How To Get PMP Certification in 10 Simple Steps
A worldwide recognized project management certification, the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential examines a candidate's potential for overseeing a project's personnel, procedures, and business priorities.
The Project Management Institute (PMI), responsible for overseeing the certification, reports that there are more than one million PMP-certified individuals globally. It applies to project managers in almost every sector, including business, IT, construction, and health.
You must fulfill the experience criteria and pass the certification exam to obtain the certification. To get the PMP certification we have explained 10 simple steps below:
Step 1. Know The Requirements
Knowing the requirements and criteria is the first step in getting PMP certification. To get the credentials handbook, you can simply download it from PMI.
Before taking the PMP test please make sure that the criteria are met. Remember that, if you have a degree of four years, you'll need at least 36 months of experience in project management or else project management course instruction of at least 35 hours.
In case, you only have a high school or associate's degree, you will need at least 60 months of experience and project management course instruction of 35 hours.
For three years, the PMP certification is valid. To keep it going throughout that time, you'll need to commit 60 hours to professional development activities. If not, you can register to retake the test.
Step 2. Craft Your PMP Study Plan
It takes a lot of commitment and serious work to prepare for the PMP exam. You must organize your journey to become a PMP, just as you would manage a project.
Your weekly goals, study timetable, and overall target should all be part of your PMP study plan. Note down your study schedule: how many hours each day, how many chapters you'll read or review, and how many practice questions you'll solve.
Have a sensible, doable objective. Many individuals believe that studying can take two to three hours each day. This could be something they can commit to after work or on their commute. You might be able to do more if you don't have a job.
Step 3. Join PMI
It is worthwhile to join PMI in the year that you intend to sit for the PMP exam. Since you will receive a large discount on the PMP exam entry fee and a free PDF copy of the PMBOK Guide as a PMI member, it makes financial sense.
The savings exceed the cost of membership, so, joining PMI in your first year will save you money even if you decide not to stay a member for life.
Since most local PMI chapters provide PMP preparation workshops, joining can also be a wise decision. Once more, you typically get a discount as a member that exceeds the cost of membership.
Study groups are another benefit of membership in PMI, as many chapters offer them. These provide you the chance to meet others who share your journey of becoming a PMP. Studying in groups improves your chances of passing while being more enjoyable.
Step 4. Apply For The PMP Exam
To apply for the PMP exam, you first need to register for it after joining PMI. Visit www.certification.pmi.org. to register as you will have to fill up your PMP credential application and submit it for their confirmation.
Basic personal information and details regarding your eligibility for the PMP exam, like documentation of your 35 contact hours and project management experience, are requested throughout the application process.
After reviewing your application and confirming that you are eligible to take the test, PMI will provide you with a confirmation number.
After you receive the confirmation number, you can then book a PMP exam on the Pearson VUE website.
PMI uses Pearson VUE, a testing company with testing centers all over the world, to administer the test; hence, separate scheduling is required. You might need to travel a considerable distance to take the exam, but it depends upon where you live. You should therefore plan for this well in advance.
Step 5. Get The PDF For PMBOK Guide
The main source of information used for generating the PMP exam questions is the PMBOK Guide. Thus, you will be examined on the content covered in the PMBOK Guide during the exam, therefore you must be familiar with it.
The PMBOK Guide contains the proper solution to around 75% of the exam questions, based on the majority of trainers.
You should obtain a copy. There are two versions of the PMBOK Guide: printed and in PDF format. The PMBOK Guide, Sixth Edition, is available for free download in PDF format if you are a member of PMI.
You would do best with a paper copy if you enjoy turning pages, underlining, and making notes in the margins.
Step 6. Get Your PMP Exam Prep Training
Since you already have the PMBOK Guide and finding it difficult to understand on your own, you need a training guide and it is crucial to determine your areas of strength and weakness as your PMP Exam date approaches.
As a result, this feedback enables you to focus on the areas that require additional study or practice to pass the exam. Attending a classroom-based PMP Exam Prep Course will assist you in identifying the PMBOK Guide sections that you find problematic.
A knowledgeable course instructor can help you do better on the PMP Exam by going over previous material, helping you pinpoint your areas of interest for study, and offering test-taking tips.
The Velociteach System offers one of the most complete and effective PMP Exam Prep courses available. Their blended learning method offers comprehensive preparation for the PMP test, making it more than just a course.
Step 7. Study Hard
You've prepared your strategy and gathered the necessary resources. It's time to get serious about studying for your PMP exam success right now.
Look for a peaceful area to read the PMBOK Guide. It is recommended that you go through the PMBOK Guide at least twice. Recall that the PMBOK Guide covers about 75% of the questions on the PMP test, so you must be fully informed about it.
Divide your study time between in-group and also solo study. When you study with someone else, you will cover different material and work in various ways. Make use of a range of study tools to assist you. Keeping things varied makes them engaging.
Even if you learn much of what you know from online classes, taking notes will help you remember more of the material. Using the questions from your PMP exam preparation guide, test yourself frequently.
Step 8. Practice PMP Questions
Practice PMP questions for exam preparation by answering a series of questions on risk management as you proceed through the exam questions by topic. This will assess your understanding of a certain project management topic.
It's crucial to take full examinations as these will allow you to gain practice answering a wide range of questions on a long-term basis and all subjects. That way you will gain confidence from studying for multiple test examinations.
Likewise, practice questions are probably included in your PMP prep book, and you might even be able to locate a practice question book at your nearby bookshop. Finding free sample questions is another method for rehearsing PMP test questions.
Step 9. Sit For The Exam
Appearing in the exam is the time to shine and show the hard work and preparation that you have done for this day. Try to give your best and pass the exam.
As soon as you pass the exam and fulfill your dream of being a certified project manager, you'll be able to display the PMP behind your name. There is no waiting period, thus the result is immediate. You have obtained your PMP certification as soon as you see "Congratulations" on the screen.
The PMP certification gives numerous advantages to its bearer. A committed approach is required to earn a PMP-certified professional.
It can support in growing the network of both your business and yourself. Becoming a PMP can lead to more challenging projects and give you an advantage over other candidates. The PMP is a universally accepted credential as well, meaning your skills will be valued globally.
Step 10. Create A 3-year Plan To Earn 60 PDUs
To keep your certification active, you must collect and claim Professional Development Units (PDUs) once every three years. This demonstrates your commitment to professional development and continual learning.
It also lets you show that you're still in the project management field and keeping your valuable skills running so far and have not gone away.
After you pass the PMP Exam and become a licensed project manager, you can use the PMP behind your name. As mentioned before, you won't be a PMP for life. You must accumulate 60 PDUs every three years to maintain your license/certification.
You will require 60 PDUs every three years to renew. The PMI Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) Handbook explains everything in depth.
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