Hi Veer,
Good post and questions! You use the term "experienced" project managers. This might mean different things to different people. To some, an experienced project manager is a person who is skilled and can manage projects effectively using all of the same project management techniques and applying all of the same project management areas of knowledge that a certified project management professional does. In essence, this person is just as capable as a PMP, but just hasn't become a PMP for whatever reason. To others, an experienced project manager has experience managing projects but does not possess knowledge of all of the project management areas of knowledge nor have experience in executing all aspects of the project plan. In essence, this person is perceived to be not as knowledgeable or capable as a certified project manager.
Because there can be a wide and varied interpretation of what an "experienced" project manager is, many people don't like to use that term or describe project managers that way. Many PMO Managers that I work with prefer to use the term "professional" project manager instead and I also advocate this approach. A "professional" project manager is a person that manages projects for a living. They may or may not be certified. They may or may not meet the eligibility criteria. But, they do have the title of "Project Manager" and they do manage projects. Likewise, a non professional project manager, often referred to as an informal project manager or accidental project manager also manages projects, but the distinction is that this person typically does not have the title of project manager nor manages projects for a living. Rather, this person can be one of many line of business workplace professionals that as part of their job will often manage projects within the department. For example, the sales or marketing person that project manages the annual customer conference or a new product launch. This could be a six month project with a significant budget and a large number of tasks.
In short, all people that manage projects have experience, period. A more useful demarcation is whether or not an individual is a professional project manager (manages projects for a living) or not. Most people would agree that if you are a professional in something, and if there is a recognized authority for that which you want to do, and that recognized authority provides a certification, etc, then you would be well served (and maybe compelled) to get that certification in order to successfully pursue that which you want to do. A professional certification is a designation earned by a person and it is intended to assure that the person is qualified to do the job and just about every profession has a certification; accountants, builders, pilots, nurses, electricians, plumbers, logisticians, beauticians, teachers, counselors, childcare, law enforcement, marina operators, apartment managers, maintenance and repair workers, etc. There is even a certification for Beer Judging!
So, with the above as a backdrop, below are a few answers to your questions.
- Question 1: What is the advantage of being (PMP) certified?
- Answer 1: You will possess a professional credential and designation indicating that you are qualified to do the job. Also, you are likely to command a higher salary. On average, certified project managers earn 10-20% more than their non-certified peers. And, you are likely to be a candidate for more project management positions. Nine out of ten project management job positions require or prefer the candidate to have a certification.
- Question 2: Is the trend (PMP certification) part of a supply/demand cycle?
- Answer 2: I don't think the trend for certification is part of a supply/demand cycle though supply and demand cycles may account for spikes and variances in the rate of take up. I think the trend for certification is related to the natural evolution and maturity of the profession. The PMP was initiated in 1984 to recognize the project manager's understanding of the knowledge and skills to lead and direct project teams to successfully deliver the project within the constraints of schedule, budget, and resources, etc. As the industry matures, so do the professional organizations for the industry. The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the leading professional organization for project management and of course not the only professional organization for project management. The PMI and its credentialing has matured. In addition to the PMP, there are other credentials such as the CAPM launched in 2003.
- Question 3: Do we have any stats on how many experienced PMs take to PMP certification?
- Answer 3: I am not aware of any statistics on this. And, as mentioned above, the term "experienced" is ambiguous and problematic. If you rephrase the question to, "how many project managers that meet the PMP eligibility requirements to take the PMP choose to get their PMP?", then that is something that might be able to be measured. Anecdotally, I would offer that most of the professional project managers that I know that meet the eligibility criteria for the PMP and that wish to remain a project manager throughout their career, as opposed to other indiviual contributor or management positions, have plans as part of their career development to obtain their PMP.
Regarding your questions to Anne, David, Naomi, and Dave, I will let them answer for themselves. But, for the most part, if you visit the PMI website Career Development area and read the "Certification and the Job Market" and the "Our Credentials" pages, you will find the answers to many of your questions.
Veer, I often get asked by project managers whether or not they should get their PMP. My advice is always the same. If you are and plan to remain a professional project manager and you meet the eligibility criteria for the PMP, then it would be a good idea to get it. And when asked about this further, I reply that I don't know anyone that was disadvantaged on account of having a PMP. And when still asked about this further, I often reply, "the train has already left the station."
