To PMP, or Not to PMP

Almost daily there are questions posted in various project management groups asking for opinions on whether or not someone should get their Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Is it worth it? Will it make me a better project manager? Will my job pay me more once I get certified? And the list goes on and on.  Some want to get certified because they've chosen project management as their long-term career path. Others believe it's a golden ticket to a better job and greater wealth. While there are a few who are just really good at taking tests and like acronyms.

The PMP is probably the most recognizable project management certification in the market today. The Project Management Institute (PMI) states there are over 650,000 globally and on average make 20% more than non-certified project managers (https://www.pmi.org/certifications/types/project-management-pmp). There are also a number of other selling points for both project managers and employers on its site.

So the question raised; should I get a PMP? In short, if you're a project manager and have a dedication to the profession then yes, you should absolutely get your PMP. I looked at it as a cost of being in the profession since I wanted project management as a career. But, don't expect a certification to open a bunch of doors for you or make you wealthy.

The HR Hurdle. When looking for a new job, Human Resources puts out job basic job descriptions that have PMP as either a requirement or desirable. No offense against HR professionals, but this is nothing more than a filter to screen candidates and make the initial pool smaller. They get bombarded with resumes when a job is open, so they need something to sort through the mass of submissions. Your best bet is to network with someone in the company.

The PMP is Nice, but I Hire on Experience. I have interviewed a number of candidates for project management positions. Some have their PMP while others don't. What I, and a lot of other project professionals I know, look for is experience. Can you handle issues when they arise and not be afraid to talk to executives about them? Can you see the big picture when it comes to how projects align with organizational strategy? Have you lead a team through a complex initiative with ever-changing priorities? Prove to me you can communicate effectively. A PMP won't matter if you can't clearly articulate a top with your project team or stakeholders.

PMP and $$Money$$. Getting certified does not guarantee more money, only the potential for more. Some employers will give you a raise right away. Others may wait until appraisal time. Some won't give you anything and you can try to negotiate a higher salary at your next job. Project management may not make you millions, but it's a well-paying career with a lot of opportunities.

If you've been managing projects and enjoy the challenge that comes with them, I highly recommend the PMP. The PMP coupled with experience can make you a valuable asset to any company across industries. Good luck!