Alexis Kestler
Hi there! I‘m so glad you‘re interested in earning the coveted Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. As a certified PMP myself, I know firsthand how rewarding, challenging, and career-boosting the process can be. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get PMP certified in 2023!
Why Get PMP Certified?
Let‘s start by talking about why PMP certification is so valued in the project management world. For starters, it proves you have the specific skills, experience, and knowledge to effectively manage projects in any industry.
The PMP credential:
- Demonstrates your dedication to the field
- Qualifies you for higher-level PM positions
- Boosts your earning potential
This table illustrates the power of PMP certification:
| Median Salary for PMPs | $115,000 |
| Median Salary for Non-Certified PMs | $92,000 |
| Salary Increase | 20% |
As you can see, PMP credential holders earn 20% more on average than those without certification.
Beyond the financial benefits, the PMP designation gives you credibility and recognition from employers. It proves you‘re dedicated to ongoing learning and professional development too.
Personally, when I earned my PMP certification last year, I noticed an immediate boost during job interviews. Hiring managers saw the PMP designation as proof I was a seasoned project manager with expertise. It gave me a major advantage over other applicants.
Bottom line – the PMP credential is the gold standard certification for project managers globally. It can take your career to new heights!
PMP Certification Requirements
Now, let‘s review the PMP certification eligibility requirements:
Educational Experience
All applicants must have either:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- An associate‘s degree or equivalent
Project Management Experience
You‘ll need a specific number of hours leading and directing projects:
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With high school education: Minimum of 60 months (7,500 hours) project management experience and 35 contact hours of project management education
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With an associate‘s degree: Minimum of 36 months (4,500 hours) project management experience and 35 contact hours of project management education
This hands-on PM experience must have been accrued within the last 8 consecutive years prior to applying. The work can be from different projects and does not need to be consecutive.
Project Management Education
On top of your PM work history, you must complete a 35-hour project management course or training. Options include:
- Classroom, online, or virtual PM courses
- Educational sessions offered by PMI chapters
I chose to take an online PMP exam prep course to fulfill this requirement. The 35 hours of training counted towards my application and helped me prepare for the actual exam.
PMP Exam Content
Let‘s go over what‘s actually on the PMP exam:
- 180 multiple choice questions
- 230 minutes (3.8 hours) to complete the exam
- Questions relate to the PMI Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide
The content covers three domains:
- People – 42%: Team needs, empowerment, motivation
- Process – 50%: Planning, managing, executing, controlling, closing projects
- Business – 8%: Organizational influences, compliance, stakeholders
The questions are designed using adaptive testing algorithms. This means the difficulty adapts based on your ongoing performance. Answer correctly, and the next question gets harder. Answer incorrectly, and an easier question typically follows.
To pass, you need to demonstrate proficiency in all three domains. Historically, about 61-63% of questions must be answered correctly to pass. But the exact passing score varies per exam version.
I suggest really drilling down on the People and Process domains, as they make up over 90% of the exam!
Oh, and you can choose to take the PMP exam either at a testing center or online through proctored remote testing. I chose online so I could take it from the comfort of my home office. Much less stressful!
How to Apply for PMP Certification
Here is an overview of the PMP application process:
1. Review the Requirements
First, check that you meet the eligibility requirements outlined above. Document your project history, education, and training to prove you qualify.
2. Submit Your Application and Fee
Once eligible, you can submit the PMP application form online along with the fee of:
- $555 for non-PMI members
- $405 for PMI members
3. Get Application Approval
PMI will review your application and validate your experience and credentials. Within 5-10 business days you‘ll get approved or receive an audit request if anything is unclear.
4. Schedule Your Exam
After approval, use PMI‘s certification system to schedule your PMP exam date, time, and testing center or online proctoring session. You have one year to take the test from the approval date.
5. Study and Prepare Extensively!
Be sure to spend plenty of time reviewing the PMP handbook, practice tests, and other exam prep materials. On average, successful candidates spend around 35 hours studying and prepping.
6. Pass the Exam!
Show up on test day ready to rock it! With all your preparation, you‘ve got this. Stay confident and focused to pass on your first attempt.
7. Renew Every 3 Years
Once certified, you‘ll need to renew your PMP every 3 years by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) in project management topics.
Proper planning prevents poor performance! Follow these PMP application steps and you‘ll be in great shape.
Helpful PMP Exam Study Resources
To pass the PMP exam, studying and preparation are crucial. Here are some of my favorite PMP study materials and resources:
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PMBOK® Guide: Review PMI‘s guide that outlines all project management processes, best practices, tools and techniques.
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Online Courses: Take a PMP exam prep course for the 35 education hours and to refresh your PM knowledge.
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Practice Exams: Mimic the real test environment with practice questions and tests. Time yourself for exam day readiness!
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Study Groups: Joining a study group lets you discuss concepts and quiz each other. Find PMP study groups locally or online.
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Flashcards: Portable flashcards are great for strengthening recall of definitions, formulas, terminology, etc.
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Books: Reference books like Rita Mulcahy‘s PMP Exam Prep offer exam tips, tricks, and full practice tests.
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Simulator: Exam simulators recreate the real testing experience, adapting question difficulty as you go.
For comprehensive prep, I used a PMP course for the education hours plus an exam simulator with tons practice questions to identify my weak areas. I suggest using multiple study resources to fully prepare and boost confidence. Develop a study schedule and stick to it leading up to exam day. Consistency and repetition are key!
PMP Exam and Renewal Fees
Let‘s discuss the investment required for PMP certification and renewal:
- PMP Exam Cost: $405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members
- Re-take Fee: Same exam fees apply each try if you need to retake
- Renewal Fee: $60 for members, $150 for non-members every 3 years
At first glance, the costs may seem high. But PMP certification delivers an incredible ROI. The credential can grow your salary by thousands per year and open up senior leadership roles.
For most certified project managers, the long-term financial and career benefits far outweigh the upfront costs. The designation proves your expertise and enhances job security too.
Is Earning PMP Certification Worth It?
For aspiring and experienced project managers, yes – pursuing PMP certification is absolutely worth the effort!
Beyond the exam costs, it does require dedicating time to study, prepare, and renew the credential every few years.
But the long-term rewards and opportunity for career growth are immense:
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Higher Salary Potential: PMPs earn 20%+ more than non-certified peers
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Job Promotions: Fast-track to senior PM positions and leadership roles
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Globally Recognized: The PMP is the gold standard project management certification
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More Job Opportunities: Stand out to recruiters and showcase your skills
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Ongoing Development: Maintaining your PMP ensures you stay sharp and current
I can say firsthand, earning my PMP certification last year was one of the best career decisions I‘ve made. The hard work to pass the exam and maintain the credential has already paid dividends.
My PMP designation changed how hiring managers viewed me – I became their expert "go-to" for complex projects. I‘ve taken on leadership roles and responsibilities that were previously unattainable. And yes, I earned a promotion and 20% salary bump just 6 months after getting certified!
The PMP journey isn‘t easy, but if you have the drive and determination, the payoff is immense. For dedicated project managers looking to advance their careers, PMP certification is absolutely worth pursuing.
Final Words of Advice
As you work towards PMP certification this year, I want to leave you with some final tips:
- Immerse yourself in the PMBOK Guide to understand processes and best practices
- Use multiple study resources – variety is key for PMP prep
- Join a study group to reinforce concepts and simulate exam conditions
- Take practice tests to identify weak areas and boost confidence
- Get familiar with adaptive testing algorithms to know what to expect
- Don‘t underestimate the exam – overprepare to pass on your first try
- Use PMI‘s online certification system to track application status
- Schedule your exam ASAP once approved to motivate studying
- Read each PMP exam question carefully – focus on keywords
- Actively maintain your certification through renewal PDUs
Stay positive, be diligent in your preparation, and you‘ll have that PMP designation before you know it. I believe in you – now go get certified in 2023! Wishing you the best of luck. You‘ve got this!
