Whether you are considering earning the PMP or CAPM certification or are considering a

new certification as part of your fulfillment of your PDU requirements,there are some

clear benefits you may see in earning the certification. Here are a few that may match

yours:

1. Earn PDUs   if you are PMP certified.

2. Earn a credential  that will bolster your resume.

3. Gain current knowledge and keep your mind fresh.

4. Become more valuable  and capable of providing value.

5. Experience the personal satisfaction of achievement.

With those benefits in mind, the question in your mind is likely revolving around

whether gaining those benefits is worth the paying the price or not.

All certifications do not carry the same value. Nor do they involve the same price in

terms of personal time, effort, and money.

Here are 5 things you can do to turn the balance of cost, time, and money aspects of

professional certifications to your advantage.

1. Take small steps…and consider taking bigger steps later.One way to do

this is to test the waters by earning a lower level or starter certification.The

requirements are lesser as you will be able to achieve it more easily, getting at

least part of the benefits you want…and you’ll get on a track to take it to the

next level with a more advanced certification in that area – with great knowledge

of what the benefits might be, and with less effort after having achieved your

first level certification.

2. Change the cost equation in your favor.While earning a certification can be

costly, it does not have to be. If you gain some confidence in your approach and

research the possibilities, you can find ways to learn and earn certifications for

less.

3. Kill two birds with one stone.Like PDUs for the PMP certification, many

credentials have re-certification requirements. This includes CPAs and Engineers,

in many cases. You may be able to add another valuable credential at the same

time you are fulfilling your continuing education requirements.

4. Take something that interests you. This is always a winner.If you are

feeling like you’d love to learn something about a subject because those are

springing up in conversations or literature in your area, take notice. This could be

opportunity knocking.

5. Take something that you might apply soon, or that could clearly add

some value to your background. You may notice that your company is

adopting PMP, or seeking to bolster business analysis capabilities, you could get

a leg up by taking the initiative.

Often times the prospect of earning a certification is daunting, and you can allow it to

hold you back. Or, you can apply a few simple principles to what you are facing and

determine the right path and move forward.No matter what you decide, it can be a

positive decision done knowledgeably and proactively.