Should engineers get PMP certified?
The other day a lady serving as a technical lead at a software company approached me to ask a few questions about PMP certification. Her company had volunteered to sponsor her to undergo the lengthy process of preparing for and taking the PMP examination on the road to getting PMP certified. However, she wasn’t sure if PMP certification was right for her. She had several doubts:
- Technically, she was not a “project manager”; however, her job did comprise functions that project managers regularly perform: risk analysis, work scheduling, monitoring and controlling development, team management, and cost control, among others.
- She was unaware of other engineers at her company who had previously taken and passed the PMP exam.
- She did not want to oversell herself or misrepresent the PMP credential by becoming certified without being an actual project manager.
- Due to the above points, she was worried that her PMP application would ultimately be rejected by PMI.
I should point out that this lady had already taken a few PMP practice exams and had scored within a passing range on these exams. So it was not the knowledge she was concerned about; rather, that she was concerned that she was technically serving as an engineer and not as a salaried project manager.
This lady engineer also mentioned something alarming. She told me that she had spoken to one PMP certified project manager about her desire to become certified herself. This PMP was offended that someone who was not a “real PM” would attempt to become a PMP. This of course concerned her greatly that she was in effect “posing” as a project manager in her desire to become PMP certified.
Can an engineer rightfully become PMP certified?
One of the biggest questions around this lady’s desire to become PMP certified was, “is it ethical?” Can she (or any other technical workers not officially labeled as project managers) rightfully become a Project Management Professional?
Some may disagree with me, but I do believe that it is ethically correct for this lady to become PMP certified as long as she can rightfully claim in her PMP application that she has amassed the required hours of project management experience and education. Although this lady does not have the title of project manager, when looking over her work experience it is apparent that she does have the proper project management experience to get PMP certified. She has also studied project management extensively and has the knowledge and experience required to pass the PMP examination (by looking at her practice test scores).
I mentioned to this engineer (as I mention to everyone who asks me advice about preparing for a potential PMI audit) that, when filling out the PMP exam application, she should carefully document her project management work experience and education as accurately and truthfully as possible. Next, she should show her managers the experience that she has documented and explain to them that there is a chance that PMI will audit her work experience, and if they were to do that, would her managers verify that the information that she has provided on the application is correct? If they will do that, then she has ethically provided proof that she has the project management experience required to sit the PMP examination.
Remember that while you will need experience from all of the different PMI process groups in order to qualify to sit the PMP exam, you do not have to have spent your time equally distributed between those PMI process groups. You may have spent quite a few of your project hours in the project execution phase of a project. On some projects you may only have been involved in the initiating and planning phases of a project; for other projects you may have appeared on the project in the monitoring and controlling phase of the project, near project closing. It doesn’t matter – you can rightfully count the work spent on these projects in your PMP application as long as during your career you have amassed experience in all of the PMI process groups.
PMP certification for engineers and software developers
In my opinion it’s a good thing for engineers, software developers, business analysts, quality assurance engineers and other technical workers to become PMP certified. Having a strong technical background is very helpful when managing projects. I myself spent several years designing and developing software on multiple platforms and find that having this background is very beneficial. Not only do I find I have a greater understanding of the technical work being performed on a project, but the technical background also gives me some “street cred” when working with software developers, network administrators and other highly technical people. Being a PMP certified engineer can also help you to get jobs in the future. Being both technically adept and an expert in project management makes for a highly desirable employee.
As for the fellow who was offended that an engineer would want to become a PMP, I feel that he was way off base. As a PMP myself I was impressed and encouraged by someone showing such interest in the field of project management – so much so that she would like to dedicate a considerable amount of time and effort to becoming a PMP certified project manager. As a PMP I feel that it is my duty to encourage others to understand the importance of project management and to help others learn more about how to properly manage projects. Many projects fail spectacularly – it can only be a good thing to have more people out there who understand why projects fail and how to properly guide projects to success. Project management best practices are not practices that we should hide from others and guard close to our chests… they are practices that we should want to share, to debate, to discuss, to improve, and to implement wherever they can be of benefit.
And that being said, I’m always up for a good discussion about project management – please feel free to comment!
Totally agree with your article. It’s always funny how people tend to think only the position give you the right to be or to do something. I tought its mainly a problem in Switzerland, but it seems thats not the only place…..
As a project manager myself, beeing a formerly application engineer i had to fight the same problems long ago as well.
My experience with people making that kind of comments is, they are feared. Probably they think they won’t be needed anymore if somebody else got the same certification. Instead encouraging people and profit within the projects and the whole company from people interessted in getting more skills.
Thanks for your comments Patrick. I’m glad that you found success in project management coming from the field of application engineering.
I agree that some people do seem to feel threatened by successful technical workers joining the ranks of management, and it may be because those people do have great potential to be very successful – perhaps more successful than those who do not have a technical background. In my opinion, getting different people with different backgrounds together to discuss and debate different ways of approaching a problem makes for a wide variety of potential solutions to choose from. If everyone was cut from the same mold they would all approach problems in the same way, which may not be the best way.
Thanks for your comment and greetings to you and yours in Switzerland! You live in a beautiful country.
NO NO NO STOP BEING RIPPED OFF DIDNT YOU ALREADY PAY FOR AN EDUCATION?????
First off I agree with the author that a PMP is really a waste of time and money…. Lets say you have 20 years PM experience and a degree in management…. What can they teach you that you don’t already know.
I have been a manager of a PMO for 10 years and a PM with over 20 years experience, I have hired PMP people and non PMP people with experience. Let me tell you that a piece of paper you pick up on a weekend cram class isn’t worth it and neither are the people who hand them out… Of the 300 people I have hired those with the PMP designation were the most incompetent and difficult to work with. First they think they are entitled and second they have no real world experience…. HR people WAKE up your throwing away a lot of good talent for a piece of worthless paper…..
Second people with PMP designations do not make more money….. Thats misleading in fact if you had one I would pay you less because you were not qualified in most cases to manage sanitation workers…
I would gladly put 5 of my best experienced Project Manager against any PMP and I will guarantee they will get any project done faster, safer and for less money than someone with a PMP… So a gain human resources managers wake up and realize that your getting ripped off and short changed by those who have PMP’s. Management is an art and a science as much as it is a people skilled profession…… They teach you those things on the job and not in a three day classroom or from some PMBOK…. I read that book twice and its pretty weird if you ask me…. as is the PMP dont waste your time get experience and work with companies who’s HR people know real talent!!!!
Hi Paul,
While I’m not sure whether or not I agree with what you’ve said, I appreciate your feedback!
What is interesting about your comment is that I’m coming at PMP certification as a project manager; for me, PMP certification has been worthwhile and has opened the door to various job opportunities in the field of project management. But what you’re describing is the viewpoint of someone examining PMP certification as an employer, and gauging whether or not it is worth it to hire PMPs, which is a completely different thing. While I would argue that attaining PMP certification is worthwhile, I don’t have any personal experience or know of any facts to argue for or against what you’re saying, which is that PMPs are not worth hiring in the marketplace.
Perhaps for a future post I’ll do some research into consulting firms and other companies that hire PMPs and find out what they have to say about the skills, experience and professionalism of the project managers that they’ve hired who hold PMP certifications compared to those professionals that don’t. It would be interesting to dig deeper into the claims you’ve made and to find out more about the phenomenon you speak of.
Thanks again for commenting – I do appreciate it!
Paul,
Your comment about PMP’s vs non-PMP’s is completely baseless. I would compare it to a PM with a College Diploma vs a PM without. having one or the others does not make you smarter or better able to handle projects, however it does indicate that the candidate has applied time and effort into furthering his/her education. Thats not to say that PMP’s or college grads will always be better qualified… Its just saying they took the time and effort.
You are also forgetting a number of other factors that come into play. You dont hire a PM just because he/she is a PMP, but you may end up hiring someone as a PMP if two candidates have the same qualifications, but one has an extra certification showing that they are interested in the principles and science of project management.
Hi Sam – thanks for sharing your opinions – I appreciate it!
I’ve spoken to a lot of people about PMP certification (many on this blog) and I find it very interesting to hear all of the different viewpoints on PMP certification. Many people feel that it is worthwhile, but there are also a significant number of people who feel that PMP certification is worthless.
It does seem to me that, if you’re hiring someone as a project manager, the worth of PMP certification is only as good as the opinions of the person doing the hiring. So if the person doing the hiring has had good experience with PMP certified project managers, or puts weight into the credential, then it is a worthwhile certification. However, your resume could also sit in front of a person who feels that PMP certification is not worth the paper it’s printed on… in that case, it doesn’t matter what the statistics say about PMP certification and its value – in that situation it would be worthless.
I personally believe, and have seen through my experience, that PMP certification is worthwhile and can make the difference between getting hired to manage projects or not getting hired. I also believe that you are correct when you say that PMP certification can also be the deciding factor between two candidates with near-identical experience. Not to mention that there are many jobs out there that require PMP certification of the people who apply for them. So I can at least point out some cases where PMP certification is 100% helpful!
Thanks again for your thoughts, and all the best to you in your project management!
Brian,
Just passing through, and I wanted to say thank you for another interesting article and discussion.
Also to put in my two cents, a post about companies that hire PMPs and their perspective would be terrific.
Hope you are having a good spring!
Cheers,
Alex
Hi Alex, good to hear from you. Thanks for your kind words! I’ll start researching the viewpoints of corporations that have hired PMP graduates, and whether or not they have noticed a difference in performance between their PMP and non-PMP certified project managers… that would indeed be an interesting thing to find out.
I hope that all is going well with you.
Hi Brian,
i am sr Business analyst working for one of the investment banks, just wanted to check with you if PMP certification helps me ot not.
Thanks
Prasad
Hello Prasad,
If you’re looking to get into the field of project management, I do think that getting PMP certified can help you. Do you happen to work in the field of Information Technology at the bank, or is the analysis you are doing more financial in nature? It seems that getting PMP certified is most useful for people who are working in the domain of IT, though PMI would like that to change, and for people in many different fields to see the value of PMP certification.
Best of luck to you in your project management endeavors – please let me know what you decide!
Hi Brian,
That was the kind of discussion/article I was precisely looking for to clear my doubts regarding PMP (though some are still to be resolved and my research is on).
I belong to the Oil and Gas Industry and I have an experience of 3 years and I am a PMP aspirant.Out of 3, 1.5 years is in Project Coordination & Management and rest 1.5 in Engineering Design (which I am currently involved in).
I wanted to know if I am eligible for PMP and will it be beneficial for me, being in this industry, acquiring the PMP credential.
A sincere thanks in advance and would be looking forward to more such articles and discussions on the topic from you.
Good morning Vaibhav,
I’m glad that the discussion was helpful! I am also glad that you have been researching PMP certification to find out whether or not it is right for you.
It sounds like you have the proper length of time of work experience, if you have a bachelors degree to go along with that work experience. However, the question for you will be whether or not you have enough work experience in project management – that is, managing and directing project tasks.
I have created this Excel spreadsheet that you can use to figure out if you have enough project management hours to apply to take the PMP examination. Take a look at the application form on PMI’s website, which shares information about what sort of work experience you can use to apply for the certification. Then, fill out all of the project management work experience that you yourself have attained on the various projects that you have worked on, and see if you have sufficient hours to take the exam.
All the best to you! I hope it goes well.
Hi Brian,
I was just going through your site and found very interesting information about PM . . I am a software engineer and have spent around 8-9 years working in IT companies on different areas like ERP – 4 years, application development nd support-more than 3 years , application testing – 1 year. Now I am very keen to enter project management field officially like gaining PMP certification . Am I eligible for it ? Can you please guide me on it. Thanks in advance . Bye
Hello Hemali,
It sounds like you have a lot of great experience working in the IT industry… glad to hear that it has been going well for you and that you have been involved with some very interesting work.
Regarding PMP certification, if you’re interested in applying to take the PMP examination, you are going to need project management work experience; not just any work experience will cut it. So the work experience that you have earned coding software, for example, will not cut it… you need work experience leading and directing projects. That said, at least last time I checked, some of that work could include work completed in the Project Execution phase completing project tasks, but you also have to have completed tasks in all of the other PMI Process Groups.
If you’re interested in finding out whether or not you have the right amount of project management work experience to get PMP certified, you can use this (free) Excel spreadsheet template that I have created and shared to tally up your project management work experience and find out whether or not you have already earned enough hours to apply for the exam. I hope that you find it helpful!
Best of luck to you – please let me know how it goes.
Hi, Brian,
Thanks for your all very useful comments. I am an engineer and is looking for join the PMP exam. Could you please send me the Excel spreadsheet template for me to evaluate the hours of my PM experience?
Thanks again,
Steven
Hello Steven,
Glad to hear that you are interested in taking the PMP exam. You can find the Excel spreadsheet template where you can start to fill out your work experience hours on this post… just click on the image of the spreadsheet and you’ll find the Excel file.
All the best with evaluating your hours. It’s a tedious process, I know.
Hi Brian,
With my primary research on PMP i just passed through with your site, and wanted to drop a note of thanks for such a enthusiastic article.
Well i am a software student, expecting my graduation date by NOV-2012, Interested in the filed of project management and had worked as a freelance for software assignments during my academic tenure, with no corporate experience, I was very much keen about the project management certification and came across with PMI – CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) as an entry level in the field of project management.
I wanted to know am i eligible for CAPM certification? How i can Opt for it, and will it be beneficial for me in the industry. if not then which certification i can go for to get into project management field.
In the expectation that you will be kind enough to guide me, I thank you in advance.
Hello Ameen,
Best of luck with your graduation! I’m glad you’re interested in the field of project management.
Almost anyone is eligible for the CAPM; in order to take the exam you need to have had some work experience (not necessarily in project management) or a college degree, so it sounds like you’ll have the college degree at the least. The CAPM is designed to be an entry-level certification for people who are interested in becoming project managers, but who do not have the work experience or other requirements that are needed in order to apply to take the PMP examination.
As for whether or not getting CAPM certified will help you with your career, that is another story. As the CAPM does not require stringent qualifications for people who are interested in becoming certified, it does not hold as much weight in the industry as does the PMP credential. I’m not sure that having the CAPM can help you get project management jobs, though it might help you get assigned some project management tasks in your job as having CAPM certification does show employers that you are interested in project management and have learned some of the basics of the doctrine. I always recommend PMP certification over the CAPM; in my opinion, a good goal is to do what you can to get the necessary requirements for PMP certification, and then take the PMP exam. It has been shown that being PMP certified can lead to job offers, and in many cases is a requirement for landing certain project management positions.
Best of luck to you!
Hi Brian,
Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts on PMP.
Not sure if I’m missed a post/response but would like to ask a question that’s been asked in your post on whether PMP is worth it.
My background is in market research. While I’m hoping to get into PM on a bigger scale I’m not sure if the market/economy would allow for such a move to a different role, and potentially a new industry.
Therefore I’m not 100% sure if it’d be worthwhile for me to get PMP certification. Especially when I’m not so sure exactly what I’d wanna do in the next 3-5 years. All I know is that I enjoy the PM aspect in my precious roles. With majority of the PMP holders work in the IT industry, I’m concerned that I might be investing my time and money in getting a certificate that would add very little value to my career. Am I wrong in thinking this way?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Hi Julie,
In my opinion, if you can get PMP certified (re: if you have the work experience and education requirements covered), then you should go ahead and get certified. It is a difficult process to be sure, but I do not think that having PMP certification under your belt will ever hurt you in your career! Not only that, but it may grant you some opportunities you might otherwise not have had. A job opportunity might come up that you are not even aware of today where having PMP certification could mean the difference between getting and not getting the job! Especially considering people are starting to realize the importance of proper project management in a variety of different workplaces, and the value of a good project manager.
You are correct, however, that most PMP credential holders seem to be in the IT industry. I do notice that a lot of different fields are converging, and technology and project management are becoming more a part of traditionally non-technical fields. Being an expert in project management could give you an edge in your future career.
Those are just my opinions of course. Good luck!
Thanks Brian for the response. I’ve just started doing my PMP course and hope to pass the exam early next year!
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts on my comment/query. Much appreciated!
Anytime, Julie – I’m pleased to give what assistance I can. Good luck with your PMP course, and the studying and preparation for the examination!
Hi Brian,
This seems off the topic but I have a some concerns ( I searched google but could not find the proper results):
1. Is PMP eligible for Test Leader. I had experience in managing and leading testing testing projects. I have never worked in software development (e.g coding, business anylyzing, etc)? My objective is to become QC/QC manager in future…Will you still recommend?
P/s: Some senior managers (not sure with PMP or not) laughed at me when I said I planned for PMP certification in a interview for a QC Manager position.
Hello Rocky,
I believe that if you’re managing projects in your position, or would be interested in managing projects in the future, you should consider getting PMP certified. I have some friends who work in Quality Assurance who are PMP certified, and understanding and appreciating the principles of project management has helped them to manage their teams and the projects of their teams more effectively.
While some of the senior managers in your organization may not appreciate the value of PMP certification, don’t forget that this is a certification that is valued in many different places – different companies and different managers will have different views of how important the certification is. I myself have talked to a lot of people who see its value, and a lot of people who don’t! That being said, I definitely think that if you’re applying for a job or a new position in your company that involves managing projects, PMP certification certainly can’t hurt, and it will most likely help!
Thanks Brian for your advice. That’s encouraging me a lots. Thank you!
Hi Rocky, you’re very welcome – I’m always glad to be able to help. Best of luck with your career!
Brian,
If I can second something which you have said, in response to Sam … I think for the getting-the-job question, it definitely depends on the individual hiring person, and their experience with PMPs in the past. That makes sense. Overall, I would much rather have the PMP than not, unless I had very reliable and specific information about where I was going (and I knew for sure where I wanted to be for the next 10-20 years).
More broadly, it’s worth pointing out the nature of those quantitative things which we know. So for example, if having PMP gives an applicant a 40% improved chance of getting a job, … realistically it may be that with a few situations, it gives 0% improved chance; with some, it gives a small improvement like 10-20%, and then with some it gives dramatic improvement like 50-100%.
Similarly, if we are seeing that the average salary for PMPs versus non-PMPs there is a gap, then, we need to remember it is an average. It does not mean that 100% of PMPs are seeing (only) a $15,000 improvement, or whatnot. Realistically, it can be that some are seeing a big jump, some are seeing a small jump, and a few are getting no increase at all.
Would be helpful to have access to the raw data, for some of these things.
Finally, to put in a positive word on the educational side — the practical value of PMP to somebody in doing their work better? — this is probably also a little “statistical,” but I would say that for many/most PMPs, that process of taking time to review their project management experiences, to learn the official PMI language and methodology, and even second-guessing it, to stop and reflect on their *own* values and methodology, and become more aware of it … I think for a lot of PMPs, that experience of preparation makes them a (little bit) better project manager.
Also, thanks again for all your excellent and generous advice and discussions, Brian.
Cheers,
Alex
Thanks Alex – I appreciate the comment.
You said something that I find very interesting – that it’s worth learning PMI’s framework, even if you’re going to second guess it. I think that a lot of people disagree with PMP certification because they don’t believe that PMI’s framework and proposed methodology is the best one for project management in today’s workplace… a lot of people believe that iterative methodologies, such as Agile Development using Scrum, are more effective when managing projects in today’s companies. The thing is… that is a completely legitimate belief… learning PMI’s methodologies is not going to turn you into a “PMI clone”, and you don’t even have to agree with them to get PMP certified… you just have to know and understand them. There’s value in seeing numerous methodologies – waterfall, iterative and otherwise – and then figuring out what processes and best practices work best for you and the projects that you’re managing.
Thanks again for your thoughts, and I hope that all has been going well with you!
Hi Brian ,
I was just curious if a PMP certification would really help me to jump to a higher professional level.
I am into Telecommunication engineering and have been into Operations team for several Mobile Operators since about 6+ years.I am doing well in my technical profession but since quite sometime I have been thinking how to jump to next level. (management of key projects) .Is PMP going to help me .
Hello saurabh,
Thanks for asking. I am not too familiar with the Telecom industry, but it does seem to me that it is a technical domain where plenty of complex projects take place. As such, I would think that PMP certification would help you with your career… the understanding of what the PMP stands for and the project managers who hold it may be there, and learning more about how to manage projects according to PMI’s framework (and according to other frameworks, if you can get into some more studying) would likely be helpful for you.
Generally, if you’re working in a technical field and you’re interested in getting into project management (or other management), I believe that PMP certification can help you. My advice would be to ask around to others in your field – especially people who are already managing projects – and see if they have any thoughts about how you should start working your way into the field of management.
Best of luck!
I have 10.6 years of experience in Software Development And Testing having worked in all phases of the SDLC. I want to take PMP as the first step to entering into Project Management. Can I take the exam.
Hello Suma,
It sounds that you have a lot of work experience under your belt… some of it will likely be project management work experience, while other experience may not be related. My advice to you would be to document your project management and project leadership work experience hours to see if you have enough hours to apply to take the PMP examination. I’ve created an Excel spreadsheet that you can find here that can help you to add up your hours and find out if you have the requirements to sit for the examination.
Best of luck to you!
Hi Brian,
After searching for PMP certification related Post, I found this site and this is really very helpful.
I want to ask you…
I have 4+ years of work experience in developing software in Windows(ERP)/Web/Mobile application
also pursuing Part time MBA in Finance from one of the good institute in INDIA(Mumbai-Sydenham) currently in final semester will get over by May-2013
I am looking forward for the Managerial position (Entry level).
In my current organization I am working as software engineer.
With an added responsibility as “Internal Quality Auditor” (Quality Auditor & Process Compliance).
I have received training in following Title:
1. Agile Scrum Training (QAI India Ltd.)
2. Internal Quality Auditor (QAI India Ltd.)
Is it worth full for me to have PMP certification in future to open doors for an entry level management position(Project Management)?
Or what kind of roles I can get?
Hello Paramsrikant,
Thanks for your note. I appreciate hearing from you! It sounds like you have amassed a great deal of good work experience – and I am sure you will find the MBA helpful in your career.
I think that, if you have the proper project management work experience and project management education, a PMP can certainly be helpful in your career. However, if you’re looking for an entry-level project management position, it could be that you do not yet have the required work experience in order to apply to take the PMP exam. Only you would be able to decide this.
To find out, download the Excel spreadsheet found here and calculate how much project management work experience you have. If you have the proper hours, that is great! You can go ahead and apply to take the exam. If not, I recommend you start gathering those hours by taking on some project management or project leadership roles in your current job, in your current position. Otherwise, you might also be able to get an entry-level project management job without the PMP certification – the fact that you are ScrumMaster Certified means that you already have some project management training that could help you land a position. Then you can start working toward getting the required number of hours to apply for the PMP.
Good luck to you.
Hello Brian,
Grate article where I have got good info on PMP,
Please can you give some guidance on PM certification,
currently I am perusing my masters in computer science and I don’t have any work experience as everyone in the above discussion(worried)
I am very interested in software project management and came to know that their is an entry level certification with PMI(CAPM) where their is no work experience required, just with 23 contact hours eligible for that exam
Will the CAPM exam helps me to build a good career as PM?
or shall I wait till I get some work experience then go directly for PMP?
Could you suggest what to do to make a good career ?
thank you
Hello vamsi,
In my experience the CAPM is not nearly as powerful as the PMP. This may have changed since I did my research… however, from what I’ve noticed, people realize that PMP certification necessarily means that a credential holder has a certain number of hours of project management experience, and that CAPM certification does not mean that someone is experienced. As such, it does not hold as much weight.
My advice for you would be to get some project management work experience under your belt and then go for the PMP. If that’s not possible, then you might consider getting the CAPM to learn more about project management and to show potential employers that you are interested in the field of project management.
Good luck, and all the best to you in your career.
Hello Brian,
I just want to know how i can get PMP certification. I am working as senior Software Engineer and want to do PMP certification in India.
Hi Roopali,
Glad to hear you are interested in getting PMP certified. You’ve asked a very broad question – basically, in order to get PMP certification, you need to apply for the PMP exam, study for it, and then pass it. Whether or not you are eligible for the PMP exam should be your first question – if you’re a senior software engineer you may not have the proper qualifications (especially where work experience is involved) to get PMP certified.
You can find information about the background you will need in order to get PMP certified on this post.
Good luck!
Hey Brian,
Your website has been very helpful. Apart from being in the SCM/IT sector from the last 5 odd years, I also owned a gas station for couple of yrs in between. Can I count my gas station experience towards the PMP project hrs, or does it need to be strictly professional work?
Thanks!!
Hi Sam,
Glad that you find the website helpful – I’m always glad to assist where I can.
It seems to me that being the owner (and presumably operator?) of a gas station might be a bit of a stretch when trying to apply the hours you worked to the PMP exam application. That said, there may be actual projects that you planned, executed, and managed for which there are hours that you worked that could apply on your application. Just performing the day-to-day operations of owning and managing a gas station probably wouldn’t apply.
That said, I don’t necessarily think that all of the hours you worked wouldn’t apply. There might be some hours managing actual projects that would apply. Professional in this case means that it is work you were paid to perform (and not, for example, volunteer work or work done at college or university). So there might be some hours that you could use to apply for the exam.
Sorry not to be of more help – I would say, use your best judgment, and fill out a spreadsheet (like this one, for example) that allows you to tally your hours of project management work experience, and see where it gets you. Good luck!
Hi Brian,
The website and all the discussions are helpful and interesting. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I have some concerns about my qualification and hope that you can provide some of your insights. I am planning to get PMP in 3 years since I only graduated from college not too long ago, and need to start accumulating the project managing hours and experience. I am working in a IT company that manufactures machines and provides software solutions. I don’t work as a project manager, but I take on lots software/hardware/machine conversion projects for clients in different properties. Some projects can include up to hundreds machines. Can I use these projects towards the PMP qualification? In addition, I am also thinking about getting the master of PM degree with GAC accredited schools to earn that 1500 hrs. Could you please advise if this is a right way to get the PMP in 3 years in terms of the qualifications? Thank you.
Hi Amber, thanks for the kind feedback – I appreciate it.
If you’re working in an IT company, there may be several opportunities for you to get some experience leading and directing products. I recently composed this post that discusses a few examples of ways that you can get experience managing projects even though you do not hold the official title of project manager. Check it out and see what you think.
Meanwhile, if you do work on projects completing conversion projects for clients, you can use some of that experience on your PMP application. You will need to have project experience in all five of PMI’s process groups (initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing), but certainly some of those hours can be in the executing phase of the projects you have participated on.
As for the Masters of Project Management, the hours you spend in classes for that degree could certainly be used toward your education requirement when applying to get PMP certified. However, you don’t have to have a Masters in Project Management in order to get a job as a project manager or to get PMP certified. It will, however, help you learn about the fundamentals of project management, give you some idea of how to manage projects, and potentially help you secure a job in the field of project management once you have graduated.
Good luck!
Hi Brian,
Your article is amazing. Well I am also thinking to get PMP certified. I have bachelor degree in Software Engineering and Master degree in MBA. I have total approx 7 years of experience in Software industry. I am practicing team lead(or sometimes project lead) since last 3 years of my career span, and I have also applied for Canadian P.R in 2010 and awaiting my selection cerificate. Can you please guide me that I shall go for either PMP or PMI Agile certification? I will appreciate your quick reply which will help me to take better decision. It will be great if you can guide me for Canadian Job market in this context.
Thank you in advance.
Hello Rupal,
I’m glad to hear that you have amassed such good work experience and education, and that you’re leading a having a successful career in Canada. You might think that this response is a bit of a cop-out, but if you’re not sure which certificate you should work toward, I recommend you go for both certificates. I am PMP certified, and while I do not have the PMI-ACP certification, I do have the ScrumMaster certification, which is a different Agile Development certification offered by the Agile Alliance. I also passed the ITIL Foundation test. I have found that understanding and being certified in several different methodologies or frameworks can help you to approach a wide variety of different problems when you encounter them in your job, and that the numerous certifications look powerful on a CV or resume and are indications of a well-rounded candidate.
That said, if you’re looking to get one or the other, I’d recommend the PMP certification – the PMP seems to be the de facto project management standard for potential project managers in the industry.
Good luck!
Hi Brian,
I have just seen this web site while searching for articles on PMP and quite liked it.
I am also preparing for PMP and have also got my 35 PDUs.
I am a technical lead for a telecommunication project. We work on EPABX. We design the voice network and also support the same.
I have total 7 years of work exp and now I would like to venture into management domain.
Please guide me whether my decision is correct at this point of time and what would be the best way to prepare for PMP.
I am CCNA, MCSA, ITIL V3 foundation, SOCA (siemens open communication associate) certified.
Hello Brian,
Really well written article.
I have total experience of 7 years and work as a Lead engineer in Automation field. I have Bachelors degree in Engineering. I am planning to get PMP certified. I wish to change the track of my career from Project Execution to Project Management. Can you advise me on whether getting PMP certified can help me find a job in PM field?
Hello Ankit,
I’m glad to hear that you’re interested in getting PMP certified. If you are looking to switch your career to project management, then the PMP credential can definitely help you get jobs in the field of project management. It has certainly helped me in my own career, and many employers require PMP certification of potential project manager candidates. That being said, if you are only beginning to look into switching your career to one of project management, then you may not yet have the required amount of project leadership work experience that is required by PMI of people who are interested in getting PMP certified.
If you do not have that experience yet, then I recommend that you start getting that work experience by leading and directing projects, or at least leading and directing certain phases or aspects of projects. That way, even if you do not have the title of “project manager”, you will over time be able to amass the work experience that you need in order to get certified.
In any case, best of luck to you.
Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been researching PMP certification and I’ve found your articles very useful. I’ve wrapping up my first project as a technical lead for a big 10 month project and had a similar question as the tech lead in this story. Now that I’ve gotten my feet wet as a leader I find this work very exciting and challenging. As a software developer for over 20 years this is the first time I’ve been truly challenged. I definitely want to continue leading projects.
I also own a small social media marketing company which has a handful of clients. After reading some if the comments on this post, I feel like I my of my experience working for myself can be counted for PMI certification. My question is how would I prove it?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Cam,
Thanks very much for your kind comments about my site – I really do appreciate that. I’m always glad to help wherever I can.
In order to apply to take the PMP examination, you need professional work experience “leading and directing projects”. If you spent time leading and directing projects, and can fit the work that you’ve completed into the five process groups according to PMI, then it seems to me that you can use the hours that you spent completing that work in your PMP exam application. You will not likely be able to use all of the hours that you spent while managing your social media marketing company, but those hours that you spent leading or directing projects you can use.
Just be sure to be as ethical as you can when allocating your hours, and if possible, come up with artifacts (documentation, project plans, and the like) that you can use to prove to PMI that you did compete the required amount of project management work experience should they decide to audit your application.
Good luck!
Hi
my self mahesh having 2.7 years experience in project management like project scheduling , project execution, site coordination, client coordination for approval of drawings , followup with vendors for material dispaches.
kindly guide me how to get PMI certification and how much will be the fees. material required for the above certification.
Reply will be highly appreciated.
I came across this as I was researching info regarding PMP, I am a 24 yr old undergrad student double majoring in Computer Science and Business Admin. There was a comment made about the certification being a waste of money on a ‘piece of paper’. I come across this judgment before (even though the majority rules that it’s still beneficial to go for it).
I wanted to comment on that because while it may be to some managers, there are other things that need to be taken into consideration. In a perfect world things would be easy to get into (career-wise) if we could all be trusted by hiring managers in what we know.
I am a veteran with IT skills, and my lack of a degree or certifications prevents me from landing any ‘decent’ employment. So while it may be a waste of money to some employers, some employers look at certifications as a verification that you do ‘actually’ know. My issue is that I would like to gain experience BEFORE I graduate, and no one really wants to give that opportunity.
The comment was made pertaining to the PMP but generally speaking (inclusion of any cert) regardless of whether it’s a piece of paper or not, so is a college degree. The amount of courses and knowledge gained from the courses of the major equate to that ‘piece of paper’ (degree) and no matter what paper you have, if you can’t get experience once you have them then what good does it do you?
It’s not the matter of a cert being a waste of money for employers or those developing professional skills, being given the opportunity to put it into play is important. Geographic areas, and cultures in those areas play a part as well, where I’m from (countryside, rural area, no metros), certs are telling employers ” I have the knowledge behind this, give me the opportunity to transform it into experience”. People have to start somewhere, and ‘knowing’ is a pretty good start.
It’s nice to paint a fairy-tale image that just because people may have skills and have proven them through prior work experience that they will definitely get jobs, or not require some form a verification of skillsets. But I personally know a guy who was in management for many years. He couldn’t move to upper management because his company required upper managers to hold a degree, even though he’d been showing them he was pretty capable of the responsibilities.
Me personally, I believe knowledge is power, and if one wants to get certs then best of luck to them. No one can knock you for what you know, and certs show that (make your knowledge official). Employers are the ones who want exp, but if so many of them are always so quick to deny people the opportunity to gain it, there will just be more and more people walking around with wasted knowledge.
So to those who think so negatively of certs, I happily announce in the next few months I’m going for CAPM, A+, Network+, and Security+. Good luck to anyone whose going for any cert[s].
“…The only real security that a man will have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience, and ability.” –Henry Ford
I didn’t realize my last post would be that long, but I do have a general question. Due to personal circumstances, I’m unable to continue formal ed at university at the moment so I’ve decided to take some professional development courses to make up for it. Since my interests lie both in business and IT, I was curious what other knowledge or other certs complement a PM cert.
I would like to be a marketable ‘entry-level’ potential hire, and like the versatility of my chosen majors ( my business major concentration is info. systems). I am wondering if taking database development, SQL, PHP, (for instance) would help be good. I was researching other technical skills that go well with PM but didn’t have much luck with the search.
I think having the IT skills along with PM (or business in general), is pretty good because I can work with them all together risks, management, security threats, network, ect. But in terms of PM for entry-level position, do you have any recommendations for particular skills that go well?