Which Certification Shall I Do, PMP or Project Management Techniques?

According to the PMI’s Project Management Job Growth and Talent Gap 2017–2027, By 2027, employers are expected to require nearly 88 million individuals in various project management positions, which, on average, pays 33% more for PMP holders as compared to non-PMP Certified. Such figures show how important it is to have a certification in this era.

But how do you decide between skill-based training in project management techniques and the world-renowned PMP certificate? Let’s learn how to choose from both options based on real-life experience, case studies, and real-time comparisons.

Understanding PMP Certification

This PMP certificate is one of the most widely recognized credentials in the world. It is offered by PMI for individuals involved in leading and directing projects. Having a PMP certification means that the individual possesses advanced skills in project management principles and processes.

When PMP Should Be Your Best Choice?

PMP is best for you if you are:

• Focused on progressing within project-centric environments.
• Want to have your skills internationally accepted and acknowledged in project leadership and management.
• Wish to work in an international standard environment.
• Increase your reputation for a claim to a competency that qualifies one for considering  to function as a project manager.

Key factors to keep in mind before selecting a PMP:

• Focus on project management: If you are looking for a specialization in project management, then PMP will serve the purpose.
• Job Opportunities: This is very beneficial to  people who are aiming for higher positions or in leadership roles.
• Global Industry Recognition: PMP is accepted across various industries and even in India.
• Common Knowledge Across Various Projects: It allows flexibility in the changing business environments and practices.
• Training Needs: While preparing for the PMP exam, one has to master the art of project management.

Understanding Project Management Techniques Course

On the other hand, Project Management Techniques Training is designed to convey a set of methodologies and processes that are useful for completing specific tasks. This training is preferable for those who intend to improve their practical skills without the hassle of bulky steps required in earning the PMP certificate.

When is This Project Management Technique the Best Choice?

This Project Management Techniques Training is appropriate for you if:

• You are unfamiliar with project management practices,
• Newly assigned to a leadership project management role.
• Dealing with highly complex projects.
• Looking to increase the productivity of the teams and improve on projects.

Key situations where Project Management Techniques can be helpful:

• First-Time Exposure to Project Management: It equips learners with the basic principles of modern project management practices.
• Managing Complex Projects: Training has Enablement of Dependency Management Skills as one of its objectives.
• Improving Team Performance: It aids in unifying the process and enhancing teamwork.
• Adapting to New Methodologies: Training helps to practice incorporating Agile, Scrum, or other frameworks into the organization.
• Advancing Career: This Project management techniques course knowledge adds value to your resume.

A Case Study

In the Sydney Opera House project[2] , employing appropriate techniques was very well implemented. Initial scope creep and cost escalation resulting from too much planning were mitigated later through employing PMP certified manager governance with Agile style flexibility.

In the same manner, London’s Crossrail Project solved the issue of blended Waterfall deadlines together with speculative solving and reducing the 30% backlog delays.

[3] 

These examples show that while strategic direction is provided through the use of a training such as the PMP, Project management techniques to train the team allow an organization to take swift action.

Important Considerations Before Making Decisions

• Experience Level – Obtaining a PMP needs  3-5 years of experience in[4] managing projects. On the other hand, Project Management Techniques does not require any experience.
• Industry Requirement – It is common to see the PMP as a requirement for management positions, while project management technique-focused training is more appropriate for non-management roles who works on project management activities.
• Long-Term Career Goals – To get higher management positions and bigger salaries, aim for a PMP. For more practical improvement through knowledge, take a project management techniques course.

Final Verdict

The certification that you opt for should fit with your professional goals. With years of experience as a project manager, if you seek managerial positions, PMP is ideal.

Without having adequate experience, here this Project Management Techniques Training is an excellent starting step for developing your project management  technique skills.

In any case, both certifications will yield valuable knowledge that increases your effectiveness in managing the projects within a challenging corporate environment, and the whole world of businesses.