A future PMP

I have been enrolling in graduate school, but I'm also working on my Project management professional certification.

After researching this certification a few years ago I gave up, it just seemed like a daunting task, but with this new opportunity to invest in myself I renewed myself to earning my certification.

Why PMP?

Most employee compensation surveys report that certified project managers enjoy higher salaries compared to their uncertified counterparts

Taking a class, studying, and achieving CAPM or PMP certification means you have, or should have, acquired some knowledge and practical skills that might improve your value and success as a project manager.

First, I joined PMI.org national chapter and my local chapter http://www.pmicoc.org/ because both of these organizations offer certification guidelines, book, practice tests, and discounts.

***You need to study the PMBOK Project management book of knowledge in order to pass the certification test.

Next, I applied to be able to take the certification test. You can't just take the certification, you must meet the following:

1. You should hold a Bachelor's degree or its global equivalent (this is a 4-year degree, not a 3-year degree).

2. You should have 4500 hours of project management experience in not less than 3 years. If you do not have a Bachelor's degree holder, then you should have a high school diploma. In this case, you should have 7500 hrs. of project management experience.

3. You should undergo a 35-hour project management training. Try the nearest convenient Registered Education Provider (REP) on the PMI website.



Then, I took a course called Principles of Project management offered by a REP  that took care of my 35 hours of training. I have an undergraduate degree and I spent 15 years as a working professional doing various projects and I used some personal projects  on my experience as well.


Now, I'm vetted and almost ready to get tested. The only thing standing in my way now is the 600 page PMBOK.

What's next for me...

So, I enrolled in graduate school! You are reading an official Ohio Christian University student blog, woot-woot!

After some online research of programs and costs. I knew that I wanted an MBA, so that made the process a ton easier to accomplish. I also knew that I wanted to attend classes online since I'm actively looking for work and I don't want to postpone school for work.

I narrowed it down to a few schools based on cost, credit hours, and accreditations:

Sam Houston http://www.shsu.edu/

and

Ohio Christian University http://www.ohiochristian.edu/


In the end I chose OCU because of their great online curriculum, military discounts, and the welcome feeling I got after making a few inquiries into the school.

I started classes yesterday and I am so excited about this new journey in my life. I'm actively looking for work, but the format of the classes that are offered each semester is really career friendly.

I'll continue to post about my journey here on my blog.