I am studying for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification while I am deployed. Unfortunately the PMP exam is not offered here on base, so I will need to wait to take the exam in December . I was hoping to add the certification to my resume before I returned home.
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® exam is now proctored online, so I could take it during my deployment. I could then add CAPM to my resume before my deployment ends.
I plan on taking the PMP exam in December. Would having the CAPM just for a few months before PMP certification be much of a benefit? Or should I just wait to take the PMP in December?
Answers
Hi Gregg,
I commend you for allocating time to study and expand your education while you're deployed, that's great!
My recommendation is first to make sure that you understand all of the requirements to certify as a PMP -- it's more than just an exam. There are education and experience requirements. You can find all the requirements on the PMI website. https://www.pmi.org/certifications/types/project-management-pmp
If for some reason you're missing any of the requirements for the PMP, then the CAPM may be a good alternative while you build experience and/or education since the CAPM has less stringent requirements in experience and education.
Good luck!
Deb Carter
Thank you for your inputs. I have decided to try and take the CAPM here in mid September and then try for the PMP when time permits after I get home.
If CAPM is an option for you, then go for it... having the Cert before hand will only help. While CAPM is better than not having any credential, a PMP may help open even more doors for you in the long run for career growth, so don't stop with the CAPM!
Good luck!
Lisa D.
Hi Gregg,
If you're considering doing I.T. project work, getting certified is an excellent move. I've been in I.T. for decades and while certification was not as big of a deal previously, it is now a requirement for almost every PM job I've seen in the last several years. I can't speak for other industries (construction, etc.).
I've worked with I.T. project managers with both certifications and I would say if you don't mind putting in the extra work for the CAPM then go ahead and get it. Besides the knowledge you'll gain from the additional course work, the extra credential will help your resume stand out more from the pack.
Best of luck!
Sincerely,
Michael Gumeny
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