7 reasons you should become a certified PMP

What is the PMP?

The Project Management Professional (PMP) is a global, industry-leading certification. The certificate is accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It represents a deep understanding of planning, maintaining, and closing all types of projects. As a PMP, you can work in virtually any industry, with any methodology, and in any location.  

 

What are the requirements?

The PMP is for experienced project managers who are looking to validate their skills and document their knowledge. In order to qualify for the PMP you must have either the CAPM certification or a minimum of 35 hours of project management education. 

In addition to this you must have one of the following: 

A bachelor’s degree with 3 years of project management experience and 4500 hours of leading a project. 

or 

A high school diploma with 5 years of project management experience and 7500 hours of leading a project. 

 

What does the PMP involve?

You will explore all elements outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). You can expect to explore, refine, and develop your management skills in: 

Planning 

Initiating 

Executing 

Monitoring 

Closing  

To pass the certification you are required to sit the 200-question multiple-choice test.

Reasons to get certified 

There are many benefits to having the PMP certification under you belt. Here are our top 7 reasons you should consider it: 

 

1. Global employment opportunities 

The PMP is recognised world-wide, which means it can open opportunities no matter where you are based. The PMBOK is a universal language of project management and can be applied to any project, in any geographical location, and in any industry. It is the perfect project management certification to ensure endless opportunities in a sustainable way. 

 

2. Greater responsibilities  

The standards for the rigorous PMP exam are higher than other project management certifications as it tests professionals on all five project management processes in the PMBOK. This will provide you with a detailed standardised and actionable set of best practices that they can apply to any task, across any industry. Subsequently, organisations will trust you to deliver the best results even on the most challenging projects. 

 

3. Stand out to recruiters 

Research across industries suggests that companies prefer hiring PMP certified project managers over their uncertified peers. As the PMP demonstrates a high level of professional expertise in project management, it will immediately catch a recruiter’s eye during initial profile evaluation. With the current worldwide project management market valued at $4billion, it’s the right time to get accredited and take advantage of opportunities across the globe. 

 

4. Increased confidence 

The PMP builds on your knowledge and develops your skills. It has high standards that involve many hours of preparation prior to the extensive exam, meaning only the experience project management should attempt it. This is an opportunity for project managers to build up confidence and reduce any uncertainty in their role. If you gain the PMP certification, you are guaranteed to be trusted in your role. 

 

5. Higher salary 

Aside from proving that you’re more committed to your personal development, certified PMPs earn on average 25% more than their uncertified peers. A PMP professional’s salary is approximately £74k on average, with the average salary of a PMP certified Project Management director earning over £105K.

 

6. Networking opportunities 

Certified PMP professionals form a global community, communicating on discussion boards, virtual seminars, and other online communities that attract PMPs from across the world. 

 

7. Prove yourself to be the right person to invest in 

With large budgets to manage and huge initiatives at stake, businesses want to know that they’ve got the right person for the job. Passing the PMP is a huge investment of time and effort, which demonstrates an individual’s stake in their future; ultimately showing that you’re a more secure choice than applicants without the certification. 

 

Student Testimonial 

“The PMP is the highest qualification in the world for project managers, which makes it difficult but also highly rewarding.” 

Adele Smyth – Project Management Professional 

 

You can also start your PMP journey now by requesting a career consultation and a project management expert will be in touch to discuss all the relevant details. Get in touch with us today to start advancing your PM career.