To get PMP certification, pass the Project Management Professional exam administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This requires meeting eligibility criteria, completing an application, and preparing for the test.
The PMP certification isn't open to everyone. You must meet specific education and experience requirements:
Or:
These requirements ensure candidates have practical experience before attempting the exam.
After confirming eligibility, submit an application through PMI's online system. The application requires detailed information about your project management experience, including:
PMI may audit applications randomly, so provide accurate information. The audit process verifies your experience and education.
Preparing for the PMP exam involves studying the A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and other resources. Many candidates enroll in PMP certification training courses to supplement their studies.
The exam tests your knowledge of five performance domains:
| Performance Domain | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Initiating | Developing project charters and stakeholder registers |
| Planning | Creating project management plans and schedules |
| Executing | Managing project work and resources |
| Monitoring and Controlling | Reviewing project performance and making adjustments |
| Closing | td>Finalizing project deliverables and documenting lessons learned
Use practice exams to assess your readiness. The actual exam has 180 multiple-choice questions, and you'll have 230 minutes to complete it.
Once PMI approves your application, schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or online. Choose a date and location that fits your preparation timeline.
On exam day, arrive early if testing in person. For online exams, ensure your setup meets technical requirements. You'll need a quiet, private space with a webcam.
Earning your PMP certification isn't the end of the process. To maintain it, you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years. PDUs come from activities like:
PMI offers resources to help certified project managers stay current in the field.