How to Get a PMP Certification? Best Guide 2023

A PMP also called a Project Management Professional certification, is a globally recognized credential signifying a professional's competence and expertise in the Project Management sector, given by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and demonstrates an individual's ability to effectively plan, execute, monitor, and close projects of varying sizes and complexities.

To attain PMP certification, you must meet some prerequisites, including a minimum number of hours of project management experience and formal education. Once eligible, you must clear a comprehensive exam consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge of project management practices, processes, and methodologies.

This certification is highly regarded in various industries and can open doors to career advancement and increase earning potential for project managers and professionals aspiring to excel in project management roles. If you are interested in making a Project Management career, PMP certification can offer you the necessary skills and knowledge. In this article, you will learn how to get a PMP certification. 

The PMP or Project Management Professional certification requires a combination of educational qualifications, experience, and formal training. Here are the key requirements for a PMP certification:

Educational Qualifications 

• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Business, or a similar discipline.
• A master’s/postgraduate degree in Project Management or a similar field.

Experience 

• With a bachelor’s degree, you must have a minimum of 36 months (3 years) of unique non-overlapping professional project management experience.
• With a master’s degree, you must have a minimum of 60 months (5 years) of such experience.

Project Management Training/Education  

• You should have at least 35 contact hours of formal project management education or training fulfilled through PMP exam preparation courses.

These PMP certification prerequisites are set by the Project Management Institute or PMI, the organization responsible for PMP certification. 

To get a PMP certification, follow the given steps: 

Check the Eligibility

• You must meet the PMP certification eligibility requirements, including a combination of educational qualifications, project management experience, and formal training.

PMP Exam Preparation 

• Enroll in a PMP exam preparation course or self-study program to help you prepare for the PMP exam.
• It will also help you cover the required 35 contact hours of project management education.

PMI Application 

• Complete the PMP application on the PMI (Project Management Institute) website by providing details about your education, work experience, and project management training.
• After the approval of your application, you will get an eligibility ID.

Schedule the exam 

• Schedule the exam by using your eligibility ID at a Pearson VUE test center or as an online proctored exam.

Exam Preparation 

• Prepare for the PMP exam by taking practice tests and reviewing study materials. Familiarize yourself with the PMP exam format and question types.

Take the PMP Exam

• Appear for the PMP Exam, which contains 200 multiple-choice questions and is four hours long.
• You must score above the passing threshold to earn your PMP certification.

Maintain Your Certification 

• Once certified, you need to earn PDUs (Professional Development Units) to maintain your certification.

To prepare for the PMP online certification, you must have a structured approach and dedication. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for the PMP certification:

Review the PMP Exam Content Outline

• Get familiar with the PMP Exam Content Outline provided by PMI (Project Management Institute).
• It covers the key topics and domains you must study.

Choose a Study Course or Materials 

• Enroll yourself in a formal PMP exam preparation course offered by accredited Registered Education Providers (R.E.P).
• You can self-study, too, using PMP study materials, books, and online resources.

Understand Key Concepts

• Understand the key concepts and processes outlined in the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) Guide, a primary reference for the PMP exam.

Create a Study Schedule

• Design a study schedule as per your pace and commitments.
• Create a studying schedule and stick to it.

Practice with Sample Questions

• Familiarize yourself with the exam format by solving multiple practice questions and PMP practice exams.

Memorize Formulae

• Memorize important formulae, especially those related to Earned Value Management (EVM) and PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique).

Review Study Guides

• You can use additional study guides and resources beyond the PMBOK Guide to gain a deeper understanding of the topics.

Take Mock Exams

• Take full-length mock exams to assess your readiness and identify areas where you need improvement.

Continuous Learning

• Even after clearing the exam, you need to learn and maintain your certification.
• Continue earning PDUs (Professional Development Units) to maintain your certification.

Learn from Others

• Seek advice from PMP-certified professionals and learn from their experiences in preparing for and passing the exam.

Various steps in the PMP Exam Registration are mentioned below: 

Eligibility Check 

• You must meet the eligibility criteria for the PMP exam before registration. Check the official PMI website for the updated eligibility requirements.

Create a PMI Account 

• Visit the PMI (Project Management Institute) website and create a free account if you don't have an existing account.

Complete the Online Application 

• Log in to your PMI account and fill out the online PMP exam application.
• You must provide accurate information about your project management experience and education.

Review Application Completeness 

• Once the application is submitted, PMI will review it for completeness to ensure you have provided all necessary information and documentation.

Application Payment 

• Pay the application fee as per PMI, which may differ depending on your PMI membership status and location.

Schedule the Exam 

• After the approval of the application, you will receive an eligibility ID
• Use this ID to schedule your PMP exam with a Prometric test center or for an online proctored exam.

If you are taking the PMP certification exam, here is an overview: 

Exam Format

• There are a total of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in the PMP exam.
• These questions are a combination of situational and knowledge-based questions.

Duration 

• You will get 230 minutes (approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes) to complete the exam.
• This includes a 10-minute break that you can take at your discretion.

Question Types 

• The PMP exam has scored and unscored questions.
• Out of the 180 questions, 175 are scored, and 5 are unscored pre-test questions.
• These questions are used for research purposes and do not contribute to your final score.

Passing Score 

• There is no fixed percentage for the PMP exam’s passing score.
• PMI uses a scoring algorithm that considers the difficulty of the questions.

Exam Content 

• The content is based on the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge), a comprehensive guide to project management practices.
• However, there might be some additional topics beyond the PMBOK Guide.

Computer-based Exams 

• This is a computer-based exam or CBT, which is typically taken at Pearson VUE test centers or as an online proctored exam, allowing candidates to choose a convenient testing location.

The worthiness of a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification depends on individual career goals and circumstances. Here are some benefits of pursuing a PMP certification:

• Career Advancement: PMP certification is globally recognized and can open doors to higher-level project management roles and career growth.
• Higher Earning Potential: PMP-certified professionals often earn higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts. On average, PMPs earn about 20% more.
• Industry Recognition: PMP certification demonstrates your commitment to best practices in project management, making you a desirable candidate in the job market.
• Enhanced Knowledge: Preparing for the PMP exam requires a deep understanding of project management principles, which can benefit your career.
• Network Building: PMP certification connects you with a global community of professionals, providing networking opportunities.

PMP Certification courses are helpful for PMP exams as they provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of best practices in project management, equipping them with valuable skills and knowledge. PMP certification is highly respected in the industry and opens doors to better job opportunities, increased job security, and the ability to switch industries. Here are the top PMP Certification courses:

• Align Continuous Improvements with Impact Mapping in Miro by Coursera: The Align Continuous Improvements with Impact Mapping in Miro course will teach you to map product outcomes using multiple evidence streams, including key performance indicators and feedback from users. This will allow you to combine insight streams to identify opportunities for iterative improvement. You’ll gain hands-on experience in identifying key performance metrics and applying context to outcomes using user feedback in the Miro online visual collaborative platform for teamwork.    
• Agile Software Development Nanodegree Program by Udacity: The Agile Software Development Nanodegree Program will teach you to design products that provide continuous value for customers. You will be able to differentiate between Kanban, Kanban and XP, foster high-performing teams and manage iteration planning with Agile methods by the end of the program. 
• Designing Project Information Hubs for Program and Project Performance by edX: The Designing Project Information Hubs for Program and Project Performance course focuses on using project management tools to transmit and receive program and project-level information effectively. It will help you build communication networks to support project or program success and offers 1 Professional Development Unit (PDU) for participants. It is a valuable resource for sharpening project or program management skills.
• Project Management: Mastering Complexity by edX: The Project Management: Mastering Complexity course will teach you how to manage complexity. It focuses on front-end development, teamwork and collaboration. You’ll also learn to develop the skills necessary to take timely action to address complex issues and increase your chances of project success.  
• Risk Management for Projects by edX: The Risk Management for Projects course will teach you risk management from scratch and how to apply a risk management process in project-based settings. It will help you learn how key procedures can be used to maximize your opportunities and minimize any negative impacts on your project goals. It will also help you improve your skills by teaching you how to use the risk management canvas and provide you with practical activities that allow you to put the knowledge into practice.

Obtaining a Project Management Professional certification is a vital achievement that can open doors to exciting career opportunities. To embark on this journey, start by ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, which typically include a combination of project management experience and education. Familiarize yourself with the PMP exam format, which now consists of 180 multiple-choice questions. 

The journey to becoming a PMP-certified professional may be challenging, but the benefits, including increased career prospects and earning potential, make it a valuable pursuit. If you are interested in getting a PMP certification, you must be fully prepared. Online courses can be of big help, and you can find various PMP online courses on Careervira.