Top 10 PMP resources 2015

By Sarah Morgan


Get ready to take on your PMP exam with these top PMP resources 2015. It’s a waste of your time and money to attempt an exam you’re not prepared for. Instead, get ready to pass first time by studying the best material available.

These top PMP resources range from study guides to practice exam simulators and even interactive games.

1. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK 5 Guide)

This is an essential resource for PMP students and a crucial revision tool. Every PMP aspirant should study this official guide as it covers the most recent PMBOK in its entirety and provides the international standard upon which PMP is based.

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMB Guide) - 5th Edition

• Paperback - £39.99 – Amazon.co.uk
• Kindle edition - £37.99 - Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.co.uk

2. Head First PMP Paperback – December 29, 2013

Learn the latest objectives and topics in the PMBOK5 with this bestselling PMP guide (with over 100 reviews and a four star average on Amazon.com). This intelligent book covers PMP’s underlying concepts as well as a thorough exam preparation guide with hundreds of practice questions and strategies.

Head First PMP Paperback – 29 Dec 2013

• Paperback - £39.99 – Amazon.co.uk
• Kindle edition - £37.99 - Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.co.uk

3. How to Manage a Camel

Take some time out of your revision to browse Arras People’s ‘How to Manage a Camel.’ This great project management blog covers all aspects of project management, including PMP and PRINCE2.

You’ll get a better appreciation of project management as a career and a more comprehensive base of knowledge. Plus, there are some great PMP specific articles to read as part of your revision process.


4. PMP ITTO Mind Map

This is a great PMP revision tool for visual learners. Developed by Kim Synder and based on the PMBOK Guide 5th Edition, this mind map visualises 10 project management knowledge areas found in PMP.

Get the pdf here.

One page in the comprehensive 10 page mind map

5. PM Zilla forum

PM Zilla is one of the most popular PMP specific forums. There are over 10,000 threads covering topics from PMP exam questions to applying PMP in real world situations. Got a tricky PMP question that Google can’t answer? Ask in the forum

Forums are a great way to learn regardless of which certification you are studying for. Interacting with other students, discussing the curriculum and asking questions is one of the best ways of both learning and putting your knowledge into practice. However, make sure you verify your information, as there’s no real way of gauging it’s quality otherwise (it could be incorrect!).

And don’t forget – forums are participatory and at their most rewarding when you aren’t just asking questions, but answering them too.


6. Techexams.net PMP Forum

One forum is never enough – here’s a second great project management forum from techexams.net. You’ll find some great user-created revision guides and active threads. As always – make sure to double (and triple) check the information you read.

Bear in mind, though most posts relate to PMP, this forum is dedicated to project management certifications as a whole.

7. Rita’s process game

One skilled PMP student has even developed a game to help others understand the correct sequence of all project management processes and planning processes.

Find it here.


8. Firebrand Learn

Firebrand Learn is a free platform for self study. We’ve added a massive amount of PMP content to it - you’ll get:

• Course material taught on Firebrand’s official PMP course
• Exercises
• Free practice test questions and answers 
• A collection of third party resources

Combine A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK 5 Guide) with the resources on Firebrand Learn and you’ll be well on your way to passing the PMP exam.

Firebrand Learn's of practice exam questions

We’ve had some great feedback about Firebrand Learn. Take a look at what Michael Greer of bestfreetraining.net said about it:

Start revising PMP right now on Firebrand Learn– you won’t need to pay or register.


9. PMP Exam Self-Assessment Test - Oliver Lehmann

From this site you’ll get access to 75 free sample questions with a simulated 90 minute time to mimic the exam. Click ‘Solve Sample Test’ once you’re done to see an instant percentage score.

You’ll also get access to an additional 175 PMP sample questions in pdf form. Unlike the interactive online questions, this document is intended to be printed and completed by hand.

Don’t be discouraged if you’re score is lower than you expected, as Cornelius Fitchner of The Project Management Podcast states, “Hands down, this web site has the toughest questions around. If you are able to answer more than 50% correctly, then hats off to you.”


10. PM Exam Simulator

As the name suggests, this tool simulates the PMP exam and provides 175 free sample questions. You’ll answer questions of the same style and difficulty that you can expect to find on the real exam and will get access to three different modes of:

• Real exam mode: a simulation of the real PMP exam experience
• Timed mode: you’ll receive hints and answers but will still be timed
• Learning mode: get hints and answers with no time limit.

Unfortunately, you’ll only get the above for three days with the free trial account. The full service will set you back $99.


How to know if you’re ready for the PMP exam

We recommend you read, re-read and read again to absorb the knowledge you need. Next, tackle the PMP mock exams and sample questions until you can consistently score 75% or above. Once you can do this – you should be ready.

However, if you don’t have the time available to dedicate to self-study – there are others ways to get certified, take a look at our official accelerated four day PMP course.


Related articles:

• PRINCE2 vs. PMP - which certification should you choose?
• Four great benefits of the PMP certification
• See what happened when we asked our Project Management instructor your PMP questions

About the Author:        
Sarah writes for Firebrand Training on a number of IT related topics. This includes exams, training, certification trends, project management, certification, careers advice and the industry itself. Sarah has 11 years of experience in the IT industry. 

PRINCE2 vs. PMP - which certification should you choose?

By Sarah Morgan

PRINCE2 and PMP are both well-known and respected project management certifications. But it’s not always easy to know which one to achieve. And whilst they’ll both give your project management skills a boost, what’s the use if you can’t apply your new knowledge in the workplace?

Let’s pit these two certifications against each other and take a look at what they can do to boost your career.

Introducing PRINCE2 & PMP

PRINCE2 - Projects in Controlled Environments

Originally developed by the UK’s Office of Government Commerce, it is now regarded as the de-facto standard for project management in the country. It also exerts a visible influence across Europe and Australia.

With over a million total PRINCE2 exams taken, it’s also the most popular project management methodology in the world.

According to arras People’s 2013 UK Project Management Benchmark, the PRINCE2 is held by 63% of all project management professionals.

PMP – Project Management Professional

PMP is built around PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK). Administered and created in the USA, the PMP has become the primary project management certification for North America.

Despite being less known in Europe than PRINCE2, it’s certainly not unknown and is increasingly gaining in popularity.

According to arras People’s 2013 UK Project Management Benchmark, the PMP is held by 9% of all project management professionals.

What do these certs cover?

PRINCE2

There are two levels of certification within the PRINCE2: Foundation and Practitioner. You’ll have to pass both to become a registered PRINCE2 practitioner.

PRINCE2 is a project management methodology that covers the management, control and organisation of a project. You’ll learn a flexible and adaptable framework that suits a wide variety of different projects.

This certification follows a sophisticated and clearly defined methodology that outlines detailed steps and processes that your project needs to achieve success in a controlled environment.

The well-laid out and standard approach that PRINCE2 uses is designed to be as generic as possible. As a result, the PRINCE2 processes are recommended for just about any kind of project.

PRINCE2 also helps to eliminate ambiguity by laying out clear roles and responsibilities of the team including: project executive, project manager, senior supplier, financier and senior user.

You don’t need previous project management experience to achieve this qualification and even experienced professionals can benefit from the PRINCE2.

PMP

Unlike the PRINCE2, the PMP is structured around the PMBoK and is a project management standard. You’ll become familiar with PMBoK processes and accepted project management techniques to enable you to evaluate your own projects.

It is therefore more of a theoretical and referential guide to assist you in the management of projects.

This certification evaluates your advanced knowledge of project management. As such you are expected to have existing project management experience.

To even apply for the PMP you’ll need at least 5 years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects. You’ll also need 35 hours of project management education (which can actually be gained by completing a PRINCE2 course).

How long will your certification last?

PRINCE2

As a Registered PRINCE2 Practitioner you must be be re-registered within 3-5 calendar years of your original certification. Failure to pass the Re-Registration examination after five calendar years as a Registered Practitioner will result in withdrawal of your registered status.

PMP

After achieving your PMP qualification you must participate in PMI’s Continuiing Certification Requirements (CCR) program to maintain your active certification status.

During the three-year cycle, you must attain 60 professional development units (PDUs). Once your three-year cycle is up, it starts all over again.

You’ll be obtaining PDUs by engaging in project management activities related to your PMP certification. PDUs are split into two categories: Education PDU and Giving Back to the Profession PDU. For more information on how you obtain PDUs, take a look at PMI’s official PMP handbook.

Industry needs and cultural differences

We recommend you thoroughly research your project management certification choices depending on the industry you work, or want to work in. Every industry will treat these certifications differently - you don’t want to achieve a cert which might prove to be less valuable than its counterpart.

When job-hunting in the UK and the EU as a whole, we recommend first taking the PRINCE2. As we mentioned earlier the PRINCE2 is immensely popular - especially in the UK where it is favoured by government.

Benefits – the bottom line

PRINCE2

1. Possibly the best introduction to project management

With its lack of prerequisites, PRINCE2 provides the ideal entry-level qualification for a career in project management. With a clear methodology, the PRINCE2 can take beginners and quickly transform them into educated project managers.

2. Improved career and employment prospects (in the UK and EU)

The PRINCE2 can improve your career prospects across the UK and EU. Due to its popularity in Europe and strong government ties, it is viewed favourably by employers.

 3. A standardised and complete methodology

The PRINCE2 provides a clear methodology that you can continually apply to almost any project. Plus, by using the same approach across every project, you’ll eliminate confusion through the use of common procedures, documents and processes.

PMP

1. Improved salary prospects

The PMP demands tougher prerequisites. It’s harder to achieve and as a result it commands higher salaries.

PMI Project Management Professional jobs display an average advertised salary of £60,000 according to data from ITJobsWatch.co.uk

2. You’ll have up-to-date skills

Unlike PRINCE2, PMP demands commitment to your project management career. As a result of the Continuing Certification Requirements, you’ll need to stay active within the project management community. This means, whether you want to or not, you’ll be continually sharpening your skills. Make no mistake; employers will be aware of this factor.

3. PMI Membership

When you obtain your PMP certification, you can gain PMI Membership. As a PMI member you’ll get exclusive access to publications, networking opportunities and professional development opportunities. You’ll be able to easily connect with peers, grow your career using an expansive collection of knowledge resources and get access to a premium job board for project management.

So who won?

The smoke has cleared and incredibly, both project management certifications are still standing.

This guy just loves project management
morguefile / Ambro

Our project management instructor argues that, in a perfect world, you would have both certifications.  PRINCE2 provides a tried-and-true methodology whilst PMP provides the skills and knowledge required by the Project Manager to carry a project through to completion.

Achieve both and you’ll possess an encompassing and rounded approach to project management.

We recommend you thoroughly research both certifications, depending on what your long-term goals are, which side of the world you’ll be working from and in what industry.

Find out more about PMP and PRINCE2here.

Related Articles:

• The minimalist guide to PRINCE2
• See what happened when we asked our Project Management instructor your PMP questions
• Four great benefits of the PMP certification

About the Author:        
Sarah writes for Firebrand Training on a number of IT related topics. This includes exams, training, certification trends, project management, certification, careers advice and the industry itself. Sarah has 11 years of experience in the IT industry. 

Four great benefits of the PMP certification

By Sarah Morgan

Certifications are the perfect indicators of the skills, knowledge and experience you possess in your field of expertise. Whether you’re a network engineer, a software developer or project manager, certifications will always give you the edge over your competition, but this is not the only benefit.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

PMI’s PMP certification is one of the most prestigious and popular credentials in the project management field. Due to its prominence, project management professionals, more often than not, are inclined to add PMP to their collections. However, getting the cert is not easy, so it’s best to familiarise yourself with the benefits to help you through the process.

Entering new circles: Indirect benefits, such as this one, are often overlooked, even though they can turn out to be extremely valuable. Picture this; you are training to get your PMP certification where you meet fellow “PMP-to-be” candidates. This is a fantastic networking opportunity, because you are working towards the same goal, which may be true outside of the classroom as well. Once you have the certification, you are in the elite community of PMPs, where you can continue networking with likeminded professionals.

Prestige and skills:The PMP course will teach you new skills, which you’ll be able put into practice as soon as you’re out of the classroom. But that’s not all! Your certification will also give your personal prestige, as well as your CV a mighty boost. There will be times when those three letters next to your name will be the reason why you are hired over another consultant or freelancer.

Continuous learning:Recruiters, managers and executives are always seeking professionals whose appetite for knowledge is insatiable and who never want to stop learning. Learning is the key to staying on top of what’s changing and evolving around you. Preparing for the PMP certification is a demanding process and it’ll put you in the habit of pursuing knowledge. Never stop learning and you’ll be always a step ahead.

Higher salary: Okay, you would definitely think of this benefit, but we still need to talk about it, because the figures may surprise you. So, intangible and indirect benefits are great, but the most noticeable measure of your career progress is the amount you earn. Adding that PMP credential next to your name can quickly lead to a 20% increase in your salary or billing rate if you’re a consultant. According to itjobswatch.com PMP certified project managers, on average, earn over £58k per year. But that’s not all, 10% of PMPs get even higher paychecks. Experienced, capable and committed project management professionals are offered a salary of more than £85.

Network with your PMP peers, keep learning and exploit all the benefits of your PMP certification, and you can belong to that elite 10%.

Need some inspiration? Watch this video of some of the greatest projects in the world:

About the Author:       
Sarah writes for Firebrand Training on a number of IT related topics. This includes exams, training, certification trends, project management, certification, careers advice and the industry itself. Sarah has 11 years of experience in the IT industry. 

A video tour of Firebrand Learn

By Sarah Morgan

As you might know, last September marked the launch of Learn, Firebrand’s self-study platform, where students can access course material, practice tests, exercises and additional resources at no cost.

The first course made available on Learn was PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP). In case you haven’t checked it out yet, you are in luck, because now it's even easier with Mike Greer's fantastic video tour of the platform.

“This video is a quick tour of the free training materials available at the Firebrand website to help you qualify for your PMP (Project Management Professional) certification from PMI (Project Management Institute). We quickly "walk through" the website's collections, including powerful "accelerated" study tools, exercises and answers. If you want to know what's involved in getting that PMP certification, this website is a GREAT place to start!”

About the Author:       
Sarah writes for Firebrand Training on a number of IT related topics. This includes exams, training, certification trends, project management, certification, careers advice and the industry itself. Sarah has 11 years of experience in the IT industry. 

Free PMP practice exercises help you prepare for certification success.

By Edward Jones


Over the last 10 weeks Firebrand Training have brought you all the course material from our official PMI PMP® course. Having worked diligently through all the modules, scribbling down notes and referencing a now slightly tattered PMBOK guide, you are probably asking yourself, how much of that information did I really take in? Am I really ready to take the exams?

Firebrand is here to take you one step closer to exam readiness. We have just launched a series of practice exercises specifically aligned to each module. Each exercise is aimed at helping you to gauge your understanding of individual modules, whilst helping put into practice what you have just learnt.

PMP Practice Exercises

Below are the full range of exercises currently available on the site. These can be worked through in isolation, or as part of your progression when working through the course material. 

Every exercise comes complete with a series of questions and answers, helping ensure your knowledge is up to scratch.

Project Management Process Groups	Questions	Answers
Project Integration Management	Questions	Answers
Project Scope Management	Questions	Answers
Project Time Management	Questions	Answers
Project Cost Management	Questions	Answers
Project Quality Management	Questions	Answers
Project HR Management	Questions	Answers
Project Communications Management	Questions	Answers
Project Risk Management	Questions	Answers
Procurement Management	Questions	Answers
Stakeholder Management	Questions	Answers

What Next...

Completed all the course material and exercises? Still looking for more information to boost your PMP knowledge? 

Over the next few weeks we will be preparing to launch a series of practice tests, which should take you one stage closer to exam readiness. Keep checking back on Firebrand's Google+ page for all the latest updates.

About the Author

As part of Firebrand's global marketing team, Edward actively works to serve the IT community with news, reviews and technical how to guides. Working in the Industry for almost 3 years years, Edward has a wide variety of experience with Microsoft Technologies including SharePoint and Windows Server and Exchnage Server. Edward is an active member of the IT community contributing to a variety of tech publications including Microsoft TechNet, Channel Pro and PC Advisor among others.

Check out the final module of our free PMP course - Project Stakeholder Management

By Edward Jones

This Monday brings about the completion of a 3 month project to bring you all the course material from Firebrand Training's accelerated PMP course on our FREE self-study platform, Learn. Having worked on the project i'm pretty excited to complete phase one of the launch, the course material.

Now we move to phase two which will roll out over the next few weeks:

Free Practice Tests - we will be bringing you a plethora of practice questions so you can gauge your knowledge on each module. There will also be two practice tests, which are 50 and 100 questions respectively, helping you to simulate the exam situation.

Exercises -  a series of exercises directly related to PMP course modules to help you put the knowledge into real life context, whilst testing knowledge from the respective modules.

Additional Resources - this will be a collection of expertly curated third party resources such as supplementary course material, exam preparation tips and alternative information deposits. 

Before we get to all that we must first look at this weeks module launch on project stakeholder management, followed by a comprehensive breakdown of all modules....

What is covered in Project Stakeholder Management?

These are the sub sections you will work through in this weeks module:

13.1 - Identify Stakeholders - Initiating

• The process of identifying the people, groups, or organisations that could impact or be impacted by a decision, activity, or outcome of the project; and analysing and documenting relevant information regarding their interests, involvement, inter-dependencies, influence and potential impact on project success.

13.2 - Plan Stakeholder Management - Planning

• The process of developing appropriate management strategies to effectively engage stakeholders throughout the project life cycle, based on the analysis of their needs, interests and potential impact on project success.

13.3 - Manage Stakeholder Engagement - Executing

• The process of communicating and working with stakeholders to meet their needs/expectations, address issues as they occur and foster appropriate stakeholder engagement in project activities throughout the project life cycle.

13.4 - Control Stakeholder Engagement - Monitoring & Control

• The process of monitoring overall project stakeholder relationships and adjusting strategies and plans for engaging stakeholders.

Looking back...

Check through this PMBOK® matrix to find all our course material which is also available on the course material homepage.

Projects, Project Management and Project Managers
Projects, Programmes and a Portfolio
Project Manager knowledge and skills
Organisation Structures for Projects
Understanding the Project Environment and Organisational Environment
Project Governance, Stakeholders and Project Sponsors
Product Lifecycle vs. Project Lifecycle

PMBOK's Project Managament Process Groups

Knowledge Areas	Initiating	Planning	Executing	Monitoring & Control
4. Integration Management	4.1 Develop Project Charter	4.2 Develop Project Management Plan	4.3 Direct and Manage Project Work	4.4 Monitor and Control Project Work4.5 Perform Integrated Change Control4.6 - Close Project or Phase
5. Project Scope Management		5.1 Plan Scope Management5.2 Collect Requirements5.3 Define Scope5.4 Create WBS		5.5 Validate Scope5.6 Control Scope
6. Project Time Management		6.1 Plan Schedule Management6.2 Define Activities6.3 Sequence Activities6.4 Estimate Activity Resources6.5 Estimate Activity Durations6.6 Develop Schedule		6.7 Control Schedule
7. Project Cost Management		7.1 Plan Cost Management7.2 Estimate Costs7.3 Determine Budget		7.4 Control Costs
8. Project Quality Management		8.1 Plan Quality Management	8.2 Perform Quality Assurance	8.3 Control Quality
9. Project HR Management		9.1 Plan Human Resource Management	9.2 Acquire Project Team9.3 Develop Project Team9.4 Manage Project Team
10. Project Communications Management		10.1 Plan Communications Management	10.2 Manage Communications	10.3 Control Communications
11. Project Risk Management		11.1 Plan Risk Management11.2 Identify Risks11.3 Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis11.4 Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis11.5 Plan Risk Responses		11.6 Control Risks
12. Procurement Management		12.1 Plan Procurement Management	12.2 Conduct Procurements	12.3 Control Procurements
13. Stakeholder Management	13.1 Identify Stakeholders	13.2 Plan Stakeholder Management	13.3 Manage Stakeholder Engagement	13.4 Control Stakeholder Engagement

What next?

Stick with us for the final release of material by following us on Google+, get these dates in your diary and check back as we work towards completing the PMP course on Learn.

PMP Practice Exercises - Monday 25th November

PMP Practice Tests - Part 1 - Monday 2nd December

PMP Practice Tests - Part 2 - Monday 9th December

Additional Material - Monday 16th December

About the Author

As part of Firebrand's global marketing team, Edward actively works to serve the IT community with news, reviews and technical how to guides. Working in the Industry for almost 3 years years, Edward has a wide variety of experience with Microsoft Technologies including SharePoint and Windows Server and Exchnage Server. Edward is an active member of the IT community contributing to a variety of tech publications including Microsoft TechNet, Channel Pro and PC Advisor among others.

Learn PMP for Free - 11. Project Risk Management

By Edward Jones

According to Wikipedia, today is the 308th day of the year.....a day remembered for historic events including the formation of the NSA by the US Governement, Howard Carter uncovering the entrance to  Pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings and now of course, the launch of the latest module from Firebrand's PMP course.

Having completed the Project Communications Management module, we can now move onto Project Risk Management.

What is Project Risk Management?

This module is all about identifying potential threats to a project, implementing preemptive measures to minimize risk and responding in the event of said risks occurring.

Project Risk Management is another asset integral to the success of a project. The inability to effectively manage risk can result in serious delay, financial loss or failure of a project in it's entirety.

What is covered in Project Risk Management?

Below are the six sub sections covered in the Risk Management Module:

11.1 - Plan Risk Management - Planning

• Deciding how to approach, plan and execute the risk management activities for a project

11.2 - Identify Risks - Planning

• Determining which risks might affect the project and documenting their characteristics

11.3 - Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis - Planning

• Prioritising risks for subsequent further analysis or action by assessing and combining their probability and impact

11.4 - Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis - Planning

• Numerically analysing the effect on overall project objectives

11.5 - Plan Risk Responses - Planning

• Developing options and actions to enhance opportunities and to reduce threats

11.6 - Control Risks - Monitoring & Control

• Tracking identified risks, monitoring residual risks, identifying new risks, executing risk response plans and evaluating their effectiveness throughout the project life cycle

What next?

 To get ongoing updates of the final roll out of learn, why not follow us on Google+ LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

Here are some important dates to put in your diary and check back on Learn:

12. Procurement Management - Monday 11th November

13. Stakeholder Management - Monday 18th November

End of Session Practice Tests - covering PMBOK Guide® Overview, Lifecycles and Organisation Types, Integration Management, Scope Management, Time Management and Cost Management - Monday 25th November

About the Author

Edward is a member of the Marketing team focussing on Technical writing and Community Engagement for Firebrand. Working in the Industry for over 2 years, Edward has experience with Microsoft Technologies including SharePoint and Windows Server and Exchnage Server. Edward writes for a variety of Blogs and Publications on all things Technology

Top Ten Project Management Smart Phone Apps

Whether you are studying Project Management Training or are already PRINCE2 or PMP certified, you may want to get yourself some apps. Smart phones have evolved to become a must-have for project managers - and indeed anyone in business. Below are ten apps which can help you to remain in control of your projects.

iStudy PMP Exam (Free)
A fantastic app to use as a study aid when preparing to take the PMP exam, containing hundreds of practice questions.

PRINCE2 Snakes and Ladders (£4.99)
No prizes for guessing this is snakes and ladders with a PRINCE2 twist, in an interactive approach to revising for those upcoming exam questions.

Mindmeister (£3.99)
A great app for quickly noting and sharing your ideas. Your mindmap becomes a live document, that you and your colleagues can add to in real-time.

iPocketCoach (£0.59)
Love it. Those new to project management can gain instant advice on this very handy app. Remind yourself and others on how best to deal with a certain situation.

Evernote (Free)
Remind yourself of your ideas and inspirations wherever you are. With Evernote you can automatically sync your notes, images and sound recordings to one online portal.

Documents to Go (£5.99)
This is great if you’re unable to take the laptop with you. Edit documents and presentations on your phone, which can then be shared with your colleagues.

Tungle (Free)
When working on a global project it can be tough to align everyone’s calendars. Tungle is a great way of arranging meetings that you know everyone can attend.

ClockIn (£1.79)
A useful way to quickly note your time spent on different projects or clients. The information can be saved in CSV format, so that it can go directly into your spreadsheets.

Cisco WebEx Meeting Center (Free)
Online meetings are a must for anyone involved in global business. This app means that you no longer need to be routed to your desk – a life-saver when working across different time zones.

White from Qipit (£7.49)
This is the most expensive app in the list, and it’s here merely because I think it’s cool. Take photos of your whiteboard scribbles, and it automatically formats the image to appear exactly how it looked on your whiteboard – vivid, bright and on a pure white background.

The Most In-Demand Certs

In this month's Certification Magazine, Dave Willmer looks at the certifications that are most attractive to employers. Dave explains: "An industry-recognized certification can provide you with a competitive edge whether you’re looking for a new position or trying to advance within your current firm." The top certs are:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The (ISC)2 CISSP is a vendor-neutral certification that includes: access control, cryptography, operations security, and security architecture and design. CEOs rank security as the second-hardest functional area to fill.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

The Microsoft MCSE is a great differentiator because you must sit seven exams in order to pass it. Dave points out: "Job candidates who have earned any Microsoft certification have an edge in the job market."

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Firebrand Training offers more than just IT certifications. The Project Management Institute PMP is relevant to project managers in any industry - particularly IT. You need three-to-five years of project management experience in order to sit the course. This, alongside the certification, demonstrates extreme dedication and knowledge.

Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

The Cisco CCNA certification proves that you can successfully administer medium-size route and switched Cisco networks. Students sit Exams 640-822 and 640-816. On completing Exam 640-822, the student automatically becomes Cisco CCENT certified too. Two for one!

CCNA, MCSE, PMP and MCSA top the big-earners list

Research by Dice Learning has proven that it pays to be certified - with higher salaries dished out to those with the top certifications.

Evan Lesser, Director of Dice Learning, explains: "When you combine in-demand skill sets and proven salary impact, specific certifications become valuable to individual technology professionals."

An example of this is practitioners who gained Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA) certification. The "ability to install, configure, run and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks" - with the handling of security and wireless technologies - means there are more than 650 job opportunities requesting CCNA skills listed on Dice.com.

Professionals certified as a Project Management Professional were found to be high earners, and those unemployed were more likely to find a new role. Dice Learning claims that there are currently 1,400 jobs with PMP certification listed as a requirement. Other Microsoft certifications found to increase average salaries included: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrators (MCSA).

Rate your salary: PMP certification

The GoCertify website lists the average salaries for those with some of the most highly sought-after certifications.

On the PMP certification page, salaries are listed for job roles such as Project Manager and IT Manager. Information is provided by PayScale.

With Firebrand Training you could be PMP certified and recognising your earning potential within only five days.

Median Salary by Job - Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP) (United States)

Compare your salary: Get a free Salary Report