Why We Need PMP Certification and Classes
Project management is an extremely rapidly growing field, particularly in not only the area of Information Technology, but in many other industries as well. In the past, project managers came up through the ranks with no formal training in project management. Employers found that, often, a technical person did not have the skills needed to successfully manage projects. Over time, they began to realize the value of formal project management education. Today, employers often require their project managers to become certified in the field of project management. Certified project managers stand out from the crowd and are recognized for their knowledge and skills.
PMP Training Class Information
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the most widely-recognized certifying organization in the United States. They offer several different certifications for project managers that are based upon levels of experience and type of training, with the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification being the most common. It is a highly-respected certification among both employers and professionals.
For those with a Bachelor’s degree, a minimum of three years, or 4,500 hours, of non-overlapping experience leading projects is required for certification. If you don’t have a degree, a minimum of five years, or 7,500 hours, is required. Along with this experience requirement, you’ll need a minimum of 35 contact hours of formal project management education. Once you meet these requirements you submit an application packet. If the packet is accepted, you’ll be allowed to sit for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam. This is a 200-question, four-hour exam that tests your knowledge in each of the six project management process groups – Initiation, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, Closing, and Professional and Social Responsibility. The breadth of information covered on the PMP exam often leads people to take classes. Preparing through local PMP classes is typically the most effective method because the exam is not only long and stressful, but it is also very expensive.
Seeing the advantages of using formal project management methods, many employers have developed Project Management Offices (PMO’s) with teams of Certified Project Management Professionals to handle the company’s projects. While a technical background is helpful, project management is now recognized as its own occupation requiring specific knowledge, skills, and training. Employers understand that projects require careful management in order to reach a successful conclusion, and Project Management Professional certification ensures a project manager has the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver the value an organization expects.
PMP classes are available all over the country. Be sure to take advantage today, while the certification is at its peak of interest and demand.

