How to Become a Certified Project Management Professional

Nowadays project management isn't just about big construction or aerospace projects. It's making its way into every industry—from medical to information technology. Anywhere goods are produced or services are provided, there's a call for projects and project managers. Becoming a certified project management professional is the quickest way to get in on the action and start running projects.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Find a certified project management professional training program. Know that many outfits offer project management training, but legitimate businesses typically only recognize and value accredited Project Management Institute (PMI) that are registered education providers. Check for accreditation.

2. Ask about tuition/prices, prerequisites and other requirements. Inquire about textbook costs. Choose a certified project management professional program that's suitable and convenient.

3. Find out if your company has a tuition reimbursement program and if you qualify for it through your job. Be sure and ask if certified project management professional training is one of the programs your company's willing to pay for. Check also for scholarships and other funding sources available through your training program or school.

4. Sign up and register for the project management program chosen. Buy necessary supplies and textbooks. Provide your company or other funding source with appropriate receipts and paperwork or hang on to the items for your own records.

5. Complete needed certified project management professional coursework and other mandatory requirements. Study and prepare for certification testing.

6. Find an appropriate project management professional certification testing site (unless your training program offers testing onsite). Contact the test site, if necessary, register and pay for testing.

7. Pass the exam and become a certified project management professional.

Tips & Warnings

• On-the-job project participation/project management experience can often be counted toward training credits for most certified project management professional programs. Check the PMI website for more information.
• Choose training programs carefully as some are not accredited.

Resources

• Learn about PMI training programs
• Learn about project management classes offered by the City University of Seattle