Criteria for PMP Certification
Project managers that demonstrate advanced management skills may consider certifying to enhance their desirability in the employment market. The certification process for project managers requires planning, education, experience and testing.
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What is a Project Management Professional?
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Project management professionals are assigned major business initiatives like software deployment, new process implementation or assignments that require a team of workers and steps to accomplish the desired outcome. As a project manager you will oversee all elements of a business project including personnel, tools, materials, vendors, and project outline from project launch to completion. To begin you will establish a statement of work (SOW) which reviews all project requirements and objectives. Once that is approved by the project owner or company leadership, it will be your responsibility to guide the project and the team to successful completion by the approved deadline.
Education
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Project management positions are available in a broad number of industries, with varying assignments and objectives and employment status. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not classify project manager as a specific job title but as a management function across industries. To qualify for many project management positions and to prepare you for a role in project management, some universities and colleges offer a master's degree in project management while others offer individual coursework for professionals looking to move into project management within their industry. Areas of study in project management include business planning, risk management and team building along with statistical and cost-benefit analysis. In some cases, professionals may opt to take additional classes or courses in construction science, technology or engineering to assist in preparing for project management within their industry focus.
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PMP Certification
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Project management professionals leading advanced projects will also enhance their credibility as a candidate by acquiring project management professional (PMP) certification through the Project Management Institute. The Institute has certified over 300,000 project managers in the health care, telecommunications, education, finance, construction and information technology industries. According to the Institute, individuals who lead and direct cross-functional teams to complete projects and initiatives, manage project budgets and take responsibility for project results are prime candidates for certification.
PMP Certification Experience Requirements
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Before submitting your application, you will need to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for this function which varies according to education. If you possess a high school diploma or associate's degree, you will also need to have a minimum of five years of unique and non-overlapping professional project management experience totaling 7,500 hours. With a bachelor's degree you will need to demonstrate three years of unique project management experience totaling 4,500 hours. Experience for both education levels must be accrued over the previous eight years prior to application.
PMP Certification Education Requirements
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To supplement your work experience, you will also be asked to provide evidence that you have gained the necessary project management education--35 hours of interactive education either in a classroom or online accredited program. Unlike the experience requirements, you have no time deadline for when this coursework is completed for application submission. The education requirement is for all applicants including high school, associate or bachelor's degree level candidates.
PMP Certification Exam and Code Requirements
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Once you are sure you have the appropriate education and work experience criteria met, you can complete your application to sit for the PMP certification examination. With your completed application you will need to confirm with PMI that you have reviewed the PMP certification handbook available on the PMI website and agree to the PMI Code of Conduct for project managers. In order to complete your certification, you will pass the 200-question examination with a passing grade of at least 61 percent. To maintain and update your certification, you will need to renew it every three years.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Michael Cote'
