Ryan AndrewsSenior Specialist Project Manager| Celanese CorporationCincinnati, Oh, United States
Hello,
I am interested in moving from Consumer Packaged Goods R&D (where I have over 10 years experience) into PM. I do not have the hours necessary to pursue the PMP cert, so I had begun preparing for the CAPM instead, as it seemed more appropriate for someone in my situation.
Meanwhile, I have begun an in-class program in "Certified Project Manager (CPM)" through a local university, which will result in a real, documented, university-issued "CPM" certification (although not a PMI cert).
My question... would there be any value in still pursuing the CAPM? I understand that CAPM is kind of like an "entry level" cert in PM, and that neither the university "CPM" nor the CAPM are highly sought by potential employers, just wondering if there would be any incremental value in having the CAPM in addition to the CPM. My goal is to land a PM job in order to gain work hours towards PMP.
Many thanks for any perspective. Saving Changes...
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Bob PatrinoConsultant/Senior Technical Project Manager| TamazariNewport, KY, United States
There are some that feel the PMP has lost its luster, which I don't happen to agree with. Any learning is a valuable thing, and I consider a certification, certificate or degree to be an indicator of your commitment to learning and that you take it seriously. Saving Changes...
Is there any value? What do you want to accomplish with a certificate - what is your desired outcome?
If your desired outcome is a career change, check the job market and see what it is looking for. I haven't seen many PM positions asking for CAPM. Those that specify a certificate, that I have seen, were looking for either the PMP or a general project management certification. In the latter case, I would imagine that either a CAPM or CPM would suffice to get you past the HR screening. Having both might give you an advantage over another applicant who just had one or the other, not both, but I can't guarantee that. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
The only utility I have found for the CAPM is for organization readiness.
If an organization decides they want to ensure everyone works from the same proect management glossary, they would look at getting project managers certified as PMP and everybody else a CAPM.
I know a few organizations that did that as part of getting to CMMI level 3. Saving Changes...
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