PMP Certification

What is the PMP certification?

The Project Management Professional or PMP certification is the industry’s most recognized certification for Project Managers. It is also the most sought after, allowing successful candidates to demonstrate to employers, clients, and colleagues that they have the experience, training, and skills required to lead projects successfully.

This certification is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which is the leading international body in its field, and its certifications are a guarantee of prestige for the professionals who obtain them.

PMP Certification Eligibility Requirements

The Project Management Institute requires that you meet a number of initial requirements before you are eligible to sit the PMP exam.

  • A four-year degree
  • 36 months leading projects
  • 35 hours of project management education or CAPM® Certification.

OR
  • A high school diploma or an associate’s degree (or global equivalent)
  • 60 months leading projects
  • 35 hours project management education/training or CAPM® Certification

How hard is the PMP examHow hard is the PMP exam

The benefits of PMP certification

Advancing on the career ladder, either by earning a promotion or by moving on to a better organization, is far from easy and requires a lot of hard work and patience. However, things can become much easier with PMP certification. It will improve your project management skills and make you better at managing important issues such as time, costs, risks, quality, and people. And inevitably, it will help you to gain that all-important salary increase, thanks to the new roles and responsibilities that you will be able to take on. Not to mention your increased chances of working in the international arena.

People who have passed the PMP exam have highlighted the following five benefits of having the PMP certification:

Boost your professional career

The PMP certification is an international accreditation recognized by the entire global business community. Companies - not just multinationals, but SMEs and startups as well - are always on the lookout for PMP-certified Project Managers because the certification is a guarantee of a person's practical project management ability.

Improve your skills as a manager

All employees with technical profiles, such as engineers and programmers, those in financial and commercial departments, and also executives, spend a period of time learning and developing their specialties, but there comes a point when they need to widen their field of action. This is generally because they need to become more versatile and productive, as they want to take on positions and/or tasks with greater responsibilities.

And in this sense, the PMP certification provides the great benefit of adding and improving skills and knowledge, a benefit which also usually comes with an increase in salary.

Expand your professional horizons

The PMP certification is a great help for those who want to work in global organizations anywhere in the world, since the PMI methodology has become the international "language" of reference. Additionally, as a certified PMP, you will meet the increasingly present need to be certified before you can access certain positions within an organization. You will also have the opportunity of contacting other certified PMPs from around the world, expanding and strengthening your social network, and thereby gaining access to more job offers, references, advice, and knowledge.

 

Increase your salary

Many surveys indicate that PMP-certified project managers earn at least 20 percent more than their non-certified colleagues. Be the Project Manager that companies are looking for and pass the PMP certification exam. In doing so, you will learn to manage projects in an optimal and practical way.

According to LinkedIn, the PMP is the third highest-paying certification for 2023. This article points to the fact that, according to Payscale, the average salary for certified professionals is $115,000.

Furthermore, like your PMP colleagues, clients, and suppliers, you will make decisions in accordance with an internationally accepted, generalized agreement methodology, significantly improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and security of all your decisions.

Demostrate that you know how to manage

If you want to convince employers, clients, etc. of your skills as a project manager, then getting certified as a PMP is the best way to do so, seeing as the exam consists of a set of practical case studies for which the simple memorization of key concepts is not enough. The only way to pass it is by knowing how to put concepts and tools into practice, and therefore, only someone who can demonstrate their practical ability will become certified as a PMP. Start your PMP certification training with MeasureUp.

No matter what your field - engineering, commerce, finance, research, telecommunications or IT - PMP certification has many more benefits than the five listed here.

A PMP credential is ideal for professionals looking for better job opportunities and promotions, and it is a great step towards entering new markets, industries and countries. Look to the future and start your certification process.

PMP: one of the most popular certifications nowadays

The PMI’s certification framework offers a total of 24 distinct certifications, applicable to project management professionals at practically any stage of their career, which include Agile certifications and micro-credentials. The Agile certifications cover approaches related to Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, and others and each can be undertaken as part of PMI Agile learning journey.

How long does it take to get the PMP certificationHow long does it take to get the PMP certification

Renewal and experience requirements

The requirements for the maintenance of the certification, in terms of the required Professional Development Units (PDUs) acquired within a specified period, as well as prior education and experience requirements differ for each certification.

 

0-3 years’ experience

 

Among those certifications designed for relative newcomers to project management is the Project Management Ready (PMR) certification, which is aimed at high school and post-secondary students to prepare them for a future career in the project management industry. As such, the PMR has no education or experience requirements. The other certifications in this broad category of experience are the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), the Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM), and the Disciplined Agile Senior Scrum Master (DASSM). In some cases, one of these certifications might be recommended as experience for the next level of certifications.

 

3+ years’ experience

 

The PMP is aimed at those professionals, considered to be skilled practitioners, at the next stage of their project management career and is the most popular and sought-after of PMI’s certifications. In addition to the PMP, other certifications pitched at this level of experience are the PMP Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA), the Disciplined Agile Value Stream Consultant (DAVSC), and the Disciplined Agile Coach (DAC).

 

Specialization

 

Certifications that are assessed as specialization certifications serve to highlight a level of expertise in a given area. These are the PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP), the PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP), the Agile Hybrid Project Pro (AHPP) micro-credential, the Agile Metrics Micro-Credential (AM-MC), the Citizen Developer Practitioner (CD-P) micro-credential, the Citizen Developer Business Architect (CDBA) micro-credential, the Built Environment series micro-credentials and the Organizational Transformation Series (OTS) micro-credentials.

 

8+ years’ experience

 

The PMI considers these certifications as elite level, given that there are only a few thousand holders worldwide. The certifications offered for senior-level practitioners are the Program Management Professional (PgMP), and the Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP). These certifications have more demanding experience requirements and require you to have at least 48 months of program or portfolio management experience (or more without a four-year degree). The PMP can be used as part of the experience requirements for the PgMP, but not for the PfMP.

Preparing for the exam is easy with MeasureUp

  • Start by using our free 30 question extended demo, to see the value of our practice exam firsthand before you buy.
  • Full practice tests with 714 questions and complete explanations.
  • 41 hours of video tutorials with 100 episodes of 40 minutes each will ensure you have all points covered.
  • You will then be ready to sign up for your online, proctored exam!
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A FEW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PMP CERTIFICATIONS

How hard is the PMP exam?

The difficulty of the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam can vary from person to person, depending on their background, experience, and preparation. However, overall, the PMP exam is widely regarded as challenging by many candidates. The difficulty is mainly due to the extensive amount of material covered, the complex situational questions, and the requirement to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

To succeed in the PMP exam, it's essential to invest sufficient time in studying and preparing for the test. Many candidates opt for dedicated PMP exam preparation courses, study guides, practice exams, and review materials to increase their chances of success.

Keep in mind that the Project Management Institute (PMI), which administers the PMP exam, regularly updates its exam content outline and format. Therefore, it's crucial to stay up to date with the latest information and exam guidelines provided by PMI before scheduling and preparing for the PMP exam.

How long is the PMP exam?

The PMP (Project Management Professional) exam is a four-hour long exam. During this time, candidates are required to answer 200 multiple-choice questions. The questions are distributed across various project management domains and are designed to assess the candidate's understanding of project management principles and their ability to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios.

It's worth noting that the PMP exam format and duration are subject to change, as the Project Management Institute (PMI), which administers the PMP certification, periodically updates its exam content outline and guidelines. Therefore, it's essential to check the latest information and exam details on PMI's official website before scheduling your PMP exam to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

How many questions in PMP exam?

The PMP (Project Management Professional) exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. These questions cover various project management domains, processes, and best practices, and candidates are given four hours to complete the exam.

However, please note that exam formats and details are subject to change over time. The Project Management Institute (PMI), which administers the PMP certification, periodically updates its exam content outline and guidelines. Therefore, it's crucial to verify the current exam details on PMI's official website before scheduling your PMP exam to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information on the number of questions and the exam structure.

How long does it take to get the PMP certification?

The time it takes to obtain the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification can vary depending on individual circumstances and factors such as your level of experience, availability to study, and how quickly you can complete the application process. Here are the typical steps and timelines involved in obtaining the PMP certification:

  1. Eligibility Check and Application Process: Before applying for the PMP exam, you need to meet the eligibility requirements set by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Generally, you must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree, or equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience and 7,500 hours leading and directing projects, or a four-year degree with at least three years of project management experience and 4,500 hours leading and directing projects. Additionally, you need to have completed 35 hours of project management education/training. The application process itself can take some time, as you need to gather and document your project management experience and education. Once you submit your application, PMI takes a few days to review and approve it. This step can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the completeness and accuracy of your application.
  2. Exam Preparation: After your application is approved, you can schedule your PMP exam. The time it takes to prepare for the exam varies depending on your prior knowledge and experience in project management. Some people may dedicate a few weeks to study intensively, while others may spread their preparation over several months.
  3. PMP Exam: The PMP exam is a four-hour long exam with 200 multiple-choice questions. After passing the exam, you will receive your PMP certification if all other requirements have been met.

 

Overall, the process of obtaining the PMP certification can take anywhere from a couple of months to a year or more, depending on how quickly you can complete the application process and how much time you dedicate to exam preparation. It's essential to plan and manage your time effectively to ensure a successful certification journey.

How long does it take to study for PMP?

The amount of time you need to study for the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification exam can vary depending on several factors, including your prior knowledge and experience in project management, your familiarity with the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) guide, and the amount of time you can dedicate to studying each day or week.

On average, many PMP candidates devote around 3 to 6 months to preparation before attempting the exam. However, this is just a general estimate, and your actual study duration may be shorter or longer based on your individual circumstances.

Here are some factors to consider when determining how long to study for the PMP exam:

  • Your Background: If you already have a solid foundation in project management concepts and have been actively managing projects, you might need less time to prepare compared to someone who is relatively new to project management.
  • Study Commitment: The time you can dedicate to studying each day or week is a crucial factor. Regular, focused study sessions are more effective than sporadic or infrequent ones.
  • Study Materials: The choice of study materials, such as PMP exam prep books, online courses, PMP practice tests, and study guides, can impact your preparation time. High-quality and comprehensive resources can help streamline your learning process.
  • Study Plan: Creating a structured study plan that outlines what topics you'll cover each week and sets milestones for progress can help you stay on track and make efficient use of your study time.
  • Practice Exams: Taking practice exams is essential in order to assess your readiness for the actual PMP exam. Allow time to review your performance on PMP practice tests and identify areas that need further study.
  • Work Experience: If you have relevant project management work experience, it can provide practical insights that complement your theoretical knowledge and potentially shorten your study time.

 

Remember that the PMP exam is comprehensive and covers various project management domains and processes. It requires both a good understanding of theoretical concepts and the ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. Give yourself enough time to thoroughly grasp the material and reinforce your learning through practice.

Ultimately, the key to successful PMP exam preparation is a well-thought-out study plan, dedication, and consistency in your study efforts.

How difficult is the PMP exam?

The difficulty of the PMP (Project Management Professional) exam is subjective and can vary from person to person. However, overall, the PMP exam is widely considered to be challenging by many candidates.

The PMP exam assesses a candidate's knowledge of project management concepts, processes, and best practices as outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide. It requires a solid understanding of various project management domains, such as initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing projects.

The difficulty of the exam can be attributed to several factors:

  • Comprehensive Content: The PMBOK guide covers a wide range of project management topics, and the exam tests candidates on their knowledge of these concepts.
  • Complex Scenario-Based Questions: The exam includes situational questions that require candidates to analyze given scenarios and apply their knowledge to select the best course of action. This makes the questions more challenging and tests the candidate's ability to think critically and apply project management principles in real-world situations.
  • Time Pressure: The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, and candidates have four hours to complete it. Managing time effectively and answering all questions within the given time frame can be challenging.
  • High Passing Standard: The PMP certification is globally recognized and respected, and the exam is designed to ensure that certified professionals meet a high standard of project management knowledge and competency.

 

To succeed in the PMP exam, thorough preparation is essential. Many candidates choose to enroll in dedicated PMP exam preparation courses, study guides, and PMP practice tests to familiarize themselves with the exam format and content. Additionally, drawing on real-world project management experience can also be beneficial.

While the PMP exam may be challenging, with diligent study, preparation, and a focus on understanding the core principles of project management, you will give yourself a good chance to pass the PMP certification, just as many other professionals have done before you.