Should a Project Manager Have Experience AND Credentials?

Yes, I think both are important... Thanks for your take on this

Posted: Nov 17, 2023 4:04 AM

A credentialing system that requires education and experience is as close as I want to get to a regulated profession, which PMPs have, but that's not where I want to focus.

Education, experience, and credentials are all part of what I feel is an important mix. You make a valid point about the weirdness of the profession's view on certification, but you missed the other end of the spectrum; one where college students are trying to get their PMP so that they can start making high salaries right away and people experienced in other fields want to transition into project management without any experience.

I don't think there's just one root cause for this, but if you want to regulate something, maybe start with certifying bodies. When it comes to credentials, you can swim in what I call 'alphabet soup' because of the amount of certification acronyms after your name, and most of them won't make a positive impact on your resume.

Posted: Nov 17, 2023 11:24 AM

Sean, this is an excellent blog. I've seen heated debates on LinkedIn about this specific topic.

I am a Life Long Learner myself, and I strongly believe that both are important. Experience and Certifications combined are a receipe for success. In construction terms, its like Cement and Rebar together produces reinforced concrete! However, professionals should be aware that:

1) Its always good to have some experience before you pursue certifications in order to make sense of what you learn and apply it in real life.

2) A certification will help you standout and put you ahead of the crowd but won't get you a job as it is an indication that someone has in-depth knowledge about a certain area but doesn't necessarily mean they ar capable of doing the job.

Posted: Nov 17, 2023 11:43 AM

Dear Sean
Your question is very interesting
For a person to become PMP certified, they need to have knowledge and experience (requirement).
At least, a few years ago, it was like that :-)

Posted: Nov 18, 2023 2:50 AM

Great Blog!

Posted: Nov 18, 2023 11:38 AM

Thanks a million for sharing this simple amazing.

Posted: Nov 23, 2023 11:53 PM

Dear Sean,


Your observations about the perception of credentials in the field of project management, compared to other professions, offer an insightful perspective on the ongoing debate between the value of experience versus formal qualifications.

It's intriguing to note that in professions like accounting, engineering, and even trades like plumbing, there is an inherent understanding that credentials and qualifications form the foundation upon which experience builds. This dual emphasis ensures that professionals are not only seasoned through practical work but also grounded in the theoretical knowledge and standards of their field.

Your approach to recruiting project managers, considering both their experience and credentials, reflects a balanced and pragmatic viewpoint. It recognizes that credentials provide a baseline understanding of the field, indicating a commitment to professional development and adherence to industry standards. This combination of experience and credentials creates a more holistic picture of a candidate's capabilities.

The idea that project managers need both experience and credentials, akin to other professions, is a compelling argument. It underscores the importance of a structured learning path in the profession, ensuring that project managers are equipped with both the theoretical framework and practical skills necessary for effective project delivery.

Your insights into different types of credentials – from those offered by professional organizations like PMI, IPMA, APM, to academic degrees and commercial methodology certifications – highlight the diverse ways project managers can demonstrate their competence and commitment to their profession.

The notion of regulating the profession of project management is a thought-provoking one. It suggests a future where the title of a project manager is not just based on self-assertion or experience alone but is underpinned by a set of defined standards and qualifications, similar to regulated professions.

Your post encourages a more nuanced understanding of what it takes to be a successful project manager – a blend of practical experience and formal credentials. This comprehensive approach not only elevates the profession but also ensures the delivery of complex projects by well-rounded, competent professionals.

In the light of your discussion, how do you envision the process of regulating the project management profession? What would be the key elements to consider in defining the standards for someone to be recognized as a qualified project manager?

BR,

Markus

Posted: Nov 26, 2023 4:35 PM

Hello Markus, thanks for such a comprehensive reply. I don't have the answers to this question. I defer to the knowledge of others. I only want the profession of project management to continue to grow and become an actual profession. Would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Posted: Nov 27, 2023 3:04 PM

Thanks for bringing this topic up Sean. I would probably trust the plumber that has enough experience, but no certification/license ;) Though it would be much harder for some other professions.

I would take a look at that issue from the value perspective - as long as there a value in the certification process to get "the credential", it's worth to take the effort. Primary that value might be in a process of learing and being tested.
On the other hand, if the certification is just about getting the credential easily, it might be doubtful to be of value.

Posted: Nov 28, 2023 9:24 AM

Hello Sean,

Thank you for your response. It's clear that many in the field share your desire for the project management profession to grow and become more formally recognized. The idea of regulating project management as a profession is indeed a complex yet vital endeavor, and it's understandable that you're seeking diverse perspectives on this matter.

To envision the process of regulating the project management profession, several vital elements should be considered:

Establishing Universal Standards: One of the first steps would be establishing a set of universal standards and practices for project management. These could be developed by leading professional organizations like PMI, IPMA, and APM collaborating with industry experts. These standards must be adaptable across various industries and project types while maintaining a core set of principles and practices.

Credentialing and Certification: A robust system for credentialing and certification would be essential. This would involve recognizing existing certifications and potentially developing new ones that align with the established universal standards. It's crucial that these certifications assess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Accreditation of Educational Programs: Tertiary education programs in project management should be rigorously evaluated and accredited by recognized professional bodies. This would ensure that these programs meet industry standards and adequately prepare students for a career in project management.

Continuing Professional Development: Emphasizing ongoing learning and professional development would be key. This could involve mandatory continuing education credits for maintaining certifications, similar to other professional fields.

Ethical and Professional Conduct: Developing a code of ethics and professional conduct, along with a system for handling violations, is essential for maintaining professional integrity. This would help in establishing public trust and accountability.

Legal and Regulatory Framework: Collaborating with governmental bodies to legally recognize project management as a regulated profession. This could involve lobbying efforts and working closely with legal experts to define the scope and boundaries of the profession.

Global Collaboration and Localization: Given the global nature of project management, international collaboration would be essential in developing these standards and regulations. However, .

Public Awareness and Advocacy: Increasing public awareness about the role and importance of project management is crucial. Advocacy efforts could help in elevating the profession's status and recognition.

In short, the journey to making project management a regulated profession involves a multifaceted approach that includes standardization, education, ethical practices, and legal recognition. It's a collaborative effort that requires input and consensus from various stakeholders within the industry.

I'm interested in your thoughts on these suggestions. Do you see any particular challenges or opportunities in this journey towards regulation? How do you think this shift might impact the day-to-day work of project managers?

Best regards,

Markus

Posted: Nov 29, 2023 9:55 AM

I agree that a balance of experience and certification is ideal. Additionally, many professional Project Managers likely agree. As you mentioned, there is an expectation that certain professions will hold a certification before being allowed to work (e.g., attorney passing a bar exam). However, even professions with a certification have individuals performing work in that field without a certification (e.g., not all accountants are CPAs).

Project Managers I think fall into that second category (not everyone who works in the field requires PMP nor CAPM). I think there is value-added in obtaining that certification. Based on others' comments, I think many here would agree with this.

Many certifications are "entry" certifications--you obtain the certification to help you perform work in that particular field. Somewhat akin to a bachelor's degree in a particular topic, the certification is based on completion of some course material and passing a test--but no experience required.

The "problem" is that many view the PMI certifications (PMP, PgMP, etc.) as that entry certification--something you get to help you perform better and not necessarily requiring experience prior to obtaining the certification. Additionally, some believe that "anyone" can be a project manager, and there's no need to have any certification whatsoever--that all you need is MS Project and a spreadsheet and you can be a project manager.

The critical group is this last group--these individuals are often in critical, decision-making, positions within organizations; they are frequently the ones making hiring decisions. And furthermore, they de-value the need for any kind of "Body of Knowledge" for project management. When things go wrong, they blame the project manager, instead of recognizing that the PM was not given the tools/resources/support needed for success.

To truly advance project management as a profession, this critical group must be educated and informed of what project management certifications bring to the mix. These critical stakeholders exist everywhere, and PMI (and the other organizations you referenced) should endeavor to undertake an information campaign to help them understand what the certifications mean, and how it can help their organization be stronger.

Many fields post "what if" or "how to" articles on social media and elsewhere--not targeting folks in that profession, but focused on those outside the profession. Using this approach, PMI would craft an article for publication in "Harvard Review" or other executive-focused publications. This gets information into a non-project management field, and helps them understand what the profession brings to the organization.

cheers,

Tom

Posted: Nov 29, 2023 9:47 PM

Great post! I would only add that experience can be limiting, especially without education. A PMP has at least been exposed to a full body of knowledge, and this gives them a reservoir of tools, techniques, and concepts upon which to draw. I believe it enhances the experience. And be it can bring some best practices to the workplace that would otherwise not be there.

Posted: Nov 29, 2023 10:40 PM

Great points. I wish I'd have come across this earlier.

I recently gave a presentation on building confidence as a PM, and it starts with gaining experience, both your own experience and witnessing others performance and learning from that. I didn't include the aspect of the credential for boosting your confidence, but when I've led PMP Exam Preps I use that in the opening monologue, that achieving your PMP will help to enable you to grow your confidence. And that confidence allows you to speak with authority.

The more your confidence grows, the closer you get to Self Efficacy. When you know you will be successful in a project because you have the confidence and experience based knowledge to know what to do, to be able to look ahead at risks and start formulating responses and build that mental model that leads to success.

This isn't just for the PM, but it can start there, then the project team can fill more confident by that leadership.

Also, I believe in the UK, for government contracts, they do require a PM to have a PRINCE credential. So at least there is someone who's doing what you propose about regulating the profession.

Posted: Feb 1, 2024 5:51 PM

Both knowledge and experience are essential components of a project manager's skill set, each being equally important.

Posted: Apr 1, 2024 10:15 AM