PMP Certification (Project Management Professional)

The project management profession has recently become one of the hottest jobs, not only in the tech market, but across industries. It is a discipline that will always be in demand across industries. Every organization will have projects of different sizes that need to be managed. Demand for project managers is growing faster than demand for workers in other occupations and by 2027, 90 million individuals will need to be skilled in project-oriented roles.

Top Roles and Salaries with the PMP Certification

While there is a wide variety of roles that requires project management skills, some of the most relevant roles are as follows: 

1) Project Manager 

A project manager oversees managing a whole array of activities surrounding a project from the planning phase to the closure phase. A project manager designation can vary in its scope depending on the size and the complexity involved in it. 

PMP certification is the most coveted credential for a project manager. Getting a PMP certification can give a big boost to your career. The average annual salary for a Product Manager ranges from $114K to $177K, according to Salary.com, with variations depending on factors like industry, experience, organization, and specific responsibilities. 

2) Project Lead 

A Project lead is a role that is like that of the project manager, but it is a bit more of a hands-on role. The project lead is more focused on the operational aspects of the project. The project lead is more of a task manager, getting a PMP certification can help a project lead grow and take up more responsibility.  

With the PMP certification, professionals can develop a more rounded undertanding of project management concepts and practice. Project leads typically earn an average annual salary that ranges between $78K and $112K. 

3) PMO Lead 

A Project Management Office Lead or a PMO lead is a professional in charge of the project management standards and processes. They work on establishing, maintaining, and improving these processes, tools, and standards across the organization. 

A PMP certification will be a powerful addition to the skillset and competence of a PMO lead. A PMO lead earns an average annual salary ranging from $88K to $112K, depending on the organization, location, and industry. 

4) Project Director 

A project director is a senior professional who manages multiple projects and programs across the organization. They are responsible for ensuring that the projects are strategically aligned and there is proper coordination to ensure the success of complex projects. 

A PMP certification can add valuable tools and techniques to the capability of a project director. Project directors typically earn in the range of $144K to $213K annually depending on the size of the organization, location, and a host of other factors. 

Benefits of PMP Certification 

 A PMP certification is one of the most popular certifications in project management. It is not meant for professionals who are new to project management, but if you have experience in project management it will be valuable to you at any stage of your career.  

Following are some of the few benefits you can expect to gain from a PMP certification: 

1) Globally Recognized Credential 

Project Management Professional is one of the most recognized certifications in project management.  The PMP certification is a terrific way to boost your career. PMP certifications are issued by the Project Management Institue, a renowned accreditation body for globally recognized project management certifications. 

2) Increased Employability 

A PMP certification is proof of your expertise and experience as a project manager. Having a PMP certification will give you a major advantage in the job market for any project management related roles.  

3) Higher Earning Potential 

Certified project managers earn significantly more than their non-certified counterparts. PMI’s own report says that PMP certified professionals earn a median salary that is 33% higher than that of noncertified professionals in similar roles.  

4) Professional Credibility 

The PMP training is designed to empower learners with a wealth of project management knowledge, concepts, and topics along with the skills and practices through which the learning will be applied in the real world. PMP certification is undeniable proof of competence as a project manager. 

5) Practical Learning 

PMP training is led by authorized trainers with many years of experience in project management. Learners will understand and experience how concepts and techniques are used in real projects. It will help learners understand how to leverage their learning to get results in the real world. 

6) Skill Development 

Project management is a complex skillset. PMP training focuses on both the technical aspects of managing a project and working on developing soft skills that will help the learner become a more capable project manager. This includes working on skills like planning, leadership, communication, risk management and more. 

7) Continuous Learning 

While getting a PMP certification is a remarkable achievement for a project manager, it is not the end of learning as a project manager. To maintain the PMP certification you will need to earn 60 PDUs within the next 3 years to keep the certification active. This is PMI’s way to ensure that project managers are aware of and updated about new techniques and methods in the industry. 

8) Higher Certifications 

PMP is an important certification for any project manager. Many project managers go on to pursue other certifications like PfMP, PgMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-RMP etc. This is how they either specialize in a field or add to their existing skillset. 

Obtaining a PMP certification is a significant step towards advancing your project management career. Moreover, the PMP certification process fosters continuous learning and skill development, ensuring that you stay at the forefront of project management practices.

Whether you're looking to enhance your credibility, boost your career prospects, or pursue higher certifications, the PMP certification provides a solid foundation for professional growth in the dynamic field of project management.