Identifying the difference between PgMP & PMP Certification!

With so many credentials existing in the spectrum of Project Management Institute (PMI), it is no wonder that applicants are overwhelmed by the selection of courses they need for their careers. It not about which program or credential has more value rather it’s about which one caters to the preference of an individual. Though there are several courses offered by this institute, we will solely focus on the two most common and probably most coveted ones in different companies, i.e. PgMP course (Program Management Professional) & PMP (Project Management Professional). They are wholly different yet similar. Different in terms of features and target candidates and similar in terms of which type of avenue they are applied off.

What is project management?

In the world of ideas, and tasks, the project refers to the making of the product and then delivering it to the stakeholders. The whole process is known as project management. The main role of an employee is to implement skills, knowledge, and strategies in a way that meets the organizational goals. Having a PMP Certification will only increase your value in the peer group and you would also get preference by the employers.

What is Program Management?

On the other hand, the program refers to a set of multiple projects operating together to achieve business goals. The project manager governs the whole process, takes decision if required, and more.

Now that you can distinguish between, let us determine the difference between both and find out their respective values in the market.

Requirements for the Certification Exams:

In both cases, one needs to pass the exam but they also need the following qualification for the applicants to proceed in the process. The PMP Certification caters to the experienced project managers while the PgMP inclines on the program manager. But in common both of them help to boost the career as well as knowledge of the aspiring aspirant.

Prerequisites for the PgMP:

• If you have a high school diploma, you need to have 4 years of experience as a project manager and 7 years of experience as a program manager. Whereas if you have a bachelor’s degree, your requirement is a bit less, you need to have 4 years each of experience as a program as well as a project manager.

Prerequisites for the PMP:

• If you have a high school diploma, you should have 7,500 hours of experience in leading and directing projects, and also, 35 hours of project management training then you can pursue further in the PMP Certification. On the other hand, if you have a bachelor’s degree you need to have 4,500 hours of experience in leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education.

Features of Certifications:

• The PgMP course is a long process if compared to the other one. One needs to undergo a whole lengthy process or we can say that the requirements are more inclined to PMP.
• On the other hand, project management professional is all about fulfilling the criteria’s for legibility. But we can say that both are considered as the most sought after programs in the corporate market.

Which one to choose?

In a nutshell, there is no right or wrong. It is not written anywhere that the leading project managers cannot enroll for the PgMP Course. You can have both if you want. However, if you want to settle down with only one credential then also it’s fine because, in the end, it is all about your choice and determination to steer your ship around a new adventure of your career endeavor. These programs will advance your skill sets, increase your knowledge and capability, with all such benefits why not grab all of them? Don’t delay now, start your process today, and become a certified employee.

Richard Pierce An expert in Pmi and Iiba Certifications.