While it is important to undertake proper project management training, many aspiring project managers have several unanswered questions about the PMP credential particularly after the changes that were effected on January 2, 2021.
You perhaps know the value of the PMP certificate as the world’s leading project management credential. Still, we would like you to better understand what you are getting into, know how to prepare yourself, and make the most of your certification once you have acquired it.
Here are some commonly asked questions about the PMP credential.
Table of Contents
What Is PMP Certification?
PMP certification, also known as project management certification, is a globally-recognized credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to professionals that have met the requirements in place. The certification demonstrates that a professional has attained global standard project management skills and competency.
What Are The Eligibility Requirements Of The PMP Certification?
To qualify to sit the PMP certification exam, a professional should have met the following eligibility requirements set by the Project management institute.
- A high school diploma, an associate degree, or a global equivalent
- At least 60 months of continuous professional project management experience within the last eight years
- 35 contact hours of formal project management education evaluated by a PMA (Project management advisor)
OR
- 4-Year Bachelor’s degree or a global equivalent
- At least 36 months of continuous project management experience within the last eight years
- 35 contact hours of formal project management education evaluated by a PMA (Project management advisor)
OR
- A bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree from a GAC (Global Accreditation Center) program which can be a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s Degree, or a Global equivalent.
- At least 24 months of continuous project management experience within the last eight years
- 35 contact hours of formal project management education evaluated by a PMA (Project management advisor)
NB: Holders of CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) are not required to provide the 35 contact hours of formal project management training.
How Can I Attain The Required 35 Contact Hours Of Formal Project Management Education?
The project management professional handbook defines the prerequisite PMP training as at least 35 hours in length of formal training measured in terms of hours of specific project management instruction. This can be through any formal project management training re
- Training offered by a PMP trainer
- Relevant college or university education
- Certification training
- Online or distance learning courses
- Employment education programs
- Any other relevant formal training
How Do I Apply For The PMP Certification Examination?
Application for the PMP examination is in three simple steps after registering an account logging into the PMP website.
- Register to become a PMI member by creating an account and making a registration payment of US$139
- Take a PMP training course to meet the required 35 contact hours of formal project management training.
- Confirm that you are eligible to take the PMP examination.
- List your training and experience
- Submit your application online
- Once your application has been reviewed within 5 business days and approved, you will be required to pay an examination fee of US$405 for members or US$555 for non-members.
- Once your payment has been received and you have been approved to take the PMP examination, you can schedule the exam date, time, and venue with Pearson VUE.
- Your application is valid for one year within which you are allowed to take the examination up to three times.
What Are The Advantages Of Becoming A Registered PMI Member?
PMI membership comes with immense benefits for individuals and students including:
- PMI saves you US$150 on exam registration fees
- Gives you free access to PMI standards, frameworks, publications, and other resources including the PMBOK Guide
- Gives you discounted access to PMI publications like the project management journal, PM Network, and PMI Today.
- Discounts on professional development opportunities
- Be a part of and get the chance to better the PM community worldwide
- Free access to two premium virtual events each year
Can I Take The PMP Certification Exams Online?
PMP exams are either paper-based or computer-based. All computer-based exams are administered by Prometric at various testing centers.
PMI organizes PMP paper-based examinations only for the candidates that live far (at least 300 km) away from a computer-based testing center.
As of April 2020, PMI started offering online PMI exams via Pearson VUE’s online proctored testing software. Candidates will be monitored live by a proctor using their device’s microphone and webcam powered by AI technology.
What Is The PMP Audit?
The PMP audit is a verification of the prerequisite experience, education, and contact hours that you provided during your application. When selected for a PMP audit, you will be required to present the following as part of the audit package available after registering an account on the PMI website.
- Proof of education including diploma, degree, or master’s certificate photocopy
- Documentation evidencing 35 contact hours of formal PM training
- Proof of project management experience which will be forms sent out to your previous supervisors
What Will Happen If I Opt Not To Proceed With The PMP Audit?
Failing to complete the PMP audit is considered a failed audit which is penalized with a one-year suspension period within which you are not allowed to apply for any of the PMI’s certifications.
Can I Cancel Or Reschedule My PMP Certification Exam?
Yes. You can cancel or reschedule the PMP certification exam as many times as long as it is done at least 48 hours before the exam appointment.
However, cancellation or rescheduling of the exams within 30 days attracts a fee of US$70. However, if you cancel or reschedule more than 30 days in advance, you will not be charged any fee.
How Is The PMP Examination Structured?
The PMP examination comprises 180 questions to be taken within 230 minutes. Questions are divided into three categories:
- PM process questions (50%)
- PM People questions (42%)
- PM Business environment questions (8%)
Which Types Of Questions Should I Expect In The PMP Examination?
There are three types of questions in the PMP examination. These are
- Multiple-choice questions
- Multiple response questions
- Matching questions
- Fill-in-the-blank questions
- Hotspot questions
What Are PMP Pretest Questions?
For each of the 180 questions comprising the PMP examination, 5 questions randomly placed throughout the examination paper are considered pretest questions. Therefore only 175 questions count towards your final score.
Pretest questions are trial questions that PMI uses to collect valid information about the questions for future decision-making depending on the performance of candidates on the pretest questions.
Can I Take A Break In The Course Of My PMP Certification Exam?
Both the online and the computer-based PMP examinations have a built-in optional 10-minute break. The examination is divided into two parts. Candidates will be prompted to decide whether to take the break or not after completing, reviewing, and submitting the first part of the examination.
It is important to note that once the first part of the examination has been submitted, it cannot be reviewed.
What Is The PMP Examination Passing Score?
Up to 2005, the passing score for PMI exams was 61%. However, PMI no longer reveals the PMP passing score online. It is advisable to aim your highest depending on the questions given in the examination.
When And How Will I Know The Results Of My PMP Certification Exam?
PMP exam results are displayed on your screen immediately after you have completed and submitted your test answers as well as the short survey at the end of the examination. You are allowed to print out your results report at the testing center. After passing your exams, you will receive an email from PMI one or two weeks after and your information will be added to the PMI registry and to your PMI account.
Your PMP certificate will be available four to six weeks after completing your exams and getting your results.
How Many Times Can I Retake The PMP Exams If I Fail On My First Attempt?
You can take the PMP exams three times within one year after your application has been approved. If after three attempts you still need to retake the exams, you will have to wait for one year from the date of the last exam before you can reapply for another PMP examination.
How Long Is The PMP Credential Valid?
Once you receive your PMP certification, it will be valid for three years during which you are required to maintain your eligibility by acquiring at least 60 hours of professional development units. Professional development units are acquired through learning, volunteering, teaching, and other activities.
After three years you will be eligible for a recertification exam and will be required to pay the recertification fee.
What Are The Benefits Of Becoming PMP Certified?
There are several benefits associated with the PMP certification including:
- It gives a project management professional a competitive edge in the job market
- A PMP certification opens a professional up to a world of career opportunities
- Higher salary prospects. PMPs earn an averagely 20% higher than their counterparts without the PMP credential
- Earn recognition for demonstrating PM knowledge and experience
Do You Have More PMP Certification Questions?
Contact Us Today And Allow Us To Help You In Your PMP Certification Journey.
Visit the rest of the site for more articles.