Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

[steellion]

I have been pondering if it would be a worthwhile endeavor to pursue a PMP certification. I am a licensed PE in the field of structural engineering with about 3 years' experience of running point as Project Engineer for a consulting firm. I'm interested in the PMP to improve my management skills, to further my education, and to increase my stature within the company. I do not think we currently have any PMP's in our office. I already have a Master's degree in engineering and currently have no desire to pursue an MBA.

The question of course: is it worthwhile? Does the PMP certification carry any weight in the industry, or do people see it and think, "that guy just wanted to add some letters after his name without going the full MBA route"? For those of you that took the PMP course, did you learn a lot about project management? Did your company pay for the cost of the required courses and exams?

 

[GregLocock]

If you click on the "More like this" button you will find several threads on this and related topics.

Cheers

Greg Locock


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[CELinOttawa]

I'm a Structural Engineer, with my PMP. Company paid, and it is not cheap.

Nor easy, to be honest. It is a very intense training regime (I did the five week-end intensive) with a heck of a lot of material to master.

I learnt a great deal, and I apply it in all of my work on a day to day basis. Highly recommended!

 

[Ron]

steellion....as a supplement to your PE/SE....yes. If you want to supplant those and become a "project manager in an organization that values project managers over professional engineers....absolutely not!! I'll not get on my soapbox about this one!!

 

[DRWeig]

I got my PMP way back when, company paid. It's been valuable to me personally on projects.

Best to you,

Goober Dave

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[steellion]

It sounds like the PMP may be worth it as long as the company agrees to foot the bill. Is 7-8 years of experience in engineering with 3-4 years as a project manager adequate experience to get everything out of the PMP program?

 

[CELinOttawa]

That's right where I was and I think it was just about perfect...

Good Luck!