When should a project manager think of a PMP certification?

When should a project manager think of a PMP certification? This is a question asked by many project managers who are experienced in the IT field and want to enhance their career by doing a certification course or by some other means.

PMP certification for project managers

For managers involved in various activities such as initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing a project, it is the right time to purse this credential. PMP (Project Management Professional) is one of the globally recognized and highly rewarded certification program offered by the PMI. The Project Management Institute (PMI) also offers other certification programs for project, portfolio or program managers with experience in relevant field.

PMP is right for professionals involved in various areas such as software engineering, application development, and more. With this project management certification, one can earn a high status and a good reputation in the industry. This PMI certification is necessary for professionals to reach next level in their career and gain success in their career. PMP is a multiple-choice, computer based test with a total of 200 questions. The test is to be completed within a four-hour time, and a total of 137 correct answers will get you your credential.

Who can get certified

A project manager can think of this PMP certification if he or she holds a baccalaureate or equivalent degree and have a minimum of three years of project management experience. Candidate who does not hold a baccalaureate or equivalent university degree but holds a high school diploma or equivalent secondary school credential can also apply for this PMP exam. Such candidates should have a minimum of five years experience in this field to get PMP certified. Consider PMP certification if you are a project manager having the above said qualification and experience.

Training offered

Search online and find education institutions and training centers providing education and training for those preparing for the examination. Online PMI PMP certification training including study materials, sample questions, and practice tests are also available from websites such as PMTests.com. With these education providers it is possible to study at the comfort of house or office by utilizing preparation materials and other resources available online. One can find tips and tricks needed to pass the exam.

Once registered, interested candidates can take online classes whenever required. They can take as many practice tests possible. So, think of PMP certification if you have qualified for the exam.

What are the different PMI certification programs offered

Different PMI certification programs are offered by the Project Management Institute. Professionals can apply for a PMI credential based on their experience and education level. Earning a credential benefits project practitioners to achieve high status in the industry and to earn high in this competitive business world.

Different PMI certification programs include:

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®: CAPM is good for entry level project management professionals who do not have much experience in the field. The exam pattern includes a 150-question, multiple choice test.

The Project Management Professional (PMP)®: This is one of the most recognized certification programs offered by the PMI. Project managers with relevant education and experience can apply for this PMP certification exam. The exam pattern includes a 200-question, multiple choice test. With this credential, project management professionals can earn a good recognition in career which in turn help them earn high and better positions.

The Program Management Professional (PgMP)®: The PgMP credential is good for project managers who have both project management and program management experience. Project managers with a proven ability to manage multiple projects and align results to organizational goals can apply for this credential.

The Portfolio Management Professional(PfMP)SM: PfMP is good for portfolio managers with ability to manage and align a portfolio of projects to achieve business goals. Portfolio management professionals with atleast four or seven years of experience can apply.

The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®: PMI-ACP is good for agile practitioners who have knowledge and experience in utilizing agile methodologies in projects.

The PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)SM: Professionals involved in evaluating business related problems and have the efficiency in managing various business aspects involved in a program or a project can apply for this certification.

The PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)®: PMI-RMP recognizes the expertise and knowledge in assessing and identifying project risks along with the ability to manage projects as a whole. To apply this credential, as a project manager an individual may need experience as well as education in risk management.

The PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)®: This credential is suitable for those professionals involved in project scheduling and management tasks.

Nowadays one can find a good number of universities and study centers offering training for certification programs offered by the Project Management Institute. PMI certification training online by websites such as PMTests.com also available. Register today and start learning nowitself to get certified as a PMI professional.