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...
Bachus Yes PMP does add real value to your experience & profession. It is left to the individuals who adapt these principles in the project. There are numerous chapters affiliated with PMI & other universities across USA.. All the best. Saving Changes...
Timothy MenkeOther| DTE EnergyRochester Hills, Mi, United States
I am a big proponent of certification. I put in the effort to go through the PMP certification process. While I wouldn't say it changed my approach to managing projects in any profound way, I will say that it provided me with an industry-independant and company-independant language and framework which is very useful. The company I work for has made certification a requirement for its project managers. Those who are not certified have a window during which they need to certify or they'll be doing other jobs, not managing projects. Saving Changes...
I thought I'd share with you that on average, I believe that a PMP adds to one's salary about $15,000-20,000. I also believe that it helped me become a better PM.
Philip Saving Changes...
Mary Elizabeth DiabDirector| Leadership FormationTallassee, Al, United States
The benefit of PMP certification depends on what your expectations are for it. If you currently work for an organization that does not value the PMP and you don't plan to change jobs, you may want to simply study the PMBOK and use the information. However, if you plan to search for a job, there are a number of fine employers that require PMP certification either to join or to progress in the company. Included in this list are such companies as IBM, (and I understand) AT&T, etc.
In addition, if you are good at Project Management, but want to understand what prevailing thought says is a good way to do it, the PMBOK can help. If you are not familiar with Project Management, studying for the PMP exam can help you become more familiar with the PMI way to do PM. Saving Changes...
I've studied the PMBOK extensively, but not taken the tests. Having done project management for several years, I found it a good framework and reference. However, I'm currently in a bachelors program through the University of Phoenix online program, and I'm finding that very real-world. I think the BS/PM degree will do as much as the PMP certification. Saving Changes...
I've been looking for training programs as well. I've the inclination to favor traditional classes over web based training. Is that reasonable or do web based training programs, such as the one at http://www.4PM.com/, offer a similar value? Saving Changes...
Senior Advisor to the CEO| PMISterling, Va, United States
Perhaps, but I've not heard anything from people who have taken those courses. If I were going the on-line route, I would think about the MBA or PMP Prep at WCU. These have the backing of a university & have a very good reputation with those who have been through the courses. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
What are you trying to achieve that has lead you to consider a PM certification? Is it purely skills, better compensation or a new job, solutions to a specific issue, a combination of these...? Your objective will make a difference in your degree of satisfaction, but PM certification is usually a step in the right direction if you're moving in a forward direction. Saving Changes...
The PMI is a private for-profit organization that should not hold the sole criteria for good project management skills. Their test questions seem to be somewhat subjective and the right answer largely based on semantics or choosing the correct industry cliches. Let's allow the PM field of knowledge to become fully validated by more objective and established institutions, like universities where information is researched and not just collected. Saving Changes...
Hallelujah! I agree with you fully! I'm in a PM program through the University of Phoenix, and I find that much better than the prep for PMI. Saving Changes...
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