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Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification can make you stand out against the competition in the field of project management. If you’ve wondered how to get PMP certification, know that you must first complete work experience, training courses and an exam.
But is PMP certification worth it? In this article, we’ll explore what it takes to get certified, how much you might have to pay and how PMP certification can help you level up your project management career.
Earning the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification shows employers you have the skills and experience to effectively manage projects But before you can put those coveted PMP initials after your name, you’ll need to put in ample time and effort to meet the requirements
If you’re wondering, “How long does it take to get PMP certified?” this comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step We’ll break down the timeline from start to finish, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Gain the Required Project Management Experience
The first step to PMP certification is meeting the work experience requirement set by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the organization that administers the credential.
To qualify for the PMP exam, you’ll need:
- 36 months of project management experience if you hold a bachelor’s degree or global equivalent
- 60 months of project management experience if you hold an associate’s degree, high school diploma or global equivalent
This experience must have taken place within the last 8 consecutive years prior to your application submission. Your work should demonstrate each of the 5 project management process groups:
- Initiating
- Planning
- Executing
- Monitoring and controlling
- Closing
Leading projects for a company, nonprofit organization, or as a volunteer all count toward the experience requirement. Document your project management experience thoroughly, as PMI may audit your application.
Gaining the necessary experience typically takes 1-5 years, depending on your education level and career trajectory.
Complete 35 Contact Hours of Project Management Education
In addition to project management experience, PMP applicants must complete 35 contact hours of formal project management education. This training prepares you for the topics covered on the exam.
You can satisfy this requirement through:
- Completing a PMP training course
- Relevant college courses
- PMI workshops or events
- Project management-related seminars
Earning another PMI credential like the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) also waives this requirement.
It typically takes 1-6 months to complete 35 contact hours of training.
Submit Your PMP Certification Application
Once you meet the experience and education requirements, you can submit your PMP certification application through PMI’s website. The application fee is $555 for non-PMI members and $405 for PMI members.
PMI will review and respond to your application within 5 calendar days. If they request an audit, you’ll need to provide documentation like resumes, job descriptions, and training certificates within 90 days.
Submitting the application takes less than 1 hour. Allow 5 days for processing time.
Schedule Your PMP Exam
After PMI approves your application, you’ll receive an exam eligibility ID to schedule your PMP exam appointment. You can take the exam either at a local test center or online through PMI’s designated testing partner.
The PMP exam contains 180 multiple choice questions that you’ll have 4 hours to complete. Schedule your exam for a date when you’ll be able to focus and avoid distractions.
It takes less than 1 hour to schedule your PMP exam date, time, and location.
Study and Prepare for the Exam
You’ll want to spend ample time studying before your PMP exam date. Review the PMP handbook and exam content outline on PMI’s website to see the topics covered.
Some helpful study resources include:
- PMP exam prep books
- Online PMP training courses
- PMP practice exams
- PMP study groups
Create a study plan that works for your schedule. Expect to spend around 100-200 hours preparing if you’re new to project management.
Most exam candidates spend 1-3 months studying for the PMP exam.
Pass the PMP Exam
You’ll need to answer at least 61% of questions correctly to pass the PMP exam. While PMI doesn’t disclose the exact passing score, aiming for at least 75% on practice exams can help ensure you’re prepared.
You have 3 attempts to pass the exam within your 1-year eligibility period. The retest fee is $275 for PMI members and $375 for non-members.
Plan for the exam itself to take up to 4 hours. Allow 2-3 months total to pass if you need all 3 attempts.
Maintain Your PMP Certification
Once you pass the PMP exam, you’ll hold the credential for 3 years before needing to renew. During each 3-year cycle, you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) to maintain your certification.
Activities like attending courses, workshops, and PMI events can all provide PDUs. You can also earn PDUs for creating project management content and volunteering.
The renewal fee is $60 for PMI members and $150 for non-members. If your certification expires, you’ll need to reapply as a new candidate.
Ongoing learning and development activities make maintaining your PMP certification relatively easy.
Total PMP Certification Timeline
The total timeline to earn your PMP certification breaks down as:
- 1-5 years to gain project management experience, depending on your education
- 1-6 months to complete 35 training hours
- 1-3 months to study and prepare for the PMP exam
- Up to 1 year from application to passing the exam, if you need multiple attempts
While the process takes dedication, the effort pays off for many PMP certification holders through salary increases, promotions, and new job opportunities. The skills you gain also help you become a more effective, employment project manager.
If you’re motivated to advance your project management career, earning the PMP credential can give you the boost you need. Use this detailed breakdown of the process to plan your path to certification.
What Is PMP Certification?
Professional certifications verify your career skills and allow you to learn more about important concepts and industry best practices that can help in your day-to-day operations.
PMP certification is the most widely recognized in the world of project management. It’s available through the Project Management Institute (PMI), which publishes the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®). The PMBOK is the Holy Grail of knowledge when it comes to project management concepts.
PMP certification demonstrates a strong understanding of the concepts set forth in the PMBOK. This designation can help you distinguish yourself from your peers and gain respected credentials in your field. Along the way, you’ll learn about concepts like Agile, waterfall project management, leadership and business management.
Benefits of PMP certification
- Salary increase. PMPs in the U.S. earn about 32% more than their non-certified peers in project management.
- Greater respect in the industry. The Project Management Institute is the leading organization for project management knowledge and the publisher of the PMBOK. Earning PMP certification through PMI carries lots of weight in the project management industry.
- Greater career opportunities. Holding PMP certification should make you more marketable when it comes to looking for better or different positions in project management.
Are you looking to make a career change? Move into a higher role in your current team? In either case, PMP certification could be just what you need to level up your career. As part of the certification process, you’ll learn industry best practices that you can start incorporating into your day-to-day work life immediately.
How long Does It Take to Get PMP Certified
How long does it take to pass the PMP certification exam?
If you want to pass the PMP certification exam, it is important to give yourself enough time to review and study the material. Many people who take the PMP allow themselves two or three months to study for the exam.
How do I get a Project Management Professional (PMP) ® certification?
Show that you’ve got what it takes to get your Project Management Professional (PMP) ® certification. Login or Create Your Account. The first step is confirming that you have the education, training, and on-the-job experience to qualify for the PMP exam. So, before you apply for the exam, make sure you meet one of the following sets of criteria:
How long does it take to become a PMP?
For starters, prospective PMPs must satisfy a hefty work experience requirement of 36 to 60 months, depending on whether they have a bachelor’s degree. If you haven’t earned a four-year degree, you need to have 60 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years before you qualify for PMP certification.
How long does a PMP certification last?
7. Maintain your certification Once you are PMP certified, your certification is valid for three years. The PMI requires 60 hours of project management education during this period in order to maintain your eligibility. After three years, you can renew your certification by paying the recertification fee.
