How to Apply for the PMP® Exam in 12 Easy Steps

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Before you start your application, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria:

• For a four-year degree holder: At least three years (36 months) of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education or CAPM® Certification.
• For a high school diploma or associate’s degree (or global equivalent) holders: At least five years (60 months) of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education or CAPM® Certification.

Step 2: Create Your PMI Account

• Visit the PMI website and create an account if you don't already have one.
• Complete the registration form with your personal and contact information.

Step 3: Start Your PMP Application

• Log in to your PMI account and navigate to the "Certifications" section.
• Find the PMP certification and click on “Apply Now” to start your application.

Step 4: Enter Your Education Background

• Provide details about your highest level of education, including the school attended, degree earned, and graduation date.

Step 5: Document Your Project Management Experience

• Detail your project management experience, including specific projects you've led or directed. You must list project dates, roles, organizations, and hours spent on project management tasks. Be prepared to describe your responsibilities and achievements for each project.

Step 6: Record Your Project Management Education

• Enter information about your 35 hours of project management education or CAPM® Certification. Include the course names, institutions, dates completed, and hours earned.

Step 7: Review and Submit Your Application

• Carefully review your application for accuracy and completeness. Make sure all information is truthful and can be verified.
• Submit your application. PMI will review your application, which can take up to 5 business days. They may contact you if additional information or an audit is required.

Step 8: Pay the Exam Fee

• Once your application is approved, you'll receive an invitation to pay the exam fee. The fee varies depending on your PMI membership status.
• PMI members pay a reduced exam fee, so consider joining PMI before paying your exam fee to save money.

Step 9: Schedule Your Exam

• After payment, you’ll receive an eligibility number to schedule your exam.
• You can take the PMP exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or through a proctored online exam. Choose a date and location that suits you.

Step 10: Prepare for the Exam

• Use PMI’s PMP exam content outline and other study materials to prepare for the exam. Consider joining a study group or taking a PMP prep course.

Step 11: Take the Exam

• Arrive at the testing center early on your scheduled exam date, or ensure your testing environment meets the requirements for an online proctored exam.
• Follow the exam instructions carefully and manage your time efficiently during the test.

Step 12: Receive Your Results

• You'll receive your exam results immediately after completing the exam at the testing center or online.
• If you pass, congratulations! You're a PMP-certified project manager. You'll receive your certification package from PMI within a few weeks.

Prerequisites for applying for the PMP exam

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a widely recognized credential for project managers offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The prerequisites for applying for the PMP exam are designed to ensure that candidates have both the educational background and the practical experience necessary to manage projects effectively. Here are the key prerequisites:

1. Educational Background

• A four-year degree (bachelor's degree or the global equivalent) and at least three years of project management experience, with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education. (OR)
• A secondary diploma (high school diploma, associate's degree, or the global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience, with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

2. Project Management Education

You must have completed 35 contact hours of formal education in project management. This can include PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) courses, university/college courses, and training sessions offered by employers, training companies, professional associations, and distance-learning companies, as long as there is a final assessment at the end of the course. PMI chapters and online self-directed learning courses also count toward this requirement.

3. Project Management Experience

The experience must be in leading and directing projects and should be documented in terms of the projects you have led, directed, and managed. This includes tasks you have undertaken across all the project management processes - initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.

4. Application Process

The application process involves filling out an online application form on the PMI website. You'll need to detail your project management experience and education, and sometimes, PMI may select your application for an audit, where you'll need to provide supporting documentation for the information you've submitted.

5. Agree to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Applicants must agree to abide by the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

6. Examination

Once your application is approved, you must pay the exam fee and schedule your exam. The PMP exam is rigorous and requires thorough preparation. It covers the project management domains outlined in the PMI's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and other relevant sources.

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Conclusion

The PMP® Certification Training is a challenging program to obtain, but with the right preparation, it’s possible. Once you have passed your exam, you’ll be a member of an elite group of professionals who are in high demand in the workforce.

PMP is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

FAQs 

1. How do I start my PMP exam?

You must first check whether you meet the PMP certification requirements to ensure you're eligible. Make an account with PMI and fill out the online application for the PMP exam. 

2. How do I fill out the PMP application?

Aspirants are required to visit the PMI website and fill out the application form for the PMP exam. If you are not a PMI member you can begin by registering with PMI for membership to enjoy discount benefits on the application fee. 

3. How much does it cost to get a PMP certification?

PMP exam certification with PMI Membership costs $405, while the cost without PMI Membership is $555. The re-examination fee for PMI members is $275 and for non-PMI members is $375. 

4. Is it hard to get PMP certification?

The PMP Certification exam is quite challenging as it tests your knowledge across the breadth of project management practices and concepts. Strategic preparation is a must to score well in the PMP exam. You can consider enrolling on different PMP exam training courses to learn from industry experts. 

5. What are the prerequisites to take the PMP exam?

You will be eligible for the exam only after you complete either 35 hours of project management course training and 36 months of project management experience with a four-year degree or 60 months of project management experience with a high-school diploma or associate degree. 

6. How long does it take to get PMP certified?

It takes up to 10 to 12 weeks to prepare for the PMP certification. Your application approval will consume approximately 5 business days. After you take the exam, you will receive an email from the PMI within 1 to 2 weeks. The physical certificate is delivered within 4 to 6 weeks.

7. How long does PMI take to approve the PMP exam application?

PMI takes a minimum of 5 business days to approve your application. They may perform a random audit with your details. Additionally, they might also confirm the references you entered.