PMP® or Not PMP®? Here’s What Actually Matters in Your Project Management Career

One of the most common questions I get from new project managers is: “Do I need the PMP® certification to land a good job?” Or “Do I need the PMP® to start a Project Management career?”

These are fair questions. After all, those three letters can make your CV stand out. Many hiring managers scan for certifications. It might even be your golden ticket to that first interview.

But here’s the truth most won’t tell you:

A PMP® gets your foot in the door. Experience is what keeps you in the room.

Let’s explain...

The Value of the PMP®

Don’t get me wrong—I absolutely recommend earning your PMP®. It’s one of the most well-respected certifications in project management. You will learn proven methodologies, techniques, tools, and frameworks. It gives you the full picture of what to consider during a project lifecycle, from initiation to closure.

It’s not just theory either.
You’ll walk away with templates, terminology, a comunity, and structured thinking that can prevent costly mistakes.

But that’s not the whole story.

What the PMP® doesn’t teach you

What the PMP® can’t teach is how to lead when things fall apart. Because they will.

Project management isn’t a checklist.
It’s navigating uncertainty, shifting priorities, team dynamics, and business pressures. These are things no textbook can fully prepare you for. This is where real-world experience becomes your best teacher.

I have colleagues that are incredible project managers without any certification. Their superpowers?
Common sense. Adaptability. Clear communication. And the ability to stay calm under pressure.
But they’ve also made avoidable mistakes—mistakes that a certified PM might have sidestepped.

So it’s not either-or. It’s both.

My Journey (And Why It Worked)

If I could go back, I’d do it the same way again I did:

1. Start by working on real projects: The most important thing here is to learn the dynamics of the projects and get used to their temporary nature, the communication, the repetition, the frequency of meetings, the fact that you might get to work with different people depending on the phase, etc.

2. Then manage the kind of work you already understand: When working project-based becomes your second nature, you can start managing small projects under the guidance of a project manager or supporting the project manager in bigger projects until you get the opportunity to be on your own.

3. Finally, earn the certification: After you have built-up enough experience and you feel confident, then fill in the gaps. Strengthen your foundation and learn the best practices you didn’t know existed.

That’s the path that worked for me.
And it’s the approach I’ve built into a tailor-made program—designed to fit your unique background, goals, and career stage: A personalized path to becoming a confident, well-rounded project manager.

What Should You Do?

If you’re just starting out, don’t stress about getting the PMP® immediately. Focus on understanding how projects work. Learn to work with people. Learn to manage scope, time, and expectations. And when you’re ready, get certified to level up.

The PMP® won’t make you a great project manager overnight.
But it will help you think like one.

And with the right coaching and support, you’ll learn to bridge the gap between theory and practice—between certification and leadership.

Want Guidance on Your Project Management Journey?

At ProjectMastery, I help new and growing project managers:

• Get clear on their next career steps.

• Build real-world project leadership skills.

• Prepare for PMP® certification the smart way.

• Navigate challenges with confidence.

Ready to stop guessing and start leading?
Let’s talk.