Hi:

I am interested in taking PMI's certification.  I dont have any
background in project management.  One of the requirement for the
certification is that I have to take certain courses.  Since those
courses cost lots of money ($1500) I want to make sure about certain
things before I commit myself to these courses.

(1) What is the market value of this certification? (Need specific
answer-ie., articles..etc)
(2) I need to know which companies recognize this certification as a
part of their job requirement. (Name of the companies)
(3) How widely excepted is Project Management Institue? 

I have seen the PMI's site and got lot of information but, no
surprise, they always talk good about themselves.  I need to know
specific answers to my above mentioned questions to verify.

BTW: I have a background in information technology and working as a
software engineer for last 6 years and thinking of exploring other
career choices. (NO I am not laid off...still working. ;-)

Thanks you the help.

The PMI certification process is infact pretty exacting and expensive
to boot.
In order to help you evaluate the worth and acceptance of this
certification, here is some information that I was able to find.
   One of the most popular certification for Project managers is the
PMP certification.Here is a ZDNet News article dealing with the
requirements and worth of the PMP certification.
    ZDNetUK : Weigh the value of PMP certification
    ( http://news.zdnet.co.uk/story/0,,t300-s2123429,00.html )
 According to the article, the acceptance for the PMI certification in
the marketplace has been growing steadily and although still not an
absolute requirement, is still preferred by most companies.
   Another article, at PMForum.org asserts that although "There are
other organizations that provide certifications in project management,
but purely from a numerical perspective, in the U.S. in particular,
the PMI PMP® is the recognized standard at the present time."
   The author also lays out the PMP certification for you explaining
categorically what the PMP certification is, and what it is not.
Check out this article :
     What is the PMP? by Ed Barnicott
     ( http://www.pmforum.org/library/papers/ThePMP.htm )
But the best indication of any certifications acceptance is how many
employers consider is desirable.

   Take a look for yourself. A simple search for PMP on Monster.com's
jobs database for US yields the following results among jobs posted in
the last 2 months:
 - Monster.com Job Search : Keyword - pmp  (Region : U.S.,In last 2
months)
   (173 results)
(jobsearch.monster.com/jobsearch.asp?q=pmp&re=0&sort=rv&tm=60d&cy=US&brd=1%2C1863&vw=b
)

    Of the 173 hits I got,I found companies like 'Concepts In
Staffing','Calnet' and 'Analysts International Corp' that require a
PMP certification for their Project Manager positions, while even
Industry heavyweights like 'IBM
Corp.','PricewaterhouseCoopers','Verisign Inc.' and 'AT&T' preferred
PMP certification.Verizon even explicitly stated that it preferred
PMI-PMP certified candidates.

 - Monster.com Job Search : Keyword - pmi  (Region : U.S.,In last 2
months)
   (189 results)
( jobsearch.monster.com/jobsearch.asp?q=pmi&re=0&sort=rv&tm=60d&cy=US&brd=1%2C1863&vw=b
)

As you can see for yourself, a lot of companies prefer PMI
certification for their Project manager/Executive/Analyst positions.
this list includes the likes of 'IBM Corp','Verisign
Inc.','AT&T','Unisys Corp','Lockheed Martin','Sun Life Financials' &
'Washington Mutual Bank' among many others.

Based on the above information, I would say that a PMI certification
is certainly well regarded in the industry, and while not an absolute
requirement, would still be a huge plus on your resume.

I hope this helped. If you need any clarifications, just ask!
:)

RELATED LINKS
=============

 - ZDNet UK - Another look at certifications: Where we stand now
   ( http://news.zdnet.co.uk/story/0,,t300-s2123290,00.html )
   This articles takes a look at the pros and cons of certifications,
and what your certification says to your employer.

 - Project Management World Today(July 2002) - Education & Career
Opportunities
   ( http://www.pmforum.org/pmwt02/education02-07.htm )
   Contains some info on PMP and PMI.

Hi dreamer2002 --

I'll add a personal observation here -- 

I have recently had a conversation with an experienced recruiter from
one of the largest IT recruiting/placement firms in North America. He
stated that when he screens for IT PM positions, the first thing he
looks for is PMI certification. If it's not there, he discards the
applicant. No matter what the PM's background, today's clients are
insistent on PMI certification.

And make a quick point ---

You stated that you don't have any PM experience. You won't be able to
get the PMI certification without the experience. You are required to
have a minimum of 4,500 hours of VERIFIABLE project management
experience as well as three years of project management experience
within the past six years.

Many professional certifications are the kind where you study a book,
take the test, pass, then start doing the work. PM is not like that.
It's more like becoming a certified actuary or accountant. You work
for years with mentors and sponsors, building skills and experience,
then take the exam that gives you your peers' "seal of approval" in
official form.

The point of PMI certification is not to start you on the road to a
new career. It's to confirm to clients that you are ALREADY qualified
to carry out the job of a Project Manager, one of the most difficult
and complex jobs in the IT field.

I'm not trying to throw a damper on your dreams, just trying to make
sure you understand what you're looking at so you don't head down the
wrong path.

Good luck in your ventures!

-K~