PROJECT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION

Project Management certification

Project management certification is a globally recognized certification that tests a candidate’s ability to manage a professional project’s people, processes, and business priorities. There are over one million Project Management certification holders worldwide, according to the Project Management Institute (PMI), which administers the certification. It applies to project managers in virtually any industry, including health, construction, information technology (IT), and business.

You’ll have to meet the experience requirements and pass a certification exam to get the certification.

Here’s some essential information about the certification:

Project Management certification requirements
You must validate your education and project management experience to take the exam. These are as follows:

Thirty-five hours of project management training, which means coursework that explicitly addresses learning objectives in project management,. It can be substituted with a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification.

Thirty-six months of experience leading projects if you have a four-year degree, or 60 months of experience leading projects if you have a high-school diploma or associate degree.

PM exam cost
As of 2022, the exam fee was $555 for non-PMI members and $405 for PMI members. A PMI membership was $129 a year, with a one-time $10 application fee, making the exam slightly cheaper with a membership.

Training for the PMP exam

Studying for the exam will take planning and determination; exam guides typically recommend a few months to prepare. Several courses, books, and other resources are available to help you study. Read more below about preparing for the exam.

Renewing your PMP certification

The PMP certification is valid for three years. Still, it can be renewed or maintained by earning 60 professional development units—hours spent on accepted professional development activities—in that time frame.

How to get your PMP certification

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your PMP certification.

1. Meet the PMP certification requirements.
Before taking the PMP exam, you’ll have to ensure you’re eligible. You’ll need either:

35 hours of project management course training and at least 36 months of project management experience if you have a four-year degree OR

35 hours of project management course training with 60 months of experience if you have an associate degree or high school diploma

You’ll want to keep track of your projects and training, recording information like your specific role, responsibilities, and length of projects or training to have it at hand when you apply. The training requirement can be waived if you have a CAPM certification.

The PMP certification is valid for three years. You’ll need to spend 60 hours on professional development activities to maintain it during that time frame. Otherwise, you can sign up to retake the exam.

2. Apply.
Make an account with PMI and start applying for the PMP exam. It will entail sharing basic personal information, like your educational background and details on the projects you’ve worked on.

Once approved, you’ll pay the exam fee and schedule a test.

3. Prepare.
It is when you train for the exam, either through coursework or on your own. Several exam prep providers recommend spending 60 to 120 hours studying. It can take several months, depending on how frequently you study.

4. Take the PMP exam.
The exam can be taken at a testing site near you or online. The exam takes a little under four hours to complete.

5. Maintain your certification.
The PMP certification is valid for three years. You’ll need to spend 60 hours on professional development activities to maintain it during that time frame. Otherwise, you can sign up to retake the exam.