PMP is the abbreviation for Project Management Professional. It is a globally recognized certification that shows as a program manager; you know what you are doing. However, there are many program managers out there who have extensive knowledge and experience without the PMP certification. In other words, is having a PMP certification beneficial? Let’s review and decide together to see if it matters or not.
In my early career, I started work as a project leader. Just before I started, the company had been awarded its very first global project. They needed someone who could speak English with a technical background. I was very inexperienced. I did not question many aspects of the Job. Looking back, I could have asked for training, mentoring, or more support. Nothing seemed to be available, and I did not know what I needed to know. Previous projects were internal projects that were managed by e-mails. I felt lost. When I found out I was on my own, I used Google to search for everything. I would have searched and created something new whenever our customers asked for anything new. If they were happy, I knew I did something right. Needless to say, I was not aware of the PMI organization. If I had known about it, that could have been very beneficial for me. Later on, I found out that Project Management Institute had a PMP handbook. Even having it could have helped me and guided me. This was 12 years ago. Many things changed since then. Now, Google provides much more information than ever.
When I moved to the United States, I worked in manufacturing and quality departments, but deep inside, I missed working as a Project Manager. When I looked at the opportunities, most of them were looking for the PMP certification. It was another challenge because I worked on projects without structures. For this reason, I had to combine my experiences with the PMI project structures, even sometimes needing to forget what I had known and learning the right way.
The certification exam contains five sections: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing. Other than these must-know steps, you need to know cross-functional skills such as active listening, facilitation, delegation, conflict management, etc. Not to mention, it is a 5-hour 200 question exam. Besides, it does not ask yes-no questions. It has so many situational questions from real-world examples. It took me more than a year to feel. During this process, I learned a lot, but the exam stress was overwhelming, and it was a hard exam. Luckily, I passed my exam in my first attempt. However, I wouldn’t try again if I failed. I didn’t think that I could do any better or work any harder. Not only was it an expensive exam, but also it was extremely tough. I was fortunate that my HR manager supported my professional development and paid for the exam, which was around $500.
Was it worth it? It was; I think it only helped me to have more job interviews. On its own, isn’t that a good reason to have it? But as PMI states, did I get paid 25% more than my other colleagues just because I have PMP? Not at all. It didn’t have any impact whatsoever.
On the other hand, the certification is valid for only three years. PMI requires you to renew your certification, which means you need to complete 60 PDUs, which could be courses, training, or workshops. In addition to that, you need to pay a re-certification fee of $150. After learning this, I will ask the same question again, is it worth it? It is. Keeping your certification active means during the 3 – year, you need to complete 60 PDUs on technical, strategic, leadership, and business subjects. It pushes you to learn continually.
If you are a program manager, PMP is good to have. However, it does not mean you are any better than PMs who do not have it. Is having the certification worth it or not? Again, it is really up to you. If you are new to the PM world, it is a great guide. Also, to keep the certification active, you need to continue taking courses, so if you like learning and want to be up-to-date with the latest courses, it is right for you. On the other hand, if you are thinking that you will increase your salary by 25% by having it, good luck with that. Neither I nor my colleagues at other companies had any salary increase.
I’m adding the PMP requirements for your review. Maybe it will be your new challenge!
I’m a Project Manager with a deep passion for both professional and personal growth. Designing and building the next generation of vehicles is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its challenges—especially for someone as emotionally invested as I am!