The Value of a Project Management Professional (PMP) Credential

Are you looking to increase your competitive edge over the competition? Are you working hard for that promotion but getting nowhere? Do you want to enhance your credibility as a project leader and change agent? Do you want to increase your earning potential?

If you responded ‘yes’ to these questions, then a PMP certification is the next logical step towards advancing your project management career. The PMP is internationally recognized as the gold standard in project management by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

“[A} PMP certification delivers value to the people who hold the credential and to the organization for which they work.” -– International Institute of Learning

According to the latest PMI Salary Survey, credential holders earn over 20% more on average than non-credential holders in any industry. As well, the organization benefits when its strategic priorities and successful execution of projects achieve those priorities. This occurs when the EPMO and organization are synchronized to maximize the benefit.

What a PMP Credential is Not

I often meet many newcomers and novices who see a PMP certification as a means of getting their foot in the door. More is required however than just a PMP certification. Most industries still require that candidates have subject matter expertise in a particular domain other than just a command of the Knowledge Areas and Process Groups in the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK). Additionally, some minimum work experience—the equivalent of 3 years typically—leading and directing projects is preferred along with

• Experience applying methodologies such as Agile.
• Experience in estimating, cost management, resource management, team development, negotiation, risk response planning, contract management, vendor management, and scheduling.
• Experience with Federal and State regulations and international standards.
• Working knowledge of productivity tools such as Microsoft Project or Rally.

While it is a good thing to have, no amount of project management training is a sufficient substitute for the lack of depth in technical experience especially if the role requires some specialization or direct experience with product lifecycles, processes, and specific tools. Success as a project manager also depends on having strong soft skills like strategic thinking, negotiation, objectivity, discipline, commitment, and consistency.

Continuous Learning

I have observed that many new credential holders neglect the real value of their PMP certification after passing the PMP exam. What they don’t realize is that they have now become part of a global community of PMP professionals, organizations, and experts. These newly minted PMPs return to their organizations and continue to function in the same dysfunctional way as before indifferent to the link their projects have with the organization’s strategic priorities.

“[W]e must recognize that [project management] is today, and most likely will continue to be in the future, a critical component of a firm’s business model because it is the delivery system for long-term sustainable business value.”

In their white paper, Dr. Harold Kerzner and J. LeRoy Ward go on to say that the landscape for project management is changing and transforming the role of the project manager. Here are what project managers can now expect.

• Project managers can make both projects- and business-related decisions, as project management is seen as part of the organization’s business process.
• Project managers are frequently involved in strategic business decisions.
• Project managers oversee strategic projects to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage for the organization.
• Project management is a strategic competency and not just a career path within the organization.

How I can help

PMP credential holders are required by PMI to acquire 60 Professional Development Units (PDU) through continuous education to remain in “good standing”. Consequently, this means learning about changing market trends, best practices, and core competencies. Also, this means investing in education that will prepare them for the next generation of project management.

In my project management courses and talks, I focus on building character before skills. I also offer individualized coaching and mentoring based on my clients’ specific needs and goals. You can find out more at www.pmpinsights.com/workshop-events/.

Want to make the most of your PMP or CAPM certification? Contact me or connect with me at www.pmpinsights.com/work-with-me/.