The 5 Most Important Reasons to Pursue PMP Certification.

A recent study showed that more than three-quarters of high-performance projects are conducted by certified PMP project managers. Companies with more than one-third of PMP-certified managers have significantly higher project success rates than companies without certification. Additionally, PMP was the fifth highest earning certification in 2016.

Does that sound important enough? If so, the next question is: should you get your PMP certification? Before we explore this issue in this article, let’s understand what the PMP certification stands for.

What is PMP certification?

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized professional certification. It is provided by the Project Management Institute (PMI), a non-profit professional organization in the United States. As a recognized and respected certification, PMP is considered a must for project managers. Especially for those looking to take the next step in their career.

What is the PMP certification exam about?

The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) uses its industry standards as a guide for candidates for the exam. The PMP exam tests tasks in five performance areas.

The exam consists of approximately 200 multiple choice questions. Of these questions, 25 were not included in the final grade. These questions are used as pilot questions to raise the standard of the exam. However, we have no way of knowing which are the pilot questions because they appear randomly on the exam. Also, it is a closed book exam. This means that candidates are not allowed to use any reference material during the exam.

Advantages of PMP certification

1. Add value to your resume

During your career, there are several professional certifications that you can pursue. However, the PMP certification is the most valuable of all certification programs. Interviewers looking to fill project manager positions know this. This is why they generally prefer applicants with PMP certification over applicants without such certification.

2. Ensure industry recognition

PMP certification is universally recognized. Many certification programs focus on a specific field or geographic area. The PMP certification is global and applies to any industry or location. So, regardless of your professional background and industry, you can earn this certification by including it on your resume.

3. Helps you acquire important skills

There are many project managers in the job market. In this case, how can you stand out from the crowd – and what better way than to become a certified PMP? Doing so will make your resume more attractive to employers. What’s more, the PMBOK qualification equips you with important skills to differentiate your career.

4. Help you increase your income

One of the most attractive aspects of the PMP qualification is that it leads to higher salaries for project managers. The average salary for a certified project manager is significantly higher than the industry-wide salary. Another study found that certified project managers earn nearly 20 percent more than those without certification. This trend can be seen across the globe, including in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Among women, PMP certification holders also earn significantly more than certification holders in other fields.

5. Networking opportunities.

PMI currently has approximately 1.5 Million active PMP qualification holders around the world. By registering as a PMI member, you become a member of the club, which organizes regular meetings for members in major cities around the world. These meetings are also organized for members to obtain Professional Development Units (PDUs). These units are necessary to meet the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) to maintain certification for three years.