Getting a job with the Project Management Professional PMP exam
Job Roles Associated
Those who pass the Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam can look forward to roles such as:
- Project Manager: Oversees individual projects from inception to completion.
- Program Manager: Manages a program of related projects.
- Project Coordinator: Assists in the management of multiple projects by handling administrative duties and tracking project details.
- Senior Project Manager: Handles complex or high-value projects, often with strategic importance.
Responsibilities and Duties of Each Job Role
Project Manager
- Develop project plans, including scope, budget, and schedule.
- Manage project resources, including personnel and materials.
- Monitor project progress and make adjustments as needed.
- Communicate status updates to stakeholders.
Program Manager
- Oversee and provide guidance to multiple project teams.
- Ensure program goals align with the company’s objectives.
- Manage budget and funding channels for maximum productivity.
Project Coordinator
- Support project managers and teams with administrative tasks.
- Track project deliverables using appropriate tools.
- Coordinate meetings, schedules, and project timelines.
Senior Project Manager
- Direct and manage project development from beginning to end.
- Define project scope, goals, and deliverables that support business goals in collaboration with senior management.
- Effectively communicate project expectations to team members and stakeholders in a timely and clear fashion.
Key Tasks Performed by Each Job Role
Project Manager
- Identifying requirements and defining clear objectives.
- Risk assessment and mitigation planning.
- Stakeholder management throughout the life of the project.
Program Manager
- Strategic planning of program resources and capacities.
- Long-term scheduling and inter-project dependencies management.
Project Coordinator
- Maintaining project documentation and updates to project databases.
- Assisting with the preparation of reports for upper management regarding status of projects.
Senior Project Manager
- Leading cross-functional teams across different areas of expertise.
- High-level project risk management.
Average Salary for Job Role
The average salary for PMP certified professionals varies significantly based on role, experience, industry, and location. However:
- Project Managers typically earn between $75,000 to $135,000 annually.
- Program Managers can expect salaries ranging from $90,000 to $150,000 annually.
- Project Coordinators often earn between $50,000 to $70,000 annually.
- Senior Project Managers might see salaries ranging from $100,000 to over $160,000 annually.
Top Companies Hiring for the Role
Companies that frequently seek PMP certified professionals include:
- Google
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- IBM
- Deloitte
These companies value the standardized knowledge base and skills that PMP certification ensures.
Future Prospects for the Role
The demand for skilled project managers is expected to grow as industries become more project-oriented. PMI’s Project Management Job Growth and Talent Gap report predicts that by 2027, employers will need 87.7 million individuals working in project management-oriented roles. The sectors showing significant growth include healthcare, construction, information technology (IT), and finance.
Frequently Asked Questions: Getting a Job with the Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam
What is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification?
The Project Management Professional certification, or PMP, is a globally recognized credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It validates your ability to manage projects and project teams effectively. Obtaining a PMP certification involves meeting specific education and experience requirements, passing a comprehensive exam that covers the three domains of project management: predictive, agile, and hybrid approaches.
How does becoming a Certified PMP enhance my job prospects?
Holding a certified PMP designation significantly boosts your credibility and marketability in various industries that require project management skills. According to PMI’s Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey, individuals with a PMP certification tend to have higher median salaries compared to non-certified project managers.
What are the prerequisites for taking the PMP exam?
To apply for the PMP project management professional certification exam, you need:
- A four-year degree
- 36 months leading projects
- 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® Certification
Alternatively, for those without a four-year degree:
- A high school diploma or an associate’s degree
- 60 months leading projects
- 35 hours of project management education/training
How can I prepare for the PMP exam?
Preparation for the PMP exam can be approached through several methods:
- Enrolling in a PMP Exam Preparation Course: These courses satisfy the 35-hour project management education requirement and cover extensive material that appears on the exam.
- Self-Study: Utilize PMI’s resources, including the PMBOK® Guide and practice exams.
- Study Groups: Joining study groups can provide support and facilitate knowledge exchange among fellow PMP candidates.
What topics are covered in the PMP exam?
The PMP exam encompasses various domains of project management including:
- People: emphasizing the skills and activities associated with effectively leading a project team.
- Process: reinforcing the technical aspects of managing projects.
- Business Environment: highlighting the connection between projects and organizational strategy.
Each domain is further detailed through tasks and enablers that are essential for effective project management practice.
How often do I need to renew my PMP certification?
The PMP certification is valid for three years. To maintain it, you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) in three years to fulfill the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR). PDUs can be earned through professional development activities such as education, giving back to the profession, and working as a professional in project management.