How to Become a PMP (Project Management Professional)

Job security is increasingly more important in today's work environment. Project Management is one field that has not suffered as much as some, and the PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification is highly sought after. Why not enhance your credentials with a PMP Certification?

APPLICATION SUBMISSION:

In this step you will be documenting all of your education, experience, and project management education. This can be done online at the Project Management Institute (PMI) web site. PMI is very clear in defining these requirements.

Ensure you meet the education and professional experience requirements:

PMI offers two options to meet the education and professional experience requirements. The first option requires a high school diploma, associate's degree or global equivalent AND 5 years project management experience (at least 7,500 hours leading and directing project tasks) AND 35 contact hours of formal education. The second option requires a bachelor's degree or global equivalent AND 3 years project management experience (at least 4,500 hours leading and directing project tasks) AND 35 contact hours of formal education. Once you submit your application, this application window is open for 90 days.

APPLICATION COMPLETENESS REVIEW:

It takes PMI about 5 business days to review your application once submitted online.

APPLICATION PAYMENT PROCESS:

If your application passes the review process, you will need to pay for your exam before it can be scheduled. The cost of the exam is $555 ($405 for PMI members).

AUDIT PROCESS:

If your application is selected for audit, this process will take 5 business days. During this process you will be asked for copies of diplomas and signatures from supervisors or managers to the projects you have worked on.

MULTIPLE-CHOICE EXAMINATION ELIGIBILITY:

You are eligible to take your test for 1 year from the date of your application being approved. If you have not taken your test in this period of time, you will need to reapply.

The exam contains 200 multiple-choice questions. 25 of the questions are considered pretest questions, and 175 are scored. You will be given 4 hours to complete the exam.

CERTIFICATION CYCLE:

Your certification is valid for 3 years after passing the exam. After this time, you will need to complete continuing education to maintain your certification.