The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam leads to certification for as a project manager leading and directing projects and teams. The credentialing exam is developed and maintained by the Project Management Institute and is designed for applicants to demonstrate experience with the field of project management.
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PMP Certification Requirements
To be eligible for this exam, you must meet the following requirements, which are based on your level of education:
You must have at least 36 months of experience in leading projects within the past eight years, and you must have at least 35 hours of project management education or CAPM certification.
High School/Secondary School Diploma
You must have at least 60 months of experience in leading projects within the past eight years, and you must have at least 35 hours of project management education or CAPM certification.
PMP Certification Exam Outline
The PMP certification exam contains 180 questions, five of which are unscored, and you will be given a time limit of 3 hours and 50 minutes. The unscored questions are used to validate questions for use on future versions of the exam.
The exam is split into three content domains.
I. People (42%)
The questions in this domain cover the following topics:
- Managing conflict
- Leading a team
- Supporting team performance
- Empowering team members and stakeholders
- Ensuring team members are adequately trained
- Building a team
- Addressing and removing impediments, obstacles, and blockers for the team
- Negotiating project agreements
- Collaborating with stakeholders
- Building shared understanding
- Engaging and supporting virtual teams
- Defining team ground rules
- Mentoring relevant stakeholders
- Promoting team performance through the application of emotional intelligence
II. Process (50%)
The questions in this domain cover the following topics:
- Executing projects with the urgency required to deliver business value
- Managing communications
- Assessing and managing risks
- Engaging stakeholders
- Planning and managing budget and resources
- Planning and managing a schedule
- Planning and managing the quality of products/deliverables
- Planning and managing scope
- Integrating project planning activities
- Managing project changes
- Planning and managing procurement
- Managing project artifacts
- Determining appropriate project methodology and practices
- Establishing project governance structure
- Managing project issues
- Ensuring knowledge transfer for project continuity
- Planning and managing project closure
III. Business Environment (8%)
The questions in this domain cover the following topics:
- Planning and managing project compliance
- Evaluating and delivering project benefits and value
- Evaluating and addressing external business environment changes for impact on scope
- Supporting organizational change
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PMP Certification Exam Registration
To register for the PMP certification exam, you must submit an application on the Project Management Institute (PMI) website. This application should include any proof of eligibility and the $575 examination fee. PMI members pay a discounted fee of $405.
One your application is approved and your registration is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with information on scheduling your examination appointment.
Test Day
You should arrive at the testing center 15-30 minutes earlier than the scheduled exam time. This will give you enough time to complete the check-in process. When you arrive, you will be asked to sign in and present your photo ID to the proctor. You will be photographed and asked to sign a roster and other rule forms.
Personal items are not allowed in the testing room, so they should be left at home or placed in a secure locker outside the testing area.
Just before the exam starts, you will be given a brief tutorial on the testing system and will be asked to sign an NDA.
How the PMP Certification Exam is Scored
The scores for the PMP certification exam are calculated using a criterion-based scoring system. This means that a panel of subject-matter experts has evaluated the questions and determined a passing score.
PMI does not release their minimum passing score requirements, but it is believed that answering at least 70% of the questions correctly will allow you to pass the exam.
You will receive a preliminary score report before you leave the testing center, and an official confirmation of your scores should be available within 10 business days.
Retaking the PMP Exam
If you do not pass the exam, you may retake it up to two times within one year.
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FAQs
Q
What is PMP certification?
A
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam is used to recognize the knowledge and skills of project managers with significant experience and expertise.
Q
How many questions are on the PMP certification exam?
A
There are 180 questions on the exam.
Q
How long is the PMP certification exam?
A
The time limit for the exam is 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Q
What is the passing score for the PMP certification exam?
A
The exact passing score for this exam is unknown, but answering at least 70% of questions correctly is likely enough to pass the exam.
Q
How much does the PMP certification cost?
A
The examination fee is $405 for PMI members and $575 for non-members.
