PMP Certification

 

The PMP Certification is the Project Management Institute’s (PMI’s) world-recognized certificate you receive when you successfully complete the test, proving that you are a capable project manager. The Project Management Professional Certification doesn’t only prove that you have the education required to be an adequate project leader, but also the necessary experience to back up the theory that you have learned.

Why Get PMP Certification?

The main reason an experienced project manager would want to get this Certification is because he/she knows that his/her ability to lead teams successfully from the start to the end of a project is extremely valuable. By completing the test, executive employers are more likely to hire you, since it is objective proof that you possess all the qualities required to help their organization manage and run projects. Of course, no decent organization would simply hire you on the spot if you simply hold the Certification it simply increases your chances of being hired.

In the event that you are hired, getting a salary increase of 10% or more than your current salary project manager salary is not uncommon; the test itself is gruelling to say the least and to even sit the test requires at least 4,500 hours of leading and directing projects in an established company. With that in mind, the pay raise is understandable, if not expected. You may require 7,500 hours of experience leading and directing projects if you don’t have a four year degree in management or equivalent.

How To Get The PMP Certification

The test can be completed in one of two ways:

• It can be done online
• Paper test can also be done at a predetermined location

The cost to complete the test either online or offline differs depending on whether you are a member of the PMI or not. The fees to sit the test can be up to 60% higher if you aren’t a member (PMP Certification Cost for 2011). It also costs more to complete the test online, due to extra administrative fees that don’t have to be paid if you sit the test at a location that has always been set. However, if you are proactive about your career, missed the cut off date to sit the test at a location close to you and are confident that you can complete and pass the test with flying colors, the online option may not be such a bad idea.

How To Apply

You don’t have to be a member of the PMI to complete the PMP Certification. However, you do have to create an online account or print off a PMP application form. If you aren’t very familiar with the test and just what is involved with successfully completing it, visit the PMP Certification Requirements page to learn some tips from project managers who have successfully completed the test already.

As soon as you think you are ready, gauge your current level of knowledge by completing the PMP exampreparation, which can be found here. In an effort to keep the content relevant to the ever-changing face of project management, the test criteria have changed from August 31^st, 2011.