Benefits of the PMP Certification

The benefits of the PMP certification are immense. You will realize them once you become a PMP.

I often receive emails from visitors who want to know if applying for the PMP exam is worth it. They want to know the advantages and if it is a good investment of time and money.

They compare the PMP certification with others, such as PRINCE2. These aspirants are looking for instant gratification. They are usually looking to get an immediate salary raise or a promotion.

So, to answer this type of questions, I am writing this blog post. I hope you will have a better understanding of the benefits of having the PMP certification.

First, we will discuss the PMP certification and how to achieve it in brief. Afterward, we will look at the benefits of the PMP certification.

What is the PMP Certification?

PMP stands for Project Management Professional. This is a credential offered by PMI (USA), to professionals working in project management.

The PMP is the most popular certification for project professionals. It has global recognition.

You can apply to become a PMP no matter what industry you’re in

The Process of Earning the PMP Certification

Becoming a PMP is a straightforward but somewhat lengthy process.

If you are eligible for the PMP exam, attend a 35 contact hours PMP training program, then you can apply.

Once you pass this exam, you are a PMP.

Please note that this is a difficult exam if you did not prepare well. You have to study to understand the exam concepts and practice questions.

The PMP exam has 200 multiple-choice questions, and you have four hours to take it. As soon as you submit the answers, you will know your result. The exam is closed book, meaning you cannot take any reference material inside the test hall.

The PMI designed the PMP certification process to familiarize you with the best industry practices.

This certification is respected among your peers. It also boosts your self-confidence and fills your knowledge gaps.

To date, there are more than half a million professionals who have earned this prestigious certification, and many more are in the process.

Benefits of the PMP Certification

Now, I will explain the seven reasons why the PMP certification is worth it.

Benefit-I: You Will Learn Many New Skills

The PMP certification is designed to make you a better project manager. The certification process provides you with the required knowledge to complete projects with minimal obstruction.

Passing the PMP exam is not an easy task. You must have related experience and a bachelor’s or diploma degree. You must also attend a 35 contact hours training program. You can apply only if you fulfill these conditions.

You have gone through a rigorous process, and you have studied to pass the exam. These processes help you learn many new tools and techniques.

Benefit-II: You Will Stand Out from the Crowd

Getting a call back for a job interview is difficult, and human resource departments always have many resumes coming in. The job market is tough, and many candidates are fighting for a single position.

Having the PMP certification helps you gain a competitive edge. It shows that you have knowledge that others may not have.

If you go through any popular job portal and search for “Project Manager” or “Project Engineer,” you will notice that many postings require you to be a PMP. Many others recommend this certification.

In short, the PMP certification helps you get a good job.

I often receive emails from professionals who are jobless and applying for the PMP exam. They ask if they can get a job after getting the PMP certification. Please note that getting the PMP certification does not guarantee you a job. It only helps you get a job.

Benefit-III: Your Knowledge Gaps Will be Filled

This is the greatest benefit of the PMP certification. I felt it myself.

Your knowledge may be incomplete. Partially remembered techniques often cannot be recalled or applied with confidence.

You may even find yourself clueless about what your next step should be.

This does not happen once you have passed the PMP exam because you have gone through a process developed by industry experts. Your knowledge is aligned with the standard international practices, and you won’t have gaps.

So, you will have the best industry-standard know-how to manage the project. You know your next step. This puts you above a non-credential holder.

Benefit-IV: You May Get a Pay Raise

Some surveys say that PMPs have higher salaries than non-PMPs with similar qualifications and experience. The difference is around 10% to 20%.

One of these supportive surveys can be found here.

Please note that having the PMP certification does not guarantee a pay raise, but it is an advantage. Benefit-V: It Establishes Your Credibility

You have completed a rigorous process to get this certification. This establishes that you have demonstrated your competency. It shows you can work within guidelines to lead and direct a project to completion.

Your peers will respect you, and your opinion will have greater weight.

Benefit-VI: Global Recognition

These days, international certification is necessary for working in a multinational company. Complex projects may require you to work in a variety of places and even countries. Therefore, you should know the best global practices.

The PMP is an internationally recognized certification. Many large organizations have endorsed this certification throughout the world. No one will question your skills, and clients will trust in your ability to lead large projects.

Benefit-VII: Professional and Social Behavior

PMP certification holders have to abide by an industry-accepted code of ethics and show your ability to conduct yourself professionally. Employers appreciate that you will not get involved in anything unethical. You are known to work with integrity.

The PMP certification is a sign of your professional behavior.

Considering the High Cost & Time Spent, is the PMP Certification Worth it?

To put it simply, yes.

Attaining the PMP certification is a costly process that requires a lot of effort and time.

Training, studying the reference materials, and practicing questions are all involved processes.

The cost of the PMP exam is 555 USD, and the cost of the training, study materials, and simulators are not included. It is not a cheap process.

However, these things make this certification well worthwhile.

If you are not serious and dedicated to learning new skills and filling your knowledge gaps, do not attempt this exam.

Summary

PMP certification has many benefits but some professionals find the process discouraging. However, once you achieve this goal, you will recognize its worth. It gives you self-confidence and equips you with a global standard. No one will doubt your ability to handle complex projects and situations. I would suggest you achieve this certification if you are working in project management. You can take your career to the next level.

I hope the benefits given in this blog post are enough to motivate you to go for the PMP certification.

Have you applied for the PMP exam? Please share your experience in the comments section.