Is it realistic that I'll have the required project management experience as a Sergeant to get my PMP? If not, what are my options?

2016-07-30T20:40:55-04:00

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2016 9:11 PM

2016-07-30T21:11:32-04:00

It really depends on how much time and experience you have managing projects. Don't make your focus the rank you are today, or years ago... focus on the work you were doing from a project perspective. Look at both your NCOERs and your MOS description.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2016 9:18 PM

2016-07-30T21:18:04-04:00

To qualify to take the PMP Exam you must have the requisite number of project management hours before you are qualified to take the exam depending on your education level. Most things we do in the military can be equated to the 5 phases of Project Management. You probably have more hours than you think. There is a spreadsheet that helps you calculate it since more recent experience is weighted more than older experience.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2016 9:30 PM

2016-07-30T21:30:26-04:00

Yes it is realistic when framed as defined by PMI. And other options would be to seek the Project+ or CAPM certifications.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2016 2:08 AM

2016-07-31T02:08:38-04:00

It's entirely realistic as most operations & missions in the military fit the definition of a project by PMI, and fall into some if not all of the five phases of project management as defined by PMI. I would highly recommend downloading one of the excel templates for recording your hours and start working back with the major operations or training events you've been apart of. Large events such as going to NTC or deploying a unit can help accumulate the necessary hours. Key things to remember when applying is that projects cannot overlap. So if your worked on projects A & B in March you can only count the hours from one of the projects in your total hours.

Response by CW4 Abdulaziz Bulling made Aug 1 at 2016 5:05 AM

2016-08-01T05:05:31-04:00

Justin. Just take a look at the definition of a project. PMI does not look at the size of the project, just the activity. I can remember planning for excercise, rewriting internal and external SOPs, relocations etc all which had a definite beginning, end, and a result. Just do the documentation, and keep contacts in case of audit; and good luck.

Response by SGT David T. made Aug 1 at 2016 8:10 AM

2016-08-01T08:10:53-04:00

Look at the definition of a project in the PMBOK guide, tons of things will count.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2016 9:54 AM

2016-08-01T09:54:35-04:00

It is. Look at the prerequisites listed at http://www.pmi.org. Depending on education level, it will determine how much experience you need to articulate and account for. That's your starting point. I can send a template so you can build your experience timeline and account for it appropriately if you think you're on the right track to take the test now. You'll also need 40 contact hours before you can take the test. You can get those from seminars and courses that prepare you for your test. That's your next two steps. Then submit your application and see what happens. Once you've been approved, you have a year to study for the test. I recommend a boot camp and then taking the test.

Once you've met the prerequisites of course.

If you're not close on the PMP pre-req's, go for the CAPM if you can. It'll get you in tune with the PMBOK and get's you on the path for PMP. You won't find it as a job requirement because folks don't know about it much. I do recommend it for project coordinators who don't have the experience/education yet but are very capable. It builds the resume and experience, making them more valuable to the team. In a company that is looking to grow its own, they will start feeding you more responsibility so you can get to that PMP cert.

I hope that helps.

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