PMP Certification: Take It or Not, and Why?

In a world full of competition, having a prestigious certification to back up your credential is no longer considered as an accessory but rather an essential. And one of the most recognized validations among project managers is Project Management Professional Certification or widely known as PMP Certification. An industry-valued certification from Project Management Institute (PMI), this highly-acclaimed, global designation is earned by project managers who demonstrate quality knowledge and skills for project management and fulfill international project management standards. And being part of a community of expert project managers is definitely a something to dream about. But of course, you can always make your dreams come true! So, let’s discuss what’s PMP Certification is all about, and is it worth the shot?

What is PMP Certification?

Dubbed as the gold standard in the field of project management, PMP Certification is offered by the world’s largest organization that verifies and validates project management expertise. Project management is never an easy job as it entirely corresponds to all vital phases of a project― initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and lastly, closure. Hence, getting a certification like PMP Certification not only implies a higher level of knowledge and competency but also a wide array of job opportunities. PMP Certification substantiates your understanding as well as capability in performing the project manager’s role.

Who Can Take The Exam?

PMP Certification is applicable for professionals with a secondary degree, 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education or four-year degree, 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education. PMI has set all these prerequisites to assure the quality of examinees. All eligibility requirements will then be submitted through PMI’s website. Other supporting documents may be required by PMI if deemed necessary for a random audit.

How To Earn PMP Certification?

In order to earn the reputable PMP Certification, you must pass the equally challenging and fulfilling PMP exam. The difficulty of the exam questions ranges from moderate to challenging, depending on the governing organization. Furthermore, earning such respectable certification also means nurturing it. Consequently, you will be responsible to continue your professional development by maintaining 60 PDU or Professional Development Units every three years.

How To Pass PMP Certification Exam?

Let’s begin with all the basic things you need to know about this exam. First, PMP Certification exam is a 4- hour, 200-item, multiple-choice exam. But before the exam preparation, you should also need to take into account the exam price, which is US$405 (member) and US$555 (non-member).

In order to pass this highly valuable and coveted exam, you must be 100% ready. Compared to other certifications, PMP exam questions are generated randomly that is why comprehensive understanding, as well as extensive vocabulary, is very crucial. And that is why it is advisable not to memorize PMP questions from previous years.

What Are The Best Study Materials?

There are plenty of study resources, as well as online training and practice exams that will make your preparation more efficient and effective. Here are the best study materials that will help you ace the exam.

PMBOK Guide

The most important study material that shouldn’t be missed is the ‘A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge’ or commonly known as the PMBOK Guide. The book establishes the guidelines and standard terminologies, used by project managers. With its significance in the field of project management, it is but very important to read and understand all the depths and scope noted in the book.

PMP Exam Prep by Rita Mulcahy

After reading the PMBOK guide, it’s time to test your understanding and vocabulary through the PMP Exam Prep book by Rita Mulcahy. This is an imperative book for PMP candidates to validate how well they understand the concepts and terminologies and assist them in filling their knowledge gaps. Also, this study resource features some possible PMP questions and answers that is why it is used by many.

35-hour Mandatory Training

Yes, you read it right. PMP Certification requires a mandatory 35-hour training. You have two options: the personal hands-on training or the online training. Whatever you choose, as long as you complete the required duration, it would be easier for you.

PMP Exam Simulator

Another valuable study option is the PMP Exam Simulator, which allows you to get a glimpse of the possible PMP exam questions. Using exam simulators from the website like Avanset, make studying and testing your understanding more convenient, especially that PMP exam questions 2018 aren’t the same as the previous years. Consequently, this will be a great PMP practice exam.

What are the Job Opportunities?

Luckily, all your efforts and sacrifices will not be put to waste once you get to earn the PMP Certification as there are a large number of employees on the hunt for you. Remember, this certification isn’t like those easy-peasy validations but rather it is an international confirmation about your knowledge, experience, and skills that will be useful in almost any industry. And some of the most notable companies who prioritize PMP-certified individuals are IT-related entities such as Intel, IBM and Microsoft, as well as popular brands like L’oreal, New Balance, Suncorp, TiVo and WSP. And once you land a job from these popular companies, the next charm would be the significant salary potential. Well, since you have sacrificed a lot for the preparation, it can be explained that those with the PMP Certification aids you with a higher salary.

Take it or Not?

Now that we have discussed everything about PMP Certification, from its importance to exam preparation and career prospects― is it worth the time, money and effort to earn such certification?

Weighing everything equally, the answer would be a thundering yes! If you want to polish your knowledge and skills about project management, want to be part in a community of reputable project management experts, want to land in a highly-coveted position, and want to get an attractive compensation, then taking PMP Certification ticks off everything on your checklist.