Is a Project Management Professional (PMP) credential worth it?

I’ve seen it hold more weight/advantage outside the LA profession than in, unless you’re talking some of the much larger and multidisciplinary firms.  Since it’s a generalist sort of thing (ie, applies to any industry) it can also help transitioning to another job or career.  That said, if you’re interested, have the time and opporunity, and especially if you can have the training/test paid for, I would say do it.  If you want to look into it a bit more, track down a copy of the PMBOK Guide (project management body of knowledge book) – there are a few copies of the older versions floating around on the web, though the newest update from PMI isn’t terribly expensive either ($50-65).  Getting the PMP basically requires having thorough knowledge of that document, similar to LEED certification.  I worked with two people that basically took a couple of training series and the test and got their certifications in less than six months.

I memed this as a joke, but it’s something you’ll have to memorize.  The sad thing is that after a while it starts to make sense.

I came to LA as a second career after being a PM. In my old job capacity I was required to get a PMP credential. In my work as an LA I have found basic PM skills to be very useful, but I have yet to run into anyone who cares at all that I have the PMP certification. Perhaps if I did international work or worked for a larger firm it might make a difference but so far, it hasn’t.