Prerequisite for PMP Certification

Project managers must meet education and experience prerequisites prior to taking the PMP exam.

PMP certification is one of the most prestigious achievements for project managers. The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a globally recognized credential program for project manager professionals. In order to obtain certification and credentials, project managers must meet PMI's eligibility prerequisites prior to passing the PMP exam.

Higher Education Degrees

One of the primary prerequisites of PMI's PMP credential process is education level. Professionals must possess a high school diploma or GED and an associate degree. At this education level, applicants must have five years of project management experience prior to qualifying for the PMP exam. If a project management professional acquires a bachelor degree, the experience prerequisite is only three years of project management work.

Project Management Experience

Relevant work experience as a project manager is also one of the prerequisites for applicants to be eligible to take the PMP exam, ultimately resulting in PMP credentials. Along with higher education degrees, professionals must obtain three to five years experience as a project manager and log from 4,500 to 7,500 hours of direct work on projects. Project manager hours will vary based on a professional's education level.

PMP Training

Before an applicant is eligible to take the PMP exam, she must participate in 35 hours of training as a project manager. PMP training courses are available through PMI, private organizations and at institutions of higher education globally. The PMI credentials handbook provides a comprehensive list of training courses and class sites.

Exam Completion

The final step of the PMP credential process is passing the PMP exam. The 200-question test covers the knowledge areas of project management, including human resource management and project risk, procurement, time and cost. In addition, the PMP exam tests each applicant's knowledge of the core tasks of a project manager, including initiating, controlling and executing a project successfully.

Ongoing Training

Once a project management professional has obtained credentials through PMI, she must maintain certification by participating in ongoing project management training. PMI offers more than 60 professional development units for certified professionals and reviews each applicant's progress after a 60-day probationary period. PMP professionals can apply for renewal one year after passing the PMP exam.

References

• Project Management Institute: PMP Exam Prep