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> -----Original Message-----
> Behalf Of Chris Borokowski
>
> It's a certification.
>
> Certifications exist when many people, most completely unqualified,
> make a gold rush toward the It professions of the time.
>
> You use an intro test, much like the SAT, as a basic filter to exclude
> outright incompetents.
>
> The PMP series exames/certs distinguish between people who
> have no hope
> in hell of being project managers because they cannot follow simple
> instructions, and those who may or may not be incompetent but can take
> a test after an instructional regimen.
>
> Is it worthless? Yes, to the right HR people, but those are so rare,
> it's useful to have. Get a PMP and an MBA and you're en route
> to higher
> management.
Regarding the test part of things, you are right. But the PMP exam does
require that a person show a few thousand hours of work on projects in the
last six years. Some applications are audited for honesty. One technical
writer that I worked with was pursuing a masters degree in project
management. The thought of that makes me queasy.
> I think Lauren should get a PMP cert because it will get her in the
> door at the larger places where her skills could best be applied. As
> with all certifications, it shouldn't be seen as proof of anything
> negative or positive: it's a hoop, and we citizens of this glorious
> republic must jump, or be dragged down into obscurity and
> food service.
Well that sums up my reasons. I am also in a competitive market that
occasionally requires PMP certification, so the little title can give me an
extra point or two. I'm just in a position where I can get the title
without much effort, provided that I do well on the test. 61% is a passing
score, I imagine that I can swing that. PMPs need to maintain the title
with some continuing education, though, so the certification does have the
image of some credibility.
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