Are you interested and want to start a career in the project management field? In that case, you have to learn about the project management certification. It is because this certification is necessary for any individual to work in any position related to project management.
Introduction To Project Management Certification
Project Management Certification is a title awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to individuals who complete specified educational and experience requirements. Experts have to finish several measures before they can get this certification.
In order to become a certified worker in project management, an individual has to finish a rigorous and extensive exam after their application has been submitted and authorized. Though many careers and company positions do not require this form of certification, it is a well-recognized accreditation that adds credibility and strength to any resume.
The certification was intended to establish a project management standard that would apply to a variety of industries and places. Procuring a PMP certificate is one way an expert can demonstrate to a future or present employer their proficiency and dedication. You must complete the experience criteria and pass a certification exam in order to obtain the certification.
How To Get Your Project Management Certification
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your PMP certification.
1. Fulfill the project management certification requirements.
You have to first ensure that you are eligible to take the project management certification exam. You will need one of the following:
- If you possess a four-year degree, 35 hours of project management course training, and a minimum of 36 months of project management experience;
- If you possess an associate degree or high school certificate, 35 hours of project management course training, and 5 years of prior experience.
You may have to maintain track of your projects and training, noting things like your exact job, duties, and project or training length so that it will be easy when you submit an application. If you hold a CAPM certification, you can skip the training requirement.
It is better to go with the Google Project Management: Professional Certificate if you are seeking specialized courses to fulfill your 35-hour training need. For this, no prior experience in the field is required.
2. Apply for the exam
Create a PMI account and begin your application for the PMP exam. For this, you have to disclose basic personal information such as your educational background and project specifics.
In 2024, the exam fee was $405 for PMI members, and for non-PMI members, it was $555. The exam was slightly inexpensive with a PMI membership, which cost $129 per year plus a one-time $10 application fee. You have to pay the exam price and arrange a test once you have been accepted.
3. Prepare for the exam
It is the time to start preparing for the exam, either through coursework or independently. Preparing for the test will take considerable planning and commitment, and most exam guides suggest at least a few months of preparation.
You can study with the help of a variety of classes, books, and other resources. Several exam preparation course providers recommend studying for 60 to 120 hours. Depending on how frequently you prepare, it could take a month or several months. You can reach out to Half Double Institute to get help with the training and courses.
On January 2, 2024, the PMP test was updated. The revised exam features 180 questions rather than 200, two 10-minute breaks rather than one, and three domains (project management phases) in place of five. Check to see if your study materials have been updated to reflect the change.
4. Clear the PMP exam
You can finish the exam in person or online at a testing center near you. It takes just about four hours to complete the exam.
5. Maintain your project management certification
The PMP certification has a three-year validity period. In order to keep it, you will have to spend 60 hours on professional development activities throughout that time. If not, you can re-register for the exam.
What Can I Do With a Project Management Certification?
A project management certification may provide you with the skills, knowledge, and competence to thrive in any area as well as a stamp of approval from a renowned industry organization to add to your resume.
With the project management certification, you can become highly organized and obtain outstanding communication skills. You can learn how to pay critical attention to details and get experienced in dealing with risk management. In addition to that, you can enhance the capability to think critically and learn how to motivate your team.
Any official certification shows your present or potential employer that you are highly qualified in project management as well as company development and leadership. Certifications in project management attest to your abilities in the following areas:
- Planning
- Managing a group
- Execution
- Budgeting,
- Documentation
These abilities are applicable to a wide range of industries and jobs. In addition, they are highly transferable if you choose to change careers. Here are some professions you might want to pursue with project management certification:
- Project manager (in areas related to health care, law, engineering, corporate, IT, government, military, and nonprofit)
- Engineering manager
- Marketing manager
- Chief operations officer
- Social media manager
- Operations manager
Different Types Of Project Management Certifications
A project management credential, regardless of industry, indicates that you have valuable management skills. Here we have listed some top project management certifications you can obtain.
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- Disciplined Agile
- Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)
- Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)
- Program Management Professional (PgMP)
- PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)
- PMI Project Management Ready
- PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
Bottom Line
Project management certification is essential to get a career in fields related to project management. This certification indicates that you are eligible to make a project management career. In addition, it exhibits that you possess knowledge about a specific method to project management.
