunity to train new employees or team members that need skill development and enhancement
• Networking opportunity
• An experience that is significant in your career and future endeavors in the field of project management.
• Additional knowledge in project management, especially the advanced know-hows.
• Gives you more opportunities to explore innovative ideas for project creation, management, as well as strategies.
• Makes you more effective in leading and managing the team.

The advantages can be endless once you have acquired a PMP® certification, yet keep in mind that there is another side of the coin—that is requirements to fulfill even if you already obtained your certificate.

It can be frustrating to run around fulfilling these requirements and achieving what needs to be done, but no one says that journeys are meant to be taken with zero trial.

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

The post What is PMP® Certification and Why You Should Apply? 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 sixth and last article will show you an overview of the following practice questions and simulators for the PMP® exam. Below are some of the samples to help you how to prepare for the PMP® exam.

How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam: Being Ready

Keep in mind that PMI doesn’t specify the passing score of the PMP® exam. This makes it more nerve-wracking so studying and reviewing is essential before embarking on a PMP® exam.

So how to determine if you’re ready? How to prepare for the PMP® certification exam if you are thinking twice of your readiness? Even when you finished answering the sample questions of the mock PMP® exam, how do you determine if you are fully prepared? Think about the 85% rule; in other words, you need to get at least a score of 85% in the sample questions. If you consistently get that score, then it means you are ready to take the PMP® exam.

Sample and Mock Questions

So you have successfully created your own practice tests during your PMP® exam review but it doesn’t mean that you get the exact same questions in the actual PMP® exam. Remember that PMP® exam is not your usual simplified type of tests; it’s a 4-hour session with 200 multiple questions and your memorization skills might seem less of a hero in this situation. The questions within these multiple exams include short scenario-based questions, questions based on your knowledge and formula-based questions, as well as interpretive questions. Answer wisely, since each answer has their corresponding consequences and rewards.

Scenario-based questions:

Some of the questions in this field tend to be long, so make sure that you are reading the questions and all the answers properly. You also need to comprehend them clearly to choose the most significant and relevant answer. It’s all about eliminating irrelevant answer and coming to an ultimate answer.

Formula-based questions:

When we hear formula, we automatically think that it involves crunching numbers and other mathematical data—it’s actually more than that. There 49 PMP® formulas you need to learn and know, from probability to depreciation. This type of question is not just being knowledgeable with the formula—you need to perform the calculations as well.

Knowledge-based questions:

This is the part of the PMP® exam where you start to brush up your knowledge with the PMBoK® Guide. This field contains questions in regards to PMBoK® Guide processes and identification of charts, graphs or diagrams such as the Pareto chart.

Interpretational questions:

This PMP® exam question tests your ability to conclude a question or situation.

Specific Technique questions:

The test will provide you a series of diagrams and from there you have to give a component that corresponds the said diagram.

There are more available PMP® exam sample questions, though you have to tread carefully since some of these questions are too complicated and might overwhelm what you have covered during your PMP® exam review.

How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam by Immersing Yourself with the PMP® Simulators

PMP® Exam Simulators

Besides the mock exam questions, how to prepare for the PMP® exam can also be done through PMP® exam simulators. This means subjecting yourself to the same environment of an actual PMP® exam.

You can find these simulators online, but be wary of the issues of credibility. When you buy one, make sure they have the following:

1. A simulator that won’t put a hole in your wallet or bank account

No one is that keen to spend on a product which price goes through the roof—on the other hand, affordable doesn’t always guarantee a quality product. Do your own survey and compare products, reviews, and prices.

2. Verify that your simulator is based on the PMBoK® Guide

Is your online simulator legible as what they claim to be? Ensure that the following questions and hints in your online PMP®exam simulator are similar or related to the PMBoK® Guide.

3. Ask the right questions

The most important question to ask when you are buying a simulator is if it’s written or developed by certified PMP®s and if the questions are aligned with the guide. The PMI actually seeks volunteer project managers to write and review the exam questions.

4. Look for an online PMP® exam simulator that lets you review the questions

This will help you focus on the key parts of the PMP exam such as Knowledge Areas and Process Groups found in the PMBoK® Guide. Ensure that you can access the simulator’s exam for 60 days in order to double review everything.

5. Opt for a simulator that is tendered PMI Registered Education Providers (REP)

It’s better to be safe than sorry. Ensure that the product you’re after has the REP’s seal of approval to ensure you are using is comprehensive and credible.

So what about you? What do you do to prepare for the PMP® exam? Now that you have compiled everything you need to take the PMP® exam, double check them so you won’t end up getting lost. Good luck!

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

The post How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam: Practice Questions and Exams (Part 6) 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.

How to prepare for the PMP® exam in the project management way is easier since you already have the basic knowledge of the field. This article will cover just that.

Some Things to Keep in Mind—How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam Using the Project Management Route and How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam Using the Approaches You Have Already Known

Preparing a study plan that is almost similar to a project plan isn’t that complicated as one thinks. Just like starting out a project, your study plan should have the timeframe, mission, and daily or weekly goals to help you keep on track while preparing for your PMP® exam.

How to prepare for PMP® exam should be a breeze. And with building your study plan with the applications of a project plan organizes your goals and a list of terminologies and other data that you will encounter in the PMP® credential exam.

So what are the specific details to include in your study or review plan? It’s still up to you, but this article will give you the most important components that should be present in your plan so that you won’t end up pulling your hair preparing for the PMP® exam.

How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam—Components for Your Review Plan

The following components below will help you how to prepare for the PMP® exam using project management-based approaches. You don’t need to include all you have encountered during your project management days—infusing some elements on your study plan will help you study better and prepare with less hassle for your PMP® exam.

Evaluate Your Mission

Preparing for the PMP® exam means you have to be motivated enough to determine what will drive you to get that certification.

Ask yourself how this certification will affect your overall welfare; your job, your life, even your financial status. When you have a clear goal in mind, this is where you will fully understand what PMP® certification really means to you.

Build a Day to Day Study Schedule

PMP® exams take time and you have to think about the same thing for your test review as well. Devote your time and free your calendar to build your own daily study schedule so you are well-prepared for the exam. Don’t forget to prepare your study materials as well. Ensure that you find a quiet spot to study with zero distractions.

Create a goal in mind. Say, how many pages are you planning to review today? Don’t just study non-stop—take a break once in a while so you can approach your review again with a fresh mind.

Facilitate a Weekly Goal

This will help you monitor your goals that you have fulfilled from your daily goals. If you devote 3 or 3 hours studying the PMBoK® Guide, you will be able to finish one chapter for a week. This will give also give you more chance to test yourself with the practice PMP® exams.

Keep track of your progress by jotting it down or create a graph to represent how far you have come. It is up to you at this point, provided you update them show there are changes present.

Find a Place to Study

Find a place where you are comfortable and won’t get distracted by noise or people. A coffee shop is a good place to study, but if you are easily distracted by people, then this is not an ideal place to review. Assess yourself and your preference in terms of environment and atmosphere.

Preparing for a PMP® exam should have zero distraction; this means no TV show marathons while studying or sneak chat with a friend on Facebook or Skype. Put your whole focus for preparing for the PMP® exam—the chat and Game of Thrones binge watching can wait.

Mind the People

A lot of people will be affected with your schedule especially you have your schedule full in preparing for the PMP® exam; this includes your friends and family. Let them know when you’re free so you at least get to spend time with them. Make them understand how the PMP® exam and certification is important to your career growth and development.

Learn How to Adapt

Changes are inevitable and your schedule and plan are no exceptions. Learn to adapt to these changes and make the necessary solutions in case you come across with issues. Ensure that these changes won’t disrupt your PMP® exam preparation.

So those are the important components to keep in mind while preparing for your PMP® exam. Makes sure to remain consistent with it so as not to lose track of your progress. The fourth article will tackle the study materials you can use during your review session.

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

The post How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam: The Study Plan (Part 3) appeared first on Management Square.

After the eligibility check, it’s time to fill out and submit an application. The nine-page application can be daunting to fill, but keep in mind that it’s essential to make you qualified for the next round of PMP® exam. The following details you will provide must be clear and specific. You cannot afford to be vague in your application; so ensure that you have are well-prepared with your answers.

How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam When You Find the Application Too Long and When You Are Pressed for Time

You don’t need to finish the application within that day. Sometimes it even takes weeks for the application to finish it some candidates never get to the end of it. Hence, their chances to obtain that sought-after PMP® exam or certification have passed them by.

If you want to bag that PMP® exam and that credential, you need to have all the time and devote them solely on filling out the application. Sounds complicated? Below are the following steps on how to prepare for the PMP® exam without the headaches and time chasing.

The Steps to Take and How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam with Less Stress and Pressure

Step 1: Obtaining the PMP® Exam Application

The first step to take on how to prepare for the PMP® exam is to get the application and start filling it out. Time is of the essences so once you have successfully submitted the following requirements, you immediately fill out and pay the form.

PMI suggests doing an online application for convenience sake. You can download the form and you are going to complete it within 90 days.

The application is divided into three sections where you state your contact information, educational attainment and information, and your company or industry. You have to indicate your project management experiences in the second section and contact hours in the third section.

The second section is more time-consuming from the rest since you have to give an in-depth description of your experiences from the duration, down to projects you have worked on, lead, or directed.

To make this process easier, compile all these experiences using Experience Verification Worksheet to make the details more organized and less time-consuming.

Step 2: The Waiting Game

Once you submit your application, you have to wait for the feedback while the panel reviews it. An offline application takes 10 days to be reviewed. The PMI panel will let you know if your application needs more details or you won’t be able to complete it.

Step 3: Pay the necessary fees

After the PMI panel confirms your application, they will let you know via e-mail the fees for the PMP® exam. They won’t provide you the exam schedule until you have paid these fees. Once you settled that, they are going to inquire of your preference—whether you want to take the PMP® exam offline or online. They will ask you if you need additional assistance such as a language translator tool or visual or audio accessibility.

Step 4: Ensure that you are prepared for a random audit

The PMI runs random audits to ensure the eligibility of the candidate; hence your application must undergo one. As long as you are prepared, you have nothing to worry about. The panel will inform you if your application is subjected to the audit. You have a total of 90 days to fulfill your audit requirements such as your certificate copies of your 35 contact hours.

You should also prepare other documentation that is related to your project management experiences such as e-mails, meeting agenda and plans.

If there’s one thing you must not do, is being dishonest with your application. Avoid exaggerating some of the details because the PMI will definitely find out that you are not entirely truthful of your claims.

Your contacts or referrals will help you verify the following information you fill out in your audit. So catch up with them and ask if the following data is correct. That way, they will vouch for your claim once the PMI starts investigating and inquiring.

Step 5: Prepare your PMP® exam schedule

The PMI panel will now notify you that you are eligible for the PMP® certification exam once they have reviewed everything. You have a year to take this exam and can retake it more than twice should you fail to pass it.

A testing service called Prometric is in charge of the PMI exams; you can check for the nearest Prometric in your area and look for the dates that will accommodate your schedule. Keep in mind it takes weeks, or even months for Prometric to provide you with the exam, so you have to book one in advance. An earlier booking also means you get to focus on studying for the PMP® exam.

Now that you are settled with the additional requirements and scheduling for your PMP® exam, it’s time to build a study plan—the project management way– which you will find in the next article.

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

The post How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam: The Application (Part 2) appeared first on Management Square.

Yet with a lot of certifications and credentials emerging nowadays, it is easy to get confused in deciding which ones are essential and are actually worth pursuing.

For project managers, the PMP® or Project Management Professional certification is recognized across the world. It validates a project manager’s skills and experience in leading and implementing projects. Being PMP® certified exposes you to a big network of project management professionals where you can gain fresh ideas on project management techniques, best practices and current trends.

But does PMP® really add value to your profile? Why do you need to invest your time and effort in taking the PMP® certification?

While there is no definite correlation between being PMP® certified and being able to successfully manage projects, companies value PMP® certification as a basis in showcasing a project manager’s ability to observe strictly defined processes in project implementation which is a very valuable skill in any workplace.

With a lot of new graduates joining the workforce, competition is really tough in the field of project management. Employers are likewise becoming more and more critical in choosing the right candidate. A PMP® certification is the one credential that will surely make your resume attractive to these employers. In fact, many recruiters now include PMP® in the elimination process of their applicants.

Moreover, in order to pass the PMP® exam, you need to have an in depth knowledge of the rules and processes set in the PMBoK® Guide (Project Management Book of Knowledge). This is another good reason why PMP® certification can pump up your profile, PMP® certification is an indication of a solid foundation in project management. It signifies you have sufficient knowledge in the five major process groups in project management which are – Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling and Closing the project. In relation to this, it has identified that project managers without PMP® certifications are more likely to submit delayed projects which are also oftentimes over the budget.

PMP® certification can make a huge difference especially if you are in cities where project management is highly sought after. This is where being PMP® certified is really valuable. It helps you to stand out among many other project managers.

Indeed in so many ways, PMP® certification increases your career opportunities and enhances your project management skills. So if you are seeking for professional advancement in your project management career, taking the PMP® exam might be worth your investment of time and effort. It certainly adds value to your profile as a project manager.

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

The post Why Being PMP® Certified Adds Value To Your Profile? 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.

However, taking the PMP® exam requires that you satisfy specific guidelines which measure your education, experience and professional knowledge in project management.

You need to have three to five years of experience, depending on your educational background, as a project manager. You must also have an accumulated 4,500 to 7,500 hours spent in leading projects. You can refer to the PMI credentials handbook to get more details on the aforementioned requirements. It is also very important to read and understand the PMBoK® – Guide (Project Management Book of Knowledge) which sets the terminologies and standards in project management in order to pass the 200 item exam which you need to complete in four hours.

As you can see, the cost of getting the PMP® certification is neither easy nor cheap, but once you achieve it you will feel that it is really worth pursuing.

PMP ® certification benefits your management career in 4 key ways:

• PMP® Certification makes you stand out:

There are already a lot of project managers joining the workforce. Becoming PMP ® certified sets you apart from a pool of project leaders. It sends your profile to the spotlight making you more salable to prospective employers or clients.

• PMP® opens opportunities to bigger projects:

Becoming PMP® certified enhances your credibility so you will attract more clients. The certification validates your proficiency in leading and directing projects so you will gain your employer’s trust in managing bigger and complex projects.

• PMP® Certification will continue to enhance your management skills:

The PMP® exam gages your knowledge in leading projects. To pass the exam you need to be well versed in the five project management process groups and the ten Knowledge areas. When you are already PMP® certified you will get linked to a wide network of other project management professionals where you can have access to what’s the latest and current in the industry. You will be able to participate in community discussions sharing new ideas and best practices in managing projects.

• PMP® increases your salary:

PMP® certified professionals are paid higher compared to those who are not. With a PMP® title in your resume, you can gain advantage in handling bigger projects.

Earning a PMP® credential is indeed a great way to step ahead in your management career. It opens doors to incredible opportunities in the IT industry. The road to achieving this credential may not be easy, but looking at these benefits make the journey all worth it.

Besides, there are already a lot of study materials available to help increase your chances of passing the exam. You can join forums, blogs and seminars. You can also take part in boot camps to prepare yourself for the exam. Just put your best effort forward, great benefits await you.

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

The post The Benefits of Becoming a PMP® Certified appeared first on Management Square.