Clarify your reasons for

becoming PM certified

We get the best results for our efforts when we are clear about our purpose. The Golden Circle by Simon Sinek** reminds us to start with our “Why” before our “What” or “How”.

I remember when I hit the glass ceiling. I wanted “a piece of paper that says I know how to get things done”. Proudly, I earned my  Master’s degree in project management! Along the way, my goal evolved into my purpose. My “why” became “I want to help others learn how to get things done”.

With my freshly minted MPM, I talked to the department head at UC Berkeley and asked about a teaching position. Unexpectedly, he asked if I had a PMP certification! Knowing my “why” made it easy to pivot on “what” paper I needed.  I earned my PMP certification and started teaching!

Over the next dozen years, I traveled the country (and Japan) teaching PMP Exam Prep. Many of my students shared their reasons for becoming PMP certified.  I’ve heard everything:

So, I thought I’d ask my trusty AI helper for a Top 5 list. Below are common reasons people decide to become certified as a CAPM or PMP. Nothing new here for me. But for you, this list will help you explore and define what your own purpose is.

1) Credibility & Professional Confidence
The CAPM and PMP are recognized globally as the gold standard of project management certifications. Carrying these certifications after our name, instantly lets others know that we are trustworthy and credible.

2) Upward Mobility & Higher Compensation.
Over the years, PMI has conducted research on project management salaries earned around the globe. The data cited in PMI’s Salary Survey*** consistently shows that certified project managers earn significantly more than uncertified colleagues. (about 20% more!) This proves true across industries, geography, and positions.

3) Standardized Language & Better Collaboration
Organizations often have their own proprietary “lingo”. But proprietary lingo doesn’t travel well. Those who earn PMI’s certification show they have all “read from the same dictionary” regardless of employer. This communal vocabulary smooths communication and collaboration and facilitates faster understanding of expectations and goals.

4) Door-Opening (especially for industry-switchers).
Project management is a portable skillset. It lets you “pack your bags” and carry your experience to projects wherever they are. This is especially important for contract PM’s and professionals changing careers or industries. Certification establishes the bridge along which we carry our experience, wherever we go.

5) Broader Career Options.

Certified professionals can take on a variety of roles or titles besides the obvious “Project Manager” role. Adjacent roles can include:

• Program Coordinator.

• PMO Analyst / PMO Manager.

• Product Operations / Product Owner.

• Portfolio / Governance roles.

A PMP/CAPM certification is the common denominator which creates options for you among these roles.

The Top 5 list is a handy reference. But only you know what your real purpose for earning your PMP/CAPM is. Your “why” will help you get over any bumps in the road. And sharing your “why” will help others find theirs.

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** How Great Leaders Inspire Action | Simon Sinek | TED
*** Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Thirteenth Edition (2023)