Gaining a project management certification is a big decision. It's a lot of work to go through PMP courses, and whether you're doing a PMP online course or purely attending a PMP prep class, it requires an investment of time and money. You're going to want to ensure it's worth all the hassle.
It depends on your situation, but for the vast majority of project managers, gaining a project management certification is a great leap forward in your career. The most important factor is the way you can differentiate yourself from the competition in recruitment processes. Like in any other industry, demand for the top jobs in project management is huge, and the competition is fierce. Anything that can get you one step ahead is valuable, and a project management certification can get you many steps ahead of those who are without one. Employers recognise the value of PMP courses, and appreciate the commitment it takes to pass the PMP Certification Test, as well as the valuable knowledge that you will gain.
It's also a fantastic way to build up your personal confidence. When you set yourself a goal and then achieve it, it's a fantastic boost. Formulating a plan, working hard to achieve it, and then reaching your goals is a great way to achieve personal growth.
The skills that you will learn in PMP prep class are tools that you can utilise when needed. You never know when something that came up in your PMP courses will arise in your job, and when you've got the skills and knowledge already, you can really hit the ground running.
The most important factor, and the one that keeps you motivated, is the ability a project management certification has to enable to earn more money! It's not unusual for someone who has gone through PMP online courses to earn 20% more than those who haven't!