I Don't Need No Stink'n PMP... (Or Do I?)

As a hiring manager, I never made the PMP® certification a requirement for the job. I did, however make sure that the applicant would take the training for PMP. Knowing the language, tools, and processes according to PMBOK® was definitely required; sitting for the test was optional.

If I had two equally qualified candidates and the only difference was that one had a PMP, I’d probably select that one. I never ran into that situation, but if I did, that’s how I would have handled it. More often than not, final selection criteria are based on leadership capability, the ability to move between details and the demonstrated ability to meet expectations, demonstrated capabilities and other skills and experience.
While working with PMinLS, my project management membership organization, I heard a lot of opinions on the necessity of holding a PMP. Managers vary on how important it is, I heard everything from it is mandated, it’s not required and even, “I wouldn’t even hire a PMP!” That comment turned every head in the room? What the heck – there were at least 20 PMPs in the room.

When I pursued the PMP in 2000, I was already a project manager and wasn’t thinking about a new job, or what others thought about me having a PMP. I took the PMP Test in 2000 because… well… it was there! Years later, as a hiring manager, my analogy was that the PMP certification is like a driver’s license. If I’m looking for someone to drive me to town to meet my friends for dinner – any licensed driver will do. If I’m looking for a driver to take my family cross country through mountains, deserts and treacherous roads, I’ll find a well-seasoned driver possessing that experience with an excellent record. Both have a driver’s licenses, but only one will get the job.

By the way, a certification will not stop a leader from driving a team and project over the proverbial cliff, it just means they have a thorough understanding of the material and will be able to provide a clear picture of what happened.

Bottom line: You are the only person to know if you should have a PMP or not. So, if you’re thinking, “Yeah, I do need that Stink’n PMP!” check out the example on line prep classes below or click on the website menu for Classes & Certifications.