The PMP’s Relevance to L&D
While the PMP certification has many useful applications in the corporate world of Learning & development, I’d argue it is particularly useful for senior IDs and learning program managers.
Both of these roles wrangle many moving parts. They are not just in the trenches doing the instructional design work, but are held directly accountable for the success of different initiatives.
Senior instructional designers manage ID projects, and the PMP can be helpful for understanding the different stages like initiation, monitoring, and closure.
Learning program managers work cross-functionally and the PMP’s emphasis on relationships and stakeholder management is helpful.
PMPs possess many useful skills for the world of L&D, such as knowing how to navigate SMEs with varying levels of responsiveness, plan a work breakdown structure, and manage a project schedule.
I’d argue that if you are an entry-level instructional designer or eLearning developer, it would not be as useful as those who are a bit higher up in the L&D career ladder. If you want to up your game and ascend to new levels of leadership though, the PMP certification is extremely relevant.
