If you’re thinking about a changing your career and becoming a PM, good idea 👍!
A 2018 survey conducted by the Project Management Institute (PMI) shows that organizations throw away $1 million every 20 seconds due to improper project implementation and you know what that means!
Yup that’s right, there is a real demand for professional and experienced project managers across every industry.
In addition to improving your professional project management skills, and expanding your experience, becoming a more efficient project manager will help you gain a competitive edge in any industry.
Earning your PMP certification can help you achieve your career goals. But is the PMP certification really that necessary?
No, it isn’t—unless you hate money.
10 Reasons Why the PMP Certification is Worth It
Here are some reasons why earning your PMP certification might be the smartest move you make to your project management career.
1. Gain A Competitive Edge.
The PMP credential certifies that you are well versed and knowledgeable in various practice areas of project management. These practice areas also include different project management methodologies, approaches, best practices, and principles.Think about it: Ten candidates apply for one project management position. Out of the ten, only one or two candidates have their PMP certification. Whom do you think will get contacted for an interview?
Hmmmmm?
Well… we don’t have to spell it out but if you are applying for a management position having a PMP certification WILL put you ahead of those who do not.
2. Accelerate Company Growth.
If you are fortunate enough to own and manage your company, you can still benefit from earning your PMP certification. The PMP certification can benefit your team, your company, and even your career as a project manager and entrepreneur by teaching you skills that can be passed on throughout the organization.
Earning your official PMP certification allows you to apply various principles and standards into your company projects. It can also help your company to boost profits and revenue.
3. Increase Earning Potential.
Certified project management professionals earn an average annual salary of $90,000 to $100,000+ per year (depending on the industry, of course).
Furthermore, regardless of industry, the PMP certification increases your earning potential by up to 20 percent when compared with other project managers without the PMP credential.
4. Improve Networking Potential.
In addition to increasing your earning potential, the PMP certification improves your networking potential. It puts you in a better position to network and learn from other certified PMP professionals. Your network can also help you find your next job opportunity.
5. Positions You to Train Others.
As a certified PMP, you will be in a better position to train other team members. It also allows you to recognize potential team members and new employees, which makes you a valuable and essential asset to your company.
6. Better Job Opportunities.
In addition to earning a higher annual salary, earning your PMP certification qualifies you for better job opportunities. In fact, the PMP certification allows you to find 20 percent more job opportunities and open positions than traditional, non-certified project managers so you have some room to be picky 😏.
7. Manage Projects More Efficiently.
Because you have sufficient training and education in project management, you are more knowledgeable about the various tools and techniques. You can leverage these techniques to build processes and manage and deliver projects more efficiently.
8. Expand Your Professional Experience.
Because certified project managers are often offered more advanced job opportunities, they can expand and capitalize on their experience working on complex projects. Certified PMs are also better at managing unique projects and solving complex problems.
9. Make a Career Change.
If you are thinking about a possible career change, the PMP certification can help you do that. For example, if you lack the necessary experience for a particular project manager role, you can make up for this by earning the PMP certification. The PMP certification allows you to switch careers and receive a higher salary right out of the gate.
10. Creates Challenges.
On the other hand, if you are bored in your current role or career, then preparing and studying for the PMP exam will undoubtedly be a challenge.
In fact, studying for the PMP exam might be the hardest thing you do in your career!
Furthermore, passing the exam and earning your PMP certification will certainly be something to be proud of and is going to look great to your employers.
How the PMP Certification Can Accelerate Your Project Management Career
Now that you have a more in-depth understanding of how the PMP certification is a valuable credential for your project management career, you might be weighing the pros and cons of preparing for the PMP exam.
Is Earning the PMP Exam Expensive?
Yes, it is expensive. At the time of this writing, the official PMP exam fee is $400. Additionally, purchasing test materials and enrolling in a PMP exam prep course can cost between $1,000 to $3,000. It can also require up to six months of studying and preparation.
BUT DO NOT FEAR! PROJECT VANGUARDS IS HERE… ok well that was kind of lame, but our competitive PMP Exam Prep course starting at $1,500 (includes materials), is 1 month and has a 100% pass rate garuntee! So ya. That sure isn’t lame!
Is the PMP Exam Difficult?
Yes, it is challenging. In fact, 40 to 50 percent of people who take the exam fail in their first attempt!
Why Should You Bother?
So, if the PMP exam is expensive, time-consuming, and incredibly difficult—and there is a small chance you will pass on the first try—why bother?
Imagine this: Let’s say you spend approximately $3,500 to prepare for and take the exam, and you pass on your first try. You now know that certified PMPs earn a higher salary and are offered better job opportunities than non-certified project managers.
So, let’s say you are earning $100,000+ per year in your new job. Doesn’t that $3,500 initial investment suddenly seem worth it?
We aren’t going to lie. The two biggest complaints about the PMP exam is that is expensive and difficult. However, it’s important to look at it as more of an investment and a challenge rather than an obstacle or hindrance.
Boost Your Project Management Career
Project Vanguards understands that the PMP exam is difficult and expensive. However, the team also understands how rewarding and fulfilling earning the PMP certification can be.
As a result, Project Vanguards offers professional training in earning the PMP credential and taking the PMP exam, and also guarantees a 100 percent first-time pass rate.
So, by enrolling in a PMP exam prep course with Project Vanguards, you automatically increase your chances of passing the PMP exam on your first try.