PMP Certification: Eligibility, Application Process, Cost, Exam Format, Tips, and Benefits

Earning the PMP certification is a difficult process, but it’s also an important step in your project management career and can help you earn more money. It necessitates you to learn and comprehending a wide range of complex topics that may be outside of your core area of expertise.

Here is detailed information about the PMP certification’s eligibility, requirements, the application process, cost, exam format, tips, and benefits — to make earning the most globally recognized project management certification less stressful and more accessible.

Introduction to PMP Certification

The Project Management Professional (PMP) credential is a well-recognized industry standard for project managers. PMP certification demonstrates that you have the experience, education, skill, and competency to lead and direct projects. The highly sought-after PMP is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), USA.

Professional project managers are required in every industry. The demand is measured in terms of skill requirements, which vary by industry and geography. According to a PMI survey report from 2014, project management practitioners will have a plethora of opportunities. The demand for project managers with a standardized set of skills grows as companies hire people from various cultural backgrounds. These project managers would be responsible for completing system reorganization projects, translating strategic vision into measurable goals, and ensuring effective and agreed-upon outcomes while balancing various project constraints.

PMP Certification Eligibility and Requirements

You must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements to be eligible for the PMP credential. All project management experience must have been obtained within the last eight years prior to the submission of your application. Across all of your projects, you must have experience in each of the five process groups. This does not, however, imply that you must have prior project management experience. Many professionals are eligible who have led and directed projects, not necessarily in a managerial capacity, but even in a functional capacity.

Before you can sit for the PMP Certification Exam, you must first meet some prerequisites, according to the Project Management Institute.

How to apply for PMP Certification in 2021?

The Project Management Institute (PMI) website is where it all begins.

1. Go to PMI and select the Register option.

2. To create your profile, fill in all of the fields with your information.

3. To view your dashboard, click the Return to Where You Came From link.

4. Select Project Management Professional from the Certifications menu item (PMP).

5. On the right side of the screen, in the Apply for PMP Certification area, click the Apply Now button.

6. Go to the Apply for PMP Credential page and click the Apply for PMP Credential link. You’ll be taken to a page where you can apply for the PMP.

7. Fill out all of the screens with your information. You should fill out these forms to the best of your ability.

8. You’ll have a year to pay for and schedule your exam after your application is approved.

9. You will not be able to schedule an exam until you have paid the exam fee. The status of your profile will reflect where you are in the process.

10. Prometric Testing Solutions has been hired by PMI to administer the test on their behalf. You’ll be directed to their website for more information when you’re ready to schedule your test.

11. Enter the code you were given as well as the first four letters of your last name. After that, Prometric will allow you to search for a test center near you.

12. Make sure you have a photo ID with your signature when you leave for the testing center.

13. In general, PMI recommends scheduling the test at least 5–6 weeks ahead of time. The scheduling should be done according to your level of confidence. It’s worth noting that you won’t be able to check the availability of test centers until you’ve paid the exam fee.

Cost of PMP Certification

The cost of PMP training varies depending on whether candidates choose online or classroom programs. It also depends on their residence country. Here’s an example of PMP exam prep and training costs in different countries:

Depending on the training institute, training format, and country, PMP certification fees range from USD 50 to USD 3500.

The following are the PMP certification exam fees for PMI members and non-members (in USD):

PMP Certificate Renewal Fee

After earning 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) in a three-year cycle, the PMP renewal fee is $129 per year.

PMP Certification Exam Format

The PMP exam will include 50% of questions based on the agile or hybrid approach to project management and 50% of questions based on the predictive approach to project management. The following are the characteristics of the new PMP exam format:

Types Of Questions Asked in the PMP Exam

· Formula-based Questions

These types of questions entail more than just calculating earned value or solving for the median. There are approximately 49 PMP exam formulas that must be memorized in order to pass the PMP Exam. Understanding them in-depth, right down to the importance of each element, will help you decide whether or not to include or exclude the values in the PMP exam question.

· Situational PMP Questions

These questions will assess your ability to apply theoretical project management knowledge to real-world situations. These questions are frequently long and winding. The idea is that you will be given both relevant and irrelevant information in real life. Your job is to figure out what matters, ignore what doesn’t, and then take action on the important issues. Make sure to read the question carefully and correctly identify the question being asked of you so that you can eliminate the irrelevant information.

Because situational questions frequently present two options that are both reasonably correct, it’s critical to determine whether the question is asking for the BEST, NEXT, EXCEPTION, or ONLY answer.

· Knowledge-based PMP Test Questions

You must determine the meaning of the situation based on your knowledge of the facts provided. Occasionally, these questions will ask, “What is the exception?” for example, “ Except for the following, group brainstorming encourages:

A question based on knowledge may also ask you to recognize an example chart or graph, such as a RACI or Pareto chart.

· Interpretational PMP Exam Questions

These questions will undoubtedly put your ability to infer a situation or condition from a status or problem description to the test. For example, “How well is your project performing if its SPI and CPI are both greater than 1?” To solve this, you’ll need to understand the relationship between SPI and CPI and project performance.

· Specific Technique PMP Test Questions

This type of question will give you a snapshot of a situation, such as a network diagram, and ask you to provide a component of that diagram, such as forward pass or backward pass.

· Knowledge Questions from The Guide

These questions will assess your knowledge of specific areas from the PMBOK Guide, such as “Which of these processes does not belong to the Initiating Process Group?” or “What are the Create WBS process inputs?”

Before you feel ready to take the exam, you must answer dozens of samples from each question type. But how do you find good PMP mock exams and where do you look for them?

A quick Google search will yield a plethora of free PMP sample questions. However, you must exercise extreme caution because, more often than not, the old adage “You get what you pay for” applies to free mock questions.

Signing up for an online PMP exam simulator is the best way to practice sample questions. You can access the questions via the internet from any location and at any time. Ascertain that the questions were written using the most recent version of the PMBOK Guide. The population of questions should include a good mix of types and cover all PMBOK Guide concepts.

How to pass the PMP Exam?

· First Level of Preparation

The first level of preparation can be done on one’s own or with the assistance of a PMP training center. It entails deciding who you will turn to in the event of a problem and devising a strategy that takes into account your daily routine. Having contingency plans in place will also assist you in studying the required amount, giving you enough time to achieve your objectives. The first step also entails purchasing and reading the PMBOK, or Project Management Body of Knowledge, a book published by PMI that outlines the concepts that will be tested.

· Thoroughly Understand the Key Concepts

Without a thorough understanding of the concepts stated in the PMBOK, a PMP certification cannot be obtained. To pass the exam and get a passing score, the candidate must study all of the key concepts thoroughly, from project initiation to risk management and closure. Understanding these key concepts will not only help you pass the exam, but they will also help you manage projects successfully in the real world.

· Utilise your time Intelligently

You’re studying to be a project manager, and no one knows better than you how important it is to make the most of every minute. It is not so much about how much time you spend studying as it is about how well you study. Making flow charts for your own understanding can assist you in gaining clarity on topics and making revisions easier. Having the flowcharts on your phone or in a place where you can see them frequently is a good idea.

PMP training is essential because it connects you with trainers and experts who have passed the exam. They can serve as mentors and guides, assisting you in resolving issues, resolving any problems you may have with the examination, and advising you on how to prepare properly. It’s also a good idea to join forums and groups that discuss the problems you’re having and can help you come up with practical solutions.

· Practice Tests are Important

Most PMP training institutes offer online practice tests, which you will be required to take. You might not do well in them at first. It’s then crucial to examine your errors, learn from them, and then reappear in a test to see how far you’ve progressed. Simulate the environment in which you will administer these tests while taking them. This will help you understand the pressure you’ll be under while trying to complete the required number of questions in a short amount of time. It will also enable you to seek advice from peers and industry experts.

It’s easy to lose patience when practicing a concept or a topic. However, remember the old adage that practice makes perfect, and the more you practice, the easier the concepts and topics will become. The more straightforward they appear, the more confident you will become, and your chances of obtaining the PMP certification in one sitting will increase.

· Stay Calm and Positive

It’s natural to feel nervous and agitated during PMP training because the certificate can affect your future salary and job prospects. To stay calm, practice meditation or the art of positive thinking. A calm mind will assist you in studying effectively and in thinking clearly during the examination. Remember that a calm mind can think clearly and can help you solve even the most difficult of problems.

Benefits of PMP Certification

1. It is globally accepted

With a PMP certification, you’ll be able to communicate in the global project management language. It is universally recognized and accepted, so you won’t have to worry about learning new practices when working in different parts of the world. Your skills will be in demand all over the world.

2. Better salary than non-certified project managers

According to the PMI Project Management Salary Survey (Ninth Edition), a PMP-certified professional earns more than 20% more than an uncertified professional on average. When you look at the various job opportunities available, you’ll notice that many of them have a PMP requirement or prefer a certified professional.

3. It will make you a better project manager

This is self-evident. It will help you become a more effective project manager. It is expected that after undergoing training and a rigorous examination, you will have a better understanding and skills to better manage projects.

4. Get appreciated for better project management.

Obtaining a PMP certification will help you become an expert in standardized methods and improve your project management abilities. You will be more successful in delivering projects efficiently and within deadlines if you have a better understanding of project management. As a result, you will receive praise from your superiors. You might also get the promotion you’ve been waiting for.

5. It looks great on the CV

On a CV, certifications always look good. It reveals a lot about your desire to learn and the skills you acquired while doing so. A PMP certification is the same way. It will greatly strengthen your CV and position you as a strong candidate when you apply for a new job.

6. Help increase your network strength

It’s beneficial to have a strong professional network. It gives you a lot of advantages in your professional life. With a PMP certification, you will have the opportunity to network with other PMP-certified professionals. Networking is always based on people who have similar credentials, interests, or backgrounds. People from similar backgrounds frequently assist one another in the field, with the understanding that they will be reimbursed. This is extremely beneficial when looking for a new job.