A complete guide to PMP Certification

Heads up, it’s a long read ??, but if you aspire to add PMP? credentials to your name, this long post has everything you need.

It’s 8 years of learning in one post, lets get started with some basics, feel free to skip what you already know.

What is PMP Certification ?

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a globally recognized credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) for professionals in the field of project management.

Overview of PMP Certification

The PMP certification validates a professional's competence to perform in the role of a project manager, leading and directing projects and teams. It is recognized worldwide and often considered the gold standard in project management certifications.

Benefits of PMP Certification

• Career Advancement: Enhances job prospects, credibility, and career opportunities.
• Higher Salary: PMP-certified professionals often earn higher salaries compared to non-certified peers.

According to PMI, PMP certificate holders command a 32% higher salary, than their non-certified colleagues.

• Skill Enhancement: Improves knowledge and skills in project management methodologies, tools, and techniques.
• Networking Opportunities: Access to PMI's global network of professionals, events, and resources.
• Organizational Impact: Demonstrates commitment to professional development, leading to more efficient and effective project management within organizations.

Read more on PMI portal here.

Understanding the PMP Exam

To successfully pass the PMP (Project Management Professional) exam, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of its structure, content, and requirements. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you need to know:

Exam Structure

1. Number of Questions: The PMP exam consists of 180 questions.

2. Time Limit: Candidates have 230 minutes (just under 4 hours) to complete the exam.

3. Question Types:

Multiple-Choice: Choose one correct answer from several options.

Multiple Response: Select multiple correct answers from several options.

Matching: Match items from two columns.

Hotspot: Click on the correct area of an image.

Limited Fill-in-the-Blank: Provide a short answer.

4. Breaks: The exam includes two 10-minute breaks, which are optional and only available during the computer-based test. There are no scheduled breaks for the paper-based test.

PMP exam is purely based on the Examination Content Outline (ECO) published by PMI, time to time

Access PMI’s latest Examination Content Outline (ECO) here

Exam Domains and Content Outline

The PMP exam is based on three primary domains, each covering different aspects of project management:

1. People (approx. 42% of Exam Content):

- Focuses on the soft skills necessary for effective leadership and team management.

- Managing conflict

- Leading a team

- Supporting team performance

- Empowering team members and stakeholders

- Ensuring team members/stakeholders are adequately trained

- Building a team

- Addressing and removing impediments, obstacles, and blockers

- Negotiating project agreements

- Collaborating with stakeholders

- Building shared understanding

- Engaging and supporting virtual teams

- Defining team ground rules

- Mentoring relevant stakeholders

- Promoting team performance through the application of emotional intelligence

2. Process (approx. 50% of Exam Content):

- Focuses on the technical aspects of managing a project.

- Executing the project with the urgency required to deliver business value

- Managing communications

- Assessing and managing risks

- Engaging stakeholders

- Planning and managing the budget and resources

- Planning and managing the schedule

- Planning and managing quality of products and deliverables

- Planning and managing scope

- Integrating project planning activities

- Managing project changes

- Planning and managing procurement

- Managing project artifacts

- Determining appropriate project methodology/methods and practices

- Establishing project governance structure

- Managing project issues

- Ensuring knowledge transfer for project continuity

- Planning and managing project/phase closure or transitions

3. Business Environment (approx. 8% of Exam Content):

- Emphasizes the connection between projects and organizational strategy.

- Planning and managing project compliance

- Evaluating and delivering project benefits and value

- Evaluating and addressing external business environment changes for impact on scope

- Supporting organizational change

- Employing continuous process improvement

Study Plan

This is how I did it, we all are working professionals, so basis your time availability, tweak the study plan. The key is to spend 2-3 hrs everyday, maximizing on weekends. You are aspiring to be a Project Manager, take this prep as a Project.

Phase 1: Quick browsing (2 weeks)

Browse through PMBOK, get familiar with the structure. Get a hang of all the Process Groups, 10 Knowledge Areas, and the Project Management processes. At this point, there is no need to get deeper or memorize everything, however try to understand the inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs (ITTOs) for each process.

Phase 2: Deep dive (4 weeks)

Do a page by page review of PMBOK (or any other relevant reading material). Make notes, cheat codes.

Phase 3: Connecting the dots (2 weeks)

Review notes and read PMBOK again, this time, connect the dots, understand why a process is placed at a certain point in the overall scheme of things. Review chapters that are tough to crack. Redo your cheat sheet and notes

Phase 4: Test of knowledge (2 weeks)

Sign-up for mock tests, there are many available online (few links below). Give at least 3-4 mock tests back to back. Ascertain the chapters where you are scoring low, review them again

Phase 5 : Mental readiness (2 weeks)

Review PMBOK in details, refer notes, make update. Give another round of 3-4 mock tests, until you start scoring more than 85% each time

PMP Application Process

The PMP (Project Management Professional) application process involves several steps to ensure that candidates meet the necessary criteria and are adequately prepared to take the exam. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate through the application process:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility. Before starting your application, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria:

• Education and Experience:
• Four-year degree: 36 months of project management experience within the last 8 years and 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM? Certification
• High school diploma or associate's degree: 60 months of project management experience within the last 8 years and 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM? Certification

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Collect all necessary documentation before starting your application. This includes:

• Educational Records: Degrees, diplomas, or transcripts
• Project Experience: Details of projects you've managed, including objectives, roles, responsibilities, duration, and outcomes
• Project Management Education: Certificates or transcripts for project management training and courses

Use this template for capturing Project Experience

Step 3: Register and Create a PMI Account

• PMI Website: Visit the PMI website (www.pmi.org ) and create an account.
• Membership (Optional): Consider becoming a PMI member for additional resources, networking opportunities, and a discount on the exam fee.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

1. Login to PMI Account: Access the online application through your PMI account.

2. Fill in Personal Information: Provide your contact details, education, and professional experience.

3. Detail Project Management Experience:

- Describe your role and responsibilities for each project.

- Include project details such as title, duration, and key deliverables.

- Ensure the total hours of project management experience meet the eligibility criteria.

4. Detail Project Management Education:

- List the project management training and education you've completed.

- Ensure the total hours of education/training meet the eligibility criteria.

Step 5: Review and Submit

1. Review Application: Carefully review all the information provided for accuracy and completeness.

2. Submit Application: Submit your application through the PMI website.

3. Application Review: PMI will review your application, which typically takes 5 business days.

Day of the Exam

• Ensure you have all necessary documentation and identification required for the exam
• Arrive at the test center early to avoid last-minute stress
• Practice pacing yourself during practice exams to manage your time effectively during the real exam
• Use breaks wisely to rest and recharge

Useful links / Learning resources

Course to get you started with Project Management

Project Management Fundamentals - Execute like a Pro

Courses to get you started with PMP and help earn 35 PDUs

Andrew Ramdayal's PMP Certification Exam Prep Course 35 PDU Contact Hours

Joseph Phillips PMP Exam Prep Seminar - Complete Exam Coverage with 35 PDUs

David McLachlan's The Ultimate Project Management PMP Prep Course (35 PDUs)

Find solutions or even a study partner

Click here for PMHangout

From PMI

Login for filing application

PMI's Infinity exam simulator chatbot

Certification handbook

Access PMI’s latest Examination Content Outline (ECO) here

Mock exam simulators

PMBOK 7 based | 5 exams 900 questions

PMP Certification Exam Prep Exam 720 Questions

PMP Practice Test Exam 2024- As per latest ECO

This is a small collection of everything I have used or known during my PMP journey. I will continue adding more info, so keep an eye.

Any questions, DM me ??

Disclaimer : Views expressed here are my personal views. These are suggestions and recommendations that have helped me during my PMP journey, they may / may not be as effective for you. Please use your discretion.

Declaration: I am not a PMI certified trainer nor speaking on their behalf. All registered logos and trademarks belong to respective owners