How to become a Project Management Professional (PMP)?

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to individuals who have demonstrated their proficiency in project management. The PMP certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience in leading and managing projects.

To become a PMP certified professional, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, which include a combination of project management experience and education. Specifically, individuals must have a four-year degree or equivalent and at least three years of project management experience, or a secondary degree or equivalent and at least five years of project management experience. In addition, individuals must have completed at least 35 hours of project management education/training.

However, to get into the role of Project Management Professional (PMP), there are various areas that you need to create a strong focus and understanding. And, in order to help you to go in a stepwise manner, below we have created a pathway to understand all these areas and pass the exam. Let’s begin!

Pathway to become a Project Management Professional (PMP)

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is the most valuable project management credential globally. This certification now includes predictive, agile, and hybrid techniques, demonstrating project leadership experience and skill in any mode of operation. It helps firms in locating the people they need to work smarter and perform better with boosting project leaders’ careers over sectors. However, because passing the PMP test is such an important aspect of obtaining this professional designation, it is critical that the exam appropriately represents project management practices. So, let’s start with the basics: understanding the exam!

How to become a Project Management Professional (PMP)?

Becoming a Project Management Professional (PMP) involves several steps, including meeting the eligibility requirements, preparing for the exam, and passing the exam. Here is a general overview of the process:

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for the PMP certification, you must have either a four-year degree and at least three years of project management experience, or a high school diploma or equivalent and at least five years of project management experience. You must also have completed at least 35 hours of project management education/training.
2. Prepare for the Exam: Once you have determined that you are eligible, you will need to prepare for the PMP exam. There are several resources available, including study guides, practice exams, and training courses. You may also consider joining a study group or hiring a tutor to help you prepare.
3. Apply to Take the Exam: Once you feel confident in your knowledge and skills, you can apply to take the PMP exam through the Project Management Institute (PMI) website. You will need to provide information about your eligibility and pay a fee to submit your application.
4. Take the Exam: The PMP exam is a computer-based test that consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. You will have four hours to complete the exam. The exam covers five domains: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.
5. Maintain Your Certification: Once you pass the PMP exam, you will need to maintain your certification by participating in continuing education activities. This includes earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.

Becoming a PMP can be a challenging process, but it can also be very rewarding. The certification can help you advance your career in project management and demonstrate your expertise in the field.

Why PMP?

• The PMP is beneficial. 
  • That is to say, this is the best project management certification in North America, according to CIO magazine, since it shows you have the exact talents companies desire and the ability to execute at the highest levels.
• The PMP has advantages. 
  • In North America, the median income for project managers is 25% greater than for non-project managers.
• The PMP demonstrates that you have the ability to improve your organization’s influence in the workplace and throughout the world by driving business success.

Knowledge Requirement for the PMP Exam

You must fulfill specific educational and professional experience criteria to be eligible for the PMP certification. Moreover, all project management experience must be obtained within the past eight years prior to the submission of your application. So, before you apply, make sure you satisfy the PMP Certification criteria listed below:

Educational Background: 

• Secondary education (equivalent to a high school diploma, associate’s degree, or global)

Project Management Experience:

• Professional project management experience of at least five years/60 months that is unique and non-overlapping is necessary.

OR

Educational Background: 

• Four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or global equivalent)

Project Management Experience:

• Professional project management experience of at least three years/36 months that is distinct and non-overlapping is necessary.

OR

Educational Background: 

• Bachelor’s or post-graduate degree from a GAC-accredited programme (bachelor’s, master’s, or worldwide equivalent)

Project Management Experience:

• Professional project management experience of at least two years/24 months that is distinct and non-overlapping is necessary.

Note:

• Unless you hold a current CAPM certification, you must have at least 35 contact hours of formal project management education in addition to the above project management experience. However, you do not need to record the 35 contact hours if you have a current CAPM certification. 
• And, if you completed a GAC-accredited graduate degree, you will be given a 12-month credit toward your work experience requirement. Additionally, the GAC coursework can be used to meet the 35 education contact hour requirement.

PMP Exam Format

A total of 180 questions comprise the PMP examination. Five of the 180 questions are considered pretest. In other words, pretest questions are used in examinations as an effective and acceptable approach to examine the validity of future examination questions without affecting the result. The centre-based exam, on the other hand, has a time limit of 230 minutes.

In addition, there are now two 10-minute breaks in the PMP test. After you’ve completed questions 1-60 and reviewed all of your answers, the first break will appear. After finishing 120 questions and confirming that you’ve gone over all of your answers, the second break will come.

Coming on to the preparation part of the exam!

Project Management Professional (PMP): Glossary

Here are some common terms and concepts related to Project Management Professional (PMP):

1. Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK): A guidebook published by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that outlines best practices for project management.
2. Project Management Professional (PMP): A globally recognized certification for project managers who have met certain education and experience requirements and passed the PMP exam.
3. Understanding Project Scope: The work that needs to be done to deliver a project’s output or deliverables.
4. Project Charter: A document that formally authorizes the start of a project and defines the project’s objectives, scope, and stakeholders.
5. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): A hierarchical breakdown of the work that needs to be done to complete a project.
6. Critical Path: The sequence of project activities that determines the shortest possible duration of the project.
7. Project Management Plan: A document that outlines how a project will be executed, monitored, and controlled.
8. Project Sponsor: A person or group who provides financial and other resources to a project and is ultimately responsible for its success.
9. Change Management: The process of identifying, documenting, and controlling changes to a project’s scope, schedule, or budget.
10. Risk Management: The process of identifying, assessing, and managing risks that could affect a project’s success.

These are just some of the terms and concepts related to Project Management Professional (PMP). Understanding these concepts is essential for passing the PMP exam and succeeding as a project manager.

Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips to help you prepare for and pass the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam:

1. Understand the exam format: The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. It is a computer-based exam, and you will be provided with a calculator during the exam.
2. Study the PMBOK Guide: The PMBOK Guide is the primary resource for the PMP exam. Study the guide and take notes on key concepts and techniques. Make sure you understand the concepts and can apply them to real-world scenarios.
3. Take a PMP exam prep course: Consider taking a PMP exam prep course to help you prepare for the exam. These courses cover exam topics in depth and provide practice questions and exams.
4. Practice with sample exams: Practice taking sample exams to assess your knowledge and identify areas where you need more practice. The PMI website provides sample exams and questions.
5. Understand the exam content: The PMP exam is based on five domains: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing. Make sure you understand the content for each domain and how they relate to project management.
6. Use memory aids: Use memory aids such as acronyms, diagrams, and flowcharts to help you remember important concepts and processes.
7. Take breaks during the exam: The PMP exam is four hours long, so take breaks if you need them. You can take a break after every 60 questions.
8. Manage your time: Manage your time effectively during the exam. Read the questions carefully and don’t spend too much time on any one question. Make sure you have enough time to review your answers before submitting the exam.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of passing the PMP exam and becoming a certified Project Management Professional.

Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Preparation Guide

There are a variety of options accessible to you depending on how you study. The objective is to assist you in finding the most appropriate program for your learning style and schedule. PMI offers a variety of preparation courses to help you study for the PMP Certification Exam on your own time. Understanding the variations between these resources can help you in deciding which is the best option for you. So, let’s have a look at some of the unique resources available to help you pass the PMP Exam.

1. Getting familiar with the PMP Exam Guide

PMI will follow the percentage of coverage at the domain level as defined in the PMP examination, which will comprise all tasks for a domain. Getting familiar with and understanding these domains will help you get clarity about the concepts you will deal with in the PMP Exam. However, the topics include:

Domain 1: People (42%)

• Manage conflict
• Lead a team
• Support team performance
• Empower team members and stakeholders
• Ensure team members/stakeholders are adequately trained
• Build a team
• Addressing and eliminating impediments, obstacles, and blockers for the team
• Negotiate project agreements
• Collaborate with stakeholders
• Build shared understanding
• Engage and support virtual teams
• Define team ground rules
• Mentor relevant stakeholders
• Promote team performance through the application of emotional intelligence

Domain 2: Process (50%)

• Executing project with the urgency required for delivering business value
• Manage communications
• Assess and manage risks
• Engage stakeholders
• Plan and manage budget and resources
• Planning and managing schedule
• Plan and manage the quality of products/deliverables
• Plan and manage scope
• Integrate project planning activities
• Manage project changes
• Plan and manage procurement
• Manage project artifacts
• Determine appropriate project methodology/methods and practices
• Establish a project governance structure
• Manage project issues
• Ensure knowledge transfer for project continuity
• Plan and manage project/phase closure or transitions

Domain 3: Business Environment (8%)

• Plan and manage project compliance
• Evaluate and deliver project benefits and value
• Assessing and addressing external business environment changes for impacting the scope
• Support organizational change

2. Explore PMI Authorized Training Partners (ATPs)

The PMI Authorized Training Partners program is meant to assist you in locating high-quality PMP Certification test preparation through firms that share our mission and values. Each Authorized Training Partner has completed the PMI Authorized Training Partner Train the Trainer – PMP Exam Prep Program and uses content created by PMI. As a consequence, all partners provide the same helpful information to each PMP applicant. However, the course follows the PMP Exam Content Outline and meets the 35-hour training requirement for the PMP® certification application.

Further, this offers:

• Working with an Instructor
• Secondly, Study Group
• Structure schedule
• Lastly, Instructor-led

3. Gaining skills using PMI On-demand PMP Exam Prep Course

The PMI® Authorized On-Demand PMP® Exam Prep was created by PMI and verified by PMP® holders. It’s an online, self-paced course that will help you improve your project management abilities and prepare for the Project Management Professionals (PMP®) certification test. It also fulfills the 35 hours of training necessary to apply for PMP Certifications. However, to help you apply ideas and concepts, the course focuses on real-world problems from several sectors. That is to say, this will help you in:

• Firstly, setting your own study schedule
• Secondly, satisfying the 35 training hours required for applying for the PMP Certification 
• Lastly, self-studying.

Further, this interactive course is divided into five modules that immerse you in real-world scenarios that reflect diverse sectors and project management scenarios, allowing you to practice applying ideas and concepts in the workplace.

• Module 1 – Build a High Performing Team 
  • Learn the process of specifying team ground rules, creating a shared understanding, engaging and supporting virtual teams.
• Module 2 – Keeping Team on Track 
  • Understand the process of collaborating with stakeholders, leading a team, and managing conflict.
• Module 3 – Begin Your Project  
  • Learn about engaging stakeholders, managing and planning scope, assessing and managing risk.
• Module 4 – Doing the Work 
  • Learn about handling project changes, deciding suitable project methods and practices, creating project governance.
• Module 5 – Focus on the Business
  • Learn about assessing business and environment changes, supporting organizational change, improving processes.[[

4. Enroll in Online Course

Enrolling in an exam online course is one way to gain additional clarity on topics, skills development, practice tests, and exam preparation. It will assist you in studying for the PMP exam by giving expert-level assistance with any concerns or questions you may have. However, here are a few online course providers that may help you become well-versed and equipped with in-depth knowledge so that you can pass the test.

• Udemy
• Testprep Training
• Knowledge hut
• Simplilearn

5. Take additional knowledge from PMBOK Guide

The PMBOK Guide for this edition: 

• Firstly, reflects the complete spectrum of development methodologies (predictive, traditional, adaptive, agile, hybrid, etc.).
• Secondly, covers a whole section is dedicated to customizing the development strategy and methods.
• Thirdly, introduces a new section called “Models, Methods, and Artifacts,” the list of tools and approaches is expanded.
• In addition to deliverables, focuses on project outcomes.
• Lastly, integrates with PMIstandards+ to provide material that helps in the application of the PMBOK® Guide on the job.

6. Assess yourself using Practice Tests

It’s crucial to keep in mind that the exam will cover a wide variety of academic and practical topics. As a result, you should gather as much information as possible before taking the test. Additionally, taking PMP Exam sample tests will help you better understand your study method and prepare for the real thing. You may also pinpoint your weak points and attempt to strengthen them. Further, in order to manage time during the test, you’ll be able to comprehend the question pattern and enhance your response abilities.

7. Applying for the Exam

• Confirming Eligibility
  • Have a four-year degree and 36 months of project management experience, as well as 35 hours of project management training.
• OR
  • Obtain a high school diploma or an associate’s degree, as well as 60 months of project management experience and 35 hours of project management training.
• Gathering info
  • Gather information about your experience and training by compiling a list of:
    • Firstly, projects you’ve managed and places you’ve worked
    • Secondly, your responsibilities and function
    • Thirdly, Project timeliness
    • Then, institutions you’ve attended and the training you’ve received
    • Lastly, qualifying hours have been completed in the following courses.
• Diving into the App 
  • Firstly, you’ll need a PMI.org account. So, keep all of the information you acquired in step 2 available so you can speed through the application.
  • After that, your application will be examined, and if you are qualified to proceed, you will be required to pay an exam fee.
    • Member Price: US$405
    • Non-Member Price: US$555
• Lastly, you can plan your exam time at a testing center near you once you’ve been allowed to take the exam (or you can take it online).

8. Understand the certification maintaining part

Obtaining your certification is a major achievement. Maintaining it is the next major thing. The PMI Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) Program is designed to help you learn and acquire the skills that employers want while keeping your certification status. Over the course of a three-year cycle, you must acquire a set amount of PDUs to maintain your certification. For example, if you have a Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification, you’ll need to earn 60 PDUs to keep it current.

How to Recertify as a PMP?

To maintain the PMP certification, individuals must recertify every three years. Here are the steps to recertify as a PMP:

1. Earn Professional Development Units (PDUs): The primary requirement for recertification is to earn a minimum of 60 PDUs during the three-year certification cycle. PDUs can be earned through a variety of activities, including attending training courses, participating in webinars, volunteering, and writing articles or books related to project management.
2. Submit PDUs: Once you have earned the required number of PDUs, you must submit them through the PMI online certification system. You will need to provide documentation that verifies your participation in the eligible activities.
3. Pay the Recertification Fee: There is a fee associated with recertification, which must be paid at the time of submission.
4. Complete the Online Application: After submitting your PDUs and paying the fee, you will need to complete an online application to confirm your continued eligibility for the PMP certification.
5. Wait for Approval: PMI will review your application and confirm that you have met the recertification requirements. Once your application is approved, your PMP certification will be renewed for another three-year cycle.

Recertifying as a PMP is an important step in maintaining your professional credentials and demonstrating your commitment to the project management field. By earning PDUs and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in project management, you can continue to grow and advance in your career as a PMP certified professional.

Final Words

The PMP examination is an important aspect of gaining this professional certification, thus it’s critical that it appropriately reflects project management techniques. In India, the maximum annual compensation for a Project Manager PMP is Rs 15,62,957. And, the lowest annual salary for a Project Manager PMP is Rs 6,40,279. As a result, entering the project industry will give you benefits in every way. Furthermore, a combination of on-the-job experience, course attendance, and self-study is recommended to improve your chances of passing the test. So, accomplish your exam, give it your all, and study hard.