Taryn MancineProject Manager| Cook MyoSite, IncPittsburgh, Pa, United States
I am wondering when it comes to careers/resume, if employers look at certificates in project management. Do they care if it is a master's certificate or just a certificate in project management. Most likely employers will be looking for a PMP mainly, but would a MS certificate give you an edge over a standard PM certificate and any certificate give you an edge over just a PMP certification. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Well, Good Question.
Frankly speaking, it all depends on the organization but many value PMP over Master's Degree as they believe having a PMP implies that you have the right experience especially that the exam is situational based.
Those are my 2 Cents. Saving Changes...
Taryn MancineProject Manager| Cook MyoSite, IncPittsburgh, Pa, United States
I have been going back and forth on this as I am in the very early stages of starting to get my PMP, but need to satisfy the 35 hours of project management education. I feel some certificate will be the best route for me, but there are so many different programs it is overwhelming! Thank you for your input Rami :) Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
You're Welcome Taryn - I would personally vote for PMP as a start :-) Saving Changes...
Ramon RodriguezSanto Domingo, Distrito Nacional, Dominican Republic
Hello Taryn,
First of all it really depends on your career path. Remember that the PMP proofs applicable knowledge and experience in project management but the Msc provides a new way of approaching projects and programs from a business sense stand point. I just finished my Msc in Project Management and now I feel more prepared to handle programs and a PMO.
But like Rami expressed it all depends in what industry, market and which one satisfies your needs.
In regards to the courses, you could try a google search and check the online alternatives or face to face near your area. Of course if you are looking to gain knowledge from it (and not just getting prepared for the test) try a lengthier program instead of the 35 hours required for the exam.
Also take note that the standard is to change by 3Q (if not earlier) 2017 and that the exam will also change (not sure when).
Hope this helps and wish you success in any path that you choose.
Regards,
Mariano. Saving Changes...
Darren McCreaDirector, Enterprise Information Services| Central Oregon Community CollegeBend, Or, United States
Hi Taryn,
I would echo the sentiments of Rami and Ramon. Start with the PMI PMP certification. In addition to the 35 hours of education that you mention, PMI also requires that you have 4500 hours of experience leading or directing projects (7500 hours if you do not have your Bachelor's degree). If you don't yet have the required experience, I would still suggest that you join PMI and get your CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) until you gain the experience to get your PMP.
While a Master's Degree never hurts, the PMP certification tells your employers that you are an experienced Project Manager (with at least 4500 hours of experience). A Master's Degree in Project Managements does not guarantee you have any experience in the field. Saving Changes...
Taryn MancineProject Manager| Cook MyoSite, IncPittsburgh, Pa, United States
Thank you Darren and Ramon - both of that information is very helpful for me to start making decisions. I appreciate the insight :) Saving Changes...
William DavisSenior Project Manager| NCCI Holdings IncBoca Raton, Fl, United States
Another vote to start with the PMP if you've got the required experience, and CAPM if you don't. My experience is that employers like the PMP cert (at least in North America). You can see that for yourself by searching for project manager positions on a job search website -- when they have a preference, employers will ask for the PMP and/or advanced degree. But experience in an industry trumps even certifications and degrees (though you may get filtered out if you don't have those professional credentials).
For agile project management, they'll ask for the CSM or other similar certs for agile projects. CSM is a cinch to obtain, though, whereas the PMP is much more rigorous. A good approach is to start with the PMP (or CAPM), and then expand out with advanced degrees and/or other certifications that are relevant in your industry. Saving Changes...
William DavisSenior Project Manager| NCCI Holdings IncBoca Raton, Fl, United States
For your 35 education hours. just get a subscription to Lynda.com, Pluralsight.com, or similar training website. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to earn your 35 contact hours. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Taryn, you have gotten a lot of good advice here. If you are able to complete the requirements to sit for the PMP, than that is the route I'd also recommend, assuming that matches and supports your career path. Saving Changes...
Kenneth MyersPresident| Blue Falcon CobraOakton, Va, United States
I'm a part time recruiter and any graduate level work is more meaningful then undergraduate level. It ultimately comes down to the type and level of position. Graduate level work usually means more advanced topics, research, and analysis then the standard 101 or 102 level class.
It ultimately comes down to your career objectives and if a certificate will help you reach your goals. A single 3 credit class will fulfill the required hours and a certificate is 3-5 classes. You may even have the contact hours and not even know it depending on if you have a bachelors degree. If you took accounting, you could claim a portion of the class for project cost management. That applies for other classes as well if the course objectives overlapped with the PMP knowledge areas. My opinion, but a PMP ensures both knowledge and real-world experience while a certificate may only ensure knowledge and academic experience. Saving Changes...
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