How to Get a PMP Certification: An Overview

The PMP certification is a gold standard for project management. It proves an individual has the knowledge and skills to manage projects in any industry. The certification is globally recognized, and many companies use this as a first screening for many project management jobs. Therefore, getting a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification can be a great way to progress in your project management career. This article will explore the steps involved in getting a PMP certification.?

Step 1: Determine and Fulfill Eligibility Criteria

The first step would be to check your eligibility to take the exam. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), to take the PMP exam, an individual will need to fulfill the following criteria:

? If an applicant has a 4-year degree, 36 months of experience leading projects within the last eight years is required. In addition, 35 hours of project management education/training is also required. If you have the CAPM certification, then this can be used for the education or training component.

? If an applicant has a high school diploma or associate degree, 60 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years is required. In addition, 35 hours of project management education/training / CAPM certification is also required.

To fulfill the project management education/training requirement, many options are available to suit various budgets. The most preferred options for applicants are shown below:??

? An instructor-led class (either physical or virtual) - I would recommend attending an instructor-led course from an Authorised Training Provider (ATP). Details of ATP's can be found via the PMI website. Although this option would seem pricey, it does provide a class environment where you can learn from the instructor and other classmates through the interactive class discussion of the exam topics. This aspect is the key benefit of this choice. Some ATPs also provide guidance and review on the PMP application.

? A second option is a self-paced online course. These are available via the PMI website, ATP website, Udemy, etc. This option works well if you cannot attend classes at a set time. It allows you to take the course at a suitable time. In addition, the price point will be lower than an instructor-led course.

? If you have completed a project management course at a university or college, you can also check if it meets the PMI 35-hour training requirement.?

Once you have met the experience and education criteria described above, you are ready to progress to the next stage of the process.?

Step 2: Compile and Submit PMP Application

The PMP application can be found online on the PMI website. If you do not have a PMI account, one must be created to compile the application. To simplify the process, gather the necessary information before starting the application, i.e., your education, work experience, and project management training details.?

The PMP application consists of the following sections:?

? Personal Information: This section requires you to fill out your personal information, such as name, address, and contact information.

? Education Information: In this section, you will need to provide information about your education, name of the institution, degree earned, and date of graduation.

? Work experience: Here, you will need to provide information about your work experience, including the name of the organization, your job title, and a description of your project management responsibilities.

? Project management education: In this section, you'll need to provide information about your education, including the name of the course, the institution, and the number of hours completed.

? Document project management experience: This section requires you to document your project management experience, including the project title, the number of hours worked, and a description of your role.

? Review and apply: Before submitting your application, review it carefully to ensure that all information is accurate and complete. Once submitted, you will not be able to make any amendments. Once you are comfortable, apply.

? Pay for the exam: You will also be able to make payment for the exam as part of the application process.

Once the application is submitted, PMI typically takes five to ten business days to review and approve PMP exam applications. If your application is accepted, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your exam.?

There is also a possibility that your application may be selected for audit. If this occurs, remain calm and provide any information requested promptly. The audit process ensures quality in the PMI processes, and once completed, you will be provided with your application results.

Step 3: Prepare, Schedule, and Take the Exam

While waiting for your application to be authorized, you can start preparing for the exam. The PMP exam is challenging, but you can improve your odds of success with the correct approach.?

Understand the exam format

It is important to understand the exam format and the type of questions encountered. The exam consists of 180 questions, and 230 minutes are allocated to complete the exam. In addition to the 230 minutes, you are also allowed 20 minutes to take breaks during the exam – 10 minutes is allowed after 60 questions, and a further 10 minutes is allowed after 120 questions. Be prepared for the following types of questions: multiple choice, multiple responses, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and hotspot.?

Know what material to study

In addition to the study material you would have gained from the PMP exam course [ 35 hours of project management training], it is advisable to utilize the following books to prepare for the exam. (Note: Previously, the PMBOK was the only book required to study to pass the exam. As the PMP exam covers the Predictive, Hybrid, and Agile approaches, it is not sufficient to only use PMBOK.)?

? PMBOK 7th Edition – this provides general guidelines for all project managers. It is approach agnostic.?

? Agile Practice Guide – A practice guide detailing the Agile Approach to projects.?

? Process Group: Practice guide – A practice guide that details the Predictive approach to projects.

The exam tests your understanding of the PM concepts, not your ability to memorize information. Therefore, your focus should be on comprehending the material and how to apply the concepts to real-world situations.?

Create a Study Plan

The key to obtaining the PMP certification is dedication. Therefore, it is important to create a study plan and, more importantly, stick to it. A routine is very helpful to gain consistency in studying; therefore, carving out a few hours every day for studying will be beneficial. When creating the study plan, you can utilize the Exam Content Outline (ECO) to ensure that all domains and tasks are covered in your plan.?

Take Practice Exams

Studies have shown that individuals who excel in their practice exams have a greater chance of passing the real exam. Practice questions as you go along for a better understanding of the material. I would suggest doing 3 – 4 full-length practice exams. If possible, simulate exam conditions while taking the practice exams.?

An important note: It is important to review all answers after taking the practice exam – both the correct and incorrect answers. This step is important for learning and closing any gaps in knowledge.

Schedule the Exam

Schedule the exam via the PMI link if you have not done so. You would need to go to an exam center to take the exam. Choose the center closest to you and book a date and time that suits you. You can make changes until a certain point; after that, you will be charged for any changes.?

Take the exam

On the exam day, ensure you arrive early to prevent any stress of missing the start time. Ensure you have brought along the identification described in the PMI email.?

Staying calm will ensure that you can logically think through the scenarios. If you do not know the answer, mark your best guess, and write down the question number to return to it later. Ensure that you have a plan on how many questions you need to complete per hour and track this as you go through your exam.?

Once you press the submit button or when time runs out, the exam will be automatically scored. This action means that you will be presented with your results as soon as the exam is over.?

Maintain Your Certification

The PMP certification, once obtained, must be maintained. To maintain the certification, 60 Professional Development Units (PDU) must be completed in a 3-year cycle. PDUs can be earned through working in the profession, attending training courses, participating in webinars, volunteering in the project management community, reading books, etc.

In summary, while earning a PMP certification can be challenging, it is a valuable investment for your career. The certification can provide numerous benefits, such as increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and professional recognition. It demonstrates your project management expertise.?