How to Get PMI Certified

Receiving a PMI-PMP certificate

The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the foremost certification institute in the field of project management. PMI issues certifications in scheduling and risk management and project management. A PMI-certified project management professional (PMP) usually directs teams under tight deadlines. The PMI-PMP certificate requires several years of project management experience and hours of project management education. A bachelor’s degree that is relevant to your industry can be used as a prerequisite. PMP certification can be obtained by anyone in any industry—from engineering to information technology to marketing.

Instructions

1. Visit the PMI website and begin the application process. There are two paths you can take to become PMP certified. The first is to have a high school diploma, 7,500 hours of leading a project team, five years of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education. The second option is to have a bachelor’s degree, three years of project management experience, 4,500 hours of leading a project team and 35 hours of project management education.

2. Find a provider of PMI-certified courses on the PMI website The 35 hours of project management instruction can be from an online course or a live classroom setting. Make sure the classes cover the important aspects of project management—scope, scheduling, budget and so forth.

3. Study for the exam. The PMI website offers classes to assist you in the preparation of taking the PMP exam. You may also order the materials online and self-study.

4. Take and pass the PMP exam. You take the PMP exam at a proctored location of choice, such as a testing facility, college classroom or your corporate office. You choose the location for your exam during the application process. The PMI mails you your test results. After you pass the exam, you must maintain your credentials by completing 60 hours of continuing education credits within three years.

Tips & Warnings

• Document your hours of leading a project team.

• Become a member of the Project Management Institute. The exam costs $405 for members and $555 for nonmembers.

References

• Project Management Institute: About PMI's certification