How Long Does It Take To Get PMP Certification?

Project managers are the Cher Horowitz’s of the world, getting things done one project at a time. How long does it take to get PMP certification is a question that is often asked by upcoming project managers who want to level up their skills and advance their careers.

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t cut and dry.

The time it takes to achieve project management certification depends on a few factors. These include your experience level, the amount of time you are willing to dedicate to studying, and the method you use to prepare for the exam.

 If you have several years of project management experience and are willing to put in the work, you may be able to obtain your PMP certification relatively quickly. However, if you are new to the field or do not have much experience, it may take longer to prepare for and pass the exam.

Let’s look at some specifics about the PMP certification process and how to crush the PMP exam.

What Is PMP Certification?

PMP certification is a credential awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI). There are several different kinds, with some PMP certifications being industry specialized.

To be eligible for this credential, you must have a certain amount of project management experience and education. You must also pass an exam.

Many project managers pursue PMP certification training to validate their experience and beef up their skills.

Once you have earned your PMP certification, it is valid for three years. You can renew it by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) over the three-year period.

PMP Certification Requirements

This brings us to an important point.

To be eligible for PMP certification, you must meet the following requirements:

·       A 4-year degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent)

·       At least three years of experience in project management

·       4,500 hours directing and leading projects

·       35 hours of education in project management

OR

·       Secondary degree (i.e., high school diploma, associate’s degree, or equivalent)

·       At least five years of project management experience

·       7,500 hours directing and leading projects

·       35 hours of project management education

In addition to meeting the experience and project management education requirements, you must also pass an exam.

The PMP exam is a multiple-choice test that consists of 180 questions. These questions come from three different domains: People (42%), Process (50%), and Business Environment (8%).

You will have four hours to complete the exam.

How to Prepare for the PMP Exam

Although the certification exam is only four hours long, the process leading up to it is much longer. The last year PMI released pass scores published a PMP test pass rate of only 61%.

Why is this rate so low?

Because the test can be challenging, many project managers who take the exam don’t realize that a PMP certification training course is usually needed to pass on the first attempt.

This (taking a course offered by a training company) Is one of the best options for PMP certification prep. These courses typically last several days and cover all of the material you will need to know for the exam.

 But is it the only option? Of course not.

You can skip the project management training and student for the exam yourself.

Self-study is a lot easier if you’re using a PMP prep book. So you may want to consider purchasing a study guide to help you prepare for the exam.

 You can also find several free resources online to help you prepare for the exam. For example, the PMI website offers a number of helpful articles and whitepapers. You can also find PMP practice tests and PMP exam prep online.

How Long Does It Take to Get PMP Certified?

So, back to your original question.

We mentioned that the amount of time it takes to get PMP certification varies depending on your experience level, the amount of time you are willing to dedicate to studying, and the method you use to prepare for the exam.

However, most people who are eligible for certification can expect to obtain their credentials within six months to a year after meeting the minimal requirements. First, you will need three+ years of experience working, with at least 4,500 hours of managing projects and 35 certified hours of education in project management. With serious PMP training and preparation, the process for a project manager is usually quicker since exam failures are less likely.

Preparing for PMP Certification Exam

Ready to start prepping? Here’s what you should do:

First, make sure you meet all of the requirements mentioned above. Also, make sure you have the right experience. You’ll need at least 4,500 hours of project management experience before sitting for the exam.

Second, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the PMP Exam content outline. This outlines all of the topics that will be covered on the exam so that you can focus your studies accordingly.

Finally, take some practice exams. There are many different prep courses available, both online and in person. Taking a few practice exams will help you get a feel for the types of questions that will be asked on the actual exam. You can even research questions online!

PMP Certification Exam Cost

One thing that can determine how long it takes to get your PMP certification is how quickly you can afford it.

The cost of the PMP certification exam can vary depending on where you take it and how you prepare for it. The exam costs $555, but additional fees may be associated with taking it at an authorized testing center. These fees can range from $25-$100, depending on the location.

There may also be costs associated with taking a PMP training course or hiring a tutor to help you prepare for the exam. These costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Overall, the cost of becoming a PMP-certified professional can range from around $600 to over $5,000. However, the average person spends between $1,000 and $2,000 on their PMP certification journey.

Is it worth it? For many project professionals, it is because it can lead to better job offers and higher salaries.

The PMP Exam

In short, the exam for PMP certification tests your knowledge and understanding of project management concepts, tools, and techniques. Here is a more detailed breakdown of what topics are covered on the PMP exam:

Section	Topics Covered
Project Integration Management	Developing the project charter, creating the project management plan, and executing, monitoring, and controlling the project
Project Scope Management	Collecting requirements, creating the work breakdown structure, and defining and managing scope
Project Time Management	Creating the schedule, estimating activity duration, and managing resources
Project Cost Management	Cost estimation and budgeting topics
Project Quality Management	Quality planning, quality assurance, and quality control
Project Human Resources Management	Workforce planning and managing team members
Project Communications Management	Communication planning and managing stakeholder engagement
Project Risk Management	Risk identification, assessment, and mitigation.
Project Procurement Management	Procurement planning and contract management topics
Project Stakeholder Management	Stakeholder analysis and engagement topics

As you can see, the PMP exam covers a wide range of topics related to project management. To help you prepare for the exam, there are a number of resources available, including study guides, practice exams, and online courses.

Make Sure You Pass the PMP

To earn your PMP certification, start by familiarizing yourself with the exam content and the PMP certification process. Then, begin studying for the exam using one or more of the resources mentioned above.

If the process seems confusing and you’re looking for help to pass the PMP Exam, then Crush the PMP partners can help. They have training courses designed by certified project management professionals and offer a comprehensive review of all the necessary topics.

Many offer a wide range of resources to help you prepare for the PMP exam, including practice tests, flashcards, and detailed lesson plans. Some even provide a money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with your results.

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