How to make the case for PMP® certification to your employer:

Create a one-page business case

Your employer needs to see a return on their investment. You can create a compelling case for them. The proposal should include the cost, benefits, “As you know, I have been working on improving my project management skills to serve the company better. I want to ensure all the projects I am currently managing are successful. So, my goal is to gain your support to advance and validate my project management knowledge and skills by earning the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification.”

Include: Cost Benefit

The fees include:

• PMP® Exam Testing Fee for Non-PMI Members: $555 (USD)
• PMP® Exam Testing Fee for PMI Members: $405 (USD)
• PMI Annual Membership: $139 (USD)
  • Assume you will purchase the PMI annual membership since it will reduce your testing fee. Your total PMI exam and membership costs are $544; this does not include training.
  • Pass rates for the PMP® exam are not published by PMI. Estimated pass rates are reported to be below 60% for individuals who do not utilize a preparation course.
• Course Preparation: $1,495 (USD)

Include: The Background on the Certification

There are over 1,000,000 PMP® credential holders. The PMP certification sets the global standard in project management for professionals who are looking to validate their expertise and to learn up-to-date tools and techniques that position them to lead challenging projects in the organization.

Include: Benefits

There are several benefits associated with earning the PMP® such as:

• Transferable knowledge and skills: Going through the PMP® certification process, will provide me with a new set of tools and techniques to manage any projects that will make me a more productive and valued contributor to the success of the organization.
• In-house resource: As a PMP® certified project manager, I will be an internal champion for project management best practices and processes.
• Recognition: By having PMP®’s on staff, our organization proves to both internal and external customers our commitment to excellence. It shows we have the required skills and knowledge of a proven framework for project management
• Performance and financial impact: At the end, the knowledge that I will gain from the PMP® journey will help our projects to be successful with the incorporation of improvements in daily decision-making processes and overall best project management practices. This will ultimately help the company to save money and improve company success.

Include: Details on Training Program

It is important to provide background information on the PMP® training program to your employer. E.g.: “In order to be successful in earning the PMP® credential, the first step is to prepare for the exam. I have researched several options and have decided to go with a PMI Authorized Training Partner that is both schedule-flexible and affordable for our organization.”

Ask for a meeting

The last step is to ask for a meeting to go over any questions your employer might have about the PMP® preparation program including timeline and financials. It is also recommended to include your prospective PMP® training organization in this endeavor.

Something to keep in mind

Remember that the purpose of this proposal is to show your employer what’s in it for them, not for you. Yes, PMP®’s tend to make more money than their uncertified counterparts, and a certification can elevate your career opportunities. Make sure your message doesn’t come across as, “This certification will give me better opportunities in my career, including opportunities outside of the company.”  Consider the point of view of your leadership.

Best of luck!

Helpful Links/Articles

Project Management Institute, Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications. PMI.org.

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