Tip: Project+ as a “stepping-stone” to the PMP (Top 5 Questions Answered About the Project+ certification)

PMP candidates should know there is a much easier certification called CompTIA Project+.  Below are answers to the 5 most-asked questions I am often asked in my PMP classes about the Project+ cert:

Q1. I’ve heard that the Project+ certification is based on the same “PMBOK” material as the PMP and CAPM.  Is that true?

A. Yes, per the CompTIA website the current Project+ exam maps to the  PMBOK Guide V4 from PMI.

Q2. Is it true that the Project+ test is shorter and easier than the PMP/CAPM?

A. Yes, it’s only 95 questions in 90 minutes.

Q3. I’ve heard that unlike the PMI certifications, there is no experience or education pre-req for the Project+?

A. That is true, you just sign up and pay for the test, and as soon as you pass, you are a CompTIA Project+ certified PM.

Q4.  Is it as good on your resume as the CAPM/PMP?

A. NO, the Project+ is generally NOT considered as strong on your resume (See Q2 and Q3 above).  HOWEVER, here are 3 good reasons to consider this certification: (even if you’re ultimately going for your PMP/CAPM)

• For your resume / job search – It shows you passed an exam based on the same PMBOK material as the CAPM/PMP, and the certification can help you get some interviews you wouldn’t otherwise get.
• Takes much less time commitment.
• As a “Stepping-Stone” / Confidence-Builder – Many PMs use the Project+ certification as a “stepping-stone” toward their PMP/CAPM. Meaning they take a PMP class, pass the Project+ exam, add the certification to their resume, gain confidence, and often go on to get their CAPM or PMP.

Q5. Who is CompTIA?

A. CompTIA is a highly-respected certification body, issuer of many well-known technical certifications (primarily for IT people) including:

• A+,
• Advanced Security Practitioner,
• Cloud Essentials,
• Green IT,
• Healthcare IT,
• IT For Sales,
• Linux+,
• Network+,
• Project+,
• Security+,
• Server+,
• Storage+, and more.

In addition, CompTIA offers the Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) certification which helps qualify many trainers to teach popular software products from Microsoft.  The CTT+ (which I hold) is also a pre-requisite for the Adobe Certified Instructor (ACI) and other certifications.

• For more about the CAPM/PMP skills and certifications, see my book: “The Project Management Answer Book” (2011,  Management Concepts, Vienna, VA)
• For info about: My next 2 PM classes coming up at NYU Fall Semester 2012

Jeff Furman

~PMP Project Management Instructor / CTT+ Train-the-Trainer Instructor

Any questions, feel free to ask as a “COMMENT” (below), or email me at Jeff@Jeff-Furman.com.