Project Manager| AWR Development (BD) Ltd. Cox's Bazer , Bangladesh
Hi Mike,
While PMP certification indicates a solid grasp of project management principles, effective project managers also require strong leadership, communication, and adaptability skills.
Conversely, experienced non-PMP project managers can also excel. Hands-on experience can be just as valuable as certification.
Projects led by PMPs often have structured approaches that improve success rates, but great leadership and team dynamics remain equally crucial!
So, in your view, Kiron, a PMP is meaningless and you wouldn't bother mentioning it in a job ad?
Mike -
Meaningless, no, but any knowledge-based certification complements a proven track record of delivery and does not replace it.
If I had two identical candidates, one with and one without a PMP, I'd hire the one with the PMP for sure. However, I'd hire a candidate with "scars on their back" from diverse & deep PM experience who is uncertified to one who has minimal experience (barely sufficient to meet the PMP requirements) and has their certification.
Back in 2000 when I got it, it was a differentiator. Now, much less so.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Mike, generally speaking, a certification serves as proof of in-depth knowledge in a specific area, but it doesn't necessarily reflect a person's ability to perform the job. In my current organization, only 50% of the project managers are PMP certified. Ultimately, it's experience, both technical and interpersonal, that truly distinguishes a great project manager. Saving Changes...
George FreemanThought Leader | Author | Architect| Florida, United States
Hi Mike,
In my experience, I usually only see requirements for a PMP certification for positions with a customer-facing element, and the position explicitly references “project manager.” In other words, it helps to have the PMP next to someone's name when marketing a project management service.
However, the PMP certification does not seem to carry as much weight on the internal PMO or IT project management side, as experience is king. However, it plays a role, but not the degree of role one might expect.
George Saving Changes...
Mike FrenetteManager, IT PMO| Halifax Water (retired)Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
So to summarize your responses (I used AI for some of this to collect responses):
PMP as an Indicator: The PMP can be used as evidence of foundational project management knowledge, but not a definitive measure of a project manager's abilities. Experience, business acumen, and both hard and soft skills are also crucial.
Experience vs. Certification: Anecdotal evidence suggests that experienced project managers without PMP certification can achieve success rates comparable to those with the certification. Conversely, some certified PMPs may be less successful, indicating that certification alone doesn't guarantee effectiveness.
Organizational Use of PMP: The PMP credential is often used to standardize project management practices within organizations. However, its significance varies, with some companies emphasizing it in job postings, while others prioritize practical experience and a proven track record.
Success Rates: There's a perception that projects led by PMPs have higher success rates, but factors such as organizational maturity in project management and supportive business structures also play significant roles in project outcomes.
My take on it is that a PMP credenital should provide weight when selecting candidates, and that it should be shown as preferred or even mandatory in job ads depending on the organization. That is, it, coupled with experience and references, should open the door.
But a successful track record as a project manager is what really matters. And yes - this does not mean every project the person managed was a resounding success, since cancelled projects or those that expans scope dramatically could be viewed as successful projects. Success is all about providing value to the organization. Saving Changes...
PMP does not make a great project manager. Experience does and nothing beats experience. PMP or project management certifications will definitely help PMs understand a project methodologies better. This will be helpful in organisations where the company has already established standards for project management practices. Personally, I know a few project managers with more than 10 years of experience and they are not yet certified. Besides, today companies ask for certifications in some cases which is why everyone plans to get certified. Saving Changes...
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