IT Project + --- Is it worth it?

[Cue]

Hey Guys


What do you think about the usefulness of IT Project+ in the working world. Is it a marketable cert?



For those who dont know about IT Project+, check the link below.


http://www.comptia.org/certification...ct/default.asp

[Greatis]

rather interesting. Your question "is it worth it" does it apply to the Jamaican IT sector or the American sector. I don't think this cert would be worth aquiring if you're looking to stay in the Jamaican sector. On the other hand however it is a growing cert in the US.

http://www.certmag.com/articles/anmv...&print=yes

[Cue]

I was initially focussing on the Jamaican IT sector. But to make for a broader discussion (and given the intl participation in TJ) :

What sayeth the rest of our wordly members?

[Cue]

The feedback i've been gettin here in Canada is that Project + may only be of significance to those specializing in Project Management, and for techies like us who may not directly be the decision makers in our organizations...


Its neither here nor there

Any comments...?

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Whether you're a techie or not, you can benefit from understanding project management principles. They are applicable to many sectors, and chances are, you've done some form of project management at some point or the other. You've definitely been a part of projects - even if you weren't the project manager.

It can't hurt to learn the stuff. As for whether it qualifies you to be a good project manager is a different question. Experience and your aptitute/ability and effort will determine that.

If you do some research, you'll find that a large number of IT projects actually fail. That is, they overrun their deadline, budget, or fail to deliver the expected objectives or value.
A big reason for this is the lack of good project management.

Traditionally, techies didn't foucus on developing skills other than techie skills. When you appoint someone who has not developed certain management skills (time mgmt, budgeting, managing people, etc.) to manage a project, there is an increased risk of the project failing.

Hence, if you, as a techie, can acquire those skills, then you'd be in a better position to add value if/when you reach the level of project/technical lead.

As for the credentials aspect, any cert is a good cert. "It can't hurt to get a cert". The question is "Which cert in this field is going to give me the best value for money?"

The PMP from the Project Management Institute http://www.pmi.org is the hardcore Project Management Certification. Non-Techie people take it. Do a search on monster.com for PMP and see what you get. These guys usually take on jobs as dedicated/pure project managers.
More companies are recognizing the need for people with those skills.

IT Project + , as is the case with most CompTIA certs, may be more of an entry level cert. The basic material is similar to that of the PMP, but the PMP certification itself requires you to have a certain level of project management training and experience before you can get the cert.

Take a look at http://www.4pm.com
This site has some good articles and stories that highlight the issues surrounding project management.

Good luck.

[Nastrodamus]

Wise word BCK.

Note though.... PMI exam fees aren't exactly cheap. So you better get it right the first time.

It does pay off in the end though.