PMI certification: is it worth it?

As I speak to the public on the importance of skills and emotional intelligence in project management, inevitably they ask me my opinion on the value of the PMI (Project Management Institute) certification, such as the PMP (Project Management Professional). This theme is very polarized in our professional community. The camps are often divided into: 1) who sought the PMP on their own and seemed to be an excellent opportunity training; (2) Who were required by their employer or felt pressured by the labour market to obtain it; (and 3) who are resistant to her active or did they simply never necessary to obtain one.

First off, let me make it clear that they don't have a certification from PMI. Heresy, you say? Well, the reality is that the PMP certification gained prominence at a time when it was already firmly established in my career. My employers, knowing that my skills and experience, never pressed for me to get it.

Therefore there is a value in having the PMI certification? My strong response is... depends on. Let's take a look at the requirements and costs, and then I'll tell you what I think.

What is the PMP?

PMP certification is the most popular among five different certifications now offered by PMI (Project Management Institute) which are:
PgMP: Program management professional
PMP: Project Management Professional
CAPM: Associate Project Manager certification
PMI-SP: PMI Professional programming
PMI-RMP: PMI risk management professional

According to the website of PMI, to request the PMP, need to have already is:
A degree of four years (Bachelor's degree or global equivalent) and at least three years of experience in project management, with 4,500 hours driving and directing projects and 35 hours of project management, OR, education
A secondary diploma (high school or the global equivalent) with at least five years of experience in project management, with 7,500 hours driving and directing projects and 35 hours of project management training.

The costs

The PMP is a review of expensive, costs $405 for PMI members $555 for non-members. Many people feel intimidated by what you have heard of the test of 200 questions and thus take preparation courses examinations which average between $1,500 and $2,000.

To maintain the PMP certification, one must accumulate 60 "PDU" (professional development units) every three years. There are some ways to earn these PDU, taking classes, attending conferences PMI, or study self-directed. Generally, a lesson of instruction or participation = 1 PDU. There are many commercial vendors that offer training, podcasts, seminars, etc., which can cost from $25 to $100 per PDU. I estimate that the 60 PDU for three years costs about $3,000.

Therefore, we are going to add:
PMP exam preparation: $2,000
PMP Exam cost: $500
Keep the PDU in a career spanning 40 years: $40,000

Total cost of PMP certified race: $42,500.

PMP can list in their curriculum: price?

I will go well and say so. In my 25 year career, I have not found an absolute correlation between someone having a PMP certification and its ability to manage a successful project. There, I said, to begin to leave the storm. I credit the PMI with good intentions to establish projects as a viable and bright discipline that has made most aware of the certification of marketing recruitment managers. Unfortunately, I believe that many recruiters and employers put faith misguided in the sense of a certification and go so far as to miss the opportunity of coordinators of very large projects because they require certification as a basis for employment.

As for me, a PMP certification demonstrates that you are "smart book". It is like someone who have just graduated from medical school. Without a doubt, may have worked on corpses and perhaps even participated in any patient care, but I am not interested to treat me until that have come to the experience of the real world. And Yes, the PMP require some real-world experience, but it is only three years - only just a starting point in a career.

I also have a bias against the strong emphasis on tools and methodology on the emotional intelligence necessary to navigate the treacherous waters of politics, parent organizations, and human behavior. I am pleased that the latest version of PMBOK (the "Bible" of knowledge, the PMI project management body) has added a section on "soft skills" to their 42 areas of process. It is only about 5 pages of ~ 450, but is a start and a recognition that these skills are also important.

My verdict:

In summary, here is how to see her. Obtaining a PMP certification will not hurt, and may expose you to some useful tools and ways to organize projects. However, no, to a great project manager - it will have to win through the blood, sweat and tears and hopefully to some laughs.

What does damage to all of us as a profession is the misconception that a PMP certification is a guarantee of competence, and that is where I am opposite passionately. Try driving balance and visibility to actual competences that make or break a project manager, is the emotional intelligence to know what tool to use at the appropriate time, including a deep respect and appreciation for human behavior and group dynamics. As repeat in my book and speeches: human behavior is not a work breakdown structure and methodology alone will not get there.

I have opened to criticism... I welcome feedback, comments and discussion.

Pam Stanton invites you to know the reason of why the majority of projects fail and what can be done.

Emotional intelligence and dynamic management of group are fast becoming the skills that distinguish the great project managers. The field of project management is changing, they are not left behind.

Sign up for news, updates and special offers at http://www.pamstanton.com

Pam Stanton, the Whisperer project

Project management certification is worth?

Usually someone makes a "good" project manager what his experience, the fact that have made mistakes and learned from them in a real project environment and which has achieved success in a real project environment. Experience in a number of projects and, more particularly, in complex projects never can be estimated low. But nor can the right kind of academic preparation and relevant training. A project with the appropriate credentials manager as one with a PMP certification is not necessarily better leading and directing projects, but the rating is an indication of how serious is this person to be recognized as a professional. This in itself is an indication of unity and determination to succeed, which are qualities that are much more likely to contribute to a successful project and a successful career.

Of course, it is true that some organizations actively encourage employees to obtain the certification, and some even insist on it. They provide the opportunity, funding and time outside the Office to achieve this goal. Some companies even offer salary rises for people to obtain PMP certification. But there are also many smaller organizations, success that not put so much emphasis on these credentials recognized industry which may be for cultural reasons or simply for lack of training budget. This may be changing however, as project management moves more towards being recognized as a profession in the way that accountants and law are with its emphasis on qualifications and continuing professional development.

There are many experienced project managers who argue that they have proved their worth with academic qualifications and other relevant qualifications during the years of his career, not to mention his extensive experience, so why you might be interested in still more credentials. One of the reasons is that of continuing professional development, and another, this increasingly important reason the advantage when it's career prospects improved.

Why it is worth obtaining a PMP certification?

PMP certification is an indication that a new employer that you have the proper amount of training and relevant experience and have sufficient knowledge of the PMI body of knowledge and more general principles of project management to pass the exam. Strict requirements for the test means that this is not only a credential paper - only can take the test if you can demonstrate that it has between 3 and 5 years of practical experience in implementing projects.

Therefore the fact that many employers put a lot of weight in this credential is understandable. Many organizations still not interviewing people without this designation, which may be unfortunate for many highly successful people who previously did not have the need for this type of credential. For example is a project with a b.s. and Manager and practical 10 years of experience in a less suitable candidate than one with an experience of Bachelor's degree and 3 years, but also a PMP certification? Some employers think so, but it would be encouraging to believe that, in a professional world, employers can see beyond certain credentials. However, as times change in the world of project management as also must project coordinators.

Thus, simply management courses project that lead to recognized credentials internationally and PMP certification are worth the effort. Draw attention to your CV and get in the door of the most important interview where can impress an employer with your knowledge and experience.

The author is a qualified PRINCE2 project manager and believes that the right project management courses can transform a good project manager in a large project manager and they are essential to achieve a successful outcome for any project.

There is a wide range of formal and informal training now available that include the learning skills such as PMP certification, APMP and PRINCE2 podcasts and online.