- By Alex Bennett
The most successful organizations are now focused on developing their employees’ leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills — alongside traditional IT and technical skills. Businesses are increasingly realising the benefits of qualified project managers. This is a massive opportunity for professionals if they can prove their skills through certification and continuous learning.
In the United States, one credential stands out amongst the crowd: the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). More than 710,000 professionals have achieved this certification — which is aimed at experienced project managers — and PMP holders can be found leading projects in nearly every country.
Every project management professional, regardless of experience, should aim to achieve this globally recognized certification. Here are some important reasons why:
Complete more successful projects
Studying for — and achieving — the PMP certification provides professionals with the knowledge they need to complete more successful projects on time and on budget. “Without a doubt, good project management drives more success, lowers risk, and increases the chance of success for delivering the economic value of the project,” says Bill Seliger, PMP, Director of Supply at LSC Communications.
Often referred to as the gold standard project management certification, the PMP teaches expert knowledge, built on years of best-practice and experience. Professionals will take on a tried-and-tested project management framework, and study the five PMP domains, covering the advanced knowledge needed to lead projects from planning to execution.
Achieving the PMP proves professionals can speak a common language dictated by a globally understood framework. For better or worse, project managers spend the majority of their time communicating with team members. The globally-recognized project management language provided by the PMP certification will streamline those many hours of communication.
Employers will benefit (and they might pay for it too)
