Your Guide to Becoming a Certified PMP

Project management is an exciting field for a variety of reasons. One of the most enticing aspects of this lucrative career path is the employment prospects; according to the Anderson Economic Group, an average of 1.5 million project management roles will need filling every year through the next decade. With growing demand, there’s plenty of stability and opportunity for career advancement to be found in the project management industry.

What Does a Project Manager Do?
It’s difficult to pinpoint the general roles of a project manager, as they can vary based on industry and project in particular. Essentially, project managers are responsible for overseeing a multitude of aspects regarding a specific business initiative. This entails planning, coordinating, implementing, and finalizing projects as deemed necessary by the company or organization in question. Project management professionals often put together teams to help coordinate successful implementation or production or a service or product. The PMP Certification is the crème de la crème of the industry, and many project managers pursue this designation in order to qualify for higher paying jobs and more prestige.

Eligibility Requirements for PMP Exam
In order to sit for the PMP Certification Exam, you must fulfill a variety of eligibility requirements. These include a bachelor’s degree in project management or another discipline (there are global equivalents for those outside of the United States), 4,500 hours of project management experience, and 35 hours of project management training. Those that do not hold a bachelor’s degree can also sit for the PMP exam, but they must acquire 7,500 hours of project management experience, along with the 35 hours of project management training. If you become a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), you’ll receive a discount on the exam fee and a book entitled “A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge” which can be extremely helpful when preparing for the test. To take the test, you’ll pay a fee; $555 if you’re not a member of the PMI, and $405 if you are a member. The PMI requires random auditing; if you’re chosen for an audit, you’ll be asked to send in proof and references of all the portions of your application within a three month time period after applying. Once approved, you’ll receive an email that gives you the authorization to take the test.

Preparing for the Exam
Utilize thorough PMP courses that can prepare you for the exam. Generally, these courses provide study materials and mock exams to give you every advantage possible before you head in to take the actual test. As you study, determine which areas you need to focus more of your attention. Understand your skills as they currently stand, and identify any areas in which you need more work. Study PMI terminology, use the guide book given to you when you joined the institute as a member (an estimated 75 percent of the questions on the test will come directly from the material covered in the book), and use revision packets and courses to your advantage. According to the PMI, candidates should expect to spend at least 35 hours preparing for the exam, so be sure to begin your review in advance. Consider taking part in in-person workshops; this will allow you to draw on the experiences from other test takers and learn strategies for passing the first time around.

Taking the PMP Exam
After you’ve signed up for an examination date and the day has come, know what to expect before you head in. The PMP exam is a 200-question multiple choice test, and candidates have around 4 hours to answer all questions. There are no scheduled breaks, and while you can take one if necessary, know that this will cut into your allotted time. The exam will test your knowledge on six main aspects: Initiating, Planning, Exciting, Monitoring and Controlling, Closing, and Professional and Social Responsibility. The week before, drive yourself to the test site and consider how long it takes you to get there. Pack a lunch or snacks, and arrive early on the day of your test to ensure you don’t hit any snags in your travel. As the exam begins, you’ll watch a short tutorial on using the test computer and software; be sure to pay attention.

Once you’ve passed the test, you’ve earned the PMP designation, and opened yourself up to better project manager jobs and higher earnings. In order to maintain your status, you’ll need to claim 60 PDUs, which can be achieved by attending meetings and seminars or volunteering for the PMI. With a little effort and plenty of determination, you can be well on your way to your PMP certification.

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