How to Think Critically about PMP Training Providers

Is PMP Right for Me?
Josh, I have a Diploma with six years of experience. In all of these 6 years, I was a Project Participant in a project and not the leader. My local PMP education provider stated that I am eligible for PMP. Is that true? Are 5 years of experience in project management not enough?
My friends and I agree that it is not a good idea right now to start PMP since I have not led any projects. Is it true?
Can you guide me?
Your friends are right. You don’t need to have any experience if you have not led any projects.
There are many training providers who will make you believe that you do, but it is more often by omission than outright fraud.
It’s up to each of you to be smart about it.
Here are some things I recommend you look at when choosing a training provider. ?If you have already read The 4 Pillars of PMP certification, some of this information will be familiar to you.
Do your own research on the prerequisites
Sometimes, PMP training providers will try to sell their training to you even if your qualifications are not sufficient. Be skeptical of them. They are not responsible for your application or the experience you have reported as valid.
You could be lulled if you don’t understand the requirements for experience. I have heard from training providers that building a shed in your yard is considered experience managing projects. That’s bunk. That’s bunk. “Leading and managing project tasks” doesn’t include your projects around the house. And if it does, I’m amazed at your ability and logic to justify such a loose interpretation. It is possible to “lead and direct project tasks” for an organization, whether paid or volunteer.
See the PMP Handbook for more on the experience requirements:?http://pmStudent.com/pmp-handbook? (redirects you to PMI’s website)
Check out the Guarantee
I do not recommend courses that guarantee you “pass or your money back.”
I look for a satisfaction guarantee. If they offer a guarantee of passing, it is a change in the incentives or relationship between you, the student, and them, the training provider.
Let me explain.
The provider will offer a satisfaction guarantee to ensure that you are satisfied with the training. Even if the exam is not passed, they want you feel that you have gained a lot of value and knowledge through their training. Sometimes it is down to your native tongue or that some people are more proficient at taking tests than others.
If you have been following me for a while, you will know that I believe the most important reason to pursue certification is the knowledge gained in the process. Providers that offer a satisfaction guarantee will agree with me on this point. I believe you’ll be a better educated person and have a greater chance of passing the exam.
A pass guarantee offers a whole new set of incentives. These providers want you pass the test and get the piece. This is why rote memorization in a brief boot-camp environment shouldn’t be the norm.
They don’t care about your long-term retention or how well you understand the PMI standard/framework.
But, that’s just me!
Many people simply want to pass the test. They are doing it for the wrong reason, if you ask me. You need to take a long-term view and work hard to improve your professional skills in order to get the most out of this process.
If you are only interested in the paper, don’t follow me. There are many training providers who will take your money and get that piece of paper. No, if you hang around