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How To Apply For The PMP Exam

Published by Mike McNelis on August 29, 2023

To apply for the PMP (Project Management Professional) exam, follow these steps:

  1. Check Eligibility:
    • Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Project Management Institute (PMI). As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, PMI typically requires one of the following:
      • A four-year degree (bachelor’s or the global equivalent) and at least three years of project management experience, with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.
      • OR, a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience, with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.
  2. Join PMI and Become a Member (Optional):
    • While not mandatory, joining PMI as a member can offer benefits such as reduced exam fees, access to PMI resources, and networking opportunities.
  3. Prepare for the Exam:
    • Dedicate time to study and prepare for the PMP exam. You may choose to use study materials, online courses, or enroll in a PMP exam preparation program. PMI offers various resources and materials to help with exam preparation.
  4. Create a PMI Account:
    • Visit the PMI website (www.pmi.org) and create an account if you don’t already have one. This account will be used to access the online application and other PMI resources.
  5. Complete the Online Application:
    • Log in to your PMI account and navigate to the PMP certification section.
    • Start the PMP application by providing the required information, including your educational and project management experience details. Be prepared to document your project management hours, including the specific projects you’ve worked on.
    • Review your application thoroughly to ensure accuracy.
  6. Pay the Exam Fee:
    • After completing the application, you will be prompted to pay the exam fee. PMI offers different fee structures for members and non-members.
    • Once your payment is processed, PMI will review your application.
  7. Application Review and Approval:
    • PMI typically takes about 5-10 business days to review and approve applications. During this period, PMI may conduct random audits of applications. If selected for an audit, you will need to provide documentation to verify your project management experience and education.
  8. Schedule the Exam:
    • Once your application is approved, PMI will send you an eligibility ID. You can use this ID to schedule your exam through the Prometric testing center or Pearson VUE, depending on your location.
  9. Prepare for the Exam:
    • Continue your exam preparation by studying the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge) and other recommended materials.
  10. Take the Exam:
    • On the scheduled exam day, arrive at the testing center with proper identification and your eligibility ID. The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete.
  11. Receive Your Results:
    • After completing the exam, you will receive immediate preliminary results. PMI will also send your official exam score report by email.
  12. Maintain Your Certification:
    • If you pass the exam, congratulations! You will need to earn Professional Development Units (PDUs) to maintain your PMP certification. PMI requires PMP-certified individuals to participate in ongoing professional development.
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