Qualifications to Become a Project Manager

[Richa]

Is it mandatory to clear PMP exam in order to become a Project Manager?

[dhaughey]

No, there are plenty of successful project managers without a PMP. Actually, you can't become a PMP until you have experience as a project manager. Part of the entry criteria requires each candidate to have at least 4,500 hours PM experience. This is the requirement:

• At least 3 years of experience in the project management field (5 years if you don't have a four-year degree).
• At least 4,500 hours experience in leading and directing projects (7,500 hours if you don't have a four-year degree).
• 35 hours of formal project management education.

You can see that gaining the PMP certification is quite an undertaking. Its value is in the experience and knowledge you need to obtain to become certified.

There may be jobs that require the candidate to have the PMP, but I've not seen that as a requirement from companies recruiting UK project managers.

If you are looking for something you can do now, have a look at PRINCE2.

Hope this helps.

Duncan