Why The PMP Certification Is Crucial For Your Career Growth

getting a pmp certification

Project management is a skill that is in demand across a wide variety of fields. Commercial, government, and other organizations utilize project managers to help improve the success rate of their projects, and rely on those who are trained in the standardized and evolving set of project management principles that are taught in Project Management Professional (PMP) certification courses.

If your career involves project management or if you plan to pursue a career that will involve heavy project management, you should consider getting your PMP certification in the near future. One of the top paying certifications according to a recent article published by Forbes.com, the PMP certification allows you to project manage across a variety of fields and in every country in the world.

Why Should I Consider Getting A PMP Certification?

Those With PMP Certifications Earn More

You can expect a big hike in salary when you earn your PMP certification with most individuals seeing a 17% increase in salary compared to their non-certified counterparts. When you look at how much the certification can add to your bank account over the long-term, you’ll find that the cost of certification is minimal.

PMP Certifications Can Be Used Anywhere On The Globe

Thinking of taking a job in Spain or spending a few years in New Zealand? One of the best things about a PMP certifications is that it’s truly global and is recognized worldwide. That means even if you plan to move around the world, you won’t have to become re-certified in your new location.

A PMP Certification Will Give You Access To Better Jobs

More and more employers are requiring a PMP certification for their project managers. Why? Because they have realized that their projects get done on time and within budget when they are headed by a PMP-certified professional. You may not even be able to apply for certain high-level jobs without one, a trend that is bound to continue. Increase your chances at landing the perfect career by getting certified at the next opportunity.

The Project Management Field Is Experiencing Incredible Growth

By the year 2020, over 15.7 million new project management roles will be added globally across several industries. The jobs are out there, but you must make sure you are qualified to get them.

It Will Make You A Better Project Manager

The standards for the PMP exam are rigorous and will test you on five project management processes including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling and closing, all skills that a professional project manager needs. By learning and adhering to the PMP standards, you are striving to be the absolute best in your field.

It Will Provide You With Opportunities To Interact With Other PMP Professionals

If you really want to get better at your career and grow in the project management industry, you must be around others who can facilitate that growth. When you become a PMP-certified project manager, you get the opportunity to interact with others with whom you can brainstorm, share concerns, learn new tips and techniques or even find new career paths. This interaction with intelligent, like-minded colleagues is an invaluable bonus of earning your certification.

What Are PMP Certification Eligibility Requirements?

PMP certification eligibility can be achieved through two different routes. The first requires a secondary degree or high school diploma and associate’s degree/the global equivalent), about 7500 hours leading and the directing projects and about 35 hours of the project management education. The second route requires a four-year degree as well as 4500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

These requirements can easily be met through some higher education at the college level and a few years working in the field as a project manager or project management assistant. If you’re an experienced project manager responsible for the on-time and on-budget delivery of projects and if you are interested in leading project management teams, the PMP certification is definitely something you should look into.

If you are serious about your career as a project manager, you need to seriously consider getting your PMP certification. When you consider all the benefits that come from being certified, the time invested in preparing for the test and the cost involved are well worth it.

About Brian: Brian Jackson is the founder of Shoestring Branding - a marketing and branding blog for entrepreneurs, with an emphasis on internet-based tools and strategies.