Introduction

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a valued asset in the ever-evolving professional project management field. PMP certification in the professional arena ensures employers are hiring a project manager with thorough, tested knowledge in project management principles; years of hands-on, specific experience performing project management tasks; and a commitment to continuing education in the field of project management. Among fellow PMP-certified practitioners, PMP certification allows colleagues a commonality of experience and opportunities for networking. PMPs share the same frame of reference in project management, regardless of the field of endeavor.

PMP-certified individuals work in a wide array of industries, from aerospace to telecommunications. Many hiring supervisors specify PMP certification as a preferred skill set when soliciting project managers.

Both private and public sector employers recognize the value a PMP-certified employee brings to a project. Corporations embrace the consistent application of project management methodologies for initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing projects. The Project Management Institute (PMI) project framework is highly praised by companies and government entities whether they are engaged in large-scale development projects or simply undertaking small, reengineering initiatives. In both scenarios, the PMI approach offers a consistent project management methodology that can be tailored to the size and complexity of the project. This framework, coupled with the PMP certification program, ensures that PMP-certified practitioners are in high demand in the workforce.

PMI has brought the art and science of project management full circle through its PMP certification program and methodology, the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). PMI seeks to evaluate project management professionals through the application and certification process to ensure a dependable workforce with solid credentials. The PMP Certification Examination tests for comprehensive project management knowledge as well as a thorough understanding of the PMBOK. This approach ensures that PMP-certified practitioners have comparable qualifications and strategic competencies in all aspects of project management. PMI advocates the practice of project management as a discipline, not unlike engineering or any other precise, science-based course of study. As such, PMI developed the PMBOK as an all-encompassing standard for the practice of project management regardless of the specific industry.