The first thing you should consider when choosing an exam for your project manager training or certification is how challenging it is going to be. You’ll need to have some familiarity with project management techniques, and will need to be able to apply these techniques to your own work on a daily basis. For instance, you’ll need to think about how the concepts presented in the PMP exam will help you improve your ability to plan and manage projects that require a lot of input. You’ll need to be able to understand the concepts presented in the book as well as the actual test questions, so that you can have confidence in your answers. You’ll also need to be confident that you’ll be able to answer the test questions correctly, so that you don’t waste time reviewing a question that you didn’t understand.
The second factor to consider when choosing project management certifications is whether or not the program will be offered online. Many programs will only offer a single test online, but many will also offer the chance to take multiple tests throughout the program. If you choose to take tests over the internet, make sure you’re able to understand the answers to these tests and use them to improve your abilities as a project manager.
When choosing a program for your project management certifications, you’ll want to pay special attention to how they assess your project skills. Some certifications offer a pass/fail system, while others are designed to assess your specific skill set on a case by case basis. It’s important to choose one that will work for you, as some exams will actually require you to work through the material multiple times before passing.
One feature that you’ll find in many exams is an environment where you can go at your own pace. In many of the older exams, there are several written sections that require you to read through the entire book at your own speed. This can be intimidating to someone who is used to being required to read and review the material at a faster rate. An exam environment allows you to study and practice on your own at your own pace, without worrying about a book’s pace or the time it takes to read it.
While it’s also important to consider that project management certifications can come with a large price tag, it doesn’t mean that you must spend thousands of dollars to get the education or certification that you need. There are a number of programs available, either online or onsite, that offer very low-cost degrees in project management as an elective. The certification you receive will generally pay off over the course of your career, as a degree will often allow you to move up in your job or even be able to open your own company. You may not be able to get the job that you dream of right away, but it is a smart investment for a career that pays off for you in the long run.
There are other factors that must be considered when choosing an exam for your project manager training, such as the type of career path you’d like to take and how much time and money you can realistically dedicate to the course. There are many different types of certification, and many different ways to get started, so make sure you’re not making a costly mistake.
Make sure that the program you select offers courses that cover topics that you’re knowledgeable in but don’t feel obligated to finish them all. Also remember that a solid foundation in accounting and decision-making skills will prepare you for a number of jobs, including project manager. This doesn’t mean that you have to worry about taking a lot of business classes, but it does mean that your certification doesn’t have to start and end with your bachelor’s degree.
