I think certification is a way to demonstrate what are you capable of doing. CAPM is good for peope without prior experience to project management but are part of the team because of their technical skills of production. This certification will demonstrate that are aware of some management processes and this can have an impact on cohesion of project team. While to manage the project you definitely need experience because even if you learn on theory how to swim, that does not mean you can swim alone. I also think that are some great project managers who are not certified and going through PMP certification will be an added value for their knowledge to handle things easier. On the other hand when we talk about certification as an added value, there are some countries in the world that their industries are not aware of what these certifications represent. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
In the case of PMP, you can't certify if you do not have experience and I guess experience counts first in this case. Saving Changes...
Freddy S. UsmanProject Manager| MisysHong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
I've taken up the second route since i was at the right place and time (previous PM of the project that I'm involved in has left the company so I took up the challenge and fill in the position). After a few years of doing project management and enhancing my PM knowledge in parallel by self learning, I think it's time for me to pursue a certification and get better information on how I can do better in managing my project/s.
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1 reply by Rolf Dieter Zschau
Jun 30, 2016 1:34 AM
Rolf Dieter Zschau
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I wish you all the best on your way! Go for certification - a good training will not only prepare you for exam but give you all the background and insights to get better in managing your projects. If you're lucky to get a good mixture in the training, exchange between you and your classmates will provide extra boost!
Saving Changes...
Ridgely RobsonSenior Project Manager / Scrum MasterWilmington, Nc, United States
I thought I knew a lot of project management because of my experience. However, when I studied for the PMP; I really learned so much more. You need both!
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1 reply by Rolf Dieter Zschau
Jun 30, 2016 1:40 AM
Rolf Dieter Zschau
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I can understand that - for me it was the PMBOK Knowledge that was underlying the trainings and procedures at a former employer which learned me so much. Certification / exam was "only the official paper" that I have got the knowledge. So if you study PMBOK Knowledge and get a good training - that helps enourmously. Of course, to prepare for the exam is a big driver to study well - and get a feedback. That was different for me - my feedback came from project success, team members, clients and my superiors first - then from exam.
I've taken up the second route since i was at the right place and time (previous PM of the project that I'm involved in has left the company so I took up the challenge and fill in the position). After a few years of doing project management and enhancing my PM knowledge in parallel by self learning, I think it's time for me to pursue a certification and get better information on how I can do better in managing my project/s.
I wish you all the best on your way! Go for certification - a good training will not only prepare you for exam but give you all the background and insights to get better in managing your projects. If you're lucky to get a good mixture in the training, exchange between you and your classmates will provide extra boost!
I thought I knew a lot of project management because of my experience. However, when I studied for the PMP; I really learned so much more. You need both!
I can understand that - for me it was the PMBOK Knowledge that was underlying the trainings and procedures at a former employer which learned me so much. Certification / exam was "only the official paper" that I have got the knowledge. So if you study PMBOK Knowledge and get a good training - that helps enourmously. Of course, to prepare for the exam is a big driver to study well - and get a feedback. That was different for me - my feedback came from project success, team members, clients and my superiors first - then from exam. Saving Changes...
Eduardo LopezAssociate Professor of Management| Belmont UniversityBrentwood, Tn, United States
If we consider specifically the PMP certification, make no mistake, you must have experience before applying for the exam (read the PMP prerequisites).
It is a common mistake to believe that you can rush all the way though college to a master degree or a professional certification without any real working experience.
The certification is intended to probe two things: first your basic theoretical background and second your minimum required experience in the field.
By allowing or promoting speed track to the certification, credibility and prestige are affected.
I heard managers saying that someone having the certification performed poorly compared with others without it but with more experience instead.
Be sure to utilice the certification as a proof of excellence in the field of project management by compounding the two elements, knowledge and experience. Saving Changes...
Thiago PintoInternal Audit Officer| Norsk Hydro ASABelo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
You can follow both ways, depends of professional area chosen, job requirements and desired certification. When you move forward in your carreer, more certifications are required. And more certifications you have, more opportunities are open to you. So I think this balanced combination,which I call true knowledge, is the most important. However have in mind as important as achieve the knowlege is prove to others you have it; self marketing efforts shall be developed. Saving Changes...
Freddy S. UsmanProject Manager| MisysHong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Jun 30, 2016 1:34 AM
Replying to Rolf Dieter Zschau
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I wish you all the best on your way! Go for certification - a good training will not only prepare you for exam but give you all the background and insights to get better in managing your projects. If you're lucky to get a good mixture in the training, exchange between you and your classmates will provide extra boost!
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