Project Management Best Practices

In another PMP/CAPM discussion board, someone asked about the value of PMI’s CAPM certification. One of the issues was, since hiring companies value PMPs over CAPM, how can they get the PMP even though they lack the experience qualifications.

I thought I’d share my response with everyone here.

Re: “[Since] I don’t have such experience [to qualify for PMP certification] right now, the best option would be start as a CAPM and try to get a new job related to this field.   However, as some people say the CAPM certification would be worthless, is it really a good idea to start by CAPM ?”

Yes, it really is a good idea. Earning your CAPM certification would, indeed, be your best option.  The CAPM designation shows your current (and potential) employers that you have a mastery of project work and a good grasp of project management concepts and standards. Not only will this make you an excellent candidate as a team member on a project, it also shows your potential for promotion to project coordination and, eventually, project management work.

Re: “I’ve already heard from some people that [the] market doesn’t treasure this CAPM certification just because there’s an even better certification called PMP.”

This is like saying that a high school diploma is useless, since the market only recognizes college degrees and, therefore, you should skip high school all together and go straight to college.

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