Preparing for PMI Certification with an MBA in Project Management

Project Management Institute (PMI) certifications are developed by practitioners for practitioners. They’re considered the gold standard in achievement for project management professionals because the process to achieve them is so rigorous. The Institute maintains minimum education and work experience eligibility requirements to sit for the exams. You can also expect to spend plenty of time in intensive study. The academically rigorous Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Project Management degree program may help you prepare to achieve a PMI certification. Here’s a look at the types of PMI certifications you may prepare for.

PMP Certification

Even among PMI certifications, the Project Management Professional certification is considered the gold standard. It’s the most widely recognized project management credential, aside from the MBA itself. The PMP is put to use around the world and in virtually every industry imaginable. Consider pursuing your PMP certification if any of the following responsibilities of a project manager apply to you:

• You are responsible for delivering projects by leading and directing cross-functional teams in light of resource, budgeting and time limitations.
• You are responsible for all aspects of a project throughout its life.
• You apply knowledge and experience to identify and use specific methodologies for project management.

CAPM Certification

The Certified Associate in Project Management certification is ideal for MBA graduates who have undergone a career change and do not yet have a great deal of work experience as project managers. You can meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the exam with just 23 hours of project management education. The CAPM certification is an entry level credential, but it’s widely recognized by employers. Achieving this certification can enable you to manage large projects. The Institute offers a convenient online option for taking this exam, which consists of 150 multiple choice questions. Plan to retake the CAPM every five years to maintain your certification.

PMI-ACP Certification

Project managers who work in information technology (IT), engineering and infrastructure industries may choose to pursue the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner certification after earning an MBA in Project Management. This particular certification is ideal for professionals who work in companies that are adopting agile practices. Earning this credential is an official recognition of your in-depth understanding of agile principles and your ability to apply agile techniques in real-world situations. Expect the test to examine multiple areas of agile practices, including test-driven development (TDD), extreme programming (XP), Kanban and Scrum.

PgMP Certification

The Program Management Professional certification is ideal for senior-level practitioners. You may pursue this rigorous certification if you have proven your capacity for dealing with multiple, related projects. Senior-level practitioners are expected to have managed projects across multiple functions, cultures, organizations or regions.

You can prepare to pursue PMI certification when you enroll in the Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Project Management at the Colangelo College of Business. Our intensive academic program is aligned with PMI standards to help you achieve your career objectives. Click on the link to Request More Information, and discover what it’s like to join the learning community at Grand Canyon University.