PMP Certification Opportunities

Receiving the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification shows the world that you are a dedicated, experienced project manager. In order to apply for the certification; applicants must have extensive experience and education in the field of project management.

Eligible applicants will have 35 hours of education in the field of project management. They must also have a four-year degree (a bachelor’s or an equivalent) and three years of project management experience with 4500 hours leading or directing projects. Applicants who have a high-school diploma or an associate’s degree or the equivalent must have a minimum of five years project management experience with 7500 or more hours leading and directing projects.

If the applicant has the required education and experience, he can apply to take the PMP exam. The exam covers all aspects of project management. After successfully passing the exam, project managers can begin using the PMP designation immediately.
There is a wealth of opportunities for project managers with the PMP certification that a manager without the certification may not be privy to. These PMP opportunities include salary increases, networking and career opportunities.

SALARY
In 2011, the estimated salary for a project manager was $75,000 annually. However, that same year, the average salary for a project manager with the PMP certification was $103,000. That is an increase of more than 30 percent for PMP jobs and is a huge advantage for people with the PMP.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
There are stringent requirements for PMPs after they pass the exam. They must acquire 60 hours of professional development credits every three years to maintain the certification. There are many opportunities available to take classes to obtain this credit and PMPs have the opportunity to meet with other PMPs when they take these classes.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers a variety of classroom and networking opportunities for PMPs. At these events, individuals can meet other PMPs, find out about career options and discuss other opportunities to put the PMP to good use.

Networking opportunities such as classes and meetings are good places to develop relationships with mentors. You can reach out to other experienced PMPs for career advice or you can develop a relationship with a new PMP or a hopeful applicant and be a mentor yourself. Having a mentor or being a mentor allows you to put your skills and experience to good use.

As a PMP, you will have access to online forums and communities where you can chat with other professionals and learn more about the PMP opportunities outside of your local area. Project Managers all over the world have PMP certifications and are working in PMP careers and you have a wealth of opportunities to learn from them.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The PMP certification is highly-valued and globally-recognized. Because of this, other PMPs and hiring managers who are familiar with the certification, recognize the hard work you put into obtaining the certification. You now have an advantage on your resume over project managers without the PMP.

The certification proves that you have the necessary knowledge, skills and requirements to add value to an organization as a project manager due to your extensive education and experience. Other PMPs and hiring managers who are familiar with the certification know that the exam is difficult to pass. Successfully passing the exam shows that you were committed to the exam process. These skills matter to hiring managers and your resume will hold more weight than others.

If you are ever in the position to hire someone yourself, having the PMP certification helps you know what to look for in a candidate. You may have a wealth of resumes to sift through for a position; however, separating the PMPs from the non-certified applicants will make it easier to evaluate candidates. You will know that the PMPs have the education and experience that you require for someone in the position. And you will also know that they are hard-workers, learners and have the ability to go the extra mile for their career.