PMP vs. CAPM: the best certification for you
Project management has been one of the fastest-growing professions in recent years. As a result, business organizations across different industries are seeking to hire skilled project management professionals with the qualifications necessary to make a positive impact in their organizations.
Earning a project management certification is a great way to enhance your skills and position yourself as an expert authority in your company. These certification courses are created by industry experts and updated regularly to meet the real-world demands of organizations.
A certified project manager draws an estimated annual salary of around $70,000 in the United States. Certifications help you grab higher-paying jobs or place you in decent positions for salary increments. In addition, your experience level also matters a lot while you take up these courses.
With numerous best online project management certificate programs available, it can be overwhelming to choose which course is right for you and how to get PMP certification fast. You should consider taking a PMP certification course if you are ready to scale your career prospects and get lucrative job opportunities. It covers the essential topics, new technologies, best practices, and core competencies to help you become a skilled project manager.
What is PMP?
A Project Management Professional Certification is the most sought-after course among seasoned professionals and project management aspirants. It helps candidates showcase their understanding of the fundamentals of project management, processes, and skills their potential employers require.
However, there are two prominent PMP certifications: a Certified Associate in Project Management and Project Management Professional. Both are recognized certifications that provide a high level of credibility to individuals. You can choose the course that best fits your aspirations depending on your experience level, career goals, and current work situation.
It is critical to consider these differences and plan your strategy to know how to get PMP certification fast.
Project Manager job description
A project manager is responsible for initiating the project and getting it completed within the stipulated time frame. The responsibilities of a project manager include the following:
Planning and developing the project idea
The project manager collaborates with external and internal stakeholders to brainstorm the project ideas, define its scope, evaluate the possible risks, and strategize the execution plan.
Effective delegation and leading the team
Since project managers are accountable for every aspect of the project, they are responsible for delegating tasks effectively, providing relevant training, building a dynamic team mentality, and leading the team to complete the required tasks.
Measure progress and set realistic deadlines
Creating an accurate timeline for different project stages is a big part of a project manager’s responsibility. The project manager should remain aware of every progress made and anticipate possible delays.
Quick problem solving
Quick adaptability and problem-solving are crucial traits among project managers. Whenever the team hits an obstacle, they turn to their project manager to tackle the challenge.
Manage Resources and Evaluate Project performance
Efficient budget management is another primary responsibility of a project manager. These professionals ensure there is no overspending on any aspect of the project. They are also responsible for evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of the project delivered and rectifying the shortcomings.
Benefits of PMP Certification Programs
A good PMP course adds value to your resume and gives you an edge in a competitive job environment. It can potentially boost your career progress. The benefits of taking a PMP certification course are listed below:
Develop and sharpen new skills
A Project management certification equips you with new skills and knowledge of current trends. You improve strategic decision-making, conflict resolution among your team, and practical management abilities. When practiced regularly, these skills can help you become a valuable asset to your organization.
Career growth
The demand for project managers is consistently rising across different industry verticals. Being certified gives you a higher preference than a non-certified professional when applying for various organizations. In addition, a project manager designation demonstrates deep knowledge, skills, and experience that can help you qualify for more advanced positions like project director, project management consultant, or business project manager.
Industry-wide recognition
PMP or CAPM certifications are not only restricted to the IT industry but are also popular in other sectors. It opens doors for robust management opportunities that provide you with global exposure and industry-wide recognition.
Increased earning potential
Getting a CAPM or PMP certification increases your credibility and earning potential compared to those who do not have the required credentials. Also, employers hold certified professionals in high esteem because of the value that they add to the organization.
Which certification is right for you?
Choosing a suitable certification program depends on your professional path and career goals. Both the PMP and CAPM certifications are knowledge-based evaluations that have stringent prerequisites.
You can consider the following factors about the PMP certification course:
A PMP certification is ideal for those with a minimum experience of 3 years in project management.
If you want to explore senior management roles like PMO specialist, program manager, user experience manager, or senior project manager, you can opt for the best PMP certification programs.
You can also consider taking up this certification to assess your current credibilities and develop higher competency and professional knowledge in project management principles.
However, the following points are worth considering if you are inclined toward a CAPM certification:
The CAPM certification is an excellent choice for entry-level project managers and early-stage professionals with little relevant experience.
With this certification, you can become a highly responsible employee who can manage different tasks in your day-to-day work.
If you aim for more practical, hands-on project management experience, then a CAPM certification can help you achieve your goals.
Conclusion
Project managers are integral parts of every organization, irrespective of their size. Both certifications add significant value to your credibility at various career stages. They can make you a valuable asset to hiring managers, enhance your job security, and lead to higher incomes.
However, choosing the right course ultimately depends on your current financial scenario, future career goals, existing skill sets, and passion for project management. Therefore, consider the crucial factors stated above while choosing the certification program.
