Advance Your Project Management Career with PMP Certification
Contributed by GreyCampus
How does PMP (Project Management Professional) certification provide a competitive advantage to project managers? Why do certified PMP professionals earn 25 percent more than non-certified project managers? While degrees like MBA are still relevant, PMP is a far more valuable, specialized, and targeted credential. Some organizations even use PMP certification as a criterion to filter their candidate pool. If you are looking for a career upgrade or an increase in your earning potential, PMP is your go-to certification.
What is PMP? PMP is a globally recognized credential administered by PMI (Project Management Institute). It is the gold standard in project management training that validates the project management skills of professionals. PMP certification training helps a candidate develop in-demand project management skills, increase their hands-on project experience, and expand their marketability.
A certified PMP professional is highly skilled in the following key domains:
- People – A good project manager requires soft skills to lead a project team and keep them motivated throughout a project’s lifecycle.
- Process – Process refers to the technical aspects of project management.
- Business Environment – A project manager has to align the project goals with organizational strategies.
Is PMP Certification Exclusively for Project Managers?
Though project managers are the primary beneficiaries of PMP certification, it is not exclusively meant for them. Program Managers, Delivery Managers, Project/Team Leaders, Consultants, Senior Executives, IT Managers, Project Team Members, PMO staff are other professionals who can leverage this credential.
What are the Prerequisites?
Cracking the PMP certification exam is no easy feat. The syllabus is vast, the exam is long, the subject areas are complex, and the competition is always high. But all certified PMP professionals would agree upon the fact that the attempt is totally worth it.
What makes you eligible to apply for the PMP certification exam?
- Education: Any four-year degree or a secondary degree is the basic educational qualification you need to apply for the examination. Your secondary degree could be an associate degree or a high school diploma.
- Experience: If you are a four-year degree holder, you need:
- 4500 hours of project experience
- 35 contact hours of project management
If you are a secondary degree holder, you need:
- 7500 hours of project experience
- 35 contact hours of project management
Why Should You Not Overlook the 35 Contact Hours Criterion?
According to PMI, 35 contact hours is a non-negotiable eligibility criterion to apply for the PMP exam. What exactly is a contact hour? A contact hour is simply one hour of formal PMP training. Online and traditional classroom instructions are two of the easiest ways to earn your contact hours.
Tips to Ace Your PMP Certification Exam in One Go
Here are some important tips to help you crack your PMP certification exam in one go:
- Create A Study Plan
Create a solid study plan for yourself that can act as the roadmap for preparation. Divide the syllabus into achievable goals, set timelines, schedule your study time, and most importantly, follow the schedule.
- Attend Simulated Tests to Assess Your Knowledge
Simulated tests are one of the quickest ways to analyze how well you have covered your topics. They can not only help you get accustomed to the exam environment, but they can also give you important lessons on how to utilize your time wisely.
- Choose a Training Program that Suits Your Learning Style
Your PMP training program should not just be a means to acquire your 35 contact hours. Make the most of it by acquiring valuable skills and knowledge that will help you crack your test. If you prefer direct engagement with your instructor and seek peer support, an instructor-led virtual training program is your best option.
- Attend PMP Bootcamp Trainings
Bootcamps are led by industry experts who facilitate an immersive learning environment. While self-paced learning definitely contributes to your exam prep, boot camps make a safe bet as they come with mentorship, expert guidance, and mock tests.
PMP certification is a matchless credential in the realm of project management. If you are keen on upgrading your career, now is the right time to start preparing for your PMP examination.
