What is PMP Certification? A Complete Guide
Eduhubspot team gets questions and statements like:
"I want a promotion in the next cycle. Will PMP® certification help me out?"
"I want to change my job, and I am thinking of getting a PMP® certification."
"My colleague just became PMP® certified, I want to do it too."
These are some of the reasons why people opt for PMP® certification. And, we know that there are many out there who would benefit a lot in their career with a PMP® certification.
So, this PMP® certification guide will discuss everything you need to know about PMP® certification. We will go over the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the benefits of becoming a PMP-certified professional. Plus, we will provide some helpful tips to help you pass the PMP® exam on your first try!
What is the PMP® Certification?
The PMP® certification is a globally recognized professional designation that signifies that an individual has the knowledge and skills to lead and direct complex projects. Individuals must meet certain education and experience requirements to be eligible for the PMP® exam. Once these requirements are met, candidates can apply to take the four-hour-long PMP® exam.
How to get your PMP® Certification?
You can get your PMP® certification by passing the PMP® exam. The PMP® exam is 230 minutes long with 180 questions of multiple choice type. The interesting fact is, the passing score of the PMP® exam is not defined by the Project Management Institute. So, we are not sure whether you need 10 questions right out of 180 questions or 150 questions right. It just depends! However, it’s always better to prepare well enough that you will get to answer at least 90% of the questions correctly.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for the PMP® Certification?
To be eligible for the PMP® certification, candidates must have either a four-year degree plus three years of project management experience with all hours spent leading and directing projects OR a high school diploma/GED plus five years of project management experience with all hours spent leading and directing projects.
Additionally, candidates must also complete 35 contact hours of project management education as a PMP® certification rule. It can be completed through various means, such as taking an online course, attending a live workshop, or completing a self-study program.
How Much Does a PMP® Certification Exam Cost?
As of 2022, the PMP® exam costs $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members. However, there are a few ways that you can get a discount on the exam fee. One way is to become a member of PMI. You can also take advantage of early bird pricing or group discounts.
How to Apply for the PMP® Certification?
To apply for the PMP® certification, you will need to create an account on the PMI website. Once you have created an account, you will then be able to access the online application. The application process is fairly straightforward and should take about 10 minutes to complete.
What are the Benefits of Becoming a PMP® Certified Professional?
There are many benefits of becoming a PMP® certified professional. Some of the most notable benefits include:
- increased job opportunities
- higher salaries
- greater project management knowledge and skills
- improved project success rates
- better networking opportunities
Is the PMP® Certification Worth it?
The PMP® certification is definitely worth it for many individuals. For example, suppose you are looking to further your career in project management. In that case, the PMP® certification can open up many doors of opportunity. Not only will you be able to find better job opportunities, but you will also likely see a significant increase in your salary. Plus, the knowledge and skills you will gain from becoming a PMP® certified professional will help you be more successful in your future projects.
The industry recognition that PMP® certification commands can be extremely helpful in getting your foot in the door with top companies. Salaries offered to PMP® certified professionals are, on average, 20% higher than their non-certified counterparts.
| Country | Currency | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| India | INR | 2 Million |
| USA | USD | 112K |
| UAE | AED | 312K |
| Germany | EUR | 82K |
| Australia | AUD | 142K |
What's on the PMP® Exam?
The PMP® exam covers a wide range of topics related to project management. Let’s understand what’s on the PMP® exam one by one.
- Total number of questions - 180
- Time allowed - 230 minutes (3 hours 50 minutes)
- Breaks between exams - 2 breaks of 10 minutes each
- Types of questions - multiple-choice, multiple responses, matching, hotspot, and fill-in-the-blank
The main focus of the exam is on three areas - People, Process, and Business Environment.
- People part of the exam concentrates on soft skills and communication
- Process part of the exam focuses on technical aspects of projects and it's management
- Business environment focuses on organizational strategies to include project management
To learn more about the PMP® certification, check out our Bootcamp
Is Training needed for the PMP® Exam?
While training is not required for the PMP® exam, it is highly recommended. Taking a PMP® exam prep course will give you the best chance of passing the exam on your first try. In addition, EduHubSpot PMP® Exam Prep Bootcamp covers all of the topics that you will need to know for the exam, and our experienced instructors can answer any questions you may have.
Enroll today and get started on your journey to becoming a PMP® certified professional!
What are the Books to Refer to for the PMP® Certification Exam?
There are several different books that you can refer to for the PMP® certification exam. Some of the most popular books include:
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)
- The PMP® Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try
- Head First PMP®
- PMP® Exam Prep, Eighth Edition
- PMP® Study Guide
These are just a few of the many different books available to refer for the PMP® certification exam. However, we don't recommend any book, instead you can watch & listen to EduHubSpot videos and practice the questions. They are more than sufficient to clear the exam with flying colors.
How long is the validity of PMP® Certification?
The PMP® certification is valid for three years. After three years, you will need to renew your certification by completing 60 professional development units (PDUs). Renewing your certification is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest project management practices and trends.
How often is the PMP® Exam offered?
The PMP® Exam is offered any day year-round. Sunday to Sunday. You can take the exam at any testing center convenient for you at a convenient date and time.
Still, have more questions about the PMP® certification? Check out our FAQ section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to become a PMP® certified professional?
The amount of time it takes to become a PMP® certified professional depends on your prior experience and education. EduHubSpot works with each student on one on one basis to make sure we create a customized study plan. However, if a student can take out 2 hrs on weekdays and a couple of more hours over the weekend, we typically recommend around 1-2 months of prep time.
2. What is the passing score for the PMP® exam?
The passing score of the PMP® exam is not defined by the Project Management Institute. So, we are not sure whether you need 10 questions right out of 180 questions or 150 questions right. It just depends! However, it’s always better to prepare well enough that you will get to answer at least 90% of the questions correctly.
3. How often do I need to renew my PMP® certification?
Your PMP® certification is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you will need to earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.
4. What are the requirements for maintaining my PMP® certification?
To maintain your PMP® certification, you will need to earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years. You can earn PDUs by participating in various activities, such as taking courses, attending conferences, and writing articles.
If you want to read more FAQs, you can refer to the link below:
https://www.eduhubspot.com/packages/pmp
4 comments
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Abdullapmp
Oct 09, 2023BD
I just finished reading your article on PMP certification, and I couldn't resist leaving a comment to express my appreciation for your informative and well-written piece. As someone who's been contemplating taking the PMP exam, I found your article to be an invaluable resource. Your breakdown of the PMP certification process, from eligibility criteria to exam preparation tips, is incredibly thorough and helpful. It's evident that you've put a lot of effort into researching and presenting this information in a clear and concise manner. I especially liked how you addressed common misconceptions about the PMP certification, as it clarified several doubts I had. Your emphasis on the importance of real-world project management experience is spot on, and it's something that many aspiring PMPs overlook. Additionally, your personal insights and anecdotes about your own PMP journey added a relatable and human touch to the article. It's reassuring to hear from someone who has successfully navigated the PMP certification process and can offer guidance based on their experiences. Your encouragement to stay committed and persistent throughout the preparation journey was motivating. In conclusion, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences regarding the PMP certification. Your article has provided me with valuable insights and boosted my confidence to embark on this certification journey. I look forward to reading more of your articles in the future! Keep up the fantastic work!
Pmaspire
May 09, 2023BD
Hello, EduHubSpot! I recently came across your blog post on PMP certification and found it to be a comprehensive and informative guide for anyone interested in pursuing this certification. I appreciated how you broke down the different aspects of PMP certification, from the eligibility requirements to the exam format and study materials. Your explanations were clear and easy to follow, making it easy for someone new to the field to understand what is required to become a certified project manager. Highly Recommended to all. Who wants to build career in Project Management. For More Information: https://pmaspire.com/pmp-vs-pmi/
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