Question

Accountants and other professionals have certification programs to verify their skills, knowledge, and professionalism. What about managers? Two certification programs for managers include the Certified Manager (Institute of Certified Professional Managers) and the Certified Business Manager (Association of Professionals in Business Management). Research each of these programs. Prepare a bulleted list of what each involves.

Answer 1

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

· The Project Management Institute developed the Project Management Professional certification in 1984 and it has become the gold standard of project managers across the globe. It is recognized across multiple industries and in many countries, and is a professional credential for project managers.

· The Project Management Professional (PMP) is an "experience-based exam"

· Expected Salary after this certification is between $100,000 – $110,000

· Project Management Professional Certification cycles around three constraints: Time, Cost and Scope.

· It is a challenging course that constitutes various modules to assist the academia in identifying the weak spots within a project.

· As a result, the project manager can brief his/ her team to come up with alternatives for completing the test sprint phase, and eventually achieve all the milestones towards a deliverable product.

· The PMP Exam on the other hand goes far beyond the CAPM.

· The questions on the exam are more situational and they test your actual experience as a project manager.

· The questions are based not only on the A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, but they can come pretty much from "anywhere".

· Being PMP certified demonstrates that you have the experience, education and competency to lead and direct projects.

· The Project Management Professional certification is accredited with the Project Management Institute (PMI).

· For a PMP Certification, you need to have a prior secondary degree spanning over four years.

· The PMI has also mandated a 4,500-hour work experience directly, or indirectly related to heading projects, being part of a Certified Project Manager’s Team, and at least a 35-hour basic level project management education.

· If you are a registered PMI online member, your exams will be conducted on a computer at a prescribed time and venue.

· These exams are worth $405. However, written tests for non-tech savvy individuals are priced at $555. They have also devised conventional means of taking exams introduced at a cost of $250 per module.

· Each year, the PMI consults with industry experts to revaluate the fee structure for candidates who wish to get by with quality education at an affordable rate.

· According to PMI, “If you’re an experienced project manager responsible for all aspects of project delivery, leading and directing cross-functional teams, then the PMP is the right choice for you.”

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

· In 2003, PMI developed their Certified Associate in Project Management qualification. It’s entry-level certification for project managers. It allows those with less experience to demonstrate their familiarity with the body of knowledge, processes, and terminology of the project management profession.

· Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a "knowledge-based exam"

· The CAPM is part of the basic level IT Project Management Certifications.

· The high tier certifications not only carry prerequisites but are also demanding as well.

· The questions on the CAPM exam are all focused on A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge.

· It is an entry-level certification for project practitioners.

· It is intended for those with little or no project experience and tests your understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology and processes of effective project management.

· Basically it tests how well you understand PMBOK Guide concepts - nothing more.

· The Certified Associate in Project Management is also administered by the PMI. It is a basic level certification that’s lined up with plenty of learning and growth opportunities for beginners.

· On the least, interested candidates with a high school diploma or an equivalent 1,500 hours of project management experience (without any previous certification) can apply.

· If you do not qualify on the basis of the two aforementioned “requirements”, you can still opt-in if you have completed a minimum of 23 hours of cumulative project management education.

· Certified Associate in Project Management Examination can be taken at an entry cost of $225 for registered PMI website members. If you are a non-member, the test fee will be $300. In both cases, the fee is non-refundable.

· According to PMI, “Regardless of your career stage, the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is an asset that will distinguish you in the job market and enhance your credibility and effectiveness working on or with project teams.”