,

Until Next Time,
Cornelius Fichtner, PMP
President, OSP International LLC

Are you wondering if you can take the Project Management Professional (PMP) ® exam or not?

You might have various concerns regarding the PMP exam such as your designation, size of the organization and benefits of PMP certification in career development. Well, then here I am to address some of your concerns and help you develop an in-depth understanding about how the PMP certification can be beneficial for you.

YES! You can take the PMP exam even if your title is not project manager. To take the exam you need to have the appropriate authority and responsibility rather than the designation: The PMP certification is a credential for those who lead and direct project teams.

A professional with a PMP certification is recognized worldwide to handle projects with diligence and constructive approach. It certifies your expertise in project understanding, time management, risk management, quality control, leadership, budgeting, communication, documentation and integration. All of these skills add value to the organization.

If your role in the current organization involves project management and you have proficiency in handling projects and team related issues then you should definitely go for the PMP certification. It provides you with a strong foundation to effectively manage projects. The idea is not to concentrate on the title but on your responsibilities.

Even if your title is not anything close to a project manager, as long as your role involves handling different processes of a project you can go ahead with the PMP certification to be a an even more successful project manager.

According to Foote Partners LLC, an IT workforce research company, projects managed by people who are not PMP certified project managers have only 25% success rate in contrast to 75% success rate of projects handled by PMP certified managers.

The PMP certification offers immense benefits for you as well as your employer. As a general rule, holders of the PMP certificate have higher salaries, receive more job promotions and better job prospects. A PMP credential gives you the most sought after appreciation and visibility within your organization. Hence, your prospects of growth in your current job and getting a new job increase manifold after being a certified PMP.

Employers who hire PMP's are much more confident about the core competencies of their employees in project management. As a PMP you will be responsible for all aspects of a project such as demonstrating knowledge, understanding and leadership to deliver the project within time constraints, resources, scope and budget. Your role will not only be to lead and direct the project but also oversee project team members.

Here is another area where you can see the importance of role over title: On your application for the PMP certification you need to select one of the following roles:

• Project Contributor
• Supervisor
• Manager
• Project Leader
• Project Manager
• Educator
• Consultant
• Administrator
• Other

Most of the questions in the PMP exam revolve around real scenarios that will test how you understand the principles of project management. Do you have what it takes to be a Certified Project Manager?

This PMP exam sample question is taken from http://www.free-pm-exam-questions.com:

You are managing a construction project. You are currently estimating the duration of a very critical activity. You have gathered the following information from the experts:

Best case scenario: Activity can take 3 days to complete.
Worst case scenario: Activity may take up to 12 days to complete.
Expected scenario: On average it takes up to 6 days to complete such activities.

What will be standard deviation of the activity?                              
                A.  1.25 days
                B.  1.5 days
                C.  1 day
                D.  Cannot be determined by the data given

HINT: Use PERT to find standard deviation. 

If you are preparing for the PMP or CAPM exam, you need to have a study plan. As an experienced project manager you know the value of a project plan. So practice what you preach as you prepare for the exam. Be a planner, and apply good project management in the process.

An example of a study plan for the PMP Certification is as follows:

• Go through the training in no more than 2-4 months. Set a schedule, and stick to it. Review the appropriate section of the PMBOK with every topic in the training.

• Purchase a PMP exam prep course and include it into your plan. Print out study aids that are part of the particular training module, especially if these cover topics that you find difficult. After finishing the course, take simulated exams.

• Find out what your strengths and weaknesses are. This will make you a little sharper and alert for information as you continue the training. You can take another full PMP or CAPM exam simulation every 2-4 weeks, and adjust your study plan based on results.

• In the last month leading to the exam, focus work with the simulations on your trouble areas by using the flash cards and other training materials. Aim for 80-90% scores during your simulated tests as you get close to the actual exam. This will give you confidence that you are ready to pass, and if the scores are lower, will give you more impetus to work harder.

• Read books, online materials, free templates, listen to podcasts, and any other materials that fit your learning style to see things from different angles and approaches.

The correct answer is: B

Reference: PMP Study Guide 5ed - Sybex - pg:170

Explanation: Standard deviation formula for PERT (triangular distribution) is (Pessimistic-Optimistic)/6. The standard deviation of the given data, according to this formula, is 1.5 days. Hence choice B is the correct answer.