Why Pursue a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
The Project Management Institute (PMI) projects an estimated 2.1 million in new jobs or 33 percent growth for project management opportunities through 2027. Those with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification earned a higher median salary compared to those without the credentials. Project management has quickly become the go-to profession and industry standard for public and private organizations. If you have thought about pursuing a project management certification, here’s why you should.
Benefits of PMP Certification
Enhanced Career Opportunities
Project management is becoming a focal point in numerous industries such as construction, manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, marketing, and engineering. As the need grows, so do the opportunities to succeed in the profession.
Increased Earning Potential
Employers are now seeking out PMP certifications, even listing it as a requirement or preference to fulfill the role. While the certification doesn’t guarantee higher pay or a raise, it does offer a competitive advantage.
Establishes Credibility
PMP certification solidifies your commitment to the profession and working within a specific set of guidelines to achieve project success. The certification is globally recognized and could increase the weight of your opinion before and during projects.
Improve Your Project Management Skills
If you’ve been managing projects for a number of years and haven’t yet obtained the certification, the PMP training and examination will improve your project management skills. Learning the tools, frameworks, and strategies that are universally accepted will also boost your professional network.
Career Outlook
The career outlook for project management is strong and growing. As the table illustrates below the projected job openings will increase to 141,900 by 2030 and the highest salary reaching and likely will exceed $159,140.
| Employment | Projected Openings | Projected Growth |
| 1,777,300 | 141,900 | 10% |
| Salary | ||
| Median | High | Highest |
| $94,500 | $125,430 | $159,140 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Skills for Project Managers
Hard Skills for Project Mangers
- Project management & process mapping software
- Delegation
- Negotiation
- Project planning
- Risk management
- Budget management
Soft Skills for Project Mangers
- Effective communication
- Leadership
- Conflict management
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
PMP Certifications
| Certification | Description |
| Project Management Professional® | Gold standard in project management worldwide and validates competency to perform the role of a Project Manager. |
| Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® | Demonstrates fundamental knowledge, terminology, and processes for effective project management. |
| PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® | Highlights expertise in business analysis. |
| Program Management Professional (PgMP)® | Designed for those who manage multiple, complex projects for achieving strategic and organizational results. |
| Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)® | Demonstrates proven ability in coordinated management of multiple portfolios to achieve organizational objectives. |
| PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)® | Demonstrates knowledge and expertise in assessing and identifying project risks to mitigate threats and capitalize on opportunities. |
| PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)® | Demonstrates knowledge and advanced experience in the developing and maintaining project schedules. |
| PMI Project Management Ready™ | Introduction for High School and Post Secondary students to the concepts and skill sets of project management. |
The PMP Certification enables you to execute projects better with skills that can be used in various industries. To learn more about preparing for the PMP certification, contact a Student Advisor today about our Project Management Certificate.