Learn PMP
Project management professionals (PMPs) lead corporate projects from start to finish. Becoming professionally certified in this skill set may help you boost your career to new heights.
Discover what PMP certification is, how to choose the right learning program for you, and what kinds of career options may be available to professionals with this certification.
What is PMP?
A PMP certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI) shows that you are at the top of your field as a project manager. Earning this credential requires you to pass an exam after meeting one of three sets of requirements:
- High school diploma, plus five years of experience and 35 hours of training
- Bachelor's degree, plus three years of experience and 35 hours of training
- Bachelor's degree from a program accredited by the Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC), plus two years of experience
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Choosing the right PMP program for you
While it takes time to become eligible for the PMP exam, you can start working as a project manager long before earning that credential. There are multiple pathways you can take:
Courses
A PMP course or two could be the right option for those who are starting to explore the field. It may also be all you need to get started as an entry-level project coordinator. Instructor-led PMP courses count toward the required 35 hours of training for the PMP certification.
Certifications
Another potential pathway is to earn a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification from PMI. You'll need 23 hours of training and a high school diploma to be eligible for the exam.
Executive education programs
An executive education program can be a good choice for those who are already in their selected career field. These programs are tightly focused on a single industry and lead to a professional certificate, though not PMI.
Degrees
A bachelor's degree in a GAC-accredited project management program fulfills the training requirement for the PMP and reduces the work experience requirement to two years. This can be a good path for high school graduates who want to pursue this field.
Jobs in PMP
Virtually any industry employs project management professionals. Project management skills — including organization, planning, and leadership — are valuable across industries. While many roles require prior experience in your chosen field, these core competencies create a strong foundation for advancement into management positions.
Here are just a few positions that PMP certification may help you qualify for, with each role's required education as well as salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
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