Hello,
I am currently taking a fundamentals class for project management. I am don't have enough experience to take the PMP exam yet. I do qualify for the CAPM. My question is should I take the CAPM exam or gain more experience and then take the PMP exam? In my current role, I do have some PM experience. I would be applying for entry-level jobs once my class is over such as a project coordinator position.
Thank you. Saving Changes...
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ANTONIS APERGISSuperintendent| PCT (Piraeus Container Terminal Single Member S.A.)Drapetsona, Piraeus, Greece
Hello,
Your experience on PM is related to how much time you have to spend.
The more PM experience you have, the less time you need to understand and think like a PM.
The PMP exam is very demanding because you have little time to answer smart questions which check your knowledge in more than two topics in the same question. Saving Changes...
Having the CAPM is better than having no PM credential, especially if you are looking at project coordinator roles, as a potential employer would know you are comfortable with PMBOK concepts and terminology. However, if you are expecting to gain sufficient PM experience in a short enough time frame, the PMP would be the better bet.
You need to consider how you are going to market yourself in your job applications.
When I have a say in hiring and it involves a relatively inexperienced person on the team, I would much rather they have at least the fundamentals in PM. A CAPM would tell me that you're picking a direction, have some background so I don't have to train you from scratch, and you are trying to grow your skills.
That would be an asset in an entry level to PM. Huge bonus if you have enough skills to write macros, and other technical skills that many of us lost over the years.
Once you move into more responsible positions where you work with very little direction, you want either a higher certification or a work history to showcase your talent. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
My thoughts are totally in line with those of Kiron's - I totally agree with him. Saving Changes...
Bill DowPMO Director| University of WARenton, Wa, United States
I think if you are brand new, start with the CAPM. This will get you in the world of project management and find out if you even like it or not. Good luck. Saving Changes...
Haribabu BavanariComputer and Information Systems Manager| personalSc, United States
Thanks all for your input, As Bill said I may start with CAPM first. - Haribabu Bavanari Saving Changes...
Bill DowPMO Director| University of WARenton, Wa, United States
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