With over a million certification holders worldwide, the PMP is widely recognized and has been linked to multiple benefits for project managers. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
What is the PMP certification?
The Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is a globally recognized project management certification that tests a candidate’s ability to manage the people, processes, and business priorities of a professional project. There are over one million PMP certification holders worldwide, according to the Project Management Institute (PMI) which administers the certification.
It is applicable to project directors in nearly any industry, including health, construction, information technology (IT), and business. In order to get the certcollection, you’ll have to meet the experience conditions and pass a certification test. Then’s some important information about the certification:
PMP certification requirements:
In order to take the test, you’ll need to validate your education and project operation experience. These are as follows.
- 35 hours of project operation training, which means coursework that specifically addressed learning objects in project operation. This can be substituted with a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) ® certcollection.
- 36 months of experience leading systems if you have a four-time degree or 60 months of experience leading systems if you have a high- academy parchment or associate’s degree.
PMP exam cost:
As of 2021, the test figure was $555 for non-PMI members and $405 for PMI members. A PMI class was $129 a time, with a one-time $10 application fee, making the test slightly cheaper with a class.
Training for the PMP exam:
Studying for the test will take some planning and determination; test attendants generally recommend at least many months to prepare for it. There are several courses, books, and other offers available to help you study. Read further below about preparing for the test.
Renewing your PMP certification:
The PMP certification is valid for three years but can be renewed or maintained by earning 60 professional development units—defined as hours spent on accepted professional development activities—in that time frame.
Keep in mind
The PMP test was streamlined beginning January 2, 2021. The new test now comprises 180 questions rather of 200, two 10- nanosecond breaks rather of one, three “ disciplines” — phases of project management — rather of five, among other changes. Make sure your study accouterments reflect the change.
How to get your PMP certification
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your PMP certification.
1. Meet the PMP certification requirements.
Before you can take the PMP test, you’ll have to make sure you’re eligible. You’ll need either:
- 35 hours of project operation course training, and at least 36 months of project management experience if you have a four-time degree, OR
- 35 hours of project operation course training with 60 months of experience if you have an associate degree or high academy parchment
You’ll want to keep track of your systems and training, recording information like your specific part, liabilities, and length of systems or training so that you have it at hand when you apply. The training demand can be waived if you have a CAPM certification.
The PMP certification is valid three times. You’ll need to spend 60 hours during that time frame on professional development conditioning to maintain it. Else you can subscribe to take the test again.
How do I complete my 35 hours of project management training?
Still, consider the Google Project Management Professional Certificate, If you are looking for specific courses that’ll get your 35 hours of training in. No former affiliated experience is needed.
2. Apply.
Make an account with PMI and get started on an operation for the PMP test. This will number participating introductory particular information like your educational background, as well as details on the systems you’ve worked on. Once you’re approved, you’ll pay the test figure and schedule a test.
3. Prepare.
This is when you train for the test, either through coursework or on your own. Several test fix providers recommend spending 60 to 120 hours studying. This can take several months depending on how constantly you study.
4. Take the PMP exam.
The exam can be taken at a testing site near you or online. The exam takes a little under four hours to complete.
5. Maintain your certification.
The PMP certification is valid three times. You’ll need to spend 60 hours during that time frame on professional development conditioning to maintain it. Else you can subscribe to take the test again.
Is the PMP worth it?
Eventually, whether a PMP certification will be worth it to you professionally and financially depends on your unique circumstances. Then are many benefits you might see with a PMP under your belt to help you navigate your decision.
Assiduity recognition The PMP certification can show employers or guests that you know the sways and outs of project management and have the experience and training needed of a professional.
Learning new chops You’re also likely to learn a significant quantum about project management as you prepare for the test. Taking hours out of your life to master project management fundamentals like conflict resolution and budgeting can bolster the chops to make you a better project manager.
Advanced hires The PMI plant that US repliers to a recent check reported a median payment of $123,000 if they had the certification, and $93,000 if they didn’t (1). Median hires also tended to increase the longer one was PMP certified. Global Knowledge reported that the PMP certification ranked seventh among IT certifications that were linked to the loftiest hires in the IT sector (2).
Job prospects According to a report collected by PMI and the Anderson Economic Group, employers will need 87.7 million individualities working in project management places by 2027. The biggest growth is anticipated in the health care sector, however, large earnings are also projected in the construction, information services, and finance and insurance sectors (3).
I am new to project management — should I get the PMP certification?
The PMP certification is designed to make on and solidify the training an educated project manager formerlyhas. However, you may want to gain further experience or look into another certification — like the CAPM — before getting a PMP, If you ’re just starting out as a project manager. The Google Project Management Professional Certificate is also designed for those just starting out, and will earn you a professional credential.
What’s on the PMP exam?
Then’s an overview of what’s on the PMP certification test, which was streamlined on January 2, 2021.
- 180 questions total
- 230 twinkles (3 hours 50 twinkles) to complete
- Two 10- nanosecond breaks
- A combination of multiple-choice, multiple responses, matching, hotspot, and limited filler-in-the-blank questions
The questions fall into three disciplines:
People: 42 percent of the exam
Composing a little lower than half of the test, the people section includes questions on leading and erecting brigades, managing conflict, supporting virtual brigades, mentoring, and other affiliated motifs.
Process: 50 percent of the exam
The process section tests your knowledge of the methodology of seeing a design through to completion. You might be asked about managing budgets and other coffers, scheduling, handling changes in the design, and determining the stylish methodologies for the design.
Business: 8 percent of the exam
The business terrain portion of the test deals astronomically with the further business-inclined aspects you’ll have to attack as a project manager, like compliance, delivering value, and supporting organizational change.
Roughly half of the content represents prophetic project management approaches, while the other half represents Agile or cold-blooded approaches.
Training for the PMP exam: Courses and other resources
There are several routes you can take to prepare for the PMP test. A check by PM Test Assignments Learned plant that successful test takers devoted two to six months for practice. The PMI reports that the average successful PMP seeker spends at least 35 hours preparing for the test (4).
Online courses: There are numerous preparation courses to help you get your certification. The PMI and other private institutions offer preparation courses, as do numerous community sodalities across the country, online or else. The Google Project Management Professional Certificate will also fulfill the educational demand.
Consider the costs
Courses can bring several hundred or indeed a many thousand bones to complete. But they can be a worthwhile investment if you are looking for a structured way to make sure you’re completely prepared for the test. However, it can be worth approaching your director to see if they’re willing to cover test or test fix costs, If you suppose earning the PMP certification is salutary to your employer as well.
Still, a preface to project operation course offered on 591Lab can give you an idea of what it’s like to manage systems If you’re just getting your bases wet with project management. A Companion to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) This companion provides a full foundation to the colorful rudiments of project management. Though not a test fixes course by itself, the companion is abecedarian to understanding project management as it relates to the certification.
Test fix books There are several test medication books that will familiarize you with the questions and format of the test. It’s a good idea to take many practice examinations before you take the real bone.
Other project management certifications
Still, there are several other project management certifications you can consider, from the PMI or else, If the PMP does not feel like the right fit for you. Then are many.
Agile certifications: Agile is an approach to project management that focuses on rigidity and speed through lower-scale and streamlined delivery. It’s an approach that has gained fashionability in recent times. Popular Agile certifications include the AgilePM from APGM International and the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) certifications from Scaled Agile. Learn the ropes of Agile Development on 591Lab.
Scrum certifications: Scrum is a project management frame that emphasizes rigidity and replication, and is an Agile process. Getting a scrum master means you’ll be helping systems fit the scrum approach to meet success. Popular scrum certifications include the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) from Scrum Alliance and the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) from Scrum.org.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): If you’re looking for certifications to help you make up your career, the CAPM (also offered by PMI) is suited for entry-position project managers. The CAPM doesn’t bear design experience, making it good certification for project managers who are just getting started.
Getting started
The PMP certification has the implicit to grow your career as a project management professional. However, explore project management courses on 591Lab, If you’re ready to get started.
