George Baschiera ⋅ Ossining, NY IBM ⋅ 24 years experience

DF, The exact PMI requirements are outlined here https://www.pmi.org/certifications/types/project-management-pmp.
The certification couples actual e2e PM experience with passage of an exam, and ongoing rectification education requirements every 3 years.
Having both a Law degree and MBA, a PMI would only be relevant IF a future job required it, but I believe, having both an MBA and PMI now, and a daughter who is an attorney, that your focus and time would be better spent elsewhere,

Ponni Anand ⋅ Seattle, WA University of Washington ⋅ 18 years experience

Sir,
My 2 cents:
Law degree + MBA is an unique combination of skill set. At certain level everybody has to manage a project, with or without certification. To gain knowledge & experience in PM, self study of Microsoft Project Management or Smartsheet ( all available for free on their website or you tube) will suffice.
Hope this helps.

Deb Yeagle ⋅ Tampa, FL Plan To Win, Inc. ⋅ 39 years experience

DF-
Thanks for your service!
The types of certifications related to Cybersecurity are A+, Network+, Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and many others - depending on what type of position you are seeking.

I am PMP certified and took a "boot camp" class (4 days), then did some self study before I took the exam. For any certification, it's always possible to pass through self-study, but I find that the "boot camps" are good for preparing you for the types of questions you will have on the exam. Most of these classes culminate in offering the exam at the end of the class as an option so you can take the exam while the material is fresh on your mind.
Good luck!
Deb

David Daugerdas ⋅ Palatine, IL IBM ⋅ 36 years experience

Thank you for your service. You do need actual real-world project management experience to apply for the exam, so depending on your work experience you may be able to frame it in terms of project work. The PMP certification is not specific to cyber security or any particular field; it is for project management. Before compiling the evidence needed to apply for the exam you should consider what you would use the certification for once achieved (i.e., a better job elsewhere, higher salary, etc.).

Scott Pawloski ⋅ Allen, TX Raytheon ⋅ 27 years experience

Hello DF - Thank you for your service. I would have to ask what you are looking for in a career. If leading projects is a strong desire, then certainly PMI certification is a requirement for most PM roles. Cyber is a different role all together. Here is a list of open Cyber positions at Raytheon to take a look at - https://jobs.raytheon.com/category/cyber-jobs-jobs/4679/22810/1

Thanks,
Scott

James Payne ⋅ Camas, WA Rally Health, Inc. (UHG) ⋅ 20 years experience

DF Jackson,

PMP
This is a feather in your cap. If you are interested in project management in tech / software development and/or traditional manufacturing, I also highly recommend getting your Scrum Certification coupled with your PMP.

PMI (https://www.pmi.org/) standardizes project management as a discipline / craft and globally aligns project managers best practices across any industry. I believe it was mentioned above, but you will need sponsorship (e.g. from a manager, etc.) in your application detailing your previous or current PjM experience.

If not already done so, pick up a copy of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)–Sixth Edition, which just came out / the latest edition. It typically takes anywhere from 1 (accelerated boot camp) to 6 months to take a course to prepare for the PMP exam depending on your availability and need. The cost will vary, but typically hovers around $1,500.00+ for a class + examination fee.

https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Project-Management-Knowledge-PMBOK%C2%AE/dp/1628251840/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510095669&sr=8-1&keywords=Guide+to+the+Project+Management+Body+of+Knowledge+%28PMBOK%C2%AE+Guide%29%E2%80%93Sixth+Edition

CSM
Certification is $1,000.00 to $1,200.00 (USD) for a 2 day classroom training + exam in a city near you. I recommend CollabNet for your CSM training. There are other online services that offer cheap / overnight certification (e.g. $50.00) but I do not recommend them. CHECK OUT >>> https://www.collab.net/ they are the best in terms of the quality of the instructors and the diversity of professionals coming from every type of industry (GOV / Federal / Financial / Pharma / Tech / Game Development, Healthcare tech, etc.). You will get exposure to a broad range of project management challenges across these different orgs, which is insightful.

If you are interested in tech / software development, please also research Agile methodology. SCRUM is one component of Agile to predictably deliver on-time, quality product development.

Lastly, both credentials require educational points to maintain each (PMI and CSM) licensure. These edu's / credits can be obtained by attending classes, lectures, industry conference panel discussions, online courses, local monthly PMI chapter meetings, etc. to stay abreast of current trends and best practices. CSM needs to be re-certified every 2 years.

Thank you for your service!
James Payne

Louis Schwarz ⋅ Somerville, NJ AIG ⋅ 43 years experience

Hi, you have very good credentials for a carrier in insurance claims adjudication. Insurance claims is a very good carrier. Insurance knowledge can be gained from the company or claims processor. I think this carrier will fit you well and give you a view of an industry with a high growth potential for you. Look into insurance claims processing, these companies are everywhere.
Step out of the box and go for it, you will be very surprised by the size of the industry and the opportunities it presents.