The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to professionals that have passed the PMP certification exam. The certification is recognized worldwide and PMP certification holders enjoy some PMP benefits and privileges that are not given to their non-certified colleagues. Project managers who want to level up their careers aspire to take and pass the PMP certification exam. But, is it worth doing PMP certification even if one does not work in the IT industry?
Is PMP certification for IT Professionals Only?
If you think that PMP certification is for IT professionals only, then, you are wrong. One of the important requirements to qualify for the exam is experience as a project manager. PMI does not specify that only those with experience in project management in the IT industry can take the exam. This means that people that have led projects in other fields are qualified. Managers in the construction industry, banking, finance, and health care industry can take the PMP exam and get the badge once they pass.
The PMP badge indicates that the certification holder has a thorough understanding of the principles, tools, and processes involved in project management and he uses his knowledge to meet pre-defined global standards of the project. Even if you are a non-IT PMP badge holder, you can enjoy the following PMP benefits:
1. Recognition
Being a PMI-certified project manager earns you global recognition for your management skills and expertise. You can use your credential to apply for jobs anywhere in the world. Companies worldwide prefer to have PMP certification holders because it adds value to their company and enhances its reliability and trustworthiness. Clients feel confident to give projects to companies that employ certified PMPs because they are sure that the project can be finished on time with high-quality output and at the least cost.
2. Increased salary
Part of the PMP benefits is monetary reward. Once you pass the PMP certification exam, you can expect a significant salary increase. In some cases, someone that has successfully passed the test can expect a salary increase of 50%. PMP professionals are paid 20%to 25% higher than their non-certified colleagues. Besides, project managers earn more because of the high demand for their skills. Based on a recent survey, certified project managers earn as high as $134,000 per year.
3. Career Growth
A project management professional is usually considered for senior positions in the company. You can be a project team manager or a program manager if you have the skills to manage several projects simultaneously.
Whether you are an IT professional or from other industries, you can enjoy great PMP benefits if you pass the exam and get the PMP badge. PMP certification covers many management domains and is not limited to IT professionals only.
To qualify for the exam, you must have 36 hours of professional project management experience, 4,500 hours directing and leading projects, and 35 hours of formal education in project management.
If you ask is it worth doing PMP certification even if you are a non-IT professional? The answer is yes. All you need is to meet the required number of hours in managing projects to qualify for the certification exam.
