Bacchus JohnsonSenior Project Manager| Matrix ResourcesCharlotte, Nc, United States
Is there real value (or only perceived value in our world) for PM Certification? Who offers classes/training/testing that is of highest value? I am only aware of the Project Management Institute's program. Will having the PMP, etc. on my business card truly open doors? Thanks for any input. Saving Changes...
Slade BeardDirector| EcoThought Pty LtdGundaroo, Nsw, Australia
In reply to those who have asked about the Gartner group course and cerification, I am responsible for conducting the course in Australia / Asia under the banner of Interim Technology. The course is a 5 day, very hands on, discussion about the issues facing Project managers in IT projects, in particular Software Development projects.
I teach the course roughly 1 to 2 weeks per month. The rest of the time, I work as an IT project manager (primarily in Defence realted projects). I believe the course is a very good introduction to Project Management in IT.
I understand the course was developed using material from the PMBOK, combined with information gleaned from Gartner research and reports such as the Standing Groups CHAOS Report. Those wishing to can sit a certification exam after attending the course. There is an advanced level of certification available after completing and passing a 2 month online simulation of an IT project.
I believe the fact that the course is intended to be taught by practicing project managers increases its value significantly.
Although the arguments for and against certification will continue to go on and on, in my own experience obtaining the PMP has certainly been worthwhile. On the purely financial side, I am fortunate to work for an employer that recognizes the PMP as a valuable qualification for it's project managers. More importantly, however, is the personal satisfaction that I have in knowing that I have passed a rigorous exam prepared by my peers (which they have deemed adequate knowledge to measure a PMs mastery of basic PM concepts). No certification test will be perfect or will satisfy the needs of all industries; the PMP exam is an important step in a goal that we should all share: recognition of Project Management as a chosen, definable profession. Whether or not you currently see the value in certification, we will all (in the end) benefit. Saving Changes...
Studying for the PMP exam has given me a number of tools to use when faced with a given situation. My reason for wanting to put in the time and get the certification is to be able to say "I know what I am doing, I passed a test that says I know what I'm doing."
I like the idea of having someone one else, a credited organization like PMI saying I have a good idea on how to manage a project, rather then a shoot from the hip, take a wild guess and get it wrong method.
So many times, someone who has a good technical background is put in a management position. I was one of them, and I decided that being good at the tech stuff was not enough.
Since I begin my study for the PMP, my job stress levels are down as are that of the team. This is because we are using most of the methods outlined in the PMBOK. We are meeting deadlines and know how to handle problems.
I took a class from IIL. International Institute for Learning. They give you a CD that allows you to sit for the exam and guides your study. I am gaining confidence in my abilities and knowledge by this kind of study and the direction I have put my career in. Saving Changes...
The latest on the PMP exam and its value.... an informal study of my PMP Exam Prep students showed that they averaged $26,000 higher in salary than non PMP's. Caution, this number is best interpreted that advanced salaried individuals are pursuing their PMP. My website, www.rmcproject.com has posted, for the next few days a Free Tip of the Month which talks about why project management is not used by everyone. Saving Changes...
Jason, I think you may want to start a new discussion topic, rather than tag onto this old one. Others interested in PRINCE II certification probably won't look for it here.
I fully agree with the comments of Reinsmith and Penning on this thread. I recently passed the PMP exam using Rita Mulcahy's book and PMBOK, however, I disagree with Rita's comments on bonuses and higher pay for PMPs, that's not what I'm seeing on the various job boards. And from the survey on ALLPM.Com, about 50% stated this certification made no difference in their career. Still, more and more companies are demanding this certification for candidates, whether for direct jobs or contract. My only argument with PMP certification is that the standard is too low and should require a college degree to sit for the test. PMP cert is not a college degree nor does it mean you are a senior level PM or guru. Now, that said, PMP cert is currently the gold standard in the project management field. I view PMBOK as a standard, not a methodology, and as a standard (just like CMM) there appears to be a lot of "takes" on its implementation.
Wrong!!! Rob Jones stated "The fact is, if you're a very good PM you'll be recognized as such and doors will open, regardless of degrees or certification." This pure BS!!! If the employer or client REQUIRES a college degree and/or PMP certification, then the doors will only open for folks with these credentials. The resumes of all others, without degrees and certifications, will be used by recruiters to line their bird cages...END OF STORY. PMI's PMP certification is currently the gold standard and supported by major corporations nationwide. I've tracked PMP certs for 3 years now on various job boards, and found that more and more organizations are demanding this cert. Believe me when I tell you that if the job requires PMP certification, you will not be considered for the job or assignment without this certification, REGARDLESS OF TRACK RECORD. Been there, done that!!! Saving Changes...
I certainly disagree that certification require a college degree. A college or university degree implies nothing about a persons abilities or skills unless it is directly connected to the area of employment. There is no way a degree in social work should have the ability to eliminate 3000 hours of practical experience. Saving Changes...
A college degree is the single criteria that distinguishes a professional from an hourly person. PERIOD!!! In all states, you must have a miniumum of a college degree, plus most states require a Masters degree, to sit for a CPA exam. PMI should do the same. You cannot sit for the CPA with 3000 hours of bookkeeping experience. Not even in Texas!!! Saving Changes...
