How to find the right PMP Exam Prep Provider

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One of the requirements for sitting for the Project Management Professional exam is to earn 35 contact hours of formal project management training. The hours prove that you’re trained in PMI-approved project management protocols while allowing you to refresh your knowledge before the PMP exam. One of the easiest ways of accumulating these hours is to take on PMI’s PMP exam prep class, but some candidates prefer enrolling in a PMP training program, class, seminar, or other similar setting to meet this requirement. With the large number of PMP training providers in the market, finding the right one can prove daunting. We’ve prepared this guide to help you choose a suitable provider.

Types of PMP Training Providers

Before diving into the main topic, it would help to look at the different categories of PMP training providers. Typically, there are three types of PMP training providers:

Authorized training partner (ATP)

This training partner has met the quality and effectiveness standards outlined by PMI, so you’re confident about the quality of their training. ATPs help you meet the 35-contact-hour requirement and get to work with instructors acquainted with the current learning methods.

Earning ATP certification can be challenging for a training institute as it must undergo numerous audits to prove its credibility. PMI values transparency, hence the need for ATPs to be accountable for their claims. They must provide proof of their background, pass rates, and instructors’ experience. An Authorized Training Partner has been approved to offer:

• Agile workshops
• Courses to help you earn PDUs
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Exam Prep Course
• Project Management Professional (PMP) exam Prep course

You may also find ATPs offering PMI eLearning courses. Such courses have trainers using credible study resources like the PMP Exam Prep Simplified guide to help candidates attain the 35-contact-hour requirement hassle-free. 

However, any institution claiming to be an ATP training partner must have two badges-for the trainer and institute-and an ATP instructor. 

Registered education provider (REP )

This training institution has met all the requirements set by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to deliver PMP training. It has proved it can provide high-quality training and obtained PMI approval to use its training materials. 

Instructors at REP develop their training materials and present them to PMI for approval to ensure they meet the body’s standards before use. 

Non-authorized training partner (Non-ATP) or non-registered education provider (Non-REP)

Since this provider hasn’t met PMI’s requirements, Non-ATPs and Non REPs aren’t the best institutions for project management training. In the next part, we explain how to identify such institutions.

How to Choose a PMP Training Provider

Candidates can join any of the three training institutes discussed above because PMI accepts exam applications regardless of the training institution. However, you must understand the pros and cons of selecting them and determine whether they’re credible. 

Remember, businesses can operate as they desire, and PMP candidates have the right to choose their preferred institutions. However, some non-accredited training providers claim to be accredited, undermining the integrity of PMP certification. That’s why it’s essential to examine the following factors when choosing a PMP training provider:

Provider’s Experience

Find out the trainer’s familiarity with PMP exam content and expertise in project management. You can do this by checking their certifications, qualifications, and experience in the field. It would help to work with a trainer with a deep understanding of the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide, relevant industry experience, and a strong background in project management.

Providers’ Exposure to PMP Exam

Assess the trainer’s exposure to the PMP exam. You want to work with a trainer who keeps abreast with the latest PMP exam content, format, and exam-taking strategies. Find out if the trainer participates in PMP-related events, communities, or conferences or contributes to relevant publications. Such efforts indicate a trainer’s commitment and involvement in PMP training.

Track Record

PMP exams are challenging, as only 30% of the candidates pass the first time. As such, you want to work with a PMP prep provider with a high pass rate to increase the odds of getting a good score. 

Trainers with a high passing percentage show that the provider’s teaching technique and study materials are effective at preparing students for the exam. However, you must refrain from training institutes reporting high pass rates of 99%. 

Such providers only use the high pass rates to lure unsuspecting candidates. You also want to do some background checks to determine how the provider collects data. Training providers relying exclusively on voluntary reporting will likely report incredibly high pass rates, which aren’t always accurate. 

Consider finding a provider who contacts the candidates to inquire about their progress and performance. It would also help to determine how long they’ve been training candidates and their reputation in the industry. Find out the types of clients they’ve worked with; they could be successful PMP-certified professionals or reputable organizations.

Teaching Technique

Inquire about the trainers’ teaching techniques, especially if you’ve covered a huge chunk of the content via self-study. Find out if they offer a shorter boot camp approach or cover the syllabus in-depth. Shorter boot camps are more helpful to candidates looking to refresh their memory, but if you want to attain the 35-hour requirement, a five-day course covering the content is more suitable.

Learning Support Beyond Training

A good PMP training provider offers additional support through practice exams, prep software, Perfect PMP Exam Flashcards, and quizzes. You may also ask if they provide after-class coaching, support when applying for the PMP exam, and study groups. Such support systems make studying easy and help interact with other candidates.

Conclusion

The PMP exam is challenging, and thorough preparation is critical to success. Take the time to research and choose a provider that aligns with your learning preferences and provides the necessary resources for your PMP exam preparation. An institution’s pass rate shouldn’t be the only determinant. Verify if the PMP Training Provider is an ATP or a Registered Education Provider. Then, check its experience, exposure, teaching methods, and if it offers additional support to candidates.