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The Journey to PMP Certification

Posted by [email protected] on Feb. 11, 2023  /  PPRC Blog  /  Subscribe 3

As a USAF veteran, I am currently studying to take the PMI test for PMP. I have been studying for about six months and I'm just about ready to schedule a testing date. Though I feel I will be well prepared, it was a rocky journey before I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Initially, a friend who works as a senior executive on a corporate information systems team recommended that I pursue a PMP certification. I researched various programs and purchased a video series and studied independently for a while. However, the material was pretty overwhelming, and there was a lot of chatter online that indicated a large percentage of people who test for the PMP fail the test, at least the first time. Without any local support, I was discouraged, and nearly considered giving up the ambition of following through to prepare for the PMP test.

Luckily, I made an effort to investigate what kind of local support would be available, and discovered that there is a program available to veterans called Onward to Opportunity. This program offers a free bootcamp and testing voucher to any active-duty military member or veteran (with honorable discharge). The program includes a week-long bootcamp, study material provided by Syracuse University, access to unlimited practice tests, a PMI application workshop, a testing voucher, and - - most importantly - - a community that plugged me in to the Pikes Peak Regional, Colorado Chapter of PMI. It is this community and network that really changed the vision I have for my future. With local support and networking, the opportunities for a new career as a PMP have become realistic, and attainable.

At a PPRC event, I met Leila, who is a military spouse. Leila had achieved her CAPM as an element of her undergraduate studies in business, with a minor in Project Management, with Southern New Hampshire University. I informed Leila of the Onward to Opportunity coursework and bootcamp option available through Syracuse University, and recommended that she speak with Greg John, who works as a liaison for PPRC and the Onward to Opportunity program, to inquire about qualifying for and registering to test for the PMP certification.  After some discussion, Leila was assured that she had the experience required to gain the PMP certification, and she enrolled in the Onward to Opportunity program.

Pursuing a PMP Certification can be pretty daunting, if you are not plugged in to your community and building a network of PMP professionals around you for guidance and support. If you are considering attaining your PMP certification, get plugged in to the Pikes Peak Regional, Colorado Chapter of the PMI, and reach out to Lee Malard (Director of Military Outreach) with any questions. If you are an active duty military member, military spouse or veteran, and are interested in the Onward to Opportunity program, contact Joe Valdes ([email protected]) for more information.

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