Benefits of PMP Certification

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

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

They compare the PMP certification with others, such as PRINCE2, hoping to find the quickest and most cost-effective route to their career goals 

So, to layout the comparative benefits, I am writing this blog post. I hope this will give you a better understanding of the benefits of the PMP certification.

Let’s get started.

Benefits of PMP Certification

Before discussing the benefits of PMP certification, let’s discuss the PMP certification and how to achieve it. Afterward, we will look at the PMP benefits.

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 with global recognition.

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

The PMP Certification Process

Becoming a PMP is a straightforward but somewhat lengthy process. If you are eligible for the PMP exam and attend a 35 contact hours PMP training program, then you can apply.

Once you pass this exam, you are a certified PMP.

This is a difficult exam if you do not prepare well. You must commit time to study and understand the exam concepts and practice questions.

The PMP exam has 180 questions, and you have 230 minutes to take it. As soon as you submit the answers, you will know your result. The exam is closed book, meaning you cannot use any reference book, so adequate preparation and study are vital.

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.

Next, let’s look at seven reasons why the PMP certification is worth it.

PMP Benefit I: You Will Learn Many New Skills

This is the most important benefit of PMP certification.

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 and optimal success.

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

While challenging, once you have gone through this rigorous process, studied, and passed the exam, you will have learned new tools and techniques to help further your career.

PMP Benefit II: You Will Stand Out from the Crowd

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

Having the PMP certification gives you a competitive edge. It shows that you have mastered the 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 highly 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 wonder if they will immediately land a job after getting the PMP certification. Please note that getting the PMP certification does not guarantee you a job, but it certainly helps.

PMP Benefit III: Your Knowledge Gaps Will be Filled

This is again a great benefit of the PMP certification. I felt it myself.

Your knowledge may have some gaps. Partially remembered techniques often cannot be recalled or applied with confidence.

You may even find yourself clueless about what your next step should be. No professional wants to be in that situation.

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

The PMP certification provides the best industry-standard know-how to manage the project. You know your next step. This lifts you above a non-credential holder.

PMP 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%, a significant and desirable increase.

Please note that having the PMP certification does not guarantee a pay raise, but it gives you a competitive advantage. 

PMP Benefit V: It Establishes Your Credibility

You are PMP; this establishes that you have demonstrated your competency and skill. 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.

PMP 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.

PMP Benefit VII: Professional and Social Behavior

This final benefit is the gold-standard advantage.

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

The PMP certification is a sign of your professional behavior and helps build your reputation as a capable and honest manager.

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, reference materials, and practice questions are time-taking processes.

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

However, the benefits make this certification well worthwhile.

Do not attempt this exam if you are not serious and dedicated to learning new skills and filling your knowledge gaps.

Source: pmstudycircle.com