We have seen people raising questions on Quora.com about the worthiness of PMP, like Why PMP Certification? Is it a valuable course for my career advancement? What is the pay scale once I am a certified PMP professional? Why should IT professionals opt for PMP certification? and many more. 

We would have taken a second to think while looking at these questions: what is this course? Is it the new market trend?

PMP certification is undoubtedly the forever's market trend. We can say the demand for PMP professionals will not fade, not any time soon at least. They always stay on demand, taking into account any industry vertical. Hence the course is beneficial both for your career advancement and future.

In this blog, let's see what PMP certification, its goals, exam requirement, worthiness and not least, its cons are. Come on, everything has a negative side; not all things are perfect.

Let's not waste time and dive into the topic, shall we?

What is PMP Certification?

One of the most prestigious and globally known professional qualifications for project managers is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. A US non-profit professional organization, Project Management Institute (PMI), offers this certification.

This well-known credential is essential for those who wish to advance their career for a bright future.
 

Performance Domain of PMP Certification

Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK) is leveraged as the guide for candidates. The examination validates the aspirants on tasks out of 5 performance domains:

• Project initialization (13%)
• Project planning (24%)
• Project execution (31%)
• Project controlling and management (25%)
• Project completion (7%)
   

Objectives of PMP Certification

The Project Management Institute's - A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK) is the basis for the PMP training programme. PMP trainers or coaches will teach you about the project lifecycle, process groups, and knowledge domains and provide you with the functional expertise and business insights for effective project management.

The project manager's job is to ensure that the project is completed on time and on budget while meeting all requirements.

PMP Certification course will thoroughly prepare you to pass your certification exam and provide you with an in-depth understanding of varied and best Project Management best practices.
 

Prerequisites of PMP Examination

If you are a skillful project manager responsible for project delivery, directing and leading multi-functional teams, then the PMP is for you. Before taking the PMP certification exam, you must know the test requirements.

Participants must have one among two of the following:

• 4-year degree
• Project leading and directing hours: 4,500
• Project management education hours: 35

OR

• High school diploma, affiliated degree or any other secondary degree

• Project leading and directing hours: 7,500
• Project management education hours: 35
   

Should You Get PMP Certification?

As we got a basic outline on the term PMP certification, its exam requirements and objectives, let's get to the actual play. Is PMP Certification fruitful?

As the blog's beginning, everything has its own pros and cons, which applies to PMP. But many recruiting proficient and certified experts agree that the pros far outweigh the cons.
 

PMP Certification Cons

1. Time-consuming Factor

Several people complain about the cost of the time it needs to be a certified PMP professional. As the PMP examination is strenuous, you will need to allot some daily time to be proficient in the PMBoK Guide. Hence a part of the time goes into exam preparation. 

But, that’s not all - you will have to read lots of other guides, join preparatory sessions and attend sample tests as a part of PMP preparation. These tasks do take a lot of time. Since most candidates are currently employed, they feel even more frustrated.

Moreover, PMP applications require the documentation of all projects that you perform. Writing even the minutest detail can consume more time than you think it would. Since PMI conducts an audit process to indicate application authenticity.
 

2. Expensive

The cost of PMP certification is less for PMI members than for non-PMI members. Though PMI membership seems expensive, other benefits associated with it seem to outweigh. Hence, it would be apt to become a PMI member before registering for the exam.

Taking into account the worst scenario where you failed in your first attempt and decided to retake the exam. The cost of retaking the test is quite expensive. So, it's always better to clear it in the first attempt by seeking help from PMP experts to cut down the unnecessary re-examination costs. 

Other costs include PMP training classes, preparation resource materials, and sample questions, apart from test costs.
 

3. Strenuous

Most people argue that the PMP Certification examination is the hardest. The strenuous task is not only the concept memory but also the practical applications. But the cracking of exams truly depends on each individual. Some may take 2 to 3 months, while others can't get certified even after preparing for years.

If the exam was a piece of cake, then there won't be any global value as it has now. This certification's prosperity lies in the rigid standards that are needed to clear and maintain the PMP.

PMP Certification Pros

1. Industry Recognition

PMP is a globally recognized certificate. According to several reports, as the number of certified project managers in a company increases, the profit or success rate of the project also increases.

Also, organizations recognize that certified managers are better at project completion on time and within the budget. If you are about to start a career in project management, then this certificate will make up for your lack of experience.
 

2. Networking Opportunities

According to PMI, there are 16.5Mn PMP-certified professionals around the globe. When you sign in as a PMI member, congratulations you become part of PMI. It holds frequent member meetings in major cities. 

These are arranged to assist the members in earning Professional Development Units (PDUs) - needed to fulfil Continuous Credential Requirements (CCRs). Benefits of networking - by constant meetings, one could learn about the new project manager job opportunities. 

The meetings allow specific time for job adverts. There are several online and offline mode communities where the PMPs communicate. Hence, we could say these communities can help create a professional network.
 

3. Adds Value to Resume

There is a wide array of professional certificates that you can obtain for career advancement. But PMP always shines brighter than the rest, making it the most valuable certification. 

Anyone can be applicable for project managers, but recruiters who are trying to fill in a position of project managers always prioritize profiles with PMP certifications over the one which doesn't.

Recruiters often find the potential assessment process daunting, with numerous applications reaching their days each day. The PMP certification leads, as it is one of the most targeted methods to shortlist the candidates.

Some companies make it mandatory to have a PMP certification before applying, making the skimming process much more manageable. The certification can be worth it if you plan to advance in your current company. Moreover, a certified manager can handle an exhausting project management interview much better than a non-certified individual.
 

4. Higher Pay-scale

Another central point of being a certified PMP professional is the cash flow. Across the industry, the average salary of certified project managers is significantly higher.

This has consistently been the highest-paid IT certification that will continue to grow shortly. The accreditation also improves job security. Some organizations value the core competencies learned through PMP during downtime. Therefore, the credential aids in fighting a potential lay-off better than a non-certified one.

Country-wise PMP salary in 2021

PMP salary according to job roles

5. Validates Job Dedications

There are specific requirements needed to be fulfilled before being a PMP certified professional. If you are an associate, you need a working experience of 60 months to be eligible. 

If a person has a Bachelor's degree, his work experience must be 36 months to be eligible. Since the certification has high standards, clearing the exam takes dedication to the job. 

It highlights that you are serious about making project management your ultimate moto and long-term career. A workforce that invests in learning is a significant company asset. 

The certification indicates your drive to enhance professional potential, knowledge, and credentials. It helps you to command respect among co-workers and team members.
 

6. Learning Significant Skills

To make you an exceptional case, PMBoK certification teaches you practical skills to excel in your career, and they are:

• The exam preparation course has been updated to reflect the PMP exam.
• Gain project management expertise based on the PMBoK and real-world project management techniques.
• Understand how to put the tools and strategies you learned while studying for the PMP test to good use.
• Use project management strategies that are applicable in the actual world.
• Establish a consistent vocabulary of project management terms and principles.
• Apply project management ideas and terminologies.
• Lead Provides clients with quicker solutions and maintains open communication lines between stakeholders and team members.
• Motivate and lead your team to more tremendous success.
• Ensure compliance, lower risks, and save time and money.
• Study for the PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Exam and attempt a first-time pass. The Five Process Groups, Ten Knowledge Areas, and Professional and Social Responsibility Area of the PMBoK Guide.
   

Conclusion

Some people might say PMP certification is time-consuming, complex and even expensive. But many recruiting proficient treat the certification as a crucial credential that adds credential to your resume. Moreover, helps you to build essential skills required to pave the way to future career advancement. 

So yes, PMP certification is fruitful and worth the effort.

About Us

iCert Global is a one-stop solution offering certification training courses in a wide variety of techniques that will give you a head start in this competitive world. Visit our website to find out the different Project management courses.

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