Project Management professionals (PMP) are among the most skilled and most demanded skilled managers in the market today. And a PMP certification is required before one can use the title for oneself. PMP certification is provided by an institute PMI or Project Management Institute once the candidate has met the requirements.
However, how should one go about it? The answer depends on what the aspirant is doing at the moment (whether they are pursuing studies or working as managers, etc.). Here is a PMP Exam Guide to go for PMP Certification.
- Have A Basic Understanding Of The Course Objects And Requirements.
In order to determine one’s path to PMP certification, one must first understand its object and purpose and then consider various requirements. That shall help one have a clear understanding of the best path for them, which will include some or all of the steps that shall follow.
- Acquiring A Graduation Degree Or More.
If the aspirant has just finished or is about to finish high school, then they should understand they need a graduation degree before they can appear for the certification. Further, having an MBA degree can reduce the actual experience required by half, while a four-year degree too can cut it by a year. Having these degrees (instead of experience) may also be desirable for candidates for other benefits.
- CAPM® Certification
Since experience leading projects is required to enter the field, an aspirant can apply for Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®). This certification requires no experience and only eighteen hours of experience and passing the exam. Once acquired, this certificate can let you find a job to acquire desired experience.
- Acquiring The Experience
Based on the education of aspirants, they must have an experience of a minimum of 3000 hours and a maximum of 7500 hours leading projects. It translates to two years and five years of experience leading projects, respectively. Please note that the employer in question must provide a proper record showing that the aspirant has completed the experience. However, you need not be working in this capacity when you appear for the training, exam, or certification.’
- Training
PMP is not a mere theoretical exam, and thus, a training of thirty-five hours is required before one can appear for the exam. The training must be taken from a PMI-certified institute and can be taken online.
- The PMP Exam
Finally, one must prepare for the PMP exam. Like any other exam, the PMP exam needs preparation and studying. After the exam is cleared, the candidate will be issued a PMP certification.
- Further Certification
PMP is a good milestone in one’s career path. Still, it need not be the final destination, and one can pursue other certificates like PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® and PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®.
The Bottom Line
To conclude, PMP certification requirements vary depending on how far one has come in one’s career. It is thus recommended that aspirants determine their own path after learningwhy PMP certification is excellent for their career and its requirements and based on the discussion above.