TOPIC: I finally saved up for PMP but now I'm second-guessing

Hey folks,

Been saving up for a while, finally got the cash, but then I stumbled on this post: https://www.project-management-prepcast.com/kunena/pmp-exam-discussion/10478-pmp-exam-is-such-a-joke-and-a-total-nonsense-comparing-to-a-real-life-pm calling the PMP exam a joke. Now I’m staring at my wallet wondering if I’m about to make a very expensive mistake.

For those who’ve taken the exam or work in project management, how much weight does PMP carry in real-life job situations? Is it respected, or do employers just nod and move on? Also, does it actually help with practical skills, or is it just theory-heavy?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Eidriana,

Hey, get where you’re coming from. I’ve seen those posts calling the PMP exam a “joke” — but honestly, don’t let a few loud voices shake your confidence.

Personally, the PMP gave my career a massive boost—financially, in terms of job offers and the opportunities that opened up. It’s not just a certificate; it’s a signal that you’re serious,
professional, and ready to take on complex projects and leadership roles.

PMP isn’t for everyone and may not be the perfect fit for every industry or role. But trust me, there are way more people out there who have massively benefited from it than those
who criticize it online.

The exam itself is theory-heavy because it tests your understanding of a global standard—the PMBOK framework. It might not teach you every practical trick, but it builds a solid foundation
and a common language that employers respect worldwide.

If you want my honest advice: Don’t be scared off by negativity. Invest in the PMP to improve your project management career—it’s a powerful credential, not a joke.

And if you want help prepping smart and staying focused, I’m also here.

BR,

Markus

Good morning, Eidriana

I can only speak from my personal experience. I am not a professional project manager, but I am a consultant that must manage projects professionally. Going through the certification process helped me understand project management from as a structured art rather than a haphazard guess. That has helped me, and my company organize and execute client projects in a cogent, straightforward and no-nonsense approach. Projects run much smoother and communication with the client has improved remarkably.

I cannot attest that obtaining my PMP certification has put a single dollar into my company's pocket, but it has helped me work with clients in a much more structured fashion and projects run much more smoothly. Of course, your mileage may vary.

Ultimately, only you can make that decision, but I will quote my English Literature professor from 1981: "No education of any kind is ever wasted."

Good luck!

Hi Eidriana

So that you know, I disagree with the conclusion of the post you mentioned on the PM-PrepCast website forum regarding the PMP being considered a joke. However, one thing you should keep in mind is that the PMBOK Guide contains guidelines for use on 'most projects, most of the time'. You always have to tailor these guidelines to your specific project scenario. The following are some general benefits of obtaining your PMP credential.
- An additional 28 million project managers are estimated to be needed globally by the end of 2029.
- The PMBOK Guide 7th Edition contains the best practices and principles used in Predictive, adaptive, and Hybrid product development approaches, making it pertinent to any type of project in any industry.
- The PMP Credential is currently the most widely recognized project management certification on the planet.

Still not convinced? As far as the value of obtaining your PMP, here are some statistics from PMI’s 13th edition of the biennial report Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey, which was released in 2023.
- The median salary for project management professionals in the United States is $120,000.
- PMP® certified professionals, on average, earn 33% more in median salary than those without the certification. Note: The relationship between PMP tenure (which is precisely correlated to years of experience) and salary is also a factor.
Survey respondents indicated that obtaining a PMP certification has been extremely valuable to their career advancement and has significantly contributed to salary growth.

I hope this information gives you the tools to make an informed decision about getting your PMP credential.

Happy Studying!

Professor Kevin

Kevin,

As a point of clarification, Eidriana didn't create the "PMP's a joke" post. She saw it on the board. That post, four years ago, was created by a user "RaidanZ" and seemed a bit disgruntled by life in general.

H