PMP Certification

Project Management Professional Overview

PMP certification is a fairly pricey conquest; however, the benefits will pay off again and again. Passing the certification exam is a crucial step in receiving PMP recognition- from the extensive amount of time needed to prepare for the test to the cost to attend it ($405 US dollars for PMI members and $555 if the applicant is a non-member), it takes dedication and diligence to reach the goal of certification. It is important that a certain level of preparation be practiced in order to ensure successful completion of the PMP exam.

How to prepare for PMP Certification?

It may seem overwhelming when you are first considering the preparation process for PMP certification. While there is no comparable learning experience than actually partaking in Project Management, it is also essential to first study the Project management Principles (such as in the latest PMBOK version of Understanding of Project Management Principles) as well as the procedures for exam practice and study. PMP exam taking strategy and practice can be the difference between a lost dream and a successful career. But how and where to begin, you may be asking yourself. Here are some other ponderings of those striving for PMP certification:

1.) What is are the primary focus areas when preparing for the exam?
2.) How much time should be restricted to studying- days, hours, etc?
3.) What resources should I utilize to enhance my learning?

In order to gain from this assessment, it is imperative that you identify your  learning techniques and  establish an effective studying routine. Do you learn best when not under pressure, so leisure reading would benefit you most? Or do you benefit most from practice tests so you can pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses? The best learning tool when preparing for the exam is completing mock exams. These simulated tests are strikingly similar to the recognized exam and can aid greatly in the preparation process.

An outline of how you plan to conduct the preparation process can dramatically improve results. A must-have guide for this crucial component of certification is Methodologies and Guidelines through PMBOK. Training for the exam is also offered at your convenience- both online and via the traditional classroom setting. Those who have a higher retention from physical interaction may opt for the classroom-based training while those with time constraints could only benefit from online lessons.

After the initial training and the explanation of project management principles, it is the mock exams that will bring you up to par with success on the exam.

Certifications all scream commitment and importance, however, PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is not easily reaped. This highly-regarded certification is offered by the PMI (Project Management Institute)  and it recognizes extensive knowledge of project management concepts, as well as in-field experience. Unfortunately, such a deserving certification is nearly absent of quality practice exams and internet resources- making the studying process seem more like a treasure hunt. In response to the many outcries for help in this area, this list of respected sources for information on PMP certification was compiled.

Why PMP Training?

If $90,000 a year is not tempting enough to eat the cost of PMP certification, I am not sure what is. Individuals who are PMI certified earned an average salary of just under a hundred grand a year- well worth the cost of training and the time devoted to such an endeavor. While the initial route to becoming a certified PMP may seem rocky, it is clearly a paradise on the other side. 

The PMP certification is a widely recognized achievement. Many operating companies and government organizations honor such certification, while Fortune 500 companies require such licensing. Some companies even demand that all individuals taking part in any project management activities  acquire PMP certification. This official recognition is quickly dividing the economic workforce- those without project management certifications are at a disadvantage.