Columnist Tom Mochal receives dozens of emails each week from members with questions about project management problems. He shares his tips on a host of project management issues in this Q&A format Question
Tom, I noticed that you are a Project Management Professional (PMP). I have been in various roles in IT for 25 years, starting in mainframe development. I've implemented methodologies and development tools, and lately I've done some project management consulting. I began to read about the Project Management Institute and wondered about the certification program. The PMP certification process seems intensive, time-consuming, and expensive. Based on your personal and professional experience, is the certification process valuable? -- Mike Answer
I think the perception and the value of a PMP certification has changed during the past few years. When I was looking for a job eight years ago, I noticed that a few project management positions indicated that a PMP certification would be advantageous, but I don't remember any position where it was a requirement. The market has changed
Two years ago, when I was again evaluating the job market, I noticed a sizable number of openings that were requesting or requiring the PMP credentials. Although the majority of companies still didn't require the PMP, a sizable number did. Ultimately, I didn't need the PMP certification for the position I accepted, but my observation of the marketplace led me to look more closely at the requirements for the PMP. My thought was that if the time came when I needed to look for a new position, I didn't want the requirements of the project management marketplace to have moved ahead of my CV. My experience
I found the PMP requirements and preparation rigorous. Here's what's required just to fill out an application:
- A Bachelor's or "global equivalent university degree"
- At least 4,500 hours of project management experience (This must be supported by lengthy forms verifying the number of hours.)
- Three years of project management experience within the past six years
- Thirty-five credit hours of project management education covering subjects like project quality, scope, time, human resources, communications, risk, procurement, and integration management
- At least 7,500 hours of project management experience
- Five years of project management experience within the past eight years
- Thirty-five credit hours of project management education covering the same subjects as an applicant with a college degree
The bottom line is that, if you have the prerequisite experience level, I recommend that you earn the PMP certification. If you decided today that this was your goal, it might still take you four to six months (or longer) to fulfill the prerequisites, take a study class, prepare diligently for the test, and then take and pass the exam. As you can imagine, you'll feel tremendous relief and a sense of accomplishment once you pass. Good luck to you if you decide to pursue the certification. Project management veteran Tom Mochal is director of internal development at a software company in Atlanta. Most recently, he worked for the Coca-Cola Company, where he was responsible for deploying, training, and coaching the IS division on project management and life-cycle skills. He's also worked for Eastman Kodak and Cap Gemini America and has developed a project management methodology called TenStep. TechRepublic is the online community and information resource for all IT professionals, from support staff to executives. We offer in-depth technical articles written for IT professionals by IT professionals. In addition to articles on everything from Windows to email to fire walls, we offer IT industry analysis, downloads, management tips, discussion forums, and e-newsletters.
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Talkback
PMP is the defacto certification for project managers who want to prove that they have the skills and knowledge of various aspects of project management. It's a globally recognised certification and anyone serious about project management should become PMP certified and continue to remain certified by satisfying the re-certification criteria. We provide pmp training courses that will help you become PMP certified in 5 days, provided you satisfy the pre-requisites. We provide pmp courses in the EMEA region, as well as post-pmp courses that will help you get your PDUs.
http://www.firebrandtraining.co.uk/courses/pmi/pmp.asp