Wondering whether to get the coveted PMP credential this year? As an experienced project manager, I highly recommend it.
Obtaining the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification will validate your skills leading teams and increase your earning potential. It does require effort – but the long-term career payoff is invaluable.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you step-by-step through the process of getting PMP certified based on my own experience. You‘ll learn:
- Exact PMP exam eligibility requirements
- A breakdown of all costs and fees
- Top tips for preparation and studying
- What to expect during the actual test
- How to maintain your credential long-term
Let‘s dive in to the world of PMP certification!
A Quick Overview of the Prestigious PMP Qualification
First, what exactly is the PMP certification and why is it so well-regarded in the project management field?
The PMP certification is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It verifies your competence across the five process groups in managing projects:
- Initiating projects
- Planning projects
- Executing projects
- Monitoring & controlling projects
- Closing out projects
The credential has stringent eligibility requirements and passing the exam demonstrates you have the experience, education and knowledge recognized as best practices globally.
As a result, the certification carries major weight and signals your expertise leading teams and executing successful projects.
Here is why the PMP qualification stands out:
✔️ Globally recognized standard – Used in nearly every country worldwide
✔️ Advances your career – Boosts your resume and salary (more on that later!)
✔️Opens up opportunities – Many management job listings request or require PMP certification
✔️ Validates broad PM skills – Assesses competencies across the project lifecycle
So in summary – yes, going through the process of getting PMP certified is absolutely worthwhile! But first, you‘ll need to check if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Determining Your Eligibility for PMP Certification
Earning the PMP credential requires meeting expectations set out by PMI around relevant education and professional work experience.
Specifically, all candidates must:
- Hold a secondary degree
- Complete 35 hours project management education
- Prove professional experience commanding projects
The amount of project leadership experience needed depends on your educational attainment level, as shown in this handy eligibility table:
| Education Level | Project Mgmt Experience |
|---|---|
| Secondary degree only | 60 months (5 years) |
| Bachelor‘s degree | 36 months (3 years) |
Let‘s break down what‘s entailed for each prerequisite.
Educational Background Requirement
You must have graduated high school (or equivalent) as a base level of education. Degrees beyond secondary schooling like an associate‘s or bachelor‘s also qualify.
Project Management Education Requirement
Before testing, you need to complete a 35-hour course or program focused specifically on project management fundamentals and best practices.
This can be fulfilled through:
- University and college courses
- Industry training workshops
- Online education programs
I‘d recommend an [online PMP exam prep program](https://www.pmti.org/pmp-exam-prep– Eighth-Edition) since they directly equip you with knowledge for passing the actual test. More on prep options in a bit!
Project Management Experience Requirement
This is where you prove hands-on experience directing the key aspects of live projects during your career.
As the eligibility table shows, the total months leading projects differs based on your education. But regardless, your experience must show competency across all five process groups:
- Initiating projects – tasks like defining goals
- Planning projects – building out project plans
- Executing projects – leading and managing delivery
- Monitoring & controlling – tracking work and budgets
- Closing projects – wrapping up loose ends
The online experience verification system allows you to record your qualification project leadership experience.
Pro Tip: If you‘re shy on experience in certain process areas, try taking on project work to fill the gaps while preparing for the exam.
Now that you know the eligibility criteria inside out, let‘s get into the application and documentation details.
How to Apply for the PMP Certification Exam
Applying for the PMP exam involves gathering up required paperwork and submitting it through PMI‘s online system.
Follow these key steps:
1. Achieve Eligibility
First, ensure you meet all the education, training and work experience prerequisites outlined above.
2. Prepare Documentation
You‘ll need to provide documentation that validates your project management credentials, including:
- Secondary degree diploma or global equivalent
- Transcripts or certificates from PM education programs
- Letters from managers and sponsors verifying your leadership of projects
3. Complete the Online Application
Head to PMI‘s certification site and create an account. Then complete the online application in full, uploading your eligibility documentation.
4. Submit Exam Payment
Once approved, you‘ll receive payment instructions to register for the test:
- PMI member fee: $405
- Non-member fee: $555
After payment is processed, you‘ll have one year to schedule your PMP exam at a local test center.
Now let‘s get you prepped to pass the challenging test!
Preparing for the PMP Certification Exam
The PMP exam lasts 4.5 hours with 230 questions focused on project management principles and situational scenarios.
With up to 40% of first attempts ending in failure – proper preparation is crucial.
Follow these best practices for PMP exam prep:
🔷 Study the PMBOK® Guide – Review PMI‘s key resource detailing PM best practices
🔷 Complete a PMP Prep Course – Formal training readies you for the precise exam content
🔷 Use PMP Practice Exams – Mimic real testing with sample questions and tests
🔷 Join a Study Group – Connect with peers prepping for added support
Let‘s explore the exam prep options and tactics in more detail:
Studying the PMBOK® Guide
PMI‘s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) codifies industry standards and best practices for project management globally.
While dry and dense reading, thoroughly studying the PMBOK ensures you understand PMI‘s methodology and principles.
As a prep resource, it will help you recognize concepts assessed during the exam. So commit to closely reviewing its 600 pages across the 10 Knowledge Areas and 5 Process Groups.
Enrolling in a PMP Exam Prep Course
While reviewing the PMBOK is invaluable, I highly recommend complementing self-study with formal project management training through a prep course.
Keep in mind completing 35 education hours focused specifically on project management is a certification requirement.
So why not fulfill this demand AND set yourself up for exam success through a prep program?
Here are excellent PMP exam prep course options I recommend exploring:
PMP Training Experts: Global training organization with flexible formats including self-paced, online instructor-led and more
The Knowledge Academy: PMI accredited training with a 100% exam pass guarantee
Simplilearn: Aligned to latest exam content with simulated exams and roleplaying exercises
A quality training program provides structure, best practices, mock exams and expert guidance tailored to passing the PMP exam.
Practicing with PMP Sample Questions
They say "practice makes perfect" – and that definitely applies to nailing the PMP certification test.
I cannot stress enough the importance of testing yourself with practice questions and full-length mock exams. It familiarizes you with PMI‘s challenging question formats and trains your brain to recall concepts.
Aim to answer hundreds of sample questions during your study regimen. When possible, use exam simulators that mimic the actual testing experience by tracking your time and score.
Thoroughly review any missed questions until you fully grasp the concepts assessed. This over-preparation ensures no curveballs on exam day!
Forming a Study Group
Finally, I‘d recommend buddying up with other professional associates also preparing for the PMP exam.
Connecting with peers through a study group provides:
✔️ A support network when the material gets tough
✔️ Others to test your knowledge against
✔️ Accountability to stick to a routine
If you don‘t know anyone prepping for the test, check out PMI chapter meetings in your city or online PMP exam prep communities. Having comrades along the journey can do wonders for motivation!
Now that you‘re prepped for battle, let‘s set expectations on the exam itself.
What to Expect During the PMP Certification Exam
Here are key details on what the 4.5 hour exam administration entails:
💡 Format: Computer-based test at authorized Pearson VUE test center
💡 Length: 230 multiple choice questions
💡 Duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes total appointment time
💡 Question Types: Multiple answer, drag and drop, hotspot diagrams requiring multiple clicks
💡Content: Situation-based questions across project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure
To gain the coveted PMP credential, you‘ll need to achieve a passing score of at least 61% (142 out of 230 questions).
While grueling, thousands of project managers just like you conquer the exam each year. With diligent preparation using resources in this guide, you‘ll have the knowledge needed to join their ranks!
Now let‘s tally up the costs you can expect to invest in PMP certification.
How Much Does Earning PMP Certification Cost?
Achieving the PMP credential requires both financial and time commitment. Let‘s break down typical costs:
PMP Exam Fees
| Expense | PMI Member Rate | Non-Member Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam registration fee | $405 | $555 |
| Re-take fee (if needed) | $275 | $375 |
Exam Prep Materials
| Expense | Price Range |
|---|---|
| PMP exam prep course | $300 – $2,500 |
| Text books and practice exams | $50 – $500 |
| PMI membership (optional) | $129/year + $10 application fee |
So in total, plan to invest $1,000 to $3,000+ when accounting for the exam, prep materials, training courses and other expenses on your PMP certification journey.
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs that can help offset costs too.
Now let‘s get into the brass tacks – is getting PMP certified really worth the effort and investment?
Is Earning PMP Certification Worth It?
In one word – absolutely.
Independent research shows obtaining PMP certification delivers immense value for your career and salary over the long run.
Let‘s look at five compelling benefits:
1. Substantially higher salaries
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PMP certified project managers in the US report earning $112,000 per year on average according to PMI‘s 2021 salary survey, with an median of $125,000.
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This represents a 20-25% boost over non-certified PMs
2. Increased hiring demand from employers
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Between 2010 and 2020, demand for PMP certified talent surged over 350% (Anderson Economic Group study)
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Leading companies like Deloitte, PwC and JPMorgan Chase explicitly request or require PMP certification
3. Career advancement and leadership opportunities
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Over 60% of PMP certified respondents land senior PM roles compared to just 39% without (2021 PMI report)
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Because it‘s internationally recognized, the PMP enhances your mobility for global PM positions
4. Great ROI on the investment
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Most PMPs recoup their certification investment in less than 2 years through salary increases
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Many employers also offer exam prep and test reimbursement programs
5. Recognition as an expert PM authority
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Boosts respect from colleagues, stakeholders and employers
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Validates your dedication to ongoing PM education
Clearly, the PMP qualification delivers immense value across your career – from fatter paychecks to managerial promotions.
While earning it takes work, the long-term payout makes getting PMP certified incredibly worthwhile.
Maintaining Your Credential with PDUs
I want to briefly touch on maintaining your PMP status.
Once certified, you must actively keep your credential in good standing through PMI‘s Certification Requirement Program every 3 years. This involves:
● Earning 60 professional development units (PDUs)
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1 PDU = 1 contact hour of learning
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There are many ways to earn PDUs like taking classes, attending events, self-guided learning and more
● Paying the renewal fee
- $60 for PMI members
- $150 for non members
Actively earning PDUs ensures you stay current by renewing your training.
Let‘s Get You PMP Certified!
As a PMP certified project manager myself, I highly recommend embarking on the path towards this prestigious credential.
Although the process spans months of preparation, it will supercharge your earning potential and cement your expertise.
Here‘s a quick summary of key steps we covered:
💫 Meet all the PMP certification eligibility prerequisites
💫 Submit your exam application and documentation
💫 Complete project management education hours
💫 Thoroughly prepare and study for the test
💫 Pass the tough 4.5 hour PMP exam
💫 Maintain your credential through earning PDUs
Review this comprehensive guide anytime as you work towards becoming PMP certified this year.
You‘ve got this! Here‘s to advancing your career and salary. Now go out there and slay that PMP exam!
