Breaking Down the Basics of PMP Certification

Published on Friday, June 10th, 2011 by Dania Mallette Category: Career Development

Next to college degrees, certificate programs are becoming high in demand, especially with working professionals. With the rough economic times, even those with full-time careers are taking the steps necessary to make sure they’ve got job security. Working professionals in the Project Management field know all too well how important receiving a certificate is. The information below breaks down PMP certification, what it is, the requirements and tips for successfully passing the exam.

What is PMP Certification?

Short for Project Management Professional, PMP certification is a certificate program that allows project managers to demonstrate their skills and expertise in their field. Only by passing the final exam can a project manager receive recognition of this accomplishment, which is a certificate stating their proficiency in Project Management. Obtaining PMP certification greatly increases a person’s chances of being promoted and can even boost their salary by as much as 10%, according to the Project Management Institute’s official website.

Requirements & Applying for the PMP Exam Sample PMP Certificate

Not just anyone can sign up to take the exam to receive PMP certification. There are one of two ways a person can be eligible:

Requirement #1: 4-year Bachelor’s degree (or acceptable equivalent), 35 hours of project management education, minimum 3 years as a project manager and 4,500 hours experience leading and directing projects.
Requirement #2: Secondary diploma (high school or acceptable equivalent), 35 hours of project management education, minimum 5 years as a project manager and 7,500 hours experience leading and directing projects.

If you are eligible, the next step is to apply for the certification exam. Doing this step online is fast, convenient and gives you instant access to all the resources you’ll need. While there are different websites where a person can apply, the PMI certification program offered through the Project Management Institute’s site is among the best ones to complete this process through. To apply through the PMI certification website, users must first create an online account. From there, they will have access to the site’s study materials, handbook, forms and test preparation resources.

When to Take the Exam?

After creating an online account through the PMI certification website, it is up to you to decide when you’ll take the final exam. There will be a list of exam dates available for you to choose from, including the ability to find a testing facility close to where you live. Once you feel ready, simply register for the test online, pay any applicable fees and continue studying until the big day. The exam itself is made up of 200, multiple-choice questions. 61% or higher is considered a passing score.

Tips for Preparation

There are a number of ways people can prepare for their upcoming exam. The PMP credential handbook is filled with in-depth information about the certification exam and the different topics that will be covered. There are also online sample questions taken from previous exams and other study materials that can be utilized. Formal preparation courses/programs are also available for those that do better in a classroom environment with an instructor. Joining an online or offline study group with others is a great way to get the most out of studying. This is why it is important to set the exam date well in advance in order to give yourself plenty of time to prepare. According to the Project Management Institute, people that pass the exam successfully devoted at least 35 hours to studying.

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