PMIWDC Military Outreach and Engagement Program
Empowering Military Service Members and their Families for Careers in the field of Project Management
The PMI Washington, DC (PMIWDC) Military Outreach and Engagement Program is dedicated to introducing active duty, separating service members, and retired military personnel, as well as their spouses, to exciting career opportunities in project management.
This program stands out for its specialized focus on helping military service members and their families transition into a potential career in project management that aligns perfectly with the leadership, organizational, and strategic skills cultivated during military service and life. By emphasizing these transferable skills and experience, the program showcases the tremendous value veterans and their families bring to the civilian workforce.
We take pride in our commitment to the Military community we are a part of and look forward to our continued expansion of this program, which aims to present service members and veterans with the many possibilities that a career in project management offers.
Program Goals
- Communicate with local military installations and veteran focused organizations in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland area to:
- Inform military communities about project management values, processes, skills, and certifications
- Engage transitioning military personnel and military spouses to consider the project management field as a career
- Explain the benefits of the Project Management Institute's (PMI) membership and certifications
- Provide certification information and application assistance to:
- Assist in the selection of applicable PMI certifications in the 9 areas offered by PMI
- Help translate military skills and experience
- Offer guidance and mentorship throughout the application process
- Share Military Outreach and Engagement Program information in the community and within PMIWDC to:
- Increase visibility and awareness of military-related opportunities to PMIWDC members
- Integrate the military community with military-friendly companies and programs
- Showcase the value of the military outreach program for transitioning military personnel and their spouses
Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Membership, Demographics and Statistics
PMI Global Overview
- Founded in 1969 by a group of visionaries at the Georgia Institute of Technology, four men and one woman; passionate about Project Management
- Incorporated in Pennsylvania, and located to Newton Square, PA
- Global Reach: PMI supports members in over 200 countries, demonstrating its worldwide influence.
- Membership: Over 700,000 members, which is an increase from 687,000 members in 2022 (previously covering 217 countries). More than 300 Chapters Worldwide!
- PMI's Role: PMI is the largest association dedicated to the project management profession globally.
PMIWDC Chapter Overview
- Founded in 1978
- More than 10,000 members
- Membership consists of Military, Government and Private Industry Professionals
- Part of a globally recognized organization; recognized as the standard bearer for Project Management best practices and certifications
Certifications, Trends and Impacts
Global PMP Certified Professionals (as of 2024)
- Over 1.5 million PMP-certified professionals worldwide.
- PMP holders are spread across 211 countries, as reported by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Top Countries with PMP Certification Holders:
Core and Specialized Certifications offered by PMI
| Certification | Description | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
| CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) | Entry-level certification for those new to project management | No experience required |
| PMP® (Project Management Professional) | Globally recognized certification for experienced project managers | 3-5 years of experience |
| PgMP® (Program Management Professional) | For managing multiple, complex projects as a program | 4-7 years of experience |
| PfMP® (Portfolio Management Professional) | Validates advanced skills in managing portfolios | 8+ years of experience |
| Certification | Focus Area | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
| PMI-ACP® (Agile Certified Practitioner) | Agile methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, Lean | 2+ years of Agile experience |
| PMI-RMP® (Risk Management Professional) | Risk identification and mitigation | 3-5 years of experience |
| PMI-PBA® (Professional in Business Analysis) | Business analysis and requirements management | 3-5 years of experience |
| PMI-CPT™ (Construction Professional) | Project management in the construction industry | 3+ years of experience |
| PMI-PMOCP™ (PMO Certified Professional) | Managing and optimizing Project Management Offices | 3+ years of experience |
| GPM-b (Green Project Manager Basic) | Sustainability-focused project management | No experience required |
| PMI-CPM AI (Professional in Managing AI) | Modernization, Innovation, or Tech driven construction | No experience required |
Growth Trends
The number of PMP-certified professionals has been steadily increasing, showing a significant rise in certification uptake globally.
Career Impact of the PMP and Other Recognized Certifications
- Higher Salaries: PMP holders often enjoy higher median salaries compared to non-certified professionals
- Enhanced Career Prospects: Certification is linked to improved professional opportunities and recognition
- Those with a PMP Certification reported 33% higher median salaries than those without a PMP Certification across 21 countries surveyed
- PMP certification stands out as the gold standard in project management, but its suitability depends on your career goals and project management methodology preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to apply for PMP certification?
The application process involves three steps:
- Confirm eligibility - This depends on a combination of academic and work experience
- Gather your information - Document your education and work experience
- Create a Project Management Institute account and fill out the application at www.pmi.org
For more detailed steps visit: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp/earn-the-pmp/how-to-apply
Can I use my Post 9/11 and/or GI Bill benefits to offset or pay for a Certification?
Yes. The GI Bill provides financial assistance for certification exams. Eligible service members can learn more and apply using VA Form 22-0803. For eligibility inquiries, contact VA at 888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551).
Is there a military discount for the PMP Exam or other Certifications?
While the PMP exam does not have a direct military discount, reimbursement options are available through programs like the Post 9-11 GI Bill and DOD Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL). Explore these options at Military2PM Funding. https://vets2pm.com
How do I translate my military skills and experience into the PMP application?
- Review military evaluations to identify leadership, projects, training development, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) written
- Speak with a member of our PMIWDC Military Outreach and Engagement Program who can answer questions and help you look for resources
- Utilize Vets2PM's free military application translator via their Student Portal
- Explore resources for insights into transitioning military skills as they relate to project management terminology
- Refer to the Project Management Institute's Certification Handbooks located at: www.pmi.org. The handbooks outline all the requirements for obtaining and maintaining PMI Certifications. https://www.pmi.org/certifications
Recommendations for Exam Preparation
Register for training through PMI Authorized Training Partners. You can access with courses available through the PMI Learning Platform or authorized PMI third party companies that specialize in exam preparation courses.
Military Liaisons within PMIWDC Chapter
- Serve as liaisons between PMI chapter members and military groups in the chapter's region
- Guide and assist military personnel interested in PMI or Project Management
- Provide mentorship, including:
- Assistance with PMI certification applications
- Transition support (e.g., resume reviews, interview preparation, networking)
- Sharing resources and third-party connections
Volunteer Opportunities with our PMIWDC Military Outreach and Engagement Program?
If you have military-related experience and wish to help service members transition into civilian project management careers, consider joining the PMIWDC Military Outreach and Engagement Program Committee! Preferred qualifications include:
- A desire to assist military members, veterans and their family members
- Any PMI certification
Contact Us
Contact the Military Outreach CommitteeScan the QR Code:
Or email to following PMIWDC Representatives:
Brian Hence, Vice President of Membership
Mike Lasher, Military Outreach and Engagement Program Representative
Membership@pmiwdc.orgQuick Links & Resources
Project Management Related Quick Links
- Project Management Institute (PMI): https://www.pmi.org
- PMI Military Outreach: https://www.pmi.org/military
- PMI Washington DC Chapter Membership: https://www.pmi.org/chapters/WDC
- PMI Global Certification Page: https://www.pmi.org/certifications
- PMP Certification Page: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp
- Application Checklist: https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/your-pmp-application-checklist.pdf
- Volunteer Engagement Platform (VEP): https://pmi-wdc.zohosites.com/volunteer-with-us
Military Transition Assistance Related Quick Links
- DOD COOL – Credentialing Opportunities On‑line: https://www.cool.osd.mil/index.htm
- Translating Military Experience into Project Management: https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/chapters/washington-dc/documents/pmi_s_translating_your_military_experience.pdf
- Post‑9/11 GI Bill Benefits for PMP Test: https://www.va.gov/.../test-fees/
- Project Management Academy: https://projectmanagementacademy.net/veterans-day-appreciation-pmp-course
- Vets2PM Military Application Translator: https://vets2pm.com
- From Service to Certified: www.pmi.org/military
- Veterans Transition Support (No Cost Training): https://veteranstransitionsupport.org/no-cost-coursera/
Project Management Education Related Quick Links
- Accredited Universities (GAC Directory): https://www.pmi.org/global-accreditation-center/directory
- Onward to Opportunity: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/getting-started/