1. How do I apply to take the PMP exam?
You must apply on PMI’s website at www.pmi.org
2. What is the format for the PMP exam?
The exam is 200 questions multiple choice.
3. How much does the PMP Exam cost?
The exam cost $555.00 for non PMI members and $405.00 for members. Typically it costs $129.00 to join PMI so most people will become members for a least the first year.
4. Where do I take the PMP Exam?
The exam is offered through designated testing centers. The testing centers are located all over the world and are managed by Prometric (a 3rd party). The testing centers serve many different types of testing. Others at the testing center may be taking other tests such as MCAT, LSAT, etc. You will sit at a computer at the testing center to take your exam. To see a list of testing centers go to www.prometric.com
5. What are the requirements to qualify to take the PMP exam?
Option 1:
- A BA / BS or equivalent
- Applicants must have a minimum three years professional project management experience, during which 4,500 hours are spent leading and directing project tasks, up to eight years from the time of application.
- Project management experience means planning, leading, monitoring and controlling project tasks. Regardless of job title.
- 35 hours of formal project management education. There no restriction on how far back you can go in history to meet this requirement.
Option 2:
- High School Diploma
- Applicants must have a minimum five years’ professional project management experience, during which at least 7,500 hours are spent leading and directing project tasks, up to eight years from the time of application
35 hours of formal project management education
35 hours of formal project management education
6. When do I get the results of my PMP exam?
As soon as you finish your exam you will get your results. If you pass the exam you are immediately a PMP and can use the designation on your business card and resume.
7. What types of questions are on the PMP exam? What do I have to know?
There are 4 types of questions on PMP exam.
- 1. Situational
Analyze the situation described in the question and select the best answer by using knowledge, experience, and judgmentAnalyze the situation described in the question and select the best answer by using knowledge, experience, and judgment - 2. Computational or Mathematical
Expect 10 -12 formula-related questions - 3 Recall
questions that test memory or knowledge - 4. Diagram
draw a network diagram or interpret graphs or diagrams
8. How long is my PMP certification good for?
The PMP certification has to be renewed every 3 years. However, it is not necessary to re-take the PMP exam as long as you meet the on-going requirements.
9. What are the requirements to keep my PMP certification?
You will need to obtain 60 PDU’s (Professional Development Units) every 3 years. In general 1 PDU is equal to one hour of training. Any topic that is covered in the PMBOK is eligible for PDU’s. (Scope, Scheduling, Cost, Quality, Human Resource Management, Risk, etc.)
10. Will my real world project management experience help my on the PMP Exam?
This depends a lot on your real world experience. Some organizations use a framework which is similar to the PMBOK. In that case your real world experience would be very helpful. However, for many others the approach used in their organizations either differs from the PMBOK or is Ad Hoc without much structure. It is necessary to answer all the questions on the exam as if you were working in an organization which has completely adopted the PBMOK. Some exam takers, especially experienced project managers, have trouble not thinking about their own jobs when taking the exam. In many cases thinking about your own job could lead you to the wrong answer on the exam. Real world experience will help you to better understand rationale for best practices which are identified in the PMBOK but it is not a substitute for studying the PMBOK.
11. How do I apply to take the PMP exam?
Apply online at www.pmi.org . Watch the video on how to fill out your PMP application.
12. Are there any resources to help me fill out my PMP exam application?
Watch the video on how to fill out your PMP application.
13. What happens if I fail my exam?
You can re-take the exam up to 3 times in a Calendar year without re-applying. However there is a re-examination fee.
14. After my application is approved how long do I have to schedule my exam?
You have 1 year from the time your application is approved to schedule your exam.
