Project Management Careers in Denver: PMP Certification Guide

If you are aspiring for a career in project management, then obtaining the PMP certification can open up numerous opportunities for your professional career. Armed with the PMP certification on your resume, you can position yourself as an individual with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage projects. 

In this post, we will understand how you can acquire the PMP certification in Denver, the sectors in Denver and Colorado where you can find promising project management jobs and the various types of roles and titles available.

We’ll also discuss the startup industry in Denver and how a project manager role in a startup company can provide you with the perfect launchpad for your career, offering a lucrative salary.

Project Management in Denver: Project Management Professional (PMP) Jobs

• Logistics, storage and distribution: Denver’s strategic location and extensive transportation systems make it a hub for storage and distribution, serving the Mountain States, Southwest, and Western states. Its proximity to major cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and San Francisco further enhances its position as a key trade point in the country. Project management professionals in the logistics, storage and distribution industry oversee the planning, implementation, and optimization of storage and distribution systems, ensuring efficient movement of goods and services across the region. 
• Government and Defense Sectors: Denver’s considerable government presence, with federal agencies and defence and space-related companies, contributes significantly to its economy. Denver is also Colorado’s capital; hence, in the government sector, project managers oversee public infrastructure projects, construction initiatives, and urban development plans. 
• Energy and Mining: Historically, Denver’s economy has been influenced by mining and energy companies attracted by the region’s mineral-rich Rocky Mountains. In the energy and mining sector, project managers oversee exploration, drilling, and production projects. They manage field operations, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance to ensure efficient extraction of resources and minimize environmental impacts.
• Telecommunications and High-Tech Industries: Denver also has telecommunications and technology companies like Qwest Communications, Dish Network Corporation, and Comcast. It is also home to several start-ups, and project managers in such organizations play a pivotal role in overseeing software development projects, implementing IT infrastructure upgrades, and managing digital transformations.

Irrespective of the industry you work in, as a project manager, you play a critical role in driving the organization’s business success and ensuring that it achieves its strategic objectives through efficient project execution.

Value of obtaining PMP Certification in Denver

Having a PMP certification can significantly enhance your chances of landing a project management job in a reputable organization in Colorado. PMP-certified professionals demonstrate expertise in project management best practices, which are highly valued by employers across a variety of industries. 

Plus, in a competitive job market, it’s always a good idea to obtain an industry-recognized certification to differentiate yourself from other candidates who would also be vying for the same position as you.

Project Manager Salaries in Denver

PMI, the official certifying body for the PMP, states that PMP-certified project managers earn 32% more than their contemporaries without the certification. Therefore, obtaining the PMP certification wouldn’t hurt.

Here are some interesting statistics about Project Manager salaries in Denver, according to ZipRecruiter:

• Average salaries for an Entry Level Project Manager in Denver is $111,313, which equates to $53.52 per hour.
• The salary range for Entry Level Project Managers in Denver spans from a low of $39,627 to a high of $166,744.
• The majority of Entry Level Project Manager salaries fall between $80,800 (25th percentile) and $126,600 (75th percentile), with top earners making $150,274 annually.
• There is significant variation in pay range, up to $45,800, suggesting opportunities for advancement based on skill level, location, and experience.
• The job market for Entry Level Project Managers in Denver and the surrounding area is highly active, with numerous opportunities available.

Here’s some data below on the top-paying job roles in the project management field in Colorado: 

In summary, if you’re aiming for a salary of over USD 100,000, pursuing a career in project management by obtaining the PMP certification could be a wise choice.

How to Fulfill PMP Certification Requirements

To qualify for the PMP certification, candidates must meet specific criteria outlined by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Below are the requirements:

• If you possess a Four-Year College/University Degree, then you must:

• Show a minimum of 36 months (three years) of experience in leading projects   within the past eight years and,
• Complete at least 35 hours of project management education/training or hold a CAPM® certification.

• If you only possess a High School or Secondary School Diploma, then you must:

• Show a minimum of 60 months (five years) of experience in leading projects within the past eight years.
• Fulfill the requirement of at least 35 hours of project management education/training or possess a CAPM® certification.

Irrespective of your background, industry, or current job, if you can demonstrate to PMI that you have project management experience, then you can successfully pass the PMP application process and qualify for the certification.

You can find several PMP application examples on the Internet to guide you in writing project descriptions for your PMP application.

PMP application assistance: Pass the PMP Application Process with CareerSprints.com

The PMP application process can be overwhelming if you don’t understand what exactly PMI is looking for on your application. PMP application rejections are quite common, and once the application is rejected, you cannot move forward in the PMP certification process. 

So, if you’re currently struggling to write your PMP application or don’t feel confident about what you have written, then you can consider the PMP application review and rewrite service offered by CareerSprints.com. They have a 100% application approval rate and guarantee that they will get your PMP application approved on the first try. Their service has proven to be reliable for over 300+ candidates in the last 2 years, and they have several testimonials by successful candidates to back up the quality of their work.

PMP Certification Training Options in Denver

Like most major US cities, you will find a variety of training options for the PMP, from in-person courses to live virtual training to self-paced e-learning courses. I have outlined the advantages and disadvantages of all the different types of training below.

In-person PMP Classroom Training

In-person training provides a classroom experience and allows you to interact with other students, enabling learning to occur in a more engaging environment. However, such courses also have a notorious reputation for cramming a large amount of information into a 4-5 day course, which can lead to information overload and cause disengagement with the class.

Self-paced PMP Course

Self-paced learning (e.g Udemy courses) offers greater flexibility and convenience, allowing you to learn at your own pace. However, dropout rates for e-learning courses are high, as they require a high level of discipline, drive, and commitment to complete the course modules and prepare for the exam.

Virtual PMP Training

Zoom or other types of virtual software-led live courses can be attended from the comfort of your home without the need to travel anywhere. However, many candidates experience Zoom fatigue since they may need to stare at the screen for several hours during the course. Another downside of a virtual learning environment is that students may feel disengaged and uninterested if the class mainly involves reading slides or lacks interactive activities.

PMP Blended Programme

A great option to consider is one which involves the learning flexibility of completing the course in your own time with assistance and direction from a personal coach. These types of courses are called ‘PMP Blended Programmes’ that allow students to learn using a combination of classroom training, e-learning, and personalized coaching and support throughout the course. Having an accountability partner and a coach would enable you to stay committed to completing the course materials and providing the motivation, guidance, and support to properly prepare for the exam. An approach like this has been beneficial for students who are looking at a 2-3 month timeline to completing their PMP.

Here is a quick comparison chart showing the different PMP training options: 

It is also important to consider the costs and time constraints when choosing a PMP training program. You must compare the costs charged by the provider against the value delivered. If you feel you would benefit from additional support, then check if the provider is able to provide that or not. Also, look into help with PMP application assistance because if you need it, then the provider must help you successfully pass the application process.

By carefully evaluating the available PMP training options and selecting the one that aligns with your preferences and goals to pass the PMP exam, you can set yourself up for success on the path to earning your PMP certification in Denver.