Top Reasons Employers Want Project Management Certification

We have seen hundreds of job postings for project managers popping up every now and then in the last few years. The rapidly progressing technology requires people specializing in understanding its uses and implementing it correctly to complete all types and natures of projects successfully. There isn’t any special degree for aspiring project managers.

Of course, you can find dozens of certification programs and become a certified project manager, but there’s no bachelor's or master's degree for people interested in pursuing their career in this industry. The demand for project managers is increasing exponentially. Despite the shortage of project managers, employers aren’t ready to settle for random applicants. They won’t even consider applications of those who haven’t completed their PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.

So, what exactly is PMP certification, and why it’s important?

What is PMP Certification?

Project Management Professional or PMP certification course is a highly recognized and popular certification program for aspiring project managers. The course teaches you the skills to manage human resources, projects of different complexity levels, different processes, and business priorities.

Completing this course isn’t a cakewalk. An aspiring manager has to complete 35 hours of training where they are taught the latest project management methodologies and innovation in this industry. They also need 36 months of experience managing projects (60 months for those without a bachelor's degree). Students can use the PMBOK guide, which is the official exam preparation guide for students considering a PMP exam.

According to the Project Management Institute, a project manager holding a PMP certification earns 20% higher than non-certified managers. This doesn’t just benefit the employee, but PMP credentials are also profitable for the company. In this post, you will discover a few important reasons employers prioritize candidates with PMP certification for the project manager post.

It Shows Your Expertise

Since PMP certification is a globally-recognized project management course, it’s considered the most valuable thing you can add to your resume. In fact, it’s so important that employers have started filtering resumes based on the PMP credential. Some companies have made it mandatory for applicants to finish the certification program before applying for the project management post.

Others accept all applications but select from candidates that have PMP. Employers know that PMP-holders not only have the fundamental knowledge of project management and the latest trends in this industry, but they have hands-on experience.

It Instills Confidence

A PMP certification proves your expertise in project management and instills confidence in you. Employers know that those holding this certification are trained and qualified to execute the job confidently and professionally. They feel more confident hiring you. After all, leaving a project in your hands, especially one that has a significant impact on the organizational goals, is not easy for the employer.

As mentioned above, you need to refer to the PMBOK guide developed by the Project Management Institute to achieve this certification. It has all the techniques, processes, and methodologies that a project manager must follow to finish projects successfully.

Having this certification shows that you have learned all strategies in the PMBOK guide and are trained to pursue this job. Employers want a PMP-certified candidate, as it’s easier for them to trust you with their intricate projects. It also makes them appear professional in front of their clients. People prefer working with companies that have PMP-certified project managers. This gives them assurance that their projects will be handled with care.

A PMP-Certified Project Manager is Versatile

Recruiters choose project managers after a careful evaluation of their qualifications, experience, and certifications. That’s because they know a manager is supposed to work with different people for different projects. They must possess excellent communication skills. A skilled project manager knows how to communicate with vendors, clients, C-suite executives, teams, and other stakeholders in a professional tone.

It Shows that You Are Passionate

One of the many factors that a recruiter considers when filling the project manager’s post is assessing your passion. They need a dedicated project manager that acts responsibly and handles all operations efficiently. Having a PMP certification shows your employers that you are passionate about work and are willing to further your development through education and training.

There’s a reason this certificate carries significant weight and gives you internal recognition. You need to spend hours studying the course. Add to this the time you invest in practicing as a project manager to complete your 36 hours of experience. The test is not easy either. If you pursue a PMP course while working a full-time job, the employer will appreciate the time and effort you invest in this training. Besides, it shows how you manage your time and take the challenging course to grow in this industry.

It Shows Your Ability to Finish Projects as Required

Project management is an ever-changing industry. You never know what challenges you might experience when handling projects of different complexity levels. Each project requires the right methodology and process to be finished as efficiently as possible. Although the requirements, budget, and other specifications might differ from one project to another, a few strategies can be followed repeatedly for all projects.

These are endorsed by project management experts from all over the world. That’s what you are taught in the Project Management Professional certification program. One of the reasons employers prefer PMP-certified project managers is that they know the latest strategies that apply to all types of projects, irrespective of their requirements. For example, the risk management strategy remains the same for all projects. Of course, how you respond to these risks might differ, but identifying the risks and devising a mitigation strategy remains the same in nearly all projects.

Conclusion

PMP credential adds significant value to your portfolio and is one of the best programs for individuals looking to advance their career in project management. It’s not just a bonus point but a mandatory requirement in some sectors. Having a PMP credential boosts your chances of getting hired as a project manager in whichever industry you prefer and offers a good salary.