PMP vs CAPM.. WHAT TO CHOOSE????

Discussion in 'Education & Personal Growth' started by savs, Dec 10, 2011.

  1. savs

    savs New IL'ite

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    Hi ILs,
    I am an engineering graduate with 10 years experience (32 yrs) working in a leading industry as one of the heads of the technical Unit of the firm. In a year’s time, I am looking for a career change and have an idea of switching over to the project management field for various reasons and on that note I have a few doubts which I would request the PMPs and members in IL to enlighten.

    I had gone through the details of both the CAPM and PMP certification in the website and have understood the basics of both the courses. Even though, I have an experience of 10 years, it has been in technical / administration fields all these years (project management of minor nature also included as a part of the job during one of the appointments).

    Now, I am slightly confused on what would be right certification to take at present either CAPM or PMP. Even though, I can manage the requisite PM experience from my employer (which is one of the mandatory requirement for PMP), is it worth doing it at this stage without a great PM experience in reality or better do CAPM and then after 3-4 years do a PMP certification.


    Your valuable suggestions would be of great help.
     
    Last edited: Dec 10, 2011
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  2. Savvyheal

    Savvyheal Gold IL'ite

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  3. aparnag

    aparnag Platinum IL'ite

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    Good information. I was looking to know the difference between the two for my DH.
     
  4. savs

    savs New IL'ite

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  5. savs

    savs New IL'ite

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    Thanx a lot for the useful link.

    Iam looking for more specific, rather my own case specific advice on to proceed with PMP or not.
    Since i do not have a project management experience in reality ( can make it in the resume though, coz i have been managing a few).

    In specific , is it worth appearing for a PMP certification even though i do not have an actual project management experience. (considering the cost, effort and basic criteria ) or take up CAPM which is relatively easier and and for which i would suffice the eligibility criteria as on date..
     
  6. aparnag

    aparnag Platinum IL'ite

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    Same here Savs. I was looking to find the definite difference between the two in the same scenario as yours... can anybody help here??
     
  7. orion80

    orion80 Platinum IL'ite

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    PMP is better recognized and has more weightage than CAPM. CAPM is aimed at a person aspiring to be a manager whereas PMP certification establishes that you have both practical and theoretical experience of a manager.

    For your experience level, i would suggest to go for PMP. CAPM will not have much value add at 6+ years exp level.

    Regaring your query whether PMP will be worth it, it depends on your industry. But most industries recognize PMP as an important certification. In some cases like IT infrastructure projects, it is mandatory.
     
  8. savs

    savs New IL'ite

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    thank u very much for ur suggestions :)
     
  9. haagesummane

    haagesummane Gold IL'ite

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    Savs ji,

    As rightly said by Orion80, the PMP has more weightage than CAPM.
    I have many colleagues with exp more than 8-10 yrs and done the PMP certification successfully.After attending the training session of PMP for 5 days, they took a leave of 30 days to prepare for the exam. They had handled small projects(like a track lead handling a group of 10 resources and acted a bridge between these resources and management).I hav an exp of 4yrs, worked only on either technical and functional aspect of the project related to my track. I planning to go for CAPM. After few more yrs, I will apply for PMP.
    PLease do share your experience if u r going for PMP. It would be of great help...
     
  10. chenchal009

    chenchal009 Senior IL'ite

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    Hey Savs,

    I was sailing in the same boat, and was confused whether to go with CAPM or PMP, finally opted for PMP as it is well recognized and valued. Frankly even if you were to lead a team it would be very rare for you to touch upon all the modules of being trained by PMI and they dont expect that from u either.

    I would strongly suggest that you go with PMP and if in doubt attend some trainings which anyway are mandatory.

    I understand ur aspiring to be a manager, if thats the case PMP alone wont get you there, you might be given an opportunity, onus will be on you to prove metal and get into the main stream of a managerial role.
     

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