Top 5 Reasons PMP Certified Professionals Are In Demand

In today's competitive job market, possessing the right certifications can set you apart from the crowd. The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is one of the most sought-after credentials in the business world. Here are the top five reasons why PMP certified professionals are in high demand.

1. Enhanced Project Management Skills

PMP certification is a testament to a professional’s expertise and experience in project management. The rigorous process of obtaining the certification ensures that professionals are well-versed in the latest project management techniques, tools, and best practices. This certification covers various aspects such as:

• Project initiation
• Planning and execution
• Monitoring and controlling
• Closing

These skills are crucial for delivering projects on time, within scope, and on budget, making PMP certified professionals invaluable assets to any organization.

2. Increased Earning Potential

One of the most compelling reasons to pursue a PMP certification is the significant increase in earning potential. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), PMP certified professionals earn approximately 20% more than their non-certified counterparts. This substantial salary boost is due to the advanced skills and knowledge that PMP holders bring to their roles, which are highly valued by employers.

3. Global Recognition and Opportunities

The PMP certification is recognized worldwide, providing certified professionals with a competitive edge in the global job market. This international recognition opens doors to numerous career opportunities across different industries and countries. The demand for PMP certified professionals spans various sectors, including:

• Information Technology (IT)
• Construction
• Healthcare
• Finance
• Manufacturing

This wide-ranging applicability ensures that PMP certified professionals can find rewarding career opportunities wherever they choose to work.

4. Better Job Security

In an ever-changing job market, job security is a significant concern for many professionals. The PMP certification provides a level of security by validating the holder’s ability to manage and deliver projects successfully. Companies are more likely to retain PMP certified professionals during economic downturns or organizational restructuring due to their proven competence in managing critical projects.

5. Enhanced Professional Network

PMP certification connects professionals with a vast network of other certified project managers and industry leaders. This network can be incredibly valuable for career growth and professional development. Through PMI's various events, conferences, and online forums, PMP certified professionals can:

• Share knowledge and experiences
• Gain insights into industry trends
• Access job opportunities

Building and maintaining these connections can lead to collaborations, mentorships, and career advancements that might not be possible otherwise.

Conclusion

The PMP certification is more than just a credential; it is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance a professional's career. With enhanced project management skills, increased earning potential, global recognition, better job security, and an enhanced professional network, PMP certified professionals are in high demand across industries worldwide. Investing in a PMP certification can be a strategic move for anyone looking to advance their career in project management.

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ITIL vs PMP Certification: Which One is Right for You?

In today's competitive job market, certifications can be a crucial factor in advancing your career and standing out from the crowd. Among the most recognized and sought-after certifications are ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) and PMP (Project Management Professional). Both have distinct advantages and cater to different aspects of professional growth. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the intricacies of ITIL and PMP certifications, their benefits, and how to determine which one is right for you.

Understanding ITIL Certification

ITIL is a set of practices for IT service management (ITSM) that focuses on aligning IT services with the needs of the business. The ITIL framework is divided into five core publications, each covering a different aspect of ITSM:

1. Service Strategy
2. Service Design
3. Service Transition
4. Service Operation
5. Continual Service Improvement

Benefits of ITIL Certification

1. Enhanced Service Delivery: ITIL-certified professionals are equipped with the knowledge to improve the quality of IT services, ensuring they meet customer and business expectations.
2. Cost Efficiency: Implementing ITIL practices helps in reducing costs by optimizing the use of resources and improving service delivery efficiency.
3. Career Advancement: ITIL certification is globally recognized, making certified professionals more attractive to potential employers.
4. Improved Customer Satisfaction: By aligning IT services with business needs, customer satisfaction is significantly enhanced.

Who Should Consider ITIL Certification?

ITIL certification is ideal for professionals involved in IT service management, including:

• IT Managers
• IT Support Staff
• IT Consultants
• Business Managers
• IT Project Managers

Understanding PMP Certification

PMP certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is one of the most prestigious project management certifications available. It demonstrates a professional's ability to manage projects efficiently and effectively. The PMP certification covers five key project management processes:

1. Initiating
2. Planning
3. Executing
4. Monitoring and Controlling
5. Closing

Benefits of PMP Certification

1. Global Recognition: PMP certification is recognized worldwide, enhancing your credibility and marketability as a project management professional.
2. Higher Salary Potential: PMP-certified professionals often command higher salaries compared to their non-certified peers.
3. Skill Enhancement: The rigorous process of obtaining PMP certification ensures that you gain in-depth knowledge and skills in project management.
4. Networking Opportunities: Being part of the PMI community provides access to a global network of professionals, resources, and continuing education opportunities.

Who Should Consider PMP Certification?

PMP certification is suitable for professionals involved in project management, such as:

• Project Managers
• Project Coordinators
• Project Analysts
• Project Leaders
• Program Managers

ITIL vs PMP: Key Differences

While both ITIL and PMP certifications are valuable, they serve different purposes and are tailored for different career paths. Here are the key differences:

Focus and Scope

• ITIL: Primarily focuses on IT service management and the alignment of IT services with business needs. It is more process-oriented and deals with the operational aspects of IT service delivery.
• PMP: Concentrates on project management across various industries. It is more project-oriented and covers the entire lifecycle of project management, from initiation to closing.

Industry Application

• ITIL: Best suited for IT professionals and those working in IT service management roles. It is widely used in IT departments within various industries.
• PMP: Applicable to a wide range of industries, including construction, healthcare, finance, and IT. It is ideal for professionals managing projects of any kind.

Certification Process

• ITIL: The certification process involves multiple levels, starting with the Foundation level and progressing through Practitioner, Intermediate, Expert, and Master levels.
• PMP: Requires a combination of project management experience and education. Candidates must pass a rigorous exam to achieve certification.

How to Choose Between ITIL and PMP Certification

Choosing between ITIL and PMP certification depends on your career goals, industry, and professional background. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Career Goals

• If your goal is to specialize in IT service management and improve IT processes within an organization, ITIL certification is the right choice.
• If you aim to manage projects and lead project teams across various industries, PMP certification is more suitable.

Industry

• IT Professionals: If you work in an IT department or manage IT services, ITIL certification will be more beneficial.
• Project Managers: If you manage projects in any industry, PMP certification will enhance your skills and career prospects.

Professional Background

• ITIL: Ideal for those with an IT background or those involved in IT service management.
• PMP: Suitable for individuals with experience in project management, regardless of the industry.

Conclusion

Both ITIL and PMP certifications offer substantial benefits and can significantly impact your career trajectory. By understanding the differences and aligning them with your career goals, you can make an informed decision on which certification is right for you. Whether you choose ITIL or PMP, both certifications will enhance your professional credentials and open up new opportunities for growth and advancement.

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PMP Certification Prerequisites: Your Path to Success

Introduction

Are you looking to advance your career and make your mark in the world of project management? Achieving the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a significant step toward success in this dynamic field. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the PMP certification prerequisites, providing you with invaluable insights into the qualifications required to embark on this journey.

Understanding the PMP Certification

The PMP certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is globally recognized and highly respected. It demonstrates your proficiency in project management and is often a requirement for landing high-level project management roles. To attain this prestigious certification, you must meet specific prerequisites and pass the PMP exam. Let's delve into the key requirements.

PMP Certification Prerequisites

1. Educational Background

A bachelor's degree is a fundamental prerequisite for PMP certification. This is a critical foundation, ensuring that candidates have acquired a certain level of knowledge and academic training. Additionally, candidates need to have a minimum of three years of project management experience, during which they've spent at least 4,500 hours leading and directing projects.

2. Secondary Education

In the absence of a bachelor's degree, candidates can still pursue the PMP certification by having a high school diploma or associate's degree. However, the experience requirements are more demanding in this case. You'll need at least five years of project management experience, with a minimum of 7,500 hours spent leading and directing projects.

3. Project Management Education

In addition to your educational background and work experience, PMI requires PMP candidates to complete 35 contact hours of project management education. These hours can be obtained through formal classroom training, online courses, or workshops. These educational opportunities are designed to ensure you have a strong theoretical foundation in project management.

Preparing for the PMP Exam

Once you've met the educational and experience prerequisites, it's time to prepare for the PMP exam. This is a rigorous test of your project management knowledge, skills, and competencies. To succeed, consider the following steps:

1. Study Materials

Invest in quality PMP exam preparation materials. These might include textbooks, study guides, and online resources. Consider enrolling in a reputable PMP exam prep course.

2. Create a Study Plan

Organize your study schedule. Dedicate focused time to each of the five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing. Ensure you cover all knowledge areas, from project integration to stakeholder management.

3. Practice Exams

Take practice exams to assess your readiness. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and adjust your study plan accordingly.

4. Join Study Groups

Consider joining PMP study groups or online forums to exchange knowledge and insights with fellow PMP aspirants. Collaborative learning can be highly beneficial.

Applying for the PMP Exam

When you feel confident in your knowledge and are consistently scoring well on practice exams, it's time to apply for the PMP exam. Here's what you need to do:

1. Visit the PMI website and create an account.

2. Complete the online application form. Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation to support your educational background and project management experience.

3. Pay the exam fee. PMI members receive a discounted rate, so joining PMI might be a cost-effective choice.

4. Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE test center or opt for the online proctored exam.

Conclusion

In summary, achieving the PMP certification is a significant milestone in your project management career. Understanding the PMP certification prerequisites is the first step in your journey. Ensure that you meet the educational and experience requirements, complete the required project management education, and prepare thoroughly for the PMP exam.

Your path to success in project management begins with the PMP certification. As you navigate this process, stay focused, diligent, and committed. The effort you invest in meeting the prerequisites and preparing for the PMP exam will be well worth it as you unlock exciting career opportunities and demonstrate your expertise in the field of project management.

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PMP Certification: The Golden Ticket to Project Management Stardom

In the ever-evolving realm of project management, where excellence is the key to success, one certification stands out as the golden ticket to stardom - the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. With this highly regarded credential, professionals can unlock a world of opportunities, elevate their careers, and bring unmatched value to their organizations. In this article, we'll explore what the PMP Certification is, why it's so highly coveted, and how obtaining it can propel your project management career to new heights.

The Power of PMP Certification

What is PMP Certification?

The PMP Certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It's a testament to an individual's commitment and proficiency in project management. PMP is renowned for its rigorous examination process, stringent experience requirements, and ongoing professional development, making it a symbol of excellence in the field.

Why is PMP Certification Highly Coveted?

1. Global Recognition: PMP is recognized and respected worldwide. It serves as a common language for project managers, transcending borders and cultures, and creating a global network of professionals.

2. Career Advancement: A PMP certification can be your ticket to career advancement. Many organizations seek PMP-certified professionals for leadership roles, and PMPs often enjoy higher salaries and more significant opportunities.

3. Enhanced Skills: The PMP certification process equips you with in-depth knowledge of project management best practices, tools, and techniques. This knowledge enhances your ability to plan, execute, and close projects successfully.

4. Networking: Becoming a PMP allows you to connect with a vast network of professionals. You can leverage this network for mentorship, collaboration, and staying updated with industry trends.

The Journey to PMP Certification

Eligibility Requirements

Earning the PMP Certification requires meeting specific eligibility criteria:

• A four-year degree with three years of project management experience.
• A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree) with five years of project management experience.

In addition to experience, you must complete 35 hours of project management education. Once you meet these requirements, you can embark on your PMP journey.

The PMP Exam

The PMP exam is a rigorous test of your project management knowledge and skills. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering various aspects of project management, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. The exam is a formidable challenge but passing it demonstrates your readiness for complex project management tasks.

Maintaining Your PMP Credential

Once you achieve your PMP certification, you need to maintain it by earning Professional Development Units (PDUs). This involves ongoing learning, participating in professional activities, and contributing to the project management community. It ensures that PMPs stay current and continue to bring value to their organizations.

PMP Certification and Your Career

Career Opportunities

The PMP certification opens doors to a plethora of career opportunities. You'll be eligible for roles such as:

• Project Manager
• Program Manager
• Portfolio Manager
• Business Analyst
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Risk Manager

These roles are not only lucrative but also allow you to work in various industries, from IT and healthcare to construction and finance.

Salary Advancement

PMP-certified professionals typically earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts. A PMP certification can lead to a significant boost in your income, making it a worthwhile investment in your future.

Enhanced Leadership Skills

PMP certification is not just about knowledge; it's about honing your leadership and decision-making skills. You'll become a more effective leader, capable of steering projects to success and driving organizational growth.

Conclusion

In the competitive world of project management, the PMP Certification stands as the ultimate validation of your expertise and dedication. It's a symbol of excellence that can elevate your career, open doors to exciting opportunities, and set you on a path to project management stardom.

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Cracking the PMP Exam: Proven Strategies for a Perfect Score

In the world of project management, the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a prestigious and highly sought-after credential. It signifies a level of expertise and competency that can open doors to lucrative career opportunities. However, earning the PMP certification is no small feat. It requires a deep understanding of project management principles, a significant amount of study time, and a successful performance on the PMP exam. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore proven strategies to help you achieve a perfect score on the PMP exam and accelerate your career in project management.

Understanding the PMP Exam

Before delving into the strategies, it's crucial to understand the PMP exam itself. The PMP exam is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), and it consists of 180 multiple-choice questions covering various aspects of project management. These questions are based on the PMI's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), which is a comprehensive guide to best practices in project management.

The exam is designed to assess your knowledge of project management processes, tools, and techniques. It covers a wide range of topics, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. To pass the exam, you must score at least 61% or answer approximately 110 questions correctly.

Proven Strategies for Success

1. Master the PMBOK Guide

The foundation of success in the PMP exam is a deep understanding of the PMBOK Guide. This comprehensive resource is your roadmap to project management excellence. Make sure to thoroughly study each of the knowledge areas and process groups outlined in the guide.

2. Enroll in a High-Quality PMP Exam Prep Course

One of the most effective ways to prepare for the PMP exam is by enrolling in a reputable PMP exam prep course. These courses are designed to provide you with structured learning, practice exams, and expert guidance. Look for courses that are accredited by the PMI for the best results.

3. Create a Study Plan

Success in the PMP exam requires disciplined study. Create a detailed study plan that outlines what topics you will cover each day or week. Set aside dedicated study time and stick to your schedule. Consistency is key.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice exams are invaluable when preparing for the PMP exam. They simulate the actual exam experience and help you gauge your readiness. Take as many practice exams as you can find, and review the questions you answered incorrectly to identify areas where you need improvement.

5. Join a Study Group

Studying with peers can provide valuable insights and motivation. Join a PMP exam study group or an online forum where you can discuss challenging topics, share study materials, and exchange tips with fellow aspirants.

6. Understand the Exam Format

Familiarize yourself with the format of the PMP exam. It's essential to know how the questions are structured and how to manage your time effectively during the exam.

7. Focus on Your Weaknesses

Identify your weaknesses in project management knowledge and concentrate your efforts on improving those areas. Whether it's risk management, procurement, or stakeholder communication, addressing your weaknesses will boost your overall confidence.

8. Take Care of Yourself

Don't underestimate the importance of self-care during your exam preparation. Get enough rest, eat healthily, and engage in stress-reduction activities like yoga or meditation. A well-rested and focused mind performs better.

Acing the PMP Exam

When the day of the PMP exam arrives, approach it with confidence and a clear mind. Remember to pace yourself and manage your time wisely. If you encounter challenging questions, don't dwell on them; mark them for review and come back to them later.

After completing the exam, you will receive your results immediately. If you've followed these strategies diligently, you should be well-prepared to achieve a perfect score or come very close to it. Celebrate your accomplishment and proudly add the PMP credential to your resume.

Conclusion

Cracking the PMP exam and achieving a perfect score is a significant milestone in your project management career. By mastering the PMBOK Guide, enrolling in a quality exam prep course, creating a study plan, practicing consistently, and following these proven strategies, you can increase your chances of success. Remember, preparation and determination are the keys to unlocking a bright future in project management.

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Top 10 Certifications You Can Get In 2020

2020 is almost approaching. What is your resolution for 2020??

If you are a career-oriented person then upskill yourself with the best certification to stay relevant and grab new opportunities in the coming years.

Below are the Top 10 certifications that you can have!

1. Agile and Scrum 

Agile and Scrum are very popular certifications as of today.

Agile methodology is more adaptable to changes as per requirements throughout the course of the project.

Commonly considered as a framework in agile project management, Scrum outlines a set of meetings, tools, and roles that work in harmony to help team structure and conduct their work.

Through this certification, you will be able to learn the Agile and Scrum framework and gain an understanding of team roles, events, and artifacts, as well as how to guide agile teams through a project successfully.

According to Payscale, in 2019, the average annual pay for a Certified Scrum Master in the United States is $115,700 a year.

2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect

It is one of the most popular cloud computing certifications. From storing and sharing files using google drive to watching movies on Netflix, everything is on the cloud. From the user base itself, it’s evident that cloud computing is a necessity today. If you are a person who wants to build a career in the cloud, then AWS certification is the best to start with. You can start with a basic level such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate and gradually move up the ladder with next step certifications.

That’s because AWS is more popular than its 10 other competitors like Azure, Google Cloud, etc.

The average salary of an AWS solutions architect is $123,700 per year according to  Indeed.Com

According to Enlyft, a marketing intelligence company, 47% of Amazon AWS customers are in the United States and that’s a lot of companies that can bring job opportunities for you.

However, prior to taking an exam, you should have hands-on experience with AWS services and architecting large-scale distributed systems.

3. CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional

It is one of the globally recognized IT security professional's technical skills. Companies usually look for applicants who have completed the CISSP exam because applicants with the CISSP certifications are sufficiently educated about cybersecurity and have hands-on experience of at least 5 years.

This experience can be earned in a minimum of two of the eight cybersecurity knowledge domains.

As per Indeed, there has been a sudden increase in demand for cybersecurity skills by 7% in the US. That’s good news! Isn’t it?

According to Payscale, the salary of a CISSP certified individual ranges from $87,000 to $165,000 depending on the years of experience in the USA as of August 2019.

4. Cisco Certifications

Within Cisco Certifications, the two very popular and valuable certifications are CCNA (Cisco certified network associate) and CCNP (Cisco certified network professional)

CCNA primarily focuses on developing appropriate skills to meet the speedy deployment of technologies in today’s complex networking environment.

Once you are a CCNA certified you can choose different paths that interest you, such as:

- CCNA Security - It deals in troubleshooting and monitoring network devices.

- CCNA Voice - It deals with VoIP, handset, voiceover mail, etc.

- CCNA Wireless - It deals with using Cisco equipment in configuring, implementing, and supporting wireless LANs

The majority of MNCs, as well as medium-sized companies, use Cisco products, which means they need people who can help with seamless operations while using those products.

In the US, the average salary of a CCNA certified professional ranges from $72,000 to $100,000 as of August 2019, according to Payscale.

CCNP - One of the most popular certifications in the field of networking. This certification is usually preferred by CCNA as this helps them to scale up one’s career. CCNP will help you to validate your proficiency in planning, implementing, managing and troubleshooting WANs and LANs in business environments. It also helps you make aware of how to work in collaboration with other experts to manage wireless, voice, video and security solutions.

CCNP certified professionals earn $92,000 on an average per year which can go high up to $122,000 depending upon the experience according to payscale in August 2019.

5. PMP - Project Management Professional

It is one of the most recognized certifications globally in today’s date. It is created and administered by PMI - Project Management Institute. According to recruiters, the certificate adds immense value to your leadership skills and in addition, the PMP® certification brings a 22–25% increase over non-certified peers.

PMP helps you examine yourself in five criteria; initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. The results provide you a clear picture of your capability and also for recruiters to choose you over others.

However, there are prior requirements to become PMP certified. You should have a bachelor’s degree with at least 4500 hours of project management experience and if you don’t have a bachelor's degree then you would need to have 7500 hrs of project management experience. And lastly, you need to have a 35-hour contact certificate to take the exam and you are good to go.

According to a survey done by PMI in 2019, Project managers take-home salary is $112,000 annually in the States and earns 23 percent higher than one without PMP certification.

Project Management includes other certifications such as CAPM, PRINCE 2 Foundation, PRINCE 2 practitioner and PRINCE 2 combo.

6. CompTIA A+

With this particular certification, you will have a complete fundamental knowledge of hardware and software. You’ll also learn about troubleshooting a wide range of devices, from computers to smartphones.

The examination is outlined to certify the capability of entry-level personal computer service professionals in installing, operating, customizing, and maintaining personal computers and other devices.

In the US, a CompTIA A+ certified professional earns about $59,000 on an average per year according to PayScale as of August 2019.

7. ITIL 

ITIL or Information Technology Infrastructure Library is a set of best practices for IT service management. ITIL concentrates on adjusting or arranging on the IT services according to the requirements of the companies.

It includes a list of relevant specializations such as IT operations, capacity management, incident management, and availability management, to name a few. Best practices intend to manage or lessen IT costs, improve IT services, and balance IT resources.

According to Ziprecruiter.com the majority of ITIL Foundation salaries as of August 2019, range between $52,000 to $118,500 across the United States.

8. Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)

GIAC provides a set of vendor-neutral computer security certifications. It offers 30+ specific information security certifications. The objective of these certifications is to focus on job-based capabilities rather than providing a standard course to all. The certification process approves the specific abilities of security professionals and developers with standards established on the most important benchmarks in the industry.

An increase in the number of devices and networks calls for more threat. It leads to the demand for highly skilled people to manage the threats and eliminate them.

According to PayScale August 2019, a GIAC certified can earn an average of $90,000 per year in the US.

9. MCSE - Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert

The MCSE certification will help if you are an IT Professional to validate your technical expertise through accurate, industry-proven, and industry-recognized exams.

MCSE certifications show the skills to design and build advanced solutions that integrate multiple Microsoft technologies.

Prior to doing MCSE, you will have to complete MCSA certification which will validate your ability to build and design solutions using core Microsoft technologies.

MCSE has various other certifications under it such as MCSE: Business Application, MCSE: Core Infrastructure, MCSE: Data Management & Analytics, MCSE: Mobility, and MCSE: Productivity.

The demand for skilled cloud specialists has exponentially increased due to a multi-cloud strategy approach taken by most businesses.

According to Payscale the average salary in the US for Microsoft certified solution expert is $92,000 per year as of August 2019.

10. CEH - Certified Ethical Hacker

In today’s date hiring an ethical hacker is not a choice but a necessity. If you wish to become one, you will have the ability to understand and know how to look for vulnerabilities in target systems.

You will also be able to use the same expertise and means as a hacker but strictly aligned with the law to evaluate the security posture of a target system.

Not only in the US but also in other countries malicious hacking is a strict offense. However, one should have the same technical skills that hackers possess to catch a criminal.

A Certified Ethical Hacker certification indicates your knowledge in network security, particularly in preventing malicious hacking attacks through pre-emptive countermeasures.

In the US, a Certified Ethical Hacker earns on an average of $90,000 per year according to Payscale as of July 2019.

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Project Selection Methods

It happens many times in life that you have many choices when selecting the best option. For example, you may have the option to select which movie you want to see or where you should go for your next vacation.

You may make the decision just randomly, or based upon your experience or suggestions from your family members or friends in your life.

However, in professional life when you have been given options to make a selection, you go by a set of rules because here, the stakes are high and you cannot afford to make a wrong decision.

Suppose your organization has received many projects, but your organization cannot undertake all projects at once due to resource constraints. Therefore, your organization has to decide to select a project, which is less risky and could provide them with maximum profit and recognition.

There are various methods which help you choose your project wisely. These methods can be divided into two categories:

1. Benefit Measurement Methods
2. Constrained Optimization Method

Although there is a difference among methodologies used in each technique, the basic principle and ultimate goal are the same, which is to provide your organization with the maximum profit and recognition.

Every organization has a defined process that helps them to choose the right project aligned with its strategic objectives.

Generally, this process is performed by upper management such as the Steering Committee, Project Management Office (PMO), Project Selection Committee, etc.

They will evaluate many areas while evaluating the project, such as:

◈ Whether they are capable of doing it or not
◈ If they have all the resources required to complete the project
◈ If it will help them achieve their objective (recognition and maximum profit)

Now, we will discuss each type of project selection method.

Benefit Measurement Methods

This technique is widely used in the selection of projects, which is based on the present value of estimated cash inflow and outflow. Here, you calculate the cost and benefits and then compare them with other projects to make a decision.

We have to understand one crucial concept before we move to benefit measurement techniques: Discounted Cash Flows.

Discounted Cash Flow

We all know that the worth of money received today is more than the money received in the future. For example, the value 10,000 USD after ten years will not be the same as today; its worth will be far lower than the current value of 10,000 USD.

Therefore, we have to consider the concept of discounted cash flow while calculating the cost invested and return on investment.

Now, let us get back to benefits measurement methods.

The following is a list of techniques used in benefit measurement methods:

◈ Benefit/Cost Ratio

◈ Economic Model (Economic Value Added)

◈ Scoring Model

◈ Payback Period

◈ Net Present Value

◈ Discounted Cash Flow

◈ Internal Rate of Return

◈ Opportunity Cost

Benefit/Cost Ratio

As the name implies, it is the ratio between the present value of inflow (cost invested in the project) and the present value of outflow (value of return from the project). If the budget is not a constraint, the project with a higher Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) will be selected.

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Economic Value Added (EVA) is a performance metric that calculates the worth creation for the organization and defines the return on capital (ROC). It is the net profit after deducting all taxes and capital expenditure.

The project with the higher Economic Value Added (EVA) will be selected if you have many projects. Please note that EVA is expressed in dollar value, not a percentage.

Scoring Model

This is more like an objective technique. Here, the project selection committee will list a few relevant criteria, weigh them according to their priorities and importance, and then will add all these weighted values.

The project with the highest score will be selected once you complete scoring the projects.

Payback Period

This is the ratio of total cash out with an average per period cash in. In other words, it is the time required to recover the cost invested in the project.

The project with the minimum payback period will be selected if other parameters are the same.

Net Present Value (NPV)

This is the difference between the current value of cash inflow and the current value of cash outflow of the project. Net Present Value (NPV) should always be positive, and the project with the highest NPV will be the better option.

Internal Rate of Return (IRR)

This is the interest rate at which the Net Present Value becomes zero. In other words, you can say that it is the rate at which the present value of the outflow is equal to the present value of inflows.

You will select the project with the highest IRR if you have many projects to choose from.

Opportunity Cost

This is the cost that we are giving up by choosing some other project. You will choose the project with the lesser opportunity cost if you have many projects.

These are the few benefits measurement techniques used in the selection of projects. In general, for most organizations benefits measurement methods are enough to lead them to a decision.

Constrained Optimization Methods

This model is also known as the Mathematical Model of project selection, which is used for large projects requiring complex mathematical calculations.

The following is the list of techniques used in the Mathematical Model of project selection:

◈ Linear Programming

◈ Non-linear Programming

◈ Integer Programming

◈ Dynamic Programming

A detailed discussion of these topics is out of the scope of the PMP Certification exam. For the PMP exam, all you need to know is that these are the Mathematical Model techniques and are used in project selection.

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Which Certification Is Right PMP® Or PMI-ACP® ?

PMP® Or PMI-ACP®? Needless to know whether you have come up with this dilemma or not! It’s a way too common these days. Almost 50% of people looking for professional certification are wondering which one to opt for in between PMP® and PMI-ACP®.

First and foremost it would be better if you list out your specific requirements prior deciding on the professional certification course.

As a PMP® manager your roles would entitle you to:

◈ Leader: Capability to Lead and direct projects.

◈ Control: Control and regulate all the aspects of the project for its sustenance.

◈ Manage Teams: Manage teams and cross functional teams for the completion of the project within the constraints of budget and time schedule allotted.

◈ Apply Knowledge: Have sufficient knowledge and experience of the specific methodology required for the project in hand.

As an agile practitioner your roles would entitle you to:

◈ Understanding Agile: Understanding of agile methodology and concepts

◈ Agile Practices : Work with project teams that are specifically devised for agile practices

◈ Management: Strive to achieve lean management

◈ Have Proficiency: Proficiency in utilizing agile tools and techniques

Now, if you have all ‘yes’ for one certification then you have your answer. However, it often happens professionals get confused even after underling the roles of both the certifications. They have ‘yes’ for both the certifications. This is where the juggling takes place.

What to do when there is a tie between both PMP® and PMI-ACP®. I have devised a little questionnaire for you. Score ‘1’ if you are affirmative in either PMP® or PMI-ACP®. This table is devised keeping in view the roles you wish to adhere to and aspire to play.

PMP®	PMI-ACP®
You monitor projects but you do not interact with complete team, you only interact with few set of people and manage project in organized environment.	You are leading team and interact with each team member on regular basis.
You only look at results which team produces, someone else is responsible to ensure that team produce the result.	You are responsible for your teams productivity, you are the one who sees the gaps and find solutions if team fails to produce desired results.
You do not get into details of how the software develops, you never bother about the build integration and coding issues.	You are responsible to ensure that your team usage right development practices so the productivity gets enhanced.
You are working on system integration projects where you have multiple team associated with you and your main role is to identify and solve dependencies.	You are working as Project Manager of development team of 10-15 size and your main role is to ensure delivery, and you do use agile values in making day to day decisions.
You need to prepare complex project planning and monitoring reports which goes to management at frequency for review- the documentations.	You do prepare status reports but they are not that complex, they goes to management but management also connected with you and they do discuss status with you when they need details.
You need to interact with many stakeholders; these stakeholders have been managing project traditionally for a while.	Your management is moving towards agile, they want to be lean as soon as possible.

Whichever side scores more would be your option. If you score same on both the sides then my recommendation would be to opt for PMI-ACP® first since its new and highly advanced methodology. Once done with PMI-ACP® certification you can do PMP® which would be an add-on to your expertise and bring in more credits.

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Top 11 Benefits of Attaining the PMP Credential

You’ve been to the PMI Institute’s website and checked out the information on the different Project Management Professional (PMP) credential requirements. You’ve seen that the exam process is lengthy, and that the fees for the exam can be hefty for an entry-level team member. All that set aside, you’ve heard that obtaining a PMP credential can benefit your career. What are those benefits that everyone keeps talking about?

1. PMP Credentials Set You Apart

If you’ve gone through the process of obtaining PMP Certification, you have a standardized knowledge set – and the credentials to prove it. When applying for a job against competitors, having the credentials in hand will put you ahead of those who do not.

2. Benefit Your Company With Exclusive Know-How

Because you will have gone through the certification process, you will have learned a standardized set of project management best practices to implement in your own company projects.

3. Command Higher Pay

PMP certified project managers receive an average starting salary of $90,000 a year. Conjointly, overall PMP credentials will gain you a 20 percent increase in salary over non-credentialed project managers with similar qualifications.

4. Networking Potential

When you earn your PMP credential, you will be in touch with others working hard to pass the PMP credential exam. Moreover, you will be put into contact with those already holding PMP certifications. You never know who might help you obtain your next job – the more people in your field you make contact with, the easier it will be to get the job you want when it's time to move on.

5. Helps You to Train Others

Because you will have the specialized training that obtaining a PMP credential requires, you will be better able to teach others the tools of project management.

6. Helps You to Evaluate Potential Employees and Team Members

Let's face it, we've all had teams that for whatever reason did not work together as a cohesive group. By obtaining a PMP certification, you will learn valuable skills that will in turn help you to evaluate whether or not that potential team member will be able to work well with everyone.

7. Provides you with Greater Job Opportunities

Like every profession, project management is a field with some job opportunities only available to those with PMP certification. In fact, there are about 20 percent more openings than there are credentialed employees available – that sounds like good odds to me.

8. You Will Have More Efficient Projects

Because having a PMP certification hands you a set of tools to utilize in building efficient projects, you can improve the efficiency and productivity in all your project experiences.

9. Gain Invaluable Experience

Because you must work through various situations you may not be familiar with in your own work environment, you will gain experience on how to solve complex and diverse project problems.

10. Make a Career Switch

If you've been looking to make a career switch, PMP credentials can help you to do that. By gaining a credential where you might lack years of experience, you can start at the gates with a higher position and salary than otherwise you would be capable of.

11. Challenges You

Honestly, finally getting that PMP certification will not be the easiest thing you will do in your career — but it will challenge you in a good way. You will gain self-confidence, knowledge, and connections you wouldn't otherwise have.

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Prince2 vs PMP

What is PMP?

PMP stands for Project Management Professional and PMP a professional certificate from PMI (Project Management Institute). PMI is a USA based non-for-profit organization focused on project management, which has developed and published a number of standards, including:

◈ A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) : PMBOK
◈ The Standard for Program Management
◈ The Standard for Portfolio Management
◈ Organizational Project Management Maturity Model (OPM3®)

And also a number of practice standards and frameworks:

◈ Practice Standard for Project Risk Management
◈ Practice Standard for Earned Value Management
◈ Practice Standard for Project Configuration Management
◈ Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures
◈ Practice Standard for Scheduling
◈ Project Manager Competency Development Framework

The PMBOK guide is the most famous standard among these, and its worldwide use led to the development of three extensions for it, which allows for a more effective use in certain areas of application:

◈ Software Extension to the PMBOK Guide
◈ Construction Extension to the PMBOK Guide
◈ Government Extension to the PMBOK Guide

PMI has recently added a line of practice guides, which includes:

◈ Managing Changes in Organizations: A Practice Guide

PMI Certifications

PMI has a number of popular certifications and these are globally recognised. Getting one of these certification is an easy way to prove your knowledge later on, but is also beneficial as preparations for the exams will give you the chance to learn more and fill in the gaps in your knowledge.

These are the PMI’s certifications:

◈ Project Management Professional (PMP)® – Although based on the PMBOK Guide, the exam questions are about the project management body of knowledge in general, and the PMBOK Guide is just a part of it; well, an important part.
◈ Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® – a simple form of PMP
◈ Program Management Professional (PgMP)®
◈ Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)SM
◈ PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® – There is no standalone publication for this yet, but there is a syllabus and they award certifications
◈ PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)®
◈ PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)® – A certification useful for project planners
◈ OPM3® Professional Certification

PRINCE2

PRINCE2 is a project management methodology previously owned by the UK’s Cabinet Office. PRINCE2, among other “Best Practices” are now owned by AXELOS, a new joint venture company in the UK.

This “Best Practice” family consist of the following:

◈ PRINCE2 : Project management
◈ MSP : Program management
◈ MoP : Portfolio management
◈ M_o_R – Risk management
◈ MoV – Value management
◈ P3O – Project, program, and portfolio management offices (PMO)
◈ P3M3 – Project, program, and portfolio management maturity model
◈ ITIL : IT service management

PRINCE2 Certifications

There are three levels of certification for PRINCE2 however:

◈ PRINCE2 Foundation – the simple one

◈ PRINCE2 Practitioner – the important one

◈ PRINCE2 Professional – just too hard! (don't bother with this)

When people are talking about PRINCE2 certifications, they usually refer to the PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner. The former is easier than PMP and it is unfair to compare them, while the latter is as hard as PMP or, as some people believe, even harder than PMP.

The main source for the both Foundation and Practitioner exams is an official publication named “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2” however the official guide should not be used if you are just preparing for the PRINCE2 Foundation Exam as it makes it to difficult.

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Differences between Six Sigma & PMP (Six Sigma Vs PMP)

SIX SIGMA

Six Sigma is a quality management methodology aimed at performance improvement by reducing the no of defect to 3.4 or few defects per million items produced and a subsequent increase in profits and decrease in costs. It mainly targets to remove the obstacles in a process which are resulting in defects.

PMP

Project Management Professional (PMP) is the one of the most significant Certification for project managers. It is an International Designation offered by Project Management Institute (PMI). PMP certified project managers are employed by organisations all over the world as they seek to improve the success rate of projects in all areas, by applying a standardized and evolving set of project management principles as contained in PMI's PMBOK Guide.

It contains over 42 processes which can be adopted for successful completion and implementation of the projects.

Where the difference lies?

The main difference between Project Management Professional (PMP) and Six Sigma lies in the Methodology.

PMP uses various project management principles and processes to improve the success rate of the projects. On the other hand, Six Sigma leverages statistics to identify the defects and remove those defects for improvement in quality of the process.

LEARNING

Under Six Sigma Certification, the learning is imparted with the main focus of reducing defects as much as possible in order to reduce time and improve quality as per the standards set by the Company whereas in PMP Certification, learning is imparted to the practitioners with the main focus on how to properly plan and execute projects in order to ensure a high success rate for the projects.

DESIRE

The desire for PMP certification generally arises in an individual himself in order to develop his competencies in the challenging world whereas the need and criteria for Six Sigma Certification is specified by the company to makes its employees more efficient and capable of performing in the organisation.

NATURE

Project Management Professional is broad in nature as compared to Six Sigma which is much more specific and conceptually broad in nature.

WORK-CYCLE

Most of the Black Belts after the certification have to work for minimum 12-24 months in full time employment but there is no such obligation for the Project Management Professionals. However PMP have to complete 60 PDU’s in next 3 years to maintain certification.

COST ESTIMATION

Average Cost Incurred in completion of Six sigma black belt is quite high as it ranges between 25000-50000 US $ whereas the estimated costs in certification of PMP is significantly low at just 1500-3000 US $.

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10 Reasons To Use PMP Exam FlashCards as a PMP® Exam Study Material

In this article, we are going to discuss 10 reasons why you should use PMP exam flashcards as a PMP exam study material.

You should consider using PMP exam flashcards because:

1. This PMP exam study material allows you to study any time & anywhere

◈ Flashcards are portable and flexibly. They can go anywhere with you and can be used when you have some free time such as waiting for a doctor’s appointment, or the cable repair technician.

◈ You can print flashcards and take them with you, or if you prefer PM Flashcards are also available to be viewed on mobile devices.

2. It provides an active method for learning PMP concepts

◈ When you use flashcards as part of learning a concept, you are not just passively reading information; you are asking yourself questions and actively answering them.

◈ When you pick up a flashcard that reads “What does WBS stand for?” you have to think about what the question is asking and recall details related to the question. Apart from asking what WBS stands for, you might then ask yourself what does it mean? What was the context in which I learned about WBS? What is the significance of a WBS?

◈ You are more fully engaged in learning, which helps make the information “stick”.

3. It allows you to think about how much you do or do not understand a concept

◈ Flashcards can be used to reflect on what you are learning, which is also known as metacognition, i.e. “Thinking about thinking”.

◈ If you pick up a flashcard that reads “How do you calculate SPI?” you may remember what SPI stands for and that it involves earned value and planned value, but cannot recall the formula.

◈ If you don’t have clear understanding of a flashcard question, then you know you may have to read more about it or review what you have learned about the concept. So this may mean looking up the SPI formula, study and work through an example to ensure that you know that you calculate SPI by dividing earned value by planned value.

4. It breaks studying down into small chunks

◈ One flashcard covers a single topic so flashcards overall break studying down into small single concept chunks.

◈ For each chunk, you can determine which ones you understand and those that you know you need to review more.

◈ In other words, flashcards allow for you to focus on one question at a time. When you pick up a flashcard that asks “What does WBS stand for?” and you think to yourself “I have no idea” then you know you need to set that card aside, so you can spend more time on specifically on the topic of the WBS.

5. PMP exam flashcards provides repetition

◈ Flashcards ask questions about concepts in a variety of different ways and are intended to be used over and over.

◈ Knowing how to answer questions about a concept that is presented in a variety of ways ensures you learn, not simply memorize, the concept. In this way, you will find it easier to recall the information.

◈ If you answer a flashcard question correctly, don’t just set it aside. It is useful to not only see the cards you have not mastered more than once, but also it is good to review cards you got right the first time. Answering correctly a few times ensures you have learned the concept.

6. This PMP exam study material allows for distributed learning

◈ Distributed learning is the practice of spreading out your studying over time and quizzing yourself on the concepts over time; in another words…not cramming.

◈ Take a break between study sessions to learn other concepts or do other non-study related activities to allow for the information time to “sink in”.

◈ Spreading out studying for the PMP Exam is a much better method than cramming all of the information “en masse”.

7. It provides immediate feedback on progress

◈ With flashcards you know immediately if you are on the right track with a specific PMP concept, either you can answer the question correctly or not.

◈ There is a growing sense of accomplishment with a growing pile of mastered flashcards.

◈ There is no waiting time. You can immediately reprioritize your studies to learn more about topics on flashcard questions that you got wrong.

8. It allows you to control your learning

◈ You can order the flashcards randomly, by subject areas, by how much you have mastered a topic, or in any order you would like.

◈ You can learn at your own pace; set your own personal goals such as to review 5, 40 or 100 flashcards a day.

◈ You can easily sort the cards in to groups of what you do know and what you need to spend more time studying.

9. PMP exam flashcards uses both visual and auditory senses

◈ Memory improves when you use more than one sense to learn information, which can be done using flashcards.

◈ It is useful to have cards where you can draw an image or graph on (visual) that you associate with the concept on the flashcard. For example if the concept is Maslow’s hierarchy, don’t just rely on the text to learn the concept – draw it out.

◈ It can also be good to have someone else read the questions to you (auditory).

10. It works well in a group format

◈ You can make a game out of using flashcards and create a contest or casual competition within the study group, so you can introduce some fun while learning, discussing, and debating questions and answers.

◈ Hearing and discussing the questions in a group format can help you to reinforce PMP Exam concepts.

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The Effectiveness of Various PMP® Exam Study Techniques

If you are just beginning or are in the middle of studying for the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, you probably already know that in order to pass, you need to fully understand both A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), Project Management Institute, Inc. (PMI)® and the (PMI)® Code of Ethics. You have probably spent some time thinking about the many study techniques available to you. In this article, I examine four PMP® Exam study techniques, their effectiveness, and some possible alternatives, you may not have considered.

Technique 1 – Reading and Highlighting / Underlining the PMBOK® Guide and PMI® Code of Ethics

Reading text and highlighting or underlining as we go is a technique many of us learned and used during our high school or college days, so it is a familiar technique.

Verdict:

Studies have found that although 84% of students at elite colleges use this technique, they have also found it to be ineffective. It is kind of a security blanket, in that it makes the student feel that they are learning, but the student is actually more focused on highlighting or underlining rather than learning the concept.

Passively reading is a great first step, so don’t discount the need to read the PMBOK® Guide and PMI Code of Ethics; however, highlighting or underlining likely adds very little to your learning.

It does little to enhance understanding of the material and long term recall of the material, which makes this technique ineffective overall.

Alternatives:

Try to find other methods to learn about PMP concepts other than just reading, highlighting, or underlining them such as:
Be more active while reading. For example, ask yourself “why” a concept is relevant, or try to relate the concept to a real world example you can recall when it comes up on the PMP® Exam.

Technique 2 – Using Flashcards

Flashcards are a compact quick use study aid that typically covers one question, formula, or tidbit of information per card. This is another technique you may be familiar with from your high school or college days.

Verdict:

Spreading study sessions out over time, also known as distributed practice, has been found to enhance student performance. Flashcards provide a great method to be able to spread out learning and use the distributed practice method in a controlled and flexible way. You can easily breakdown PMP concepts into smaller “bite sized” chunks to ensure you review and master the material one concept at a time.

Flashcards have been found to be a very effective learning technique. You can pace yourself and easily use the flashcards as many times as you need in order to solidify the concepts in your mind.

Technique 3 – Taking Notes on the PMBOK® Guide and PMI Code of Ethics

Taking notes is the act of write down important information while reading the material to be learned. This is another technique many of us have learned while in school.

Verdict:

Taking notes is a better technique than highlighting or underlining, but can be very time-consuming. If you use this technique wisely then it can be very effective to use while reading the PMBOK® Guide and PMI Code of Ethics. Be careful not to take notes that simply regurgitate information, or your learning will be adversely affected and taking notes would be similarly ineffective as highlighting or underlining.

Alternative 1 – Use Notes to Create Flashcards:

When taking notes, do it in a manner where you can hide terms and definitions easily. For example, create two columns on a single page where the left column contains the terms and the right column contains the definitions. Writing it out this way allows you to hide the definitions with one hand as you try to repeat them to yourself. Or you can leave a lot of extra white space that you can use to rewrite the concept later to “test” yourself.

Then you can compare what you wrote verses the note you took. Using a notebook is not as flexible as using flashcards, but you can use any notes you take as a basis for creating your own flashcards.

Alternative 2 – Use a Brain Dump:

Create a brain dump. After reading about a concept, take a sheet of paper and write down all of the details you can recall about that topic. Don’t forget to verify that the details in your brain dump are correctly recalled and that you did not miss anything.

This is an effective technique for learning a concept since you are actively filtering for the most essential information. You also end up with a way of actively recalling the information over time and most importantly you can recreate the brain dump on the day of your PMP Exam.

Technique 4 – Taking Practice Tests

Taking practice tests can include anything from testing yourself one question at a time or sitting in a quiet location and taking a full length four hour two hundred question simulated PMP Exam.

You can self-test while reading PMP related material. For example, if student A was re-reading a PMBOK® Guide chapter straight through and student B hid some text from themselves purposely as they read in order to recall the information prior to revealing the text (taking a self-imposed practice test) then student B would be more likely to recall the information long term. As student B was going through the self-imposed testing, when he failed to recall information, he simply went back to re-study the concept.

Flashcards are also a form of practice tests as each card poses a test question. Flashcards are not ideal in the sense that the format of the PMP Exam is not necessarily the same as flashcards, but are still effective.

Verdict:

Practice tests are definitely recommended and studies have shown that taking practice tests is a very effective learning technique in a wide array of situations. Self-testing as you read PMP- related study material and using flashcards are both effective methods, but most effective is taking full-length timed practice PMP Exams.

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CSM vs PMI-ACP: Which Agile Certification is Right for You?

Those who go through the work to earn a professional certification enjoy a multitude of benefits. Earning a certification builds confidence, makes you more competitive in the job market, solidifies understanding of a discipline, and establishes credibility with your stakeholders. Considering the effort, money, and commitment required to get certified, those rewards are well-deserved.

That sizable investment also means that most people must be discriminating as to which certification to pursue. Few have enough time, money, and energy to get more than one certification in a field, so a question we often get is, “Which one do you recommend?”

This article explores two popular agile certifications: Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM), awarded by the Scrum Alliance, and the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, awarded by Project Management Institute. Each certification and awarding organization offers different considerations that might go into choosing one over the other.

Highlighting the most salient “plusses” of each certification seems the best way to illustrate the value proposition for each certification. Of course, to highlight a benefit of one certification is not to say that it is unique to that certification. But to appreciate the benefits of each, it seems helpful to ask, “What does each certification say about you when your signature includes CSM or PMI-ACP?”

◈ PMI-ACP: You Understand Scrum and Other Agile Methods

Scrum is, by far, the most widely used agile approach, but it is not the only approach. The PMI-ACP addresses agile from a more holistic perspective and not specifically Scrum. When preparing for the ACP, it was helpful to understand about those other perspectives to see how agile principles are applied with different methods.

◈ CSM: You Have Learned and Worked with a Certified Scrum Trainer.

The biggest benefit of getting a CSM is that there is a very small, highly qualified number of individuals from whom you can receive your CSM training. Only Certified Scrum Trainers® (CSTs) can deliver a CSM course, and the qualifications for becoming a CST are extremely rigorous including vetting by Scrum Alliance peers in face-to-face interviews.CSTs all have considerable field and classroom with years of hands-on work in organizations with agile teams. Getting a CSM means you have learned from a Scrum professional who has deep knowledge about Scrum and has a lot of experience working with agile teams. That typically translates into hearty classroom examples of what agile looks like and how it works in the field when discussing concepts in class.

◈ PMI-ACP: You Have Agile Education and Project Experience

The experience requirements for the ACP are relatively strong. To apply for the PMI-ACP exam, you must have several thousand hours of experience working on projects. This experience includes general project experience, as well as project experience working on agile project teams or with agile methods and practices. Having a PMI-ACP means you have some context for understanding the various approaches to managing projects and you can speak to the benefits of agile and when it’s the right approach.The ACP also requires 21 hours of agile education and may be done either online or in-person. Those education hours may address agile philosophy, techniques, or principles, and there are no specific requirements for instructor qualifications, (unless it is an ACP prep course, in which the trainer must be ACP certified). So, in general the quality requirements for the agile education component of getting certified are more rigorous for the CSM.

◈ CSM: You Are a Member of Scrum Alliance.

Another benefit of a CSM is affiliation with Scrum Alliance. As a CSM, you are a member of an organization entirely dedicated to Scrum. There is, and always has been, no question that Scrum Alliance folks understand agile and that they are a leading resource pertaining to all things Scrum.This might not be as important if it weren’t contrasted with PMI, which has long been the keeper of the more traditional, plan-driven, “waterfall” approach to projects. In fact, one of the downsides of the PMI-ACP when it first came out was that many people disregarded it precisely because it was from PMI. That’s changing, however, and their evolving image reflects years of rebranding to put agile front and center in their publications and events. Nevertheless, some still see PMI as the one-stop shop for all things anti-agile. CSMs have never had that credibility gap as members of Scrum Alliance.

◈ PMI-ACP: You Passed A PMI Exam

The PMI-ACP exam process is more intensive than the CSM. For example, the CSM exam consists of a combination of multiple-choice and true/false questions and you must answer 24 out of 35 correctly to pass. There is no separate fee to take the test; it’s included in the cost of the class. It is taken online and you have two attempts to pass the test within 90 days of class. If you do not pass within two attempts and/or 90 days, you may take the test again for $25 for each successive attempt. So, the barrier to entry for the CSM as it relates to the test is relatively low.On the other hand, the PMI-ACP certification, like all PMI certifications, is earned after going through the notoriously rigorous PMI application and testing process. The PMI-ACP exam is not nearly as difficult as the PMP, but passing it is more difficult than the CSM exam. Even the application process, while considerably easier than it used to be, still requires pulling together details about project experience, contact info, etc.The PMI-ACP exam is a three-hour, 120-multiple-choice question exam taken at a testing site. If you do not pass, you must pay another, relatively substantial fee. So, considering the difficulty of the exam and the testing process, it’s more of an accomplishment from a testing standpoint than the CSM.

Of course, a test proves nothing other than you answered the minimum number of questions correctly to receive a passing score. A test doesn’t make anyone a better practitioner. But for most people, a PMI certification indicates that you have taken the certification seriously enough to make the investment to get through the process of passing one of their tests. PMI’s certification program is very well developed and has a long tradition, and there’s something to be said for that.

◈ CSM: You Have Attended a Course Using Agile Tools and Artifacts.

The courses for getting your CSM are rich with hands-on exercises and must be taught live, in person; there is no means of getting CSM certified through an online course. This speaks to Scrum Alliance’s quality program for its courses, and it benefits those with CSMs in that you will have had that classroom experience of working on an agile-like, co-located team and participated in Scrum activities and utilized Scrum tools to create Scrum artifacts.

◈ PMI-ACP: You Are Committed to Continued Professional Growth in Agile

Maintaining a PMI-ACP requires 30 hours of continuing education in agile within three years of passing the exam. There is a fee involved, as well, but it’s mostly about keeping your skills and knowledge sharp through training, reading, or some other learning activity.On the other hand, keeping your CSM only requires paying a Scrum Alliance membership fee two year after completing your CSM. Therefore, a CSM who got certified seven years ago can continue to use that designation as long as they continue to pay their fees – even if they haven’t participated in any agile professional growth since then. For that reason, the PMI-ACP sustains its certification value over time better than the CSM.

Something to keep in mind as you compare these two certifications is that both are scheduled to undergo changes in the coming months. Scrum Alliance is currently revising their entire certification program. At this point, many of the details are still unknown, but changes to the CSM may include things like being able to take a class online. It will continue to be an entry-level certification much like it is now. Other than that, we’ll have to wait and see.

What’s happening at PMI regarding the PMI-ACP is more certain. First, PMI has partnered with Agile Alliance to develop an Agile Practice Guide, coming out in September of this year (2018). This partnership clearly speaks to PMI’s intent to enhance its credibility in the agile world.

Also, the PMI-ACP exam will be updated in first quarter of 2018 to reflect the content in the new Guide. Given the history of PMI, their investment in putting agile at the forefront of their image, and the significant growth of that certification since it was first awarded in 2011, the PMI-ACP is likely to retain its value and continue to be a sought-after certification, both from professionals and the organizations that hire them.

So, the question as to which is better, CSM or PMI-ACP? There really isn’t a right answer. CSM after your name means you have learned about Scrum from a CST, who is a true, experienced, expert. You have participated in a class that utilized hands-on exercises so you have at least classroom experience with basic Scrum activities and artifacts. And you’re a member of the Scrum Alliance, an organization dedicated to helping professionals apply agile and Scrum practices, principles, and values to create healthy, happy work environments.

PMI-ACP after your name means you have 1000s of hours of project experience, some of which includes working with agile techniques and practices. You have passed a rigorous exam that took significant commitment of time, money, and effort to complete, and you understand the repertoire of agile methods, including Scrum. It also says that you either have or will be continuing to invest time, money, and effort to keep abreast of what’s happening in the field and to your knowledge and skills sharp.

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