Being in charge of a project is not easy.
It can resemble walking through a field of landmines without the proper foundation. wearing a blindfold.
The knowledge you need for the job can be acquired through certification, which can also lead to a nice pay increase.
Which alternative, however, will be most likely to advance your career, PMI PMP or Agile project management with scrum? Which project management professional certification and training should you pick?
The distinctions between the PMP and Scrum certifications will all be compared in this article.
What is PMP?
The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers the internationally regarded professional designation of “Project Management Professional”.
The Project Management Body of Knowledge serves as the foundation for the PMP designation (PMBOK). The project management industry accepts the entire set of procedures, best practices, jargon, and guidelines as standards.
No matter what industry you are in, earning a PMP certification will help you manage all types of projects. It demonstrates your ability to oversee projects and project teams. PMP demonstrates that you have the specific knowledge and expertise that employers want to see.
What is Scrum? For Complex Projects, a Simple Framework
Recently, project management experts have become very interested in Scrum. For finishing difficult projects, it is an agile framework. It was created initially for software development projects, but it is now applied to any intricate, ground-breaking project in fields other than software development.
PMI Agile project development methodologies support a structured approach to project management that promotes regular review and modification. The methodologies are derived from agile processes because Scrum is a subset of agile. It supports teams in delivering high-quality products incrementally and iteratively while continuously evaluating and modifying the process.
PMP vs. Scrum: Certification
You have a variety of options if you want to formally validate your project management expertise.
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification offered by the PMI institute, however, is the most well-known.
For businesses that take a more conventional approach to project management, it is most beneficial.
The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) methodology, which is frequently confused with the Waterfall model, is the foundation for a large portion of the PMP designation.
Scrum adoption is much more likely in smaller, more agile businesses like ground-breaking startups where you want to work.
Before continuing, it is important to clarify that Scrum certification is distinct from Agile certification.
Having a PSM or CSM certificate demonstrates that you have some familiarity with Agile, as you must be aware of its core values and principles.
However, it only accredits you for Scrum, one of the Agile frameworks.
You should look into other certification options, such as becoming a Certified Agile Coach, if you want to consult businesses on Agile transformation or work for a company that uses a different framework, like SAFe.
Which is preferable, Scrum master or PMP?
The salary implications and certification costs are not sufficiently different to favor one option over the other. So much will depend on your current experience and career goals.
Do you want to work in a field that emphasizes PMBOK concepts? PMP is the best option.
Would you like to join small, agile Scrum teams in start-ups, tech, and other cutting-edge businesses? You ought to get your Scrum master certification.
PMP vs. Scrum: Method
Let’s now look at how each option uses project management methodology.
Let’s start with the PMBOK model since that is the focus of PMP.
The PMBOK standard
In the past, the top-down Waterfall approach and PMBOK were often compared. This is so that project management can be divided into 5 distinct phases or process groups.
- Initiating
- Planning
- Executing
- observing and regulating
- Closing
However, PMBOK does not impose methodology; rather, it focuses on overarching principles.
You can still use many of the PMBOK principles in the context of a single Agile or Scrum Sprint or cycle; you’re just performing the five phases once per iteration rather than once per project.
However, a large portion of the PMBOK manual is written with the assumption that you’re using a top-down, pre-planned framework, such as Waterfall.
Additionally, it has a propensity to place an excessive emphasis on documentation, which Agile discourages.
Scrum methodology
The agile approach to project management methodology is designed specifically for the Scrum framework. Scrum provides a simple, step-by-step solution rather than attempting to modify PMBOK to work for Agile.
Instead of breaking up larger projects into shorter sprints, lasting 1-4 weeks, you divide them into 5 clearly defined phases that occur only once during a project.
What distinguishes Agile from the PMP (PMBOK)?
Instead of providing a specific framework to direct your strategy, the PMBOK and agile approach to project management methodologies both recommend high-level principles.
The attitude each methodology has toward change and stakeholder involvement is where PMBOK and Agile diverge most.
Structure and control are prioritized by PMBOK; change is seen as a necessary evil. On the other hand, agile welcomes and promotes change.
According to PMBOK, early-stage planning is when you primarily involve stakeholders. However, in Agile, teamwork is ongoing throughout the entire project.
Scrum vs. PMP: Sometimes picking both is the best option
There isn’t a clear-cut right answer, which is unfortunate because it’s true of most things in this world.
Scrum will be the obvious choice for some businesses, while PMBOK will work better for others.
The best option for many people is frequently to apply both methodologies in various contexts.
Similarly, you might decide to earn both certifications eventually.
PMBOK for recurring or established projects
You don’t need a novel strategy if you are intimately familiar with a project.
Would a company that was providing copy or creative to a dependable client for the hundredth time see a clear advantage in forming a Scrum team? Most likely not.
Using PMBOK principles within your current team structure is probably your best bet for projects that are predictable and well-known.
Scrum for brand-new, erratic projects
However, following a traditional workflow isn’t always the best course of action.
The Scrum framework is ideal for new projects, such as developing a new product with a new target market.
A logical product owner is a good place to start. They might be a significant client or possess in-depth knowledge of your clientele.
Using an agile project management methodology enables you to get started quickly and change along with the market and clientele.
You can develop a cutting-edge product that consumers want even if you have no prior experience in the market.
Conclusion
Depending on your situation, getting certified in Scrum or PMBOK are both excellent career moves.
In the end, everything depends on where you want to be in the future which you can clear through the PMP bootcamp from Eduhubspot.
Author: Varun Anand is the Project management expert, PMP mentor and a trainer at EduHubSpot. His Project Management institute (PMI) certification include Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI-ACP, PfMP, and CAPM. He has also done CSM certification from Scrum Alliance. Varun is an engineering graduate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
With over 10 years of experience in training students for PMP certification Exam, Varun is an internationally known Project Management speaker and educator. He has trained thousands of professionals, earning widespread respect in the industry. At EduHubSpot, he brings the practical side of Project Management to life, helping professionals master PMP from anywhere. He is also an experienced and renowned author.
