PMP Professional Certification

The PMP certification process involves training, education and testing.

PMP professional certification is one of the highest achievements for project management professionals. The Project Management Institute (PMI) supports an intensive credential process culminating with the PMP exam that prepares professionals for a career in project management.

Certification Eligibility

To prepare for certification as a PMP, project managers must first determine if they meet PMI's eligibility requirements. PMI mandates that professionals possess either a bachelor's or associate's degree and three to five years of experience in the project management field. In order to apply to take the PMP exam, professionals must also log 4,500 to 7,500 hours of project management in a professional workplace setting.

Certification Training

Applicants seeking entrance into PMI's PMP program must complete a minimum of 35 hours of professional development courses in project management. The course load includes units on social and professional responsibilities of project managers, as well as project initiation, execution and control. These courses are available through PMI or institutions of higher education.

Exam Preparation

The PMP exam is the culminating step of the PMP certification process. Once applicants have met the eligibility requirements, they can apply to take the PMP exam, a 200-question test in multiple-choice format. PMI recommends that all applicants first review the credentials handbook, available on its website. The guide explains the credential and certification process, exam policies, prerequisites, exam sites and an estimated time line for PMP certification.

Exam Training

Professionals seeking credentials often prepare months in advance for the PMP exam. The comprehensive test covers the core tasks of a project manager, including initiating, controlling, monitoring, executing and closing projects. In addition, the exam tests each applicant's expertise of the knowledge areas of project management, such as project integration, quality, time, risk, cost and procurement. The PMI website has compiled a database of sample questions to help applicants prepare for the PMP exam.

Certification Maintenance

Although the PMP exam is the final step in the certification process, PMI expects all professionals to participate in continued education courses to maintain PMP credentials. Each year, PMI assesses the progress of each project management professional based on hours logged as a project manager and professional development courses completed.

References

• Project Management Institute: PMP Exam Prep