Project management is a growing field with many opportunities. Earning the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification can help you stand out from the crowd and boost your career. The PMP is the most recognized certification for project managers globally. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process to earn the project management professional certification in a simple and easy to understand manner.
- Check Your Eligibility
The first step is to ensure you meet the educational and experience requirements to sit for the PMP exam. You need a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent) and at least 3 years (36 months) of project management experience during which you successfully led and directed project teams in completing projects that implemented a typical set of project management processes. Alternatively, you need a four-year degree and at least 2 years (24 months) of project experience.
- Gather Documentation
Once you confirm your eligibility, start gathering documents as evidence of your project experience. This includes details of the projects you worked on like project title, description of duties, start and end dates, number of hours worked, etc. You will need this documentation when filling the application. Having all your documents organized makes the application process smooth.
- Apply And Pay The Fee
Head to the PMI website and create an account. Then fill the online application form providing details of your education and project experience. You will need to describe two recent, complex projects you led in the past eight years. Once your application is submitted, you need to pay the certification fee which is currently 405 for PMI members or 555 for non-members.
- Study For The Exam
With your application approved, it’s time to start preparing for the 200-question, multiple choice PMP exam. The exam tests your knowledge across 10 domains like integration, scope, time, cost, quality and risk management. Use study guides from PMI like the PMBOK Guide and Agile Practice Guide. Take practice exams to identify weak areas. Studying for 35-50 hours on average is recommended before taking the exam.
- Schedule And Take The Exam
Once prepared for milestones of project management, schedule your exam at a PMI-approved testing centre. Take the exam within one year of application approval. On exam day, arrive early and bring your government issued photo ID. The computer-based exam lasts 4 hours and passing score is at least 175 out of 200 questions. After completing, you will get your result immediately.
- Apply For Certification
If you pass the exam, your certification application moves to the final stage. PMI will verify your experience again. Once approved, you will get an email with instructions to download your certificate. Your name will also be added to the public PMP registry. The certification is valid for 3 years and you need to earn 60 professional development units to renew it.
Conclusion
Earning the PMP certification takes time and effort but it opens many doors in your career. Following this step-by-step process makes it achievable. With the PMP management tools, you can take your project management skills to the next level and take on bigger roles and responsibilities. It’s a globally recognized credential that boosts your credibility and market value.
