PMP® Certification Training

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the PMP certification?

  PMI awards several project management credentials. The PMP credential, which demonstrates the utmost knowledge and experience of project management, is the most widely recognized across the globe.

• PMP Certification eligibility requirements

  First and foremost, you must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by PMI. PMP eligibility is based on three things:

  • Academic education: Prove that you have a secondary degree by providing the name of your educational institution, your year of graduation and what you studied (major).
  • Project management experience: Depending on which category you fall under, you’ll need either 4,500 or 7,500 hands-on experience managing and directing projects professionally within the last eight years.
  • Project management professional training: Last but not least, you’ll need to complete 35 hours of project management specific training from an Authorized Training Partner (ATP). 

  Eligibility requirement	Four-year degree	Secondary degree*
  Years of Project Management experience	3 years (36 months)	5 years (60 months)
  Hours leading & directing projects	4,500 hours	7,500 hours
  Hours of Project Management education	35 hours	35 hours

  * A secondary degree is defined as a high school diploma, associate’s degree, or global equivalent.

• How do I apply for the certification exam?

  You’ll need to complete the online certification application on PMI. Before you begin, PMI recommends collecting the following information:

  • Contact information
    • Email
    • Address
    • Phone number
  • Attained education information
    • School attended
    • Level of education attained
    • Degree date
  • Domain experience information
    • Details of the projects, programs, portfolios you’ve worked on including:
      • Qualifying hours
      • Dates of employment
      • Role, organization details
      • Reference
      • Experience summary
  • Domain education information
    • Names of courses completed
    • Institutions attended
    • Dates attended
    • Qualifying hours
• What happens after I apply for the certification?

  Once you submit your application, it will be valid for 90 days, while PMI validates that you are in fact eligible to take the PMP exam.

  Expect an email response back from PMI within five to 10 days with information on next steps, assuming everything you submitted checks out.

  Fun Fact: Regardless of certification, PMI audits a random percentage of applications so be honest! Read more about the auditing process here.

• How much is the certification exam cost, and when do I pay?

  Once your application is approved, it’s time to pay PMI to take its exam, which you can do through its online certification system.

  If you’re a PMI member, the PMP project management certification costs you $405. If you’re not a PMI member, then you’re looking at $555 to take the exam.

  Upon payment completion, PMI will email you an “eligibility number” that you’ll need in order to make your appointment to take the exam.

  It’s important to note that you’re only eligible to take the exam for up to one year after approval. And you only get three chances within that year to pass it.

• When and how do I book my certification exam?

  Once you have completed your payment, it’s time to make your appointment to take the exam at your local Pearson VUE.

• What is the difference between CAPM and PMP?

  Simply put, the CAPM certification is intended for those who are in the early stages of their project management career, whereas the PMP certification is for those who are more experienced.

  The project management certification requirements for the CAPM Certification are far less difficult to meet than the PMP Certification, allowing people with less project management experience build up their credentials. In fact, as of August 28, 2019, PMI has removed the 1500 hours work experience requirement for CAPM, with applicants only needing a secondary degree and 23 hours of project management education.

  The PMP certification is considered the gold standard of project management certifications and is recognized in more than 85 countries. The PMP certification is suitable for more experienced project managers who already have 3-5 years of experience leading projects, a secondary degree or four-year degree (this project management certification requirement varies depending on your years of project management experience), and 35 hours of project management education.

  The PMP exam is a four hour long exam consisting of 200 questions whereas the certified associate in project management exam is a three hour exam containing 150 questions. Both exams are multiple choice and closed book. As the PMP exam is designed for experienced project managers, the topics covered are more advanced than in the CAPM exam.

  The certification you choose will depend on what stage of your career you are at. Both are recognized industry-wide, and demonstrate your expertise in the field of project management.