Certification Magazine - February 2008 - (Page 28) Project management is an expertise companies around the world are increasingly clamoring for, with some even requiring project management certification in order to be considered for certain jobs. Project management is an expertise companies around the world are increasingly clamoring for, with some even requiring project management certification in order to be considered for certain jobs. And when it comes to certification, there are many options for those at all levels of the profession. “I think as a discipline there’s a huge opportunity for growth for a couple reasons,” Yinger said. “There’s a growing recognition that what takes place in the workplaces is projects, and by being disciplined in [project management] you can effect more positive change. “The reality of the marketplace is there is more pressure to have the certification to even get the work,” said Yinger, who holds a PMP certification. “I think what happens is that over time, as a discipline matures, there’s the recognition that there are those who can and those who say they can, and certification becomes the bar against which to measure people. That’s not to say all PMPs are good project managers, but it becomes a measure of your dedication and another way to distinguish yourself, or for someone who’s hiring to distinguish the candidate pool around that. And it’s a sign of maturity for a particular discipline.” Project management certification is available from a variety of organizations, while some companies offer their own internal certification. Overall, they all mean that the credential holder has the basic project management competency that goes with each type of certification. “Certification is a process by which a nongovernmental organization or association recognizes the competence of an individual who has met certain qualifications as determined by that organization or association,” Hanchar said. “Benefits include better job marketability, usually higher salaries because of assumed increased skill levels, professional recognition and personal satisfaction.” PMI, for example, offers three main types of certification for those at different levels of their career. “Although there is no typical path — individuals enter the profession at various levels through various roles of employment — we have been promoting our ‘family of credentials,’” Hanchar said. “Within the framework of PMI’s family of credentials, there are a number of roles that contribute to the success of individual projects and to the accomplishment of organizational objectives and strategy. Within project teams, you can expect to find a project manager,” or PMP, who holds the Institute’s Project Management Professional credential. “Also operating within project teams are CAPMs,” Hanchar said. These are Certified Associates of Project Management. “CAPMs may be aspiring project managers, or they may be established professionals who provide specialized skills to project teams. These professionals may specialize in cost estimating, marketing or a host of other disciplines.” At the highest level are those who are in charge of more than one project, or program managers. For this, PMI offers the Program Manager Credential, or PgMP. “Program managers oversee a group of projects that are directed toward a common organizational objective,” Hanchar said. “Individuals who attain this credential will demonstrate a high level of experience and competence in managing programs.” It’s Everywhere To throw out another project management-is-everywhere analogy, organize the rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception, and you’re managing a program. Of course, project and program management take place at some of the highest levels of business and government. The Olympics are a prime example, with multiple locations, events, people and organizations that must be managed at the same time to ensure the smooth running of multiple sites and events. International certification, such as that offered by PMI, gives PMPs and PgMPs the credibility to run projects in any part of the world. In fact, globalization plays a large part in the growth of the profession. Not only has competition increased as people do business with those in every corner of the 28 CERTIFICATION MAGAZINE February 2008
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