
In today’s fast-paced economy, project management has increasingly become a popular career choice, and competent project managers are becoming more and more in demand. As such, it comes as no surprise that project management professional courses are also becoming more attractive for professionals who wish to venture into the realm of project management. If you are one of the many professionals who want to start building a career in the field of project management, it is important that you learn about the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, an internationally recognised credential that is highly sought after by everyone looking to thrive in this industry.
However, despite the prominence of project management training in Singapore and around the world, a lot of people still seem to know so little about the certification. Worse, the misinformation around the PMP certificate seems to be prevalent, even among professionals. To help counter misinformation, this article debunks five of the most common myths surrounding the PMP certification that everyone should be aware of.
Myth #1: Only IT Professionals Will Benefit from a PMP Certification
As mentioned earlier, PMP is a highly esteemed and globally recognised certification that validates the expertise of project management professionals across a variety of industries. However, contrary to popular belief, the PMP certification is not exclusive to IT professionals but is instead beneficial for anyone looking to excel in the field of project management. The PMP certification basically provides a standardised approach to project management, with knowledge and skills that are applicable to any business. It encompasses a broad range of concepts and values, including project management, control, monitoring, execution, and closing. Consequently, undergoing PMP training and obtaining the certificate can significantly enhance your career and effectiveness as a project manager, irrespective of your industry.
Myth #2: Getting a PMP Certification is Expensive
Although earning the PMP certification requires considerable time, financial resources, and effort, it remains a highly valued credential for those seeking to advance their careers in project management. Generally, PMP-certified professionals earn higher salaries and have more job opportunities than their non-certified counterparts. The certification essentially offers a competitive edge in the job market and signifies a strong commitment to the project management field. Moreover, it grants access to a vast network of certified professionals, which thereby facilitates mentorship and professional growth. Ultimately, despite the initial costs, the long-term benefits of the PMP certification far outweigh the expenses.
Myth #3: The PMP Certification is Only Ideal for Seasoned Project Managers
Another common misconception surrounding the PMP certification is that it is a high-level credential that is only apt for seasoned project managers. While the PMP examination requires three years of project management experience, it is nonetheless still beneficial for early-career project managers, too. The certification basically offers a standardised approach to project management, enhances one’s knowledge and skills in project management processes, and boosts one’s reputation in the industry. Furthermore, the PMP certification helps project managers develop their leadership skills and stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
Myth #4: Acquiring a PMP Certification Leads to a Higher Salary
While having a PMP certification leads to more career opportunities, this does not necessarily mean that you will instantly receive a higher salary after becoming PMP-certified, as the possibility of a salary increase depends on various factors, such as your years of experience, country of employment, and the average size of the projects you handle. The Project Management Institute (PMI) actually conducts and publishes salary survey data every year, and in its 2012 report, it was noted that despite a slow economy, the average salary for PMP certification holders had increased in many countries. That said, passing the PMP examination still does not guarantee a high salary right away.
Myth #5: The PMP Certification is Not Worth It
Obtaining the PMP training certification is a challenging and time-consuming process, which requires significant effort, financial investment, and commitment. Nonetheless, getting a PMP course is worth it because its benefits are undeniably substantial – many organisations now seek PMP-certified project managers for their proven ability to handle complex projects and deliver successful results. This can result in increased job opportunities and better compensation, and provide PMP certification holders with a competitive edge in the job market. In addition, preparing for the PMP examination requires a deep understanding of project management principles, thereby offering you a chance to enhance and expand your existing knowledge and skills. Ultimately, earning the PMP certification can be a valuable investment in terms of professional growth.
Conclusion
There is undoubtedly widespread misinformation surrounding the PMP certification, which often portrays it as an exclusive and expensive credential that is not worth one’s effort. This misconception can discourage early-career project managers and other aspiring professionals from pursuing the PMP route and cause them to miss out on the many benefits the certification offers. As such, it is very important to debunk the most common myths about the PMP certification so that more and more professionals will be encouraged and inspired to acquire it and use it to advance their careers. Contrary to common misconception, the PMP certification ultimately fosters professional growth and development, thereby making it a valuable investment for anyone in project management.
If obtaining the PMP certification is among your current goals, be sure to check out the project management courses offered by BridgingMinds now! BridgingMinds is a trusted provider of various reliable and effective project management programmes, such as the Agile Project Management programme, PRINCE2® programme, and PMP courses. The PMP courses offered by BridgingMinds are particularly designed to assist aspiring project managers in earning the highly coveted PMP certification and improve their knowledge and skills in project management. To find out more about our PMP courses and other top-notch programmes, feel free to reach out to us anytime.