Pass your PMP Certification Exam with Confidence
Expert-Led Training Designed for Exam Success
If achieving PMP Certification is the goal, our PMP Boot Camp is how you get there. You’ll learn the critical project management concepts, principles and techniques needed to pass the PMP exam on your first attempt.
Beginning the journey to earn your PMP certification credential is a significant milestone in your career. Although it can be a time-consuming and challenging endeavor, this globally recognized certification from PMI is undeniably worth the effort. As a sought-after credential held by over a million professionals worldwide, the PMP certification is essential for every project manager interested in advancing their career.
Exam Pass Guarantee
Interactive Courses
Expert Guidance
What is PMP Certification?
The Project Management Institute (PMI) sets the global standard for project management best practices, processes, methodologies, and professional ethics through it’s certification programs. The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification stands out as the most widely recognized.
This globally recognized credential not only distinguishes certified Project Managers but also verifies their ability to manage projects more efficiently across a diverse range of industries, such as healthcare, construction, information technology, and business. With over one million PMP certification holders worldwide, this credential is highly regarded and applicable to project managers across various sectors.
The potential benefits of earning your Project Management Certification is clear: a higher salary, greater job security, and expanded career options. PMP certification is a globally recognized credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
The Project Management Professional credentials far reaching recognition, making it one of the best educational investments in your career. A recent Salary Survey by the Project Management Institute, shows that PMP certified project managers have a significant advantage.
- Respondents with a PMP certification report higher median salaries than those without PMP certification — 33% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed.
- Nearly two-thirds (66%) of survey participants reported an increase in total compensation (including salary, bonuses and other cash incentives) over the 12 months prior to completing the salary survey.
- Our own internal full review of the impact on the Salary of PMP Certified Project Managers found significant positive evidence that attending a PMP Certification training course has a significant value.
By passing the PMP certification exam, candidates demonstrate their competence in managing people, processes, and business priorities in a professional project setting.
What is a PMP Boot Camp Class?
Once you’ve determined that PMP Certification is the next step in your career, your focus should turn from “Should I do it?” to “How do I do it?” Our PMP Boot Camp is an accelerated, guaranteed path to achieving to becoming certified. This comprehensive course covers every subject that you need to know to pass the exam, as outlined by Project Management Institue, as well as in depth test taking strategies. You will spend time learning about the core concepts of the project management framework and advanced methods of cost, schedule and risk management. During the course, you will take realistic mock exams to help prepare you. Having that experience means less stress during the real exam. A classroom environment, with a group of your peers increases your aptitude and can help build and maintain your motivation to finish your goal.
Who should attend PMP Certification Training?
Before you can sit for the Project Management Professional exam, you need to meet PMI’s PMP Requirements. This means you will have to be established enough in a project management role to have at least three and, in some cases, as many as five years of experience. In addition to the work experience required, PMI mandates that all applicants obtain 35 hours of formal project management education. Our project management training course meets all of the specifications set forth by Project Management Institute, in the PMP Exam Content Outline and is aligned to the most current version of the exam. Candidates who want to become certified, in a streamlined, managed approach, while maintaining a work-life balance benefit greatly from a structured training class.
PMP Certification Course Syllabus
Our curriculum is based on the current version of the PMP Certification Exam Content Outline and uses a problem-based and collaborative approach to learning. We emphasize more equality and connection between the instructor and learner. We blend these approaches with simple memorization techniques in order to keep the vast amount of information organized and memorable. The entire design of the PMP Boot Camp course is focused on ensuring your readiness to pass the PMP Certification Exam.
The PMP Certification exam has 180 multiple choice questions. The questions are randomly presented from a possible pool of over 10,000. In order to be successful, you will need to do more than simply memorize terms. The questions focus on the learning domains identified in Bloom’s Taxonomy and test your ability to remember, analyze, apply critical thinking and understand how different components relate to one another.
Remembering involves recognizing or remembering facts, terms, basic concepts, or answers.
Comprehending involves demonstrating an understanding of facts and ideas by organizing, comparing, interpreting, giving descriptions, and stating the main ideas.
Applying involves using acquired knowledge—solving problems in new situations by applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques, and rules.
Analyzing involves examining and breaking information into component parts, determining how the parts relate to one another, identifying motives or causes, making inferences, and finding evidence to support generalizations.
Upon successful completion of the PMP Boot Camp course, participants will be able to:
- Recall key inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs for each Project Management Body of Knowledge process
- Recall key project management formulas (earned value technique, forecasting, procurement, and communications lines)
- Create and interpret a schedule network diagram
- Articulate the fundamental principles of the PMBOK knowledge areas
- Navigate scenario based questions, and given a list of alternatives, determine the appropriate input, tool, and technique, or output that applicable in the situation
- Determine and apply the appropriate project management formula in situational based scenarios.
- Choose the best answer based on an understanding of the PMBOK knowledge areas and code of conduct.
Here is more information relating to what you will learn in the PMP Boot Camp Class:
Module 1 – Starting with the End in Mind
Project Management Roles & Environments
PMI Terminology and Structure
Professional Responsibility
PMP Exam strategies & tips and tricks
Module 2 – Creating and Managing High Performing Teams
Creating and Leading High Performing Teams
Define Team Ground Rules
Build Shared Understanding, Manage Conflict
Negotiate Project Agreements
Empower Team Members and Stakeholders
Ensure Team Members and Stakeholders Are Trained
Engage and Support Virtual Teams
Support Team Performance and Apply Emotional Intelligence
Address and Remove Impediments, Obstacles, and Blockers
Collaborate and Mentor Stakeholders
Module 3 – Planning and Managing the Project Work
Determine Appropriate Project Methodology/Methods and Practices
Plan and Manage Scope, Budget, Resources and Schedule
Plan and Manage Quality of Products/Deliverables
Integrate Project Planning Activities
Plan and Manage Procurement
Establish Project Governance Structure
Assess and Manage Risks
Execute Project to Deliver Business Value
Manage Communications
Engage Stakeholders
Create Project Artifacts
Manage Project Changes and Issues
Ensure Knowledge Transfer to Project Continuity
Module 4 – Managing the Business
Manage Compliance Requirements
Evaluate and Deliver Project Benefits and Value
Evaluate and Address Internal and External Business Environment Change
Support Organizational Change
Employ Continuous Process Improvement
Module 5 – Final Exam
Review of Questions & Answers
Stoplight Assessment
Each class includes hands-on course exercises including:
Practice exercises targeted at the range of learning styles
Network Diagram Exercises
Earned Value Exercises
Chapter Specific Practice Tests
90-day Access to a PMP Certification Exam Simulator
What You’ll learn
- Identify and overcome knowledge gaps
- PMI application support
- Increase comfort and ability with PMP Exam questions
- Learn useful tips and tricks to increase comprehension
- Learn and apply critical test-taking strategies
- Apply real-world project management concepts
- Complete exam readiness
What’s Included
- Comprehensive Pre-Class Study Guide
- Satisfies the required 35 contact hours
- Online PMP exam simulator
- 1000+ Practice Questions
- In-Class Exercises
- 100% Exam Pass Guarantee
- Lunch and Snacks Provided During Class
Would You Prefer to Attend Remotely?
We offer online training delivered by an expert instructor, taught live in real time. Our remote PMP Boot Camp course offers the same curriculum as our face to face classes, but from the comfort and convenience of your home or office.
See What Our PMP Boot Camp Students Have to Say
Nate was a great instructor and really made the material accessible. The boot camp provided a ton of information, but was not overwhelming. I definitely feel well prepared for the exam after this course
My instructor did a good job of delivering the Project Management Professional course material. His personal insights were helpful to the class and kept the class focused on preparing for the PMP test.
Why Choose Us for Your PMP Boot Camp Training?
When choosing a provider for your PMP certification training, please consider, not all PMP training courses are the same. The quality of instruction in certification training courses can vary significantly. Many courses do not fully prepare you for the exam, instead offering you a roadmap of what you need to learn on your own. When investing in your career you should never sacrifice quality for cost. If you review the key decision factors, we believe you will find we provide the best value. We blend proven learning concepts with simple memorization techniques to make sure you are able to keep the vast amount of information we cover organized and memorable. Our PMP Boot Camp is an accelerated, guaranteed path to achieving your PMP certification.
Here are a few more key reasons to join our class:
Experience
Our team of seasoned instructors is among the largest in the country with notable Project Management experience. They are experienced trainers who employ proven adult learning practices and straightforward internalization techniques to build engagement, motivation, and increase recall.
Thought Leadership
Proven Results
Our PMP Exam Prep Boot Camp gets you ready faster, better and with more long term education along the way. We have successfully trained thousands of students. Time and time again our students pass the exam the first time they take it!
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Firm Course Dates
When you register for one of our classes, you can feel confident that it will run as scheduled. We work hard to deliver on our promise to you.
100% Money Back Pass Guarantee
We know your certification is an important milestone in your career. We understand the value you place in spending your time and money wisely. That’s why we back up all of our courses with a 100% money-back guarantee. If you’ve looked at other training providers, you know that a money-back guarantee is common for courses like this. All guarantees are not created equal, though. We don’t want to hide small print behind big promises: we want you to know, precisely, what our guarantee does and doesn’t cover so you can make an informed decision and focus on your learning free from worry or distraction.
Our PMP Training Course is Designed for Success.
We are with you every step of the way.
No matter what you may read, the truth is that there is no easy path when it comes to passing the PMP exam. Most students typically require 3 to 6 months of study before they feel prepared to take the exam. However, this timeline varies—some may need more time, while others may be ready sooner. Additionally, statistics that up to 50% of applicants never end up taking the PMP exam. Our PMP Boot Camp accelerates your learning and keeps you focused on your goal, greatly enhancing your chances of passing the exam.
How Hard is the PMP Exam?
The Project Management Professional (PMP) exam can be challenging for working professionals who are seeking to earn the PMP certification for career development. The exam covers a wide range of knowledge and skills related to project management, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. The questions on the exam are scenario-based and require a thorough understanding of the PMP framework as well as practical experience with managing projects.
Many PMP exam takers report that the exam is difficult, with a passing rate of around 60% on the first attempt. However, the level of difficulty can vary depending on a person’s prior project management experience and their preparation for the exam. Some working professionals who have been actively managing projects find the exam to be manageable, while others may find it extremely challenging.
It is important to understand that the PMP exam is NOT a test of memorization, but rather a test of your ability to apply project management knowledge and techniques to real-world scenarios. In order to be well-prepared for the exam, it is recommended that you study the PMP framework and guidelines, as well as gain practical experience with managing projects.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) makes no secret of the difficulty involved in passing the PMP Certification exam. It’s a challenging test, and even experienced project managers with impressive track records sometimes walk away without a passing score. It’s not due to a lack of effort or commitment—many invest significant time into preparation. But the truth is, no matter how much you study, if you’re not focusing on the right material, your chances of passing diminish.
Research shows that about half of the people who begin preparing for the PMP exam never actually take it. You might assume that those who do register are exceptionally prepared, and therefore the pass rate would be high. Unfortunately, many PMP exam takers report that the exam is extremely difficult, with a passing rate of around 60% on the first attempt, leaving many accomplished professionals wondering where they went wrong. However, the level of difficulty can vary depending on a person’s prior project management experience and their preparation for the exam.
Why do so many capable project managers fail to pass an exam that assesses skills they use every day? The reason lies in the difference between mastering your job through real-world experience and excelling in a structured, knowledge-based exam. Just as a skilled professional might excel at applying concepts on the job but struggle with a theoretical test, many PMP candidates find the exam format requires more than just practical know-how. Understanding PMI’s framework, terminology, and methodology is essential for success.
What is tested on the PMP Exam?
The Project Management Institute, the world’s leading authority on project management, created the PMP to recognize project managers who have proven they have experience and expertise. To obtain PMP certification, a project manager must meet certain requirements and then pass a 180-question exam.
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam content outline has three domains:
1. People – emphasizing the skills and activities associated with effectively leading a project team.
2. Process – reinforcing the technical aspects of managing a project.
3. Business Environment – highlighting the connection between projects and organization strategy.
These sections each contain a variety of tasks and enablers, which are the more specific elements within the broad domains. They provide a deeper understanding of what a project manager should be able to do in each domain. Please note that the outline and percentage weighting can change as PMI updates the exam content from time to time. It’s always best to consult the latest Exam Content Outline available from PMI directly.
Details of these domains are outlined below:
People (42% of the exam)
- Leading a Team
– Defining team ground rules
– Building a team
– Nurturing a team
– Managing conflict - Supporting Team Performance
– Empowering team members and stakeholders
– Ensuring team members/stakeholders are adequately trained
– Building a team and managing a team
– Addressing and removing impediments, obstacles, and blockers for the team - Empowering Team Members and Stakeholders
– Promoting team performance through the application of emotional intelligence
– Supporting diversity and inclusivity
Process (50% of the Exam)
- Planning Project Work
– Developing the project charter
– Developing project management plans
– Defining project scope
– Creating the project schedule - Executing Project Work
– Managing project changes
– Implementing project management plans
– Managing project knowledge
– Managing project risks - Keeping the Team on Track
– Leading a team
– Managing conflicts within the team
– Supporting team performance - Keeping the Business in Mind
– Managing compliance requirements
– Evaluating business benefits and value
– Supporting organizational change
Business Environment (8% of the exam)
- Understanding EVM (Earned Value Management)
- Planning and managing project/program changes
- Project governance
- Identifying project benefits and analyzing stakeholder impacts
- Understanding project compliance (including laws, regulations, and standards)
Here are 7 key steps to passing the PMP exam:
- Familiarize yourself with the PMP exam format and content: The PMP exam is a computer-based test consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions. It covers the five process groups of project management: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing.
- Study the PMP framework and guidelines: The PMP exam is based on the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide). It is essential to thoroughly study the PMBOK Guide and understand the PMP framework and its application in real-world scenarios.
- Gain practical experience with managing projects: The PMP exam tests your ability to apply project management knowledge and techniques to real-world scenarios. It is important to gain practical experience with managing projects, so you can apply what you have learned from studying the PMBOK Guide to real-life situations.
- Create a study plan and stick to it: Create a study plan that fits your schedule and allows you to allocate enough time to study and practice. Stick to your plan, and make sure you are consistently studying and reviewing the material.
- Practice, practice, practice: Taking practice exams is an excellent way to assess your knowledge and identify areas where you need to improve. Try to take as many practice exams as possible, and review the answers to understand why you got the questions right or wrong.
- Get support from others: Joining a study group or connecting with other PMP exam takers can provide you with support and motivation, and can also help you to stay focused and on track.
In conclusion, the PMP exam can be challenging, but with the right preparation and study approach, it can be manageable for working professionals who need it for career development. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of passing the PMP exam and achieving your goal of becoming a PMP certified project manager. - Take a PMP Boot Camp: There are many study materials available to help you prepare for the PMP exam, such as PMP study guides, practice exams, flashcards, and online courses. This is where instructor-led training makes all the difference. An instructor-led PMP Boot Camp offers guided, focused learning that hones in on the specific content and exam strategies you need to know. Instead of navigating the exam prep process alone, PMP Boot Camp participants benefit from expert instruction, real-time guidance, and targeted resources. This approach not only sharpens your understanding of key concepts but also increases your confidence in tackling the exam itself.
For PMP credential seekers serious about achieving certification, a structured, instructor-led PMP Boot Camp can be the difference between struggling through self-study and excelling on exam day. In just a few days, you can boost your chances of passing and ensure your time and effort are focused on the areas that matter most.
How to get the most value with a PMP Certification Boot Camp
- Connect Real World Experience
- Retain More Information
- Stay Focused
- Have Dedicated Support
- Achieve Your Goal
Your years of practical experience are the most valuable thing you bring to your role. Without them, you wouldn’t be qualified to sit for the PMP exam in the first place. Distilling what you know from doing into the foundations and principles on the PMP exam, however, can challenge even the most experienced project managers. Your PMP Certification Training Instructor will help you connect your experience to the exam materials, putting what you’ve learned on the job into context so you can apply it on the exam.
Our 4-day PMP Boot Camp gives you more than mere exposure to the fundamentals and concepts on the test. It provides a focused educational experience with a rigorous schedule. Throughout the PMP Certification course, you’ll talk through the concepts and situations with your instructor and peers so you can ground your learning and recall it when you need it.
Many enthusiastic PMP Certification applicants have been struck down by the jargon-heavy style of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Interacting with a PMP certified expert instructor who can translate the language into practical terms helps to ensure you grasp the content and lets you test your understanding. Studying with a group of your peers in a classroom environment can also help build and maintain your motivation for the exam. It’s easy to get distracted and lose focus when you’re alone at your desk with a book. Studying with others who share your goals can help keep you accountable and sustain or stimulate determination.
Your PMP Certified trainer is an expert project manager with in depth understanding of the training materials but also in exam readiness. Every student who enrolls in and completes the Certification Academy PMP Boot Camp receives one-on-one guidance from their trainer and an individualized learning plan based on their current proficiency and progress towards their education requirements.
It doesn’t matter what you’re preparing for; one thing is always true: it’s easier to plan it than to do it. When you spend your days making crucial decisions, your well-laid plans often fall victim to diminished self-discipline by nightfall. Sure, you know you should be studying, but that knowledge doesn’t make it any easier to summon the motivation to do it night after night. An accelerated in-person PMP Certification Boot Camp takes the temptation to postpone test prep off of the table and, instead, gives you space to immerse yourself in the materials. Our courses are designed to remove the distractions of your everyday life so you can fully focus your time and attention on the coursework and be exam-ready in less time than if you’d studied on your own
PMP Boot Camp Course Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to sit for the PMP Certification exam?
Candidates must complete an online application with the Project Management Institute (PMI). The application asks you to detail several years of your work history and education. Once started, you have 90 days to complete it. It has an auto-save function so you can come back to it if you take a break from working on it. Once submitted, an employee of the Project Management Institute will review it.
Typically, it takes about 3-5 five business days to review your application. Once approved, you will receive an e-mail from PMI. In the email will be an eligibility code. You will need this code to pay for and schedule the second part of the PMP certification process: the exam.
Does my job title have to be Project Manager?
No. Your job title in your organization doesn’t matter. As long as you have the minimum (4500/7500 hours) project management experience, you meet the PMP Certification requirements needed to apply.
What if I haven't managed all parts of a project?
It does not matter if you have
Do I have to be a PMI Member?
The answer is no, PMI membership is not mandatory. There are a few benefits to becoming a member. PMI members receive a significant discount on their PMP exam application fee. This discount is greater than what it costs to become a PMI member. PMI members receive a free digital copy of the PMBOK Guide. It is easier to maintain your certifications by using free resources, materials and tools available to you, as a PMI member.
Additionally, many local PMI chapters offer discounts for workshops, chapter meetings, and events to PMI members.
How long does it take to process the PMP application?
Online applications are typically processed within five business days. Individual applications submitted by mail take approximately 10 business days. Corporate applications submitted by mail take 20 business days. Once the application and fee have been processed, PMI will electronically send the Examination Scheduling Instructions, confirming that the applicant is eligible to take the exam.
What is an Audit?
PMI routinely conducts random audits on a certain percentage of the PMP exam applications to ensure they meet the PMP Certification requirements. PMI does not publish what percentage gets audited, the general consensus is around 10-15% off applicants get selected at random for audit. PMI will notify if your pmp application is selected for an audit, as soon as you submit your application. You will also receive an email from PMI with links to complete the audit. PMI’s officially says that it takes 5-7 days to approve the application. However, it can be approved within only a couple of days if the necessary documents are submitted quickly.
How long do I have to pass the PMP examination after approved?
Eligibility is good for one year from the day that the application was approved. The exam may be taken three times within the pmp eligibility period should applicants not pass on the first attempt. In some cases if you have a need to extend your eligibility, PMI will grant a 2-3 month extension.
How do I schedule a time to sit for the PMP Certification exam?
Once you are eligible to take the PMP Certification exam, the PMP Exam scheduling instructions from PMI will walk you through how you to contact PearsonVUE, to select a date and location for taking the exam. The PMP exam is a computer-based exam and may be scheduled by applicants at any time available at any of the testing sites or online.
Scheduling the PMP Exam
Once you have been approved by PMI and paid the PMP certification exam fee, you can schedule your exam with PearsonVUE. You will have one year from the time your application is approved to take the exam. You may take the exam up to 3 times during this eligibility period. You can find a complete list of testing locations on the PearsonVUE PMI page.
Sitting for the PMP Exam
The PMP Certification exam is taken at a PearsonVUE test center or Online and is 180 questions with a 230 min (3 hr 50 min) time limit. The questions are broken down into 3 domains; People 42%, Process 50%, Business Environment 8%
Questions will be a combination of multiple-choice, multiple responses, matching, hotspot and limited fill-in-the-blank. You will receive your results immediately.
How much does it cost to sit for the PMP Certification exam?
The PMP Certification exam costs $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members. The annual fee for PMI membership is $139, so you reduce your cost if you become a member and then schedule your exam.
Is there a cost to cancel my test date after scheduling the exam?
You may reschedule or cancel your exam if done at least two full days prior to your exam date. However, canceling or rescheduling the exam within 30 days of a scheduled exam date will incur a rescheduling fee of $70. Be sure to confirm the cancellation/rescheduling guidelines with PearsonVUE when scheduling the exam.
How is the PMP Certification exam administered?
The PMP Certification exam is a psycho-metrically based, computer exam of 180 questions. The exam is offered by an independent testing company, PearsonVUE, and each exam question has one correct answer. You have just under four hours (230 minutes) to complete the exam. Many test-takers finish the exam with little time to spare. Each question has a level of difficulty assigned to it by PMI. The “mix” of difficult and easy questions determines how many questions you need to answer correctly. At the end of your exam you will receive your results immediately.
The scores are the following: Overall: Pass/ Fail
By Section:
- Needs Improvement
- Below Target
- Above Target
In addition to the overall pass/fail status, important diagnostic information on your performance is provided for each domain. This information provides specific guidance for both passing and failing candidates.
It is possible to receive a below proficient score in one area and still pass. However, you will need to offset that below proficient score with higher scores in other areas.
How many hours of study time are necessary to meet the requirements?
The exact amount of time varies depending on individual learning styles and comfort level. Generally, students should expect to spend around 20-40 hours studying in addition to the time spent in class. The course will meet the 35 hours required by PMI.
An example of a realistic, successful study plan in addition to attending a course:
- Begin to Read the PMBOK® Guide
- Read the Pre-Class Advance Reading Guide we provide when you register
- Consider joining a study group for support
- Attend all days of an instructor led learning class
- Use our exam simulator to take practice exams until your comfortable and scoring well.
- If you consistently score above 80% on our practice exams, or when your instructor gives you the Green Light, you are ready to take the exam!
What study materials are provided in the PMP course?
-
- We provide complete PMP course materials to our students. In addition to comprehensive study materials, references, and study aids, our students receive a 90-day subscription to our online learning platform, which includes an exam simulation with over 1,000 practice questions.
- Students are encouraged to purchase the current edition of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge®, available at the PMI Bookstore or other retailers. PMI Members have access to a free e-copy of the PMBOK® Guide online that may be downloaded.
- All the questions on the examination have been written and extensively reviewed by qualified PMP credential holders and tracked to at least two academic references. These questions are mapped against the PMP Examination Content Outline to ensure that an appropriate number of questions are in place for a valid examination.
- Sample exam questions and suggested reading are also available on the PMI website.
How can I get the 35 hours Required to sit for PMP Certification?
Our comprehensive PMP certification courses are designed to ensure you pass the exam and meet the training requirements. We ensure the course is complete and covers all necessary topics, eliminating the need for additional training hours. Our PMP certification training course will not only contribute to your training needs but also streamline the process, ensuring you meet the PMP Certification criteria seamlessly.
What is the passing score for the PMP Certification exam?
The pass rate and statistics are not published. The Project Management Institute does not disclose that information. In the PMP certification handbook, PMI states that the number of questions you have to get right is determined by psychometric analysis and has been created with input from project management experts from around the world. In other words, you won’t know your passing score, which might differ from time to time.
PMI introduced the Above Target, Target, Below Target, and Needs Improvement ratings, which are still in use on examination reports today. You might hear people refer to these as AT, T, BT, and NI. We should aim to be Target or Above Target on all practice exams.
What is the average salary of a PMP Certified Project Manager?
Project Managers who achieve PMP Certification generally earn considerably more than non-certified project managers. Our indepth article on the PMP Certification Salary Impact shows the average salary of a PMP certified project manager in the United States is around $130,000 per year, with variations depending on industry, location, and experience level.
How often do I need to renew my PMP certification?
The PMP certification is valid for three years, so you will need to renew your certification every three years. To renew your PMP certification, you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) in the three years since you passed the PMP exam. You must also submit a renewal application and fee. You can earn PDUs in a variety of ways, such as attending conferences, completing courses, teaching, writing articles, and volunteering.
Do I need to renew my PMI membership to stay certified?
You do not have to be a PMI member to remain PMP certified, nor do you need to be a PMI member to get your certification. Many project managers join PMI as they are prepare for the PMP exam because they receive a substantial discount on the exam fees. The discount is greater than the yearly PMI membership, so it makes a lot of sense to join.
How long is the PMP Certification Valid For?
PMP Certification is valid for three years. To maintain it, you must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) within this period. The Project Management Institute has outlined how those PDUs are broken down.
- Minimum of 35 Education PDUs
- Maximum of 25 Giving Back PDUs
As a PMP certificate holder, you must earn a minimum of 8 PDUs in each skill area of the PMI Talent Triangle – Ways of Working, Power Skills, and Business Acumen.
Maintaining your certification is crucial in this fast-paced industry. Continuous learning ensures you stay competitive and relevant. The requirement to earn PDUs aligns with the PMI‘s Talent Triangle®, which focuses on a balanced skill set necessary for effective project management.
For a deeper dive into the renewal process, explore comprehensive pmp requirement guide that details how to earn and report your PDUs, ensuring you meet all necessary criteria within the three-year cycle. By understanding these guidelines, you can effectively plan your professional development activities to keep your certification active and your skills sharp.
What if I do not meet the PMP Certification Requirements?
If you do not meet the PMP Certification requirements you can work on obtaining the additional education and work experience needed, or you might consider starting your career in project management with a Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM) certification. CAPM certification is an entry level project management certification offered by PMI. The CAPM certification is very valuable and respected by employers as well when they are looking for project management candidates.
There are CAPM requirements you must satisfy but they are not as rigorous as PMP eligibility requirements. The exam content is similar to that of the PMP exam however, the questions are much easier and require far less comprehension of the process groups and their application. If you start to your project management career by getting CAPM certified, you will be familiar with PMP exam process, as well as being better positioned to obtain PMP certification, as you will have fulfilled 21 of the 35 contact hours of education requirements. Our CAPM Certification Course is designed to fully prepare you for the exam, along with the administrative steps, such as completing the application and submitting your contact hours.
What are the PMP Certification Requirements?
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification requirements are a tiered validation structure that ensures you have the necessary education and work experience. In ordr to become PMP Certified you must qualify for the requirements in addition to studying for and passing the PMP exam. Meeting these requirements is the first step to success in preparing to become a Project Management Professional.
In this article, we will review the PMP certification requirements in detail. After reading this guide, you should know if you are qualified to sit for the PMP certification exam or not. Candidates must complete the verification section of the application to apply to take the PMP Exam. The full eligibility requirements are listed within the Project Management Professional (PMP)® Handbook. This free guide is available from PMI’s website.
PMP Requirements Eligibility Quick Reference
HS Diploma, Associate’s Degree or Equivalent:
- 7,500 hours spent leading and directing projects
- 35 contact hours of formal project management education
Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent:
- 4,500 hours spent leading and directing projects.
- 35 contact hours of formal project management education
PMP Certification Requirements Video
PMP Certification Eligibility Breakdown in Detail
Academic Education
- You will be asked if you have a secondary diploma or a degree. If you have a degree, you will need the name of the institution, the year you graduated, and the major of study.
Project Management Experience
Project management is a serious profession that requires communication with multiple stakeholders throughout the life of the project. While delivering the scope of work, project managers must carefully handle communications, team morale and attitudes and manage the various expectations of different stakeholders. Having substantial experience in project management is one of the PMP certification requirements.
- Typically, the experience is in leading or directing projects, or project deliverables. The months of experience time frame requirement in non-overlapping months.
- Working as a full-time project manager with two projects at the same time for two months = 2 months of experience, not 4.
- The hours of project management experience are cumulative across all process groups, and within the last eight (8) years to be counted on the PMI PMP application.
- Working as a full-time project manager with two projects at the same time (app.~160 hrs) for two months = 320 hours or experience.
- What is Leading and Directing a Project?
- It means that you have performed the role of a project manager and managed a complete project, or that you have managed part of a project. Essentially, it means that you should have done some of the tasks that are listed in PMP Exam Content Outline.
Formal Project Management Education
Project management requires advanced knowledge and understanding of project management tools, techniques and processes. According to the PMP Credential Handbook, the PMP exam “objectively assesses and measures experience, education and professional knowledge—the foundation of competent practice as a project manager.” There are 10 knowledge areas that a project manager has to be proficient in order to pass the exam. These knowledge areas are tested in five different project management process groups. In order to pass the PMP exam, a candidate must score above a proficient level in these project management process groups.
You will need to show 35 contact hours of project management education. The 35 hours of Project Management education requirement can be fulfilled by attending one our PMP Certification Boot Camp Training classes.
- What is a Contact Hour?
- One hour of Classroom instruction equals one contact hour.
- If you attend an 9 hour long session with breaks in-between, then you can claim (9 hours minus the break time) as contact hours.
- You may use educational hours from college programs.
- There is no time period or expiration on contact hours.
- These hours can be accrued from classroom courses or online training workshops.
Prior to attending our course, you may complete our PMP Readiness and Overview course to get more information about the information required to pass the PMP exam, the PMP examination process, application and the steps for maintaining your certification. This option satisfies the required 35 contact hours of project management training and allows our students to complete their application and receive eligibility approval before attending our PMP Certification Training course.
For a more information about the eligibility documentation, please review the PMP certification requirements within the Project Management Professional (PMP)® Handbook. This free guide is available from the Project Management Institute’s website. Within it, you’ll find a detailed description of the PMP certification, an explanation of who is eligible to apply, and the process to apply. It covers everything you would ever need to about the exam from an administrative point of view.
What is the Application Process for PMP Certification?
Because the PMP application is quite an involved process, we recommend that you gather all the relevant information related to your PMP application before you begin. Once the application has begun, it cannot be canceled; however, you can save your application and complete it later. The first thing we recommend is that you register to become a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI)
- It typically costs $139 to become a member, but it saves you money on exam fees.
- The standard non-member price to take the exam is $555. The PMI member’s price for the exam is $405.
Side By Side Cost Breakdown:
| Item | PMI Member | Non Member |
| PMI Membership Fee: | $139 | $0 |
| PMP Application Fee: | $405 | $555 |
| Total Cost: | $544 | $555 |
| *Bonus – Retake Fee: | $275 | $375 |
Completing the PMP Application
The online application provides a limited amount of space (500 characters). Use concise descriptions to describe the project management tasks the candidate led or directed for each project. There is no rush to do this step. We will help you with this as part of our course. You can use our course to satisfy the 35 hours of education part of the PMP Certification requirements. Before submitting the application, you will need to read and agree to PMI Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct and the Certification Agreement/Renewal Agreement. PMI will review your application and respond within 3 to 5 business days. Once your application is approved you will receive an invitation to pay for and schedule the exam.
Scheduling your Exam with Pearson VUE.
- You have one year to take the exam after your application has been approved.
- You may take the exam up to three (3) times during the eligibility period.
- Scheduling the Exam
- Once you have been approved by PMI and paid to the PMP certification exam fee, you can schedule your exam with Pearson VUE. You will have one year from the time your application is approved to take the exam. You may take the exam up to 3 times during this eligibility period. You can find a complete list of testing locations on the Pearson VUE PMI page.
- Take the PMP Exam
- The PMP Exam is taken at your nearest Pearson VUE test center and is 200 questions with a 4 hour time limit. Because of the computer based exam, you will receive your score immediately, and you can share the good news that you are now a Certified PMP!