Project Management Certification: Why It Matters

If you’re looking for a way to stand out from the competition and prove your skills in project management, certification is the way to go. CMP and PMP certifications are both popular options in the project management field, but what’s the difference between the two, and why are they often confused with PMCs? And more importantly, which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of each certification and help you decide which one is best for your career. We will also touch on the benefits of a Project Management Certification and how it makes you a better leader for your team, as well as the cost of the PMP exam.

In essence, procuring your Project Management Certification is a step in the direction of career advancement. Gaining your certification for project management (sometimes referred to as PMP) can make you not only more qualified, but more hirable and also more likely to command a higher salary than your uncertified peers.

While going through the process of obtaining your certification might seem daunting or like an unwanted hassle or expense, there are actually quite a few benefits to procuring your certification—not least of which is that you will be more qualified, and therefore more fit to lead. More qualified leaders are likely to be more confident and decisive—which can lead to increased efficiency, improved performance, and a boost in the overall morale of your crew.

There are many benefits to obtaining your Project Management Certification than can have implications for your success both short-term and long-term. Some of these benefits include:

·      Increasing your skillset: A certification is more than just a feather in your cap—it is earned through practicing and applying learned skills and theories relevant to your field. The better able you are able to manage your projects (and the team working on them), the better your results will be for your customers and your overall company image.

·      Increasing your confidence: Effective leadership is a delicate balance struck between confident and decisive action and receptivity and humility with your crew. When it comes to making decisions, if you’re like most people, you like to have a clear mindset so the choice is easy; this confidence boost is often associated with a PCM.

·      Boosting your ease of networking: This proves to your colleagues, peers, and competitors that you’ve got some skin in the game. Not only will this earn you more respect as a result of obtaining your certification, but it might also garner more interest in your current undertakings and expand your reach—both professionally and with customers.

·      Increasing team morale: If you’re performing at your best, your team will be able to perform at their best. It is as simple as that. If you pick up some skills, some confidence, and some authority after your Project Management Certification, you are likely to inspire your peers to step up their game. This also provides you with an opportunity to lead by positive example so those under you can look for ways to better their career trajectory as well.

·      Increasing pay and hire-ability: It has to be said: the more qualified you are, generally speaking, the more you are able to charge for your products or services. Project Management Certifications are no exception to this rule; in fact, those with the certification are likely to make 25% more each year (in the United States) as a result of their certification, as opposed to their less qualified peers. The more accolades under your belt, also, the easier it will be for you to transition careers, should you ever become interested in working for a more competitive company.

While it might seem like the phrase “Project Management Certification” should be shortened to “PMC” for the sake of convenience, in the business world, “PMC” actually means something quite different. This is why PMC and PMP certifications are sometimes confused.

A PMC or Professional Manager Certification is backed by the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) and was originally created to “formally recognize the individual’s advanced level of education and experience in leadership and management,” among other professional reasons. However, while this holds significant weight within the military, many business professionals opt for a PMP certification instead, or a Project Management Professional Certification. This is because the PMP certification is backed by the Project Management Institute, which is the industry leader in terms of setting the standards for project management excellence. So, when you say that you’re going for your Project Management Certification, remember that this is not the same thing as a PMC in other professional atmospheres! A PMP is also sometimes referred to as a CPM or Certified Project Manager—but a PMC is something else entirely.

You may be wondering just how much all of this costs. As of 2022, non-PMI members paid a $555 exam fee while PMI members paid only $405. After you factor in the cost of the membership and the application fee, the PMP exam is still slightly cheaper for members of PMI than those who are not members.

Keep in mind, that the PMP exam is notoriously difficult, with up to 40% failing on their first attempt. If you are at all worried about how you will perform on the PMP exam, remember that a minimum of 35 study hours are generally required in order to pass. It is also a good idea to look for a PMP course that offers pre-exam training and guaranteed re-training should you not pass on your first attempt, like with the PMP course offered by PMLG. This course offers practice exams with a wide array of question types, a PMI-approved study guide, and free coaching along with other tools to help you succeed when it comes time to take the big test.

Becoming certified as a project manager can help take your career to the next level while elevating the performance of your peers and coworkers. While taking on this new challenge can seem like a significant expense both financially and in terms of the number of hours you will likely need to devote to it, investing in your Project Management Certification is an investment in your career and in further developing those around you. Why not make yourself more marketable in a competitive workforce?

If you’re looking to take your career to the next level, becoming certified is a great way to do it. Certification will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful project manager, as well as the ability to earn a higher salary and access exclusive networking opportunities. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your certification today!