Developing a staff of Project Management Professionals to generate PMP benefits for the organization, only happens when pursued in alignment with larger strategic goals. Becoming a Project Management Professional is a significant undertaking and accomplishment. However, if not done correctly, it can demoralize talented project managers who fail the PMP exam because they have not adequately prepared. There is far more to achieving PMP benefits than simply sending staff to a PMP Exam Prep course.
In order to achieve these strategic goals with a staff of PMPs, they have to pass the PMP exam. This seems obvious and is not trivial as with the majority of PMP exam prep approaches, fewer than 50% of people who take a PMP exam prep course even take the PMP exam, and of those who do take the PMP exam, close to 50% fail the exam.
To realize the PMP Benefits, many organizations take the proven path by sending their project managers through Cheetah’s 24 year accelerated PMP exam prep program that guarantees students pass the PMP exam the day after their four day program. Those who do this, are able to achieve these strategic goals:
PMP Benefits #1 – Improved Project Success Rates
- Structured Approach: PMP-certified PMs use a structured and standardized approach to project management, which improves the likelihood of project success.
- Best Practices: They bring best practices and methodologies recognized globally, leading to better planning, execution, and monitoring of projects.
PMP Benefits #2 – Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity
- Efficient Resource Management: PMP-certified PMs are skilled in resource allocation and management, ensuring optimal use of time, budget, and human resources.
- Risk Management: They are trained to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, reducing the chances of project delays and cost overruns.
PMP Benefits #3 – Better Communication and Collaboration
- Stakeholder Management: PMP-certified PMs are adept at managing stakeholder expectations and communications, ensuring that all parties are aligned and informed.
- Cross-Functional Coordination: They facilitate better collaboration between different departments and teams, promoting a cohesive working environment.
PMP Benefits #4 – Consistency and Standardization
- Standardized Processes: PMP certification emphasizes standardized project management processes, which lead to consistency in how projects are planned and executed across departments.
- Quality Assurance: Certified PMs follow stringent quality assurance protocols, leading to higher quality deliverables and customer satisfaction.
PMP Benefits #5 – Professional Growth and Morale
- Career Development: Supporting PMs in obtaining PMP certification shows a commitment to their professional development, which can boost morale and job satisfaction.
- Leadership Skills: PMP-certified PMs often exhibit enhanced leadership and management skills, contributing positively to team dynamics and project outcomes.
PMP Benefits #6 – Increased Competitive Advantage
- Client Confidence: Having PMP-certified PMs can enhance the reputation of the operation, instilling greater confidence in clients and stakeholders regarding the department’s ability to deliver projects successfully.
- Market Position: It can serve as a differentiator in competitive markets, where clients and partners may prefer to work with organizations that employ certified professionals.
PMP Benefits #7 – Better Financial Performance
- Cost Efficiency: PMP-certified PMs are skilled in budget management and financial planning, leading to cost savings and better financial performance of projects.
- ROI Improvement: Efficient project execution and higher success rates contribute to better return on investment (ROI) for projects.
PMP Benefits #8 – Adaptability and Innovation
- Agility: PMP-certified PMs are trained to be adaptable and flexible, capable of managing both traditional and agile project management methodologies, which is crucial in the fast-paced environments.
- Innovation: They can drive innovation by effectively managing project constraints and fostering an environment where creative solutions are encouraged.
PMP Benefits #9 – Compliance and Governance
- Regulatory Compliance: PMP-certified PMs ensure that projects adhere to industry regulations and standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.
- Governance: They implement robust governance frameworks that provide clear guidelines and accountability structures for project management within their organizations.
Conclusion
Having PMP-certified Project Managers brings numerous benefits, from improved project success rates and efficiency to enhanced communication, professional growth, competitive advantage, financial performance, adaptability, and compliance. These PMP benefits collectively contribute to the overall effectiveness and success of the the operation.
Learn how your organization can achieve these PMP Benefits – schedule a one on one session with the PMP Strategy Pro – Michelle LaBrosse, PMP, PMI-ACP, RYT – named one of the top 25 most influential women in project management by the Project Management Institute.