Frequently Asked Questions About PMP? Certification

Date: July 3, 2020 Author: Peter Macharia

Project management professional (PMP)? is a global project management certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The exam is based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (The PMBOK? guide-Sixth Edition, Project Management Institute, Inc., 2017). This certification is good especially to those who want to advance their career and enhance project management skills. Possessing PMP? certification has many advantages that you can’t ignore.

What is the eligibility?

• Hold a four (4) year degree Bachelor degree.
• Minimum of 4500 hours of Project Management experience in leading and directing projects.
• 35 hours of Project Management Education.

         OR

• Hold a Secondary Degree (High School Diploma, Associate's Degree, or Global equivalent).
• Minimum of 5 years of Project Management experience /7,500 hours in leading and directing projects.
• 35 hours of Project Management Education.

What is the PMP? Certification Exam Format?

PMP? certification exam is a multiple-choice questions exam, where you are supposed to choose the best answer from options A, B, C & D. Most of the PMP? exam questions are situational or application questions, as opposed to testing various concepts directly from the book.  

The PMP? exam takes 4 hours, where you are required to answer 200 questions. Out of 200 exam questions, 175 are scored, while 25 are not scored. These 25 unscored questions are included in the exam for validation purposes so that they can be included in future PMP? tests.

Is the PMP exam difficult?

Yes, PMP? exam is difficult, Click here to check, but with good preparation, it is very easy. The PMP? exam is tough since it does not test the memorization of various project management concepts. Instead, it tests whether you can be able to apply various concepts in real-life situations. Again, considering the time you are given which is approximately 1.2 minutes per question and most questions being wordy then you must be well prepared for you to pass the exam.   

What is the PMP passing score?

PMI has not published PMP? passing score and therefore, it is unknown. PMP? is a psychometric test, and passing score depends on the types of questions you score. If you encounter tough questions then pass mark could be lower, while if get easier questions passing score may be higher. However, according to Rita 9th Edition pass mark is approximated to be between 65-69%, which is equal to scoring between 114-121 questions correctly out of 175 scored question.

 What is the PMP? Certification Exam Fee?

Most of the certification exams are expensive, probably due to their value. PMP? is not different, as it is one of the most prestigious projects management certifications, and considering the value and benefits it adds to someone then, it is worth it. PMP? exam fees vary depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. 

If you are a PMI member pay you will pay $405 as exam fees, while if you are non-member, you will pay$555 as an exam fee. 

There are many advantages of being a PMI member and I would highly encourage any PMP? aspirant to be a PMI member. For instance, being a PMI member you will get a personal soft copy of PMBOK?, among other benefits. PMBOK?   is used as a course book during PMP? certification training. The PMI membership fee varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual, student, retiree, or a group. 

If you have a question regarding PMP certification, kindly drop it in the comment section. Alternatively, you can get in touch with on LinkedIn. 

Good Luck!