Project Management Professional

What is a PMP certification?

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized professional certification in Project management area. PMP certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), a USA based not for profit organization. A well recognized and respected credential, PMP is considered essential for project managers. Especially, for those who wish to take the next step in their career.

Benefits of doing a PMP certification

Helps you land project manager job

Project manager jobs are in high demand these days. Project managers with PMP certification are short listed during interviews for project manager positions. Many companies require PMP certification to apply for Project manager jobs.

PMP certification can also be extremely valuable if you plan to advance in the current company you are working at. It puts you way ahead of your colleagues in terms of moving up the career ladder.

Provides Industry recognition as PMP Expert

Data show that as the number of certified project managers increases within a company, the success rate of projects also increases. Also, the companies recognize that certified managers are better at completing the project on time and within the budget.

If you are just starting out your career in project management, then PMP certification will make up for the lack of experience. Say you are experienced and have a proven track record of your work.

With PMP Certification comes a bigger pay check

The biggest draw of PMP certification is the higher salary it can bring to the project managers. Across the industry, the average salary of certified project managers is considerably higher. A recent PMI survey states that the average median salary for a project manager with certification is $ 1,08,000. In contrast, the median income for a non-certified project manager is only $91,000.

Another survey shows that certified project managers earn almost 20% more than non-certified ones. This trend can be seen all over the world including in Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Provides networking opportunities

PMI currently has about 773,840 active PMP certification holders across the world. When you sign up as a PMI member, you become part of that club. PMI arranges frequent meetings for members in major cities across the world. These meetings are also arranged to help the members earn Professional Development Units (PDUs). These units are needed to fulfill Continuous Credential Requirements, also called as CCRs. These are essential to keep the certification for three years.

Validates your dedication to the job

A potential employer understands that clearing the exam takes dedication to the job. It indicates that you are serious about making project management your long-term career path.

An employee who invests in learning is a big asset for the company. A PMP certification symbolizes your drive towards improving your professional abilities, credentials, knowledge. It also helps you command respect among peers and team members.

What are the PMP exam requirements?

To the question of who should apply, PMI states:

“If you’re an experienced project manager responsible for all aspects of project delivery, leading and directing cross-functional teams, then the PMP is the right choice for you.

More importantly, there are certain prerequisites one should meet to be certified. A candidate must have either

• Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent.
• 7,500 hours leading and directing projects
• 35 hours of project management education

• Four-year degree
• 4,500 hours leading and directing projects
• 35 hours of project management education