Five Things to Consider When Choosing a PMP Training Course
So, you’ve decided to get your Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Great! You’ll be joining the ranks of certified project managers who, according to the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Earning Power Salary Survey, earn 20 percent more than those without certification. Before they took this important step in their career, many certified project managers prepared for the exam with a PMP training course.
Experts in the project management field recommend preparing for the PMP certification exam well in advance. Typically, this is done with an online course or an in-person class. To determine which PMP certification training course is right for you, these are five important things to ask yourself:
1. When can I study for the exam?
Employers understand the high standards of the PMP exam and the dedication it takes to earn your certification. This is for good reason. PMI requires a minimum of 35 hours of preparation before one can even sit for the exam. More so, it is generally recommended that those planning to take the exam give themselves six to eight weeks to prepare.
Some PMP test takers prefer the a traditional classroom experience for their training. The traditional classroom environment is great if you have the time. Most professionals striving for PMP certification already work full-time though. Adding 35 hours of classroom instruction on top of your career might be out of the question.
If you’re balancing a career and a busy personal life, an online course might be the ideal way to train on your own schedule. Online courses have the minimum required hours built in, and you can learn anywhere you have access to a computer and the Internet.
2. Do I want an expert to walk me through the test material?
You could buy the PMBOK® Guide and study on your own, but learning from an expert is worth it in the long run.
In terms of long-term ROI, the 2017 Project Management Salary Survey found that certified Project Management Professionals based in the U.S. earn a median salary of $112,000. So, a PMP training course led by a veteran project manager will better prepare you for the exam, and for growth in your career.
3. How much am I willing to spend on certification?
Overall, PMP training is more cost effective than in person or “live”(webinar-style sessions) training courses.
An in-person or live course can cost upwards of $1,000. However, a series of effective online courses might cost less than $300. If you’re willing to prioritize learning within your financial budget, then you might already be demonstrating the type of decision-making that leads to strong project management skills.
4. Do I know other professionals training for the PMP exam?
There are 800,000 PMP certified professionals worldwide. Earning your certification you will make you a part of this global community. Online PMP training will connect you to other professionals with the same goal and similar career aspirations. While an online course may not seem like the typical place to meet likeminded professionals, you learn with a cohort and develop contacts.
PMI membership connects you to a network of certified professionals. This community will keep you informed on the latest techniques and best practices.
5. Is PMP certification really worth it?
Yes. The PMP is a globally-recognized certification. In fact, research found that 80 percent of high performing projects are led by PMP-certified project managers. So, if you manage projects, the question is less if the PMP is worth it, and more when will you start preparing for the certification exam?
The PMP exam is tough. It’s estimated that roughly 40 percent of exam takers don’t pass on their first attempt. This could be for any number of reasons, but it’s often due to a lack of focused training and understanding of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Training for the PMP exam in a structured course that deep dives into the PMBOK® Guide is arguably the best way to prepare for this valuable certification.
Register for a PMP training course today:
Project Management Professional (PMP)® Prep Series
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