Every successful organization has a project management team as its backbone. Whether launching a new product, optimizing internal processes or aligning results with the customer, project managers can do the job perfectly.
Many professionals believe earning a Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification can do wonders for their careers.
This blog helps people understand what PMP certification means, its significance and What jobs can you get with a PMP certification for professionals and its growth can bring about.
Suppose you are an experienced software engineer planning to change your career, what jobs you can get with a PMP certification or an HR expert wanting to prepare your workforce for the new era, this article will be helpful for you as it has plenty of tips for your specific needs.
What is PMP Certification? Why is it Important?
The PMP certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is considered an international certification. It most importantly measures the skills of a project manager across various activities such as project control, project communication, project organization, and even project execution.
But why should professionals consider earning PMP certification?
- Global Recognition: It's the gold standard in project management. Establish yourself as a credible expert. Recognized in more than 200 countries.
- Higher Earning Potential: According to PMI's Salary Survey (13th Edition), PMP-qualified practitioners earn on average 16% more than their non-certified colleagues.
- Employability: This certification is preferred or even required in many companies when hiring managers. Increase your chances of being hired in such highly competitive fields.
- Advanced Skills: It provides the professional with practical tools and methods for managing a project's schedule, scope, and cost control.
- Network Value: Join the community of over 1 million certified PMPs around the globe.
- Job Stability: Certification gives the profession resilience to changes in the market situation.
Check out Project Management Demand and Career Opportunities
What Do PMP-Certified Project Managers Do?
Project managers with the PMP title are responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, and finalizing complex projects. They are essential to any organization as they align the project objectives with its goals to achieve measurable results.
Generally, their duties include:
- Defining project scope and objectives.
- Creating detailed project plans and timelines.
- Allocating resources effectively.
- Managing risks and outlining contingency plans.
- Leading teams and ensuring collaboration.
- Communicating with stakeholders regularly.
Work Environment of PMP-Certified Professionals
Most PMP holders are specialists working in breaching environments that entail working with numerous tasks and various teams at once.
However, PMP-qualified specialists have a vast spectrum of activities, managing industrial teams working on-site or directing offshore teams in different countries.
Timings can differ as some ; some may have standard office hours while others have strict timelines or longer hours in busy project stages.
This exposes the versatility of the certification, which earns it global recognition, specifically enhancing competence in various trades and work settings.
What Jobs Can You Get With a PMP Certification:
With PMP certification in hand, several professional opportunities are available. Here is a list of some essential job roles, describing key functions and average annual gross income:
1. Project Coordinator
The Project Coordinators are in charge of basic tasks like managing documentation and making project trackers. They are also responsible for the preparation of meetings, acting as intermediaries between the clients and the project teams.
Average Salary: $55,000–$75,000/year
2. Project Manager
Project managers are responsible for delivering projects in line with the budgets and timelines provided to them. Their roles entail risk management, devising communication strategies and plans with relevant stakeholders, and resource distribution.
Average Salary: $80,000–$120,000/year
3. Product Owner
Product Owners define goals, prioritize the product backlog, and work closely with teams to deliver features aligned with business objectives. They ensure every component meets strategic goals.
Average Salary: $95,000–$130,000/year
4. Engineering Project Manager
This role involves leading engineering teams to deliver technical projects. Responsibilities include meeting specification requirements, adhering to budgets, and achieving deadlines.
Average Salary: $100,000–$140,000/year
5. IT Project Manager
IT project managers are responsible for project management when creating or updating software, making technology an integral part of the project. They coordinate the various teams in order to avoid interruptions.
Average Salary: $90,000–$125,000/year
6. Program Manager
Program Managers are responsible for a set of related projects and their interdependencies in relation to a long-term organizational strategy. They importantly ensure that all these hit a broader-based level of success across initiatives.
Average Salary: $110,000–$150,000/year
7. Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Managers have the strategic advantage of controlling multiple projects and programs, resources are always optimized.PM’s primary objective is to have all initiatives in the project portfolios aligned with the organizational strategy.
Average Salary: $125,000–$160,000/year
8. Project Management Consultant
Consultants provide organizations with expert advice to improve project performance. They specialize in tasks such as project setup, execution, and recovery, offering tailored solutions.
Average Salary: $100,000–$140,000/year
9. Project Director
Project Directors lead multiple teams and define high-level strategies to achieve success. They oversee projects on a larger scale and align them with organizational priorities.
Average Salary: $130,000–$180,000/year
10. Chief Project Officer (CPO)
The CPO is an enterprise-level leader who manages overarching project strategies. They ensure all projects support the company’s vision and drive strategic success.
Average Salary: $180,000–$250,000/year
Each role has its own scope to optimally develop and utilise your PMP certification. Moreover, it does not matter if you are a newbie or an experienced candidate aspiring for a middle management position - there is simply no end to growth in such career options!
Explore here about PMP Certified Salary
Industries Hiring PMP-Certified Professionals
Project Managers are the driving force behind innovative solutions for the industry. PMP-certified professionals are in demand in these sectors:
- Management and Professional Services.
- Manufacturing.
- Finance and Insurance.
- Information Services and Publishing.
- Construction.
- Utilities, Oil, and Gas.
As stated in PMI's Salary Survey (13th Edition), PMI-certified professionals working in the IT, Engineering, and Finance business sectors are compensated best. For example, the United States of America, Switzerland, and Australia seem to be the best countries with the highest salaries for qualified project managers.
Key Differences Between PMP-Certified and Non-Certified Managers
| Aspect | PMP-Certified Project Managers | Non-Certified Managers |
| Professional Credibility | Globally recognized credential, enhancing credibility. | Relies on experience or organizational recognition only. |
| Standardized Knowledge | Trained in PMBOK methodologies and global standards. | Knowledge varies, often based on personal experience. |
| Career Opportunities | Higher demand and broader global opportunities. | Limited to local or organizational opportunities. |
| Risk Management | Systematic approach to risk identification and mitigation. | Relies on ad-hoc methods for handling project risks. |
| Budgeting Skills | Expertise in managing budgets using structured techniques. | May lack formal budgeting methodologies. |
| Scope Management | Skilled in defining and managing project scope effectively. | May struggle with scope creep due to lack of training. |
| Project Success Rate | 76% of PMP-certified managers deliver projects on time and within budget. | Only 58% of non-certified managers achieve similar success. |
| Salary Impact | PMP-certified professionals earn 16% more on average. | Earnings depend heavily on experience and role. |
| Certification Impact | 32% of organizations prefer hiring PMP-certified managers. | Limited preference from organizations for certification. |
How to Get PMP Certification?
Here's a step-by-step roadmap to earning your PMP credential:
- Meet Eligibility Requirements – Verify your education and experience match PMI’s PMP Eligibility criteria.
- Apply – Submit your application on PMI's official website.
- Take Training – Enroll with a PMI-authorized training provider like Simpliaxis.
- Prepare – Dedicate time to study materials and practice exams.
- Take & Pass the Exam – Achieve your certification through rigorous PMP Exam preparation.
- Maintain Your Certification – Earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs).
Check out PMP Certification Process
Start Your PMP Journey Today
Obtaining a PMP certification can boost your professional career. With these internationally recognized skills, you can open up more opportunities, increase your income, and even take on higher management positions in various sectors.
To advance your career, join Simpliaxis' PMP certification training program now. Our PMI authorized course covers everything you need to pass the exam and succeed as a project manager. Register now
Read more about PMP Certification Cost
FAQs:
1. What jobs can you get with a PMP certification?
For PMP certified professionals, there are various jobs including project managers, portfolio managers, program managers, product owners, engineering project managers, collaboration managers among others.
2. Do PMP certified professionals command a higher salary?
A survey shows that on average managers with a PMP Certified credential earn 16% higher than that with no such credential.
3. How many professionals hold PMP certificates across the globe?
Currently, there are 1.2 million individuals around the world that possess an active PMP certification
4. Do PMP practitioners have a good market?
The need for project management professionals is forecasted to grow to a total of 25 million by 2030.
5. Which industries offer the best opportunities for PMP-certified professionals?
Highest demand is reported within the following industries:
- Management and professional services
- IT and Software Development
- Finance and insurance
- Construction and utilities
6. What positions are available for entry-level PMP-certified professionals?
The positions available for newcomers range from project coordinator to deputy project manager, with good chances of promotion.
7. How many organizations provide project management training?
61% of companies should offer project management training, which is a plus for certified employees.
8. How widespread are PMOs (Project Management Offices)?
PMOs or project management officers responsible for one or more projects exist in 89% of organizations, and most have PMP certification.
9. What career growth can PMP-certified professionals expect?
By successively achieving such certifications, it is possible to reach positions such as Project Director and Chief Project Officer, where compensation often exceeds $150,000 per year.
10. Are there geographical differences in the demand for PMP-certified professionals?
Switzerland, the United States, and Australia are among the countries with the highest salaries and highest demand for PMP-certified professionals.
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