How to Prepare for PMP Certification

PMI

The Project Management Professional (PMP) examination is the test taken to achieve certification and prove proficiency in the practice of standardized project management principles. The certifying body for the PMP is the Project Management Institute (PMI). The core resource for the PMP is the Project Management Body of Knowledge, or the PMBOK. The PMBOK is not only a road map of project management processes, but it is also a compilation of abstracts, articles, books and published best practice materials related to professional project management.

Things You'll Need

• "Project Management Body of Knowledge" (PMBOK)
• Study supplements

Instructions

1. Apply for a PMI membership. If possible, join a local chapter to network with other project management professionals in your area. The PMI membership application includes options for joining additional chapters, or SIGs. To apply for PMI membership, visit the PMI website (see Resources). Alhough PMI membership is not required to sit for the examination, a substantial discount is given for members. Also, PMI membership will promote networking with other PMI members and keep you updated with organization news.

2. Obtain the latest edition of the PMBOK. The PMP examination is based on this body of knowledge. You will need to know not only the principles in the book, but the underlying research and concepts. The PMBOK may be purchased through any of the major online bookstores as well as the PMI website.

3. Apply to sit for the PMP examination. An application process for taking the PMP examination is required. The process to be approved to sit for the examination may take some time as you may need to complete several tasks to fulfill application requests. For example, the application process requires that you list various projects on which you have performed project principles. Keep in mind that projects do not necessarily need to consist of activities performed in a corporate environment. For example, make a project of painting a room and apply the principles of project management to the activity. If you are fortunate enough to be acting in a project management capacity in a corporate environment, seek out every opportunity to apply PMI principles in your current work activities, and document the processes and outcomes. Complete the application as soon as possible once you decide to take the PMP examination.

4. Seek out structured educational opportunities. Having the support system of a structured, instructor-led class or seminar is valuable in absorbing all the material. PMP instructors are often able to share real-world project management experiences, as well as show you mnemonic devices and strategies for remembering PMI information.

5. Set a date and register for the examination once you have been approved to sit for the exam. Schedule backwards from the date of the test. For example, if you are scheduled to take the test in 3 months, at the end of the second month you should be scoring consistently high on the PMP practice exams. You will need to pay for the exam when you schedule it. The exam costs hundreds of dollars, but many companies will assist with the cost of the exam if you pass.

6. Engage the assistance of a mentor, if possible. Most PMPs are open to mentoring prospective PMPs. Inquire at your local SIG meeting regarding who may be best able to help you with this request. Find PMPs online. Several PMPs take advantage of social networking tools like LinkedIn.

7. Use a variety of study materials. The famed PMP educator, Rita Mulkahy, authors some of the best PMP study resources on the market. However, the materials may be a bit expensive for some budgets. Other PMP preparation options are available online. Make sure to use a variety of materials by various authors. Take several practice tests from various sources as well. It is easy to fall into the trap of preparing to the test. In the case of the PMP exam, you should really know the material, not just be able to answer isolated questions about it.

8. Get serious. Devote a specific number of hours per week to PMP study. Look for opportunities to apply project management principles, such as with projects around the house. Become a project manager. Take every practice exam you can get your hands on. Once you are consistently scoring high on all practice exams, take the exam. You are on your way to becoming the next PMP.

References

• Project Management Institute