PMP, PMI-SP, RMP, ACP, PSP and CCP are some of the most popular project management certifications worldwide. However, it is not uncommon to meet an Engineer who earned numerous certifications but still unable to join a reputable organization where he can put all of his outstanding knowledge into practice. Are these certifications worthwhile in the current job market? Should you invest the money and effort to earn them? The short answer is yes BUT there is always a catch. Continue reading until the end and I will tell you what I mean.
The content of the certifications is rich and valuable
The content of these certifications is prepared by industry experts who have been in the project management field for so long. The knowledge is also regularly updated as project management evolves over time based on market changes and trends (e.g. complexity levels, new technologies, lessons learned, etc). Whenever there is a new practice guide to be published, certified practitioners are also invited to peer-review the content to ensure that the guide offers the best value for whoever reads it. So I do not doubt the quality of the content but I just wanted to share what I observed in the market from my own lens.
Certifications can get you shortlisted
You will have the right to put the initials of an internationally recognized certification after your name once you earn it. When there is a vacancy and thousands of candidates are applying for it, these initials can serve as a powerful filtration for CVs and can get you shortlisted. You can be very knowledgeable about, for example, cost management and write thousands of words about everything you are capable of doing in this area, hoping the CV reviewer will buy it and get you shortlisted. However, owning the initials of a CCP can save you thousands of words. The more certificates you have, the stronger your CV will become and it will all pay off one day, trust me! Be patient though as COVID has pushed the global economy into one of the worst recessions and consequently caused the sharpest decline in employment. If you haven’t been receiving a favored response on your job applications yet, it doesn’t mean this is the way it will always be.
The role of certifications in an interview
By earning a certification, you will be able to “certify‘ your knowledge according to the best industry practices. For example, it is unlikely that the hiring manager will ask a PMI-SP certified about critical path definition in an interview. Department managers also regard a certification holder as a professional who can work hard and learn fast in the workplace. So always certify your knowledge in your field or the field you want to make a career transition into.
Poor preparation and waste of value
However, I have seen many Engineers who are unable to put their certified knowledge into practice. In my opinion, candidates seem to care less about the content and want to learn more about the strategies that help them “pass” or “hack” the exam. Governing institutions such as PMI require +30 hours of direct project management learning to qualify for an exam application. That’s a lot of hours to receive some great value during your preparation. It is however rare to find a qualified instructor who can enrich his delivery with practical case studies and truly provide the expected value which the certification was meant to offer. As a result, we have seen an increasing number of PMP holders who have easily forgotten the content shortly after they earned the certification because the preparation wasn’t done properly and the engineers weren’t taught the practical application of concepts and theories.
Final Tips
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- It doesn’t matter how many years of experience you have or how old you are, START TODAY! The world has changed a lot and there are fewer opportunities than ever before. Gone are the days when there is a secured job for everyone. Companies also struggle to create business partnerships and win projects.
- Find a reliable instructor for your exam preparation. It will make a huge difference in your career.
- Pursue the most relevant certifications in your field. Do not pursue a PMP because it is the most popular certificaitons and everyone else is going after it; rather if you are a planning engineer, PSP or PMI-SP can be way more valuable in your CV. If you want to continue working in the cost field, a CCP certification better suits you.
- Network, network and network: Adding professionals on LinkedIn is NOT networking. Always support your peers, maintain a great relationship with everyone and add value to your professional community. Don’t be nice to people only when you want something in return. Be supportive as much as you can to everyone today and it will pay off years later.
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Regards,
Osama Saad, MBA, PMP, PSP, PMI-SP
