Boost Your Project Management Career with PMP Certification

I was promoted to Associate Manager in December 2016 and then to Manager in December 2020. I have learned a lot about project and people management in those 9+ years. Still, I recognized that getting certified would enhance my project management skills. It would also boost my confidence in the field. As added bonus, a lot of companies put Project Management Professional (PMP) as a preferred qualification for project management roles.

I realized that to get a PMP certification, you don’t simply register for an exam and take it, there’s actually a few steps that need to be done:

1. Finish a 35 hour course.
   • Sign up for a 35 hour class. I am taking and highly recommend this Udemy course: PMP Certification Exam Prep Course 35 PDU Contact Hours/PDU. Regular price is at $194 but I managed to get it for $20 as a new learner! Great deal!
2. Apply for exam online. I haven’t done this yet as of this writing, but the exam costs $425.
3. Wait 3-5 business days for PMI approval.
4. Take and pass the exam!

You also need:

1. Formal education – highest educational degree attained
2. Certain number of years of experience

I also:

1. Became a member of PMI because they give a discount for the certification exam and a digital copy of the PMBOK 7–>$205
2. Bought the spring bound PMBOK 7th edition book for $44
3. Bought an audio book from Audible: PMP PMBOK 7

Managing my time is challenging. I juggle between being a mom, managing a home, and having a full-time job. I am also searching for a new role and preparing for the PMP exam. But I can do this! I’ve done this before. In the past years, I’ve found it better to schedule taking certifications while my daughter is having her school break. This way, I can spend the mornings before work studying for the certification!

As I prepare for this certification, I am reminded of key responsibilities of a PM. These include risk management, stakeholder management and engagement, as well as communication management. I am learning techniques that I’m applying in my current job to make me a better project manager. If you are a project manager like me, I highly recommend taking this course/certification. This is also highly recommended for aspiring project managers. It will help you know what to do when you get the job!

Wish me luck as I prepare for the certification and pray that I pass! I don’t have a date yet, but I’m targeting before August, 2025.