What is PMP certification?

Project Management Professional certification is a globally recognized professional certification that demonstrates a project manager's ability to manage projects effectively and efficiently. It is offered by PMI, a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of project management professionals. It is the most sought after certification in the field of project management. It is also the most popular certification offered by Project Management Institute (PMI). PMI conducts the PMP certification exam, which tests the project manager's knowledge, skills, and experience in project management. The PMP certification exam covers five process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. In this article, we will explain the PMP certification in detail. We will elaborate its advantages, disadvantages, eligibility criteria, certification cost, and more.

PMP Certification Benefits

PMP certification benefits are so many and they are for project managers, team leads, senior professionals and the benefits include the following:

Enhances employability: Project Management Professional certification demonstrates a project manager's ability to manage projects effectively and efficiently, which enhances their employability. Employers prefer to hire PMP certified project managers, as they are confident about their skills and knowledge in project management.

Increases earning potential: PMP certified project managers earn more than non-certified project managers. According to PMI's salary survey, PMP certified project managers earn 25% more than non-certified project managers.

Global recognition: PMP certification is recognized globally, which means that PMP certified project managers can work in any country. This enhances their career opportunities and enables them to work on international projects.

Demonstrates professionalism: PMP certification demonstrates a project manager's professionalism, as it requires them to adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct.

Enhances knowledge and skills: PMP certification requires project managers to have a thorough understanding of project management concepts and principles. This enhances their knowledge and skills in project management, which in turn enables them to manage projects effectively and easily. 

These were some of the main PMP certification benefits but of course there are more PMP certification benefits, which an individual can get by becoming PMP certified. 

Disadvantages of Project Management Professional certification

PMP certification also has some disadvantages, which include the following:

Cost: PMP certification is expensive, which may deter some project managers from pursuing it. The certification cost includes the exam fee, study materials, and preparation courses.

Time-consuming: PMP certification requires project managers to have a minimum of 35 hours of project management education, which can be time-consuming.

Renewal requirements: PMP certification requires project managers to renew their certification every three years by earning professional development units (PDUs). This can be challenging for project managers who have busy schedules.

Eligibility criteria for Project Management Professional certification

To be eligible for Project Management Professional certification, project managers must meet the following requirements:

Education: Project managers must have a four-year degree or a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree, or equivalent).

Project management experience: Project managers must have a minimum of three years of project management experience, which includes 4,500 hours of leading and directing projects.

Project management education: Project managers must have a minimum of 35 hours of project management education.

Certification cost

The cost of Project Management Professional certification varies depending on the applicant's membership status with PMI. The following are the certification fees for PMP certification:

PMI member: $405
Non-PMI member: $555
The cost of study materials and preparation courses is not included in the certification fee.

Exam format

The PMP certification exam is a computer-based exam that consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. The exam is four hours long and is divided into two sections. The first section consists of 175 questions, and the second section consists.

so as you have read here both the PMP certification benefits as well as disadvantages, the benefits are much more than the disadvantages. More and more employers worldwide are looking for PMP certified individuals and so being having PMP credential is surely something that can take you up the career ladder.