Introduction
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a big deal in the project management world. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this certification proves your skills, knowledge and experience in managing projects. The PMP certification process is meeting the eligibility criteria, applying for the exam, studying hard and finally passing the exam. In this article we will give you an overview of the PMP certification application process, benefits and exam details, to guide you through each step to get this certification.
Step-by-Step Process of Becoming a PMP-Certified Project Manager
Becoming a PMP-certified project manager is a big achievement in your career. The certification not only proves your skills and knowledge but also opens up many career opportunities. The process of getting this certification involves several steps, meeting the eligibility criteria, studying for the exam and passing the test.
One of the process groups in project management as defined in the PMBOK Guide is the executing process group. This group along with initiating, planning, monitoring and closing process groups is crucial to understand the overall framework of project management processes and is very relevant for PMP certification.
If you’re looking to transition into project management, check out our article How to Become a Project Manager: Stepping into Leadership
How to Become a PMP-Certified Project Manager
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I wanted to get my PMP certification even before I became a project manager. Very early in my career I found out how big deal the PMP was based on the positions of my colleagues who had one. The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is one of the most valuable certifications that a project manager, employer or employee can add to their resume. It’s one of the most in-demand credentials globally, with nearly 2.3 million new project-oriented roles to be created annually through 2030.
The best part is that PMP certification is industry agnostic. Construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, finance and information along with other industries need certified project managers to deal with the volatile and risky nature of global markets. Getting a PMP certification can boost your project management career, whether it’s for career advancement within your current organization or as a new career path.
If you plan to pursue your PMP certification, but don’t know how quite how to proceed, this guide should help you. We provide a step-by-step process for becoming a PMP certified project manager to help you get started.
What is the PMP Certification?
PMP certification is a globally recognized certificate for project management that gives candidates the skills and tools to manage business processes, people and priorities. Project Management Institute (PMI) awards a PMP certification to a candidate when they pass the exam.
Enhanced Skills and Knowledge: PMP certification provides enhanced skills and knowledge, including the ability to develop a comprehensive project management plan. This plan outlines the processes and frameworks that guide the project manager to deliver a project to the stakeholders, to identify and manage stakeholder interests critical to project success.
Benefits of PMP Certification
Getting a PMP certification can open many doors for project managers. Here are some of the benefits:
Increased Earning Potential: According to PMI, PMP certification holders can earn up to 25% more than non-certified project managers. This is a big salary boost and worth the investment.
Better Job Prospects: Many employers prefer or require PMP certification for project management roles. Having this credential will make your resume stand out in a crowded job market.
Enhanced Skills and Knowledge: PMP certification process gives project managers a deeper understanding of project management concepts, techniques, and best practices, making them more effective in their roles.
Increased Credibility: Globally recognized, PMP certification is a mark of excellence in project management. It shows your commitment to the profession and your ability to manage projects.
Networking Opportunities: PMP certification holders can connect with other certified professionals through PMI network, providing opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
How to Become a PMP Certified Project Manager
To become a PMP certified project manager, you have to meet the criteria set by Project Management Institute. Understanding the project life cycle is key as it includes the five process groups—initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and closing—that categorize all project management processes that are required for PMP certification. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Check the Prerequisites
When you see the prerequisites to just get a seat at the PMP certification exam ‘table’ it can be overwhelming. PMI requires candidates to meet a specific eligibility criteria before applying for PMP certification. This means you must:
Four year degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) and three years of project management experience
High school diploma and 4500 hours or 60 months of leading and directing projects
In addition to educational background, you must also prove you have completed 35 hours of project management training, with experience leading and directing projects. This is a crucial element of the pmp certification requirements.
So aspiring PMP candidates must be very careful to keep track of all projects they are involved in, recording information like project duration, their role in the project and responsibilities. Applicants with Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification can apply for a waiver for the training requirement.
Step 2: Gather the required info
Next, you need to gather the required information to fill up the application. In addition to educational qualification and personal details, PMI requires applicants to provide:
Projects they have led, including location, duration, role and responsibilities
Information about project management training, including courses taken, training institution and completed hours. If you can’t find a course or they are too expensive, consider buying a book that comes with 35-hour e-course like PMP Exam Prep Simplified book linked here.
Project documents, highlighting their importance in Project Quality Management. Managing these documents is critical to project quality as it involves activities like developing quality plans and conducting meetings to maintain inter-project controls.
Step 3: Fill Out the PMP Application and Register
Now that you have all the required information, time to start the application process. So, open the PMI website, create a professional profile to register and apply for the PMP exam. This will include providing all the information about your work experience, educational background and projects you worked on.
The application form is very long and will take more than an hour to complete but PMI allows applicants to take breaks. Be very careful in filling up the correct information as PMI will use this to determine if you meet the requirements for the exam.
Another reason to be very careful in filling up your application is they sometimes select applicants for an eligibility audit during they application review and will require you to provide documents such as training certificate, copy of degree of certification and certification of experience.
Step 4: Schedule your PMP Certification Exam
Yay! Your application has been approved. Once PMP approves your application, you can pay and schedule the exam. PMI allows up to a year to schedule the exam and if you’re a PMI member you get a discount. Candidates can choose between computer-based and paper-based test which is cheaper.
The paper-based test is only available to candidates taking a company-sponsored PMP exam or living 300+ miles away from the test center.
Exam Fee
The fee for taking the PMP (Project Management Professional) exam varies depending on your membership status with the Project Management Institute (PMI):
- PMI Members: $425
- Non-Members: $675
Becoming a PMI member costs an additional $159, but it can be beneficial as it reduces the exam fee and provides access to various resources.
With any test, make sure to allow enough time to study before taking the exam. This test is tough so don’t underestimate this. Consider your work schedule and personal circumstances as they affect the time available to study for the PMP exam.
Don't forget!
Remember, the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide is the PMP exam’s primary reference, is huge so you want to allocate enough time to read it completely. A good rule of thumb is to schedule your exam 3 months away from the time you’d take the exam. And with PMI providing three attempts within 12 months to clear a PMP exam, you won’t miss an exam. But 3 months is not always necessary. I scheduled my exam 2 weeks after getting approved although I don’t recommend this unless you are absolutely committed to a strategic and intense study plan. Now go ahead and schedule your exam!
Step 5: Get Ready for the PMP Exam
Like I mentioned earlier, the certification exam is tough so there’s no such thing as overpreparing. In addition to familiarizing yourself with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK ), you should look for additional study resources:
Exam prep books
Exam prep books like PMP Exam Prep Simplified is an excellent resource as it has valuable PMP content in an easy-to-understand format. It’s also updated for the latest PMP exam with sections for predictive, agile and hybrid project management. This book is great since it includes a 35-hour project management training course to satisfy the training requirement.
Practice Tests
Practice exams are a must to familiarize yourself with the PMP exam format and the type of questions you’ll encounter. It’s also a great way to manage your time since the PMP exam is time-sensitive; candidates must complete 180 questions in 230 minutes. Two highly rated and very helpful books to help you get familiar with the question formats are PMP Exam Prep: Questions, Answers, & Explanations and PMP Exam Prep – 2023 Exam Ready. Most Accurate Agile & Predictive Content.
PMP study guides
Adding study guides to your preparation resources can help you understand the concepts that will be covered in the exam. They can help you develop a study plan, strategies for answering questions and commonly misunderstood questions. In addition to the Exam Prep books, quick reference guides or flash cards may help as an alternate way to digest the topics. Two top rated resources you can add to your toolbox are PMP Exam: Quick Reference Guide and the Perfect PMP Exam Flashcards
Online courses
PMP online courses like those on LinkedIn and many other platforms will help you get comfortable with the PMP content and revisions. You can also read the course material anywhere.
If you’re early in your project management journey and just want to learn the ropes of transitioning into your role, check out our training course, The Accidental Project Manager.
PMP certification training course
Enrolling in a PMP certification training course will provide comprehensive preparation through expert instructors and practical exercises. These courses offer various resources and support to help you pass the PMP exam.
Step 6: Take the PMP Exam
The day has come and you want to be in the best mental state. Eat a nice breakfast and take a couple…hundred…deep breaths, you got this.
On the exam day, get there early with the proper ID. This is a good time to review your knowledge with the Perfect PMP Exam Flashcards to help you memorize the formulas ahead of the exam. Remember, the monitoring and controlling process group is key, as it covers schedule, scope and cost management.
PMP Exam Details
The PMP exam is a multiple-choice test that tests a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of project management. It has 180 questions divided into three domains:
People: 42% of the questions, this domain covers the interpersonal skills to lead and manage a project team.
Process: 50% of the questions, this domain tests your technical knowledge of project management including planning, executing and controlling processes.
Business Environment: 8% of the questions, this domain assesses your understanding of the business context where projects operate.
Cost
The exam fee for PMI members is $425, for non-members the cost is $675. Prepare well for the exam as it’s designed to challenge even experienced project managers.
Step 7: Keep PMP Certification up-to-date
Yay! You passed the PMP exam. It’s okay to celebrate, you did it!
You will be awarded the PMP certification immediately after you complete and pass the PMP exam. If you don’t pass, you can use the feedback to understand your weak areas, study and prepare for a second attempt with a much better understanding of the exam environment and format.
Since the PMP certification is valid for only 3 years, certification holders must stay involved in professional development activities to maintain the certification. This means you can spend up to 60 hours of the 3 years in professional development activities to maintain the PMP certification.
Step 8: Renew Certification
The project management world is always evolving, so you will also need to renew your PMP certification every 3 years. PMI requires candidates to earn a certain number of Professional Development Units (PDUs) every 3 years. This can be obtained through courses, webinars and reading project management related materials.
Career Benefits for Project Managers
PMP certification can impact a project manager’s career and overall performance in many ways:
Career Advancement: With PMP certification, you are more likely to be considered for promotions and new job opportunities. It shows your expertise and commitment to the profession, making you a valuable asset to any organization.
Job Security: PMP certification makes you more indispensable to your employer, more job security in an ever changing job market.
Improved Skills and Knowledge: The certification process helps you to gain a deeper understanding of project management concepts, techniques and best practices, to manage projects better. Not to mention the increased likelihood of your project’s success due to your increased knowledge.
Networking Opportunities: As a PMP certification holder, you can connect with other certified professionals through the PMI network, open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Higher Earning Potential: According to PMI, PMP certification holders can earn up to 25% more than non-certified project managers, it’s a good investment for your career.
By getting your PMP certification you can enjoy and benefit from these career benefits and become a leader in project management.
Conclusion
Now you know the step-by-step process to become a PMP certified project manager, you have all the information you need to get started. Remember to check the prerequisites before you start, study well and participate in project management related activities to maintain the PMP certification. Also check the PMI website for the latest information and any changes to the certification process. Good luck to join the PMP certified project managers club!
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