Certification or common sense?

CERTIFICATION OR COMMON SENSE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT?
Throughout history, large-scale projects have been undertaken well before any formal project management certifications existed. One of the most remarkable examples is the construction of the Great Pyramids in ancient Egypt, which date back to around 4,000 BCE. We also know of other architectural marvels such as the Seven Wonders of the World, and countless grand structures from ancient Greece and the Roman Empire that still stand today. Even from the Middle Ages, we can observe monumental achievements like cathedrals and castles. This raises a thought-provoking question: How did these builders manage such complex endeavors without modern project management certifications?
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Common sense vs. project management
Were these ancient and medieval projects simply guided by common sense?
While it might seem so, the reality is more nuanced. The builders, engineers, and architects of old certainly relied on a form of “common sense”—which we might also call hands-on experience and lessons learned through trial and error. However, mistakes did happen. Some projects took generations to complete. Take the cathedral of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona as a modern example: its construction began in 1882 and continues to this day, over 140 years later.
It is highly unlikely the original sponsors or the architect, Antoni Gaudí, planned for it to take well over a century. In fact, wealthy patrons, royals, or religious institutions typically wanted these structures completed within their own lifetimes. But with frequent interruptions, lack of advanced technology, political changes, and evolving designs, lengthy delays were common.
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Examples of success
Were there any ancient constructions completed “on time” by today’s standards?
Certainly! The Great Pyramids had to be ready by the time the Pharaoh died (a date that was unknown and unpredictable). The Roman Colosseum was completed in about 11 years—a significant feat of organization for its era. Another extraordinary example is Julius Caesar’s bridge across the Rhine: ancient sources say it spanned a few hundred meters and was erected in just days (some accounts claim six days). After Caesar’s army had crossed, the bridge was deliberately destroyed to prevent a retreat, demonstrating both strategic thinking and remarkable efficiency.
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Why did some projects succeed?
Why did some “common sense” projects appear more successful than others?
The real key lies in experience and lessons learned. Over time, techniques were refined and passed down from one generation of builders to the next. This continuous improvement is the bedrock of effective project management today. Just as the ancient Egyptians constructed new pyramids roughly every 40–70 years—giving them ample time to observe and learn from previous projects—Roman engineers built roads, aqueducts, and fortifications repeatedly, honing their methods as they went. Caesar’s legionaries, accustomed to campaigns across Europe, became experts at swift bridge-building from repeated practice.
In modern terms, these ancient achievements reflect the essence of project management:
1.    Documenting what works and what doesn’t (even if it was done informally back then).
2.    Applying lessons learned on subsequent projects.
3.    Constantly improving processes based on real-world experience.
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Reflecting on your own projects
Think about some of the “projects” you’ve managed personally—building or renovating a house, planning a wedding, or organizing an office move. Did you rely solely on common sense, or did you apply certain processes, checklists, or advice from experts and past experiences? Did your project always finish on schedule and on budget, or did you encounter surprises along the way? Often, our best teacher is experience itself.
(Ask me for a bonus if everything went according to plan!)
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Conclusion: Certification vs. experience
It’s almost impossible to perfectly execute your very first project in every aspect, no matter how prepared you feel. Do you need a project management certificate to run a project? Not necessarily—but you absolutely need experience and lessons learned to succeed. A formal certification—such as PMP, PRINCE2, or any other reputable credential—helps speed up that learning curve by summarizing the best practices, processes, and procedures derived from thousands of past projects.
Ultimately, certification is an investment that can save you money, time, and stress by helping you anticipate risks, plan effectively, and adapt proven methods to your own work. Compare the cost of certification to the potential expenses of being unprepared, and the choice may suddenly become very clear. After all, few things in the project world are more valuable than a strong foundation built on both practical experience and structured knowledge.

Image Credits: Amusing Planet