As I speak to audiences about the significance of soft expertise and emotional cleverness in project management, inevitably I'm asked my estimation on the value of the certification from the particular PMI (Project Management Institute) like the PMP (Project Management Professional.)#) This topic is quite polarizing in our own professional community. The camps usually divide into: 1) Those who sought the PMP by themselves and found it being an excellent training chance; 2) Those who were required through their employer or felt pressured through the job market to acquire it; and, 3) Those people who are active resisters or perhaps were just never necessary to get one.
First off, let me condition clearly that I do not have a PMI certification. Heresy, you say? Well, the reality is that the PMP certification gained prominence at a time when I was already firmly established within my career. My employers, knowing my skills and track record, never pushed personally to obtain this.
So is there a value in obtaining the PMI certification? My strong response is... it depends. Let's look in the requirements and expenses, and then I'll let you know what I really think.
What's the PMP?
The PMP certification is typically the most popular among the several different certifications now provided by the PMI (Project Management Institute) which can be:
PgMP: Program Management Professional PMP: Project Management Professional CAPM: Certified Associate Project Manager PMI-SP: PMI Scheduling Professional PMI-RMP: PMI Risk Management Professional In respect the PMI website, to apply for the PMP, you need to have either:
A four-year degree (bachelor's or even the global comparable) and no less than three years associated with project management experience, with 4, 500 hours leading and directing projects and also 35 hours of project management education, OR, A secondary diploma (high school graduation or the worldwide equivalent) with at least five years of project management knowledge, with 7, 500 hours top and directing projects as well as 35 hours regarding project management training. The Costs
The PMP can be an expensive exam, costing $405 with regard to PMI members and also $555 for non-members. Many people feel intimidated by what they have found out about the 200-question ensure that you thus take examination prep courses in which average between $1, 500 and $2, 000.
In order to keep a PMP qualification, one must collect 60 "PDUs" (Professional Advancement Units) every 36 months. There are several different ways to achieve these PDUs, either by using classes, attending PMI conferences, or self-directed examine. Generally, one hour regarding instruction or engagement = 1 PDU. There are many commercial providers who offer training, podcasts, webinars, etc., where it can easily cost from $25 in order to $100's per PDU. I estimate that the 60 PDUs over three years costs about $3, 000.
So, let's add this up:
PMP exam prepare: $2, 000 PMP examination cost: $500 Maintaining PDUs over a 40 year career: $40, 000 Total Career Cost of PMP Certification: $42, 500.
Being able to be able to List PMP on your own Resume: Priceless?
I'm going in the future right out as well as say it. In my twenty-five year career, I have not found an absolute correlation between someone using a PMP certification and their capability to manage a project efficiently. There, I've said it, so let the firestorm begin. I credit the actual PMI with good intentions to ascertain project management being a viable discipline, and brilliant marketing that has made most hiring managers alert to the certification. Unfortunately, I find that a lot of recruiters and employers put misplaced faith inside the meaning of the certification, and go as far as to miss on really great project managers because they require certification being a baseline for job.
As far because I'm concerned, a PMP certification proves that you are "book smart. " It's like someone who has just graduated coming from medical school. Sure, they may been employed by on cadavers and maybe even participated in a few patient care, but I'm not thinking about having them handle me until they've gotten real world experience. And yes, the PMP will require some real-world experience, but it's just three years-just barely a come from a career.
I also possess a bias against the strong focus on tools and methodology on the emotional intelligence required to navigate the shifty waters of national politics, matrixed organizations, and human conduct. I'm pleased the latest version of the PMBOK (the particular Project Management Body regarding Knowledge-the PMI's "bible") provides added a section on "soft skills" to its 42 method areas. It's only about 5 pages away from ~450, but it's the start, and an acknowledgment why these skills are also important.
First off, let me condition clearly that I do not have a PMI certification. Heresy, you say? Well, the reality is that the PMP certification gained prominence at a time when I was already firmly established within my career. My employers, knowing my skills and track record, never pushed personally to obtain this.
So is there a value in obtaining the PMI certification? My strong response is... it depends. Let's look in the requirements and expenses, and then I'll let you know what I really think.
What's the PMP?
The PMP certification is typically the most popular among the several different certifications now provided by the PMI (Project Management Institute) which can be:
PgMP: Program Management Professional PMP: Project Management Professional CAPM: Certified Associate Project Manager PMI-SP: PMI Scheduling Professional PMI-RMP: PMI Risk Management Professional In respect the PMI website, to apply for the PMP, you need to have either:
A four-year degree (bachelor's or even the global comparable) and no less than three years associated with project management experience, with 4, 500 hours leading and directing projects and also 35 hours of project management education, OR, A secondary diploma (high school graduation or the worldwide equivalent) with at least five years of project management knowledge, with 7, 500 hours top and directing projects as well as 35 hours regarding project management training. The Costs
The PMP can be an expensive exam, costing $405 with regard to PMI members and also $555 for non-members. Many people feel intimidated by what they have found out about the 200-question ensure that you thus take examination prep courses in which average between $1, 500 and $2, 000.
In order to keep a PMP qualification, one must collect 60 "PDUs" (Professional Advancement Units) every 36 months. There are several different ways to achieve these PDUs, either by using classes, attending PMI conferences, or self-directed examine. Generally, one hour regarding instruction or engagement = 1 PDU. There are many commercial providers who offer training, podcasts, webinars, etc., where it can easily cost from $25 in order to $100's per PDU. I estimate that the 60 PDUs over three years costs about $3, 000.
So, let's add this up:
PMP exam prepare: $2, 000 PMP examination cost: $500 Maintaining PDUs over a 40 year career: $40, 000 Total Career Cost of PMP Certification: $42, 500.
Being able to be able to List PMP on your own Resume: Priceless?
I'm going in the future right out as well as say it. In my twenty-five year career, I have not found an absolute correlation between someone using a PMP certification and their capability to manage a project efficiently. There, I've said it, so let the firestorm begin. I credit the actual PMI with good intentions to ascertain project management being a viable discipline, and brilliant marketing that has made most hiring managers alert to the certification. Unfortunately, I find that a lot of recruiters and employers put misplaced faith inside the meaning of the certification, and go as far as to miss on really great project managers because they require certification being a baseline for job.
As far because I'm concerned, a PMP certification proves that you are "book smart. " It's like someone who has just graduated coming from medical school. Sure, they may been employed by on cadavers and maybe even participated in a few patient care, but I'm not thinking about having them handle me until they've gotten real world experience. And yes, the PMP will require some real-world experience, but it's just three years-just barely a come from a career.
I also possess a bias against the strong focus on tools and methodology on the emotional intelligence required to navigate the shifty waters of national politics, matrixed organizations, and human conduct. I'm pleased the latest version of the PMBOK (the particular Project Management Body regarding Knowledge-the PMI's "bible") provides added a section on "soft skills" to its 42 method areas. It's only about 5 pages away from ~450, but it's the start, and an acknowledgment why these skills are also important.
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