PMI What you need to know

PMI What you need to know by Michael Cheary Looking to become a certified member of the project management community? You should consider PMI…Not only do they offer the accreditations you need to take you Project Management career to the next level, membership to their organisation will also open up a network of opportunities and collective knowledge.Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know:What is PMI?Founded in 1969, PMI is the world’s largest professional membership association for Project Managers.There are more than 700,000 PMI members worldwide, enhancing their careers and improving the effectiveness of their projects through their globally recognised accreditations.What are the different PMI qualifications?PMI offer several certifications, each of which is tailored to different areas of project management. You can apply for any certification which best suits your current expertise and career goals, and no certification is a prerequisite for another.They are :CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)Aimed at entry-level candidates, the CAPM certification demonstrates the fundamental knowledge of effective project management processes, as well as an understanding of the basic terminology.PMP (Project Management Professional) The most well-known of the PMI certifications, PMP demonstrates that you have the competency and experience to lead projects. At least three years of previous experience in Project Management is necessary.PgMP (Program Management Professional)Designed for those who want to manage multiple or complex projects. This certification demonstrates the advanced experience and skills necessary for project management, and will require at least four years of work in the field.PfMP (Portfolio Management Professional)Recognises the advanced experience and skill of portfolio managers. An essential credential for anyone responsible for ensuring their organisation realises its strategies and objectives.PMI-ACP (PMI Agile Cert ified Practitioner)If you’re interested in everything agile, this is the right qualification for you. Bridging agile approaches such as SCRUM, XP, LEAN and Kanban, it is the only agile certification that requires a mix of training, experience and examinations.PMI-BPA (PMI Professional in Business Analysis)The PMI-BPA certification highlights a candidate’s expertise in business analysis, and how analysis can be used to improve the overall output of a business. At least three years’ experience in business analysis necessary, as well as a good amount of previous project work.PMI-RMP (PMI Risk Management Professional)This certification is specifically aimed at those working within risk management, and concentrates on risk assessment, mitigating threats and making the most out of business opportunities in this area.PMI-SP (PMI Scheduling Professional) Another specialised qualification, this time focussing on developing, managing and maintaining project schedules.Why do I need PMI?P MI career certifications are amongst the most recognised project management qualifications in the world. In fact, there are over half a million fully certified PMI holders, working in 180 different countries, and over six different continents. As professional networks go, that’s pretty big.And, aside from being easily transferable across borders, PMI holders are in demand across a range of different industries. Every sector, from construction and property, through to marketing, media and technology seek PMI certified professionals to fill their teams.If you’re interested in growing your career prospects in project management, PMI is for you.How much can I earn once qualified?This will vary depending on individual employer, location and certification. As a general guideline, once CAPM qualified you could be earning somewhere in the region of £30,000.PMP holders can attain salaries of around £45,000, and some of the higher level holders will easily be earning £50,000+ as a resu lt of their PMI expertise.What methods of learning are there?At most levels, this will be down to your own preferences. So if you feel online learning offers you the flexibility you’re after, or you’re more comfortable in a classroom, you can choose the type of course that suits you best.Some exams, however, may have to be taken at an officially recognised examination centre.How long will it take?Anywhere from 22 hours up to the 60 hour mark.All accreditations are self-paced, part-time and are flexible enough to fit around your schedule. So whether you’re already working in project management and can’t dedicate much time to the cause, or you’re just starting out, the courses are designed to meet your needs.Advantages of becoming PMI qualifiedA globally recognised project management certification demonstrates your knowledge and experience to employers, validating your skills and indicating your ability to effectively add value to any project you work on.Add to that increase d salaries and more opportunities for career development, and you’ll see just why PMI is the most recognised and respected professional membership association for project managers.Still not convinced? Read five reasons you should become PMI certified right now. Ready to get started? Enquire now.