If you are searching for how to become a PMP certified professional, you have landed at the right place.
I will explain everything you need to know in this blog post.
This is the most valuable certification for project professionals looking to grow their careers.
Attaining it is a lengthy process, but with the right knowledge becoming a PMP is easy. However, it does involve many steps, and each requires careful planning and the right approach.
The first step is to collect the necessary information about the exam. I recommend you visit the PMI’s website and explore it. Read the PMP handbook and the frequently asked questions.
Let’s dive in.
How to Become a PMP
The process to become a PMP requires five steps:
- Meet Eligibility Requirements
- Attend Training
- Apply for the PMP Exam
- Prepare for the Exam
- Attempt the Test
#1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
This is the first step. You must know if you are eligible before you apply. Many professionals have applied for the PMP exam, are selected for an audit, and fail it because they do not have the right experience.
I’ve received emails from professionals working in operations that are interested in the PMP exam. They think they are working in project management, but they are not.
The PMP exam has three eligibility requirements:
- The first eligibility requirement is education. You should have a degree or a high school diploma.
- The second requirement is at least three years of experience in leading and directing projects if you are a degree holder or five years if you have a diploma. You must have earned this experience within the last eight years.
- The third is 35 contact hours of training in formal project management education.
You can proceed to the next step if you satisfy these conditions.
#2: Attend the Training
This is a mandatory step to becoming a PMP. You have to attend project management training for 35 hours. I recommend you read a reference book before taking the training to get the most out of it.
Start with the Head First PMP book. Read it cover to cover and try to understand the concepts. You can go for a second round with the book if you like. Then read the PMBOK/Agile Guide. It is boring and dry, and that is the main reason why I recommend that you read a reference book beforehand.
If you start with the PMBOK/Agile Guide, you may get bored, your confidence level may go down, and you may lose interest in studying for the PMP exam.
Afterward, you can attend your PMP training.
Others advise you to get 35 contact hours before preparing for the exam; I do not suggest this.
During the training, you will hear many new terms that may make you scratch your head if you have not heard them before. Other professionals who know the PMBOK/Agile Guide can participate in arguments, ask difficult questions, and solve mathematical problems. You may end up embarrassed, bored, or confused if you have not read.
I made the same mistake. I joined a classroom training program without studying reference books or the PMBOK Guide. I suffered a lot. During the training, I could not participate in the discussion, which was embarrassing.
Nobody advised me; I don’t want you to be in the same situation.
Refer to at least one reference book and the PMBOK Guide to get an idea of what you will be taught before joining a training program.
You have several options to earn your 35 contact hours these days. You can go for either in-class or online programs.
Classroom training programs are costly, have fixed schedules, and are only available in big cities. Online training programs are cheap, flexible, and have no location barrier. Therefore, unless you have a specific reason to join a classroom program, I recommend you join a good-quality one online.
I recommend you take the PM Sprout 35 Contact Hours Training Program. I developed this program with PMSimplify. The course is based on the latest exam content outline from January 1st, 2021, and is at an affordable price. This training program is 100% online, PMI approved, and gives you access for one year.
#3: Apply for the PMP Exam
This is the most crucial step to becoming a PMP. After completing the training, you should schedule the exam. Keeping up the momentum will help you prepare
Many aspirants have attended the training and delayed the application process for a few days. They end up losing interest. Don’t do that.
Get a PMI membership before applying for the exam. It reduces exam fees. The membership price is less than the discount you get, saving you money. You can also download a digital copy of the PMBOK Guide for free; it is a win-win situation.
The PMI membership offers many benefits.
Now we come to the application process. Once you schedule the exam, your hidden potential will be unlocked, and you will study more aggressively and passionately. I suggest you give yourself at least three months for preparation.
You can apply for the PMP exam online or offline. Both formats require the same information, but the online method is quick and effortless. I recommend you choose it.
Once you start the online application, you have 90 days to complete it. Read: How to Fill Out the PMP Exam Application Form
As soon as you submit the form, two things will happen:
- You may be selected for an audit
- You will be asked for payment
Don’t worry if you are selected for an audit. The PMI will ask you for some documents, for example, a copy of your educational certificates, experience certificates, and training. Once you send these, they will complete the audit within five business days. Afterward, you can make the payment and visit the Pearson VUE site.
If you are not selected for an audit, you can make the payment immediately and schedule the exam.
You have one year to pass the exam in three attempts. This period starts from the date the PMI approves your application. If you don’t pass the exam in these attempts, you cannot apply again for one year.
#4: Prepare for the Exam
This is where you have to take your PMP exam preparation seriously. Start reading reference books, notes, and the PMBOK/Agile Guide, and take practice questions.
You will need to study hard to become a PMP.
I suggest that you buy two good PMP exam reference books. You should select Headfirst, and the other book can be Kim Heldman or Rita Mulcahy. Read both books at least twice.
Refer to page 25 of the PMBOK Guide 6th edition to understand the mapping of project management process groups and knowledge areas. This will help you answer many questions in the exam.
The next step is to practice the PMP exam sample questions. Although you can find a few questions at the end of each chapter in your reference books, I recommend purchasing a good PMP exam simulator to practice more. Use the PMP Question Bank and the PMP Mock Test to increase your readiness for the exam.
Practice these questions and try the mock tests. By reviewing the answers, you can find where your performance was poor. Revisit these domains and fill your knowledge gaps.
You may see a few mathematical questions on the PMP exam. Although they seem difficult, you will become more comfortable if you practice questions and understand the concepts.
You can try the PMP Formula Guide if you have difficulty understanding the math-based questions. It explains the mathematical formulas mentioned in the PMBOK Guide with examples and has many practice questions.
Some sites, such as Oliver Lehmann’s, provide free mock tests for the PMP certification exam. He provides two sets of questions, and you should try both.
I have seen many aspirants desperately looking for free practice questions and mock tests. Don’t do this. You should not try to attempt every sample question or free test available on the internet. It will only demoralize you and waste your precious time.
The PMP Exam Simulator, PMP Question Bank, and PMP Formula Guide will be more than enough.
Many PMP aspirants ignore the PMBOK Guide and rely on training, reference books, and manuals.
Please note that the PMBOK/Agile explains all necessary project management processes and process flows. Therefore, read and understand the guide thoroughly. You will face difficulties on the exam if you skip the PMBOK/Agile Guide.
I recommend reading it at least three times before attempting the exam. Although it is a dry book, you will like it once you understand the concepts.
I recommend you subscribe to PM Sprout’s PMP Exam Preparation Tool. This is the only tool developed to help PMP aspirants prepare for the exam. This tool includes many practice questions, study notes, flashcards, true/false statements, etc.
Please note that if you have subscribed to PM Sprout’s PMP Training Program, do not subscribe to this tool; it is included.
#5: Attempt the Test
This is the final step.
Try to arrive at the Pearson VUE center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time s. It takes around ten minutes to complete the exam procedures. Afterward, you can enter the test room and start the test.
The test starts with an awareness session. You get a brief on the display screen and navigation. The duration is 15 minutes, but you can complete the session early and start the test.
If you complete the session early, start the test. You cannot use the saved time to make any brain dumps.
The PMP exam comprises 180 questions and lasts 230 minutes. That’s 1.2 minutes per question. This is enough time if you are well prepared. Most successful exam takers took two-and-a-half hours on average to complete the test.
The PMP exam has no negative marking; attempt all questions. Even if you don’t know the answers, select your best guess. Never leave a question blank on the exam.
Take your time to complete the exam, review your answers in the remainder, then submit. A short survey follows submission, and then you can see your results. The PMI will congratulate you if you pass the exam, or they will offer their condolences.
If you pass the exam, you will receive congratulatory mail within one week from the PMI, and your name will appear in the certification registry. You will receive your certificate within eight weeks.
Good luck with your PMP exam preparation.
Before I conclude this blog post, let me give you the resources discussed in this blog post for a quick reference:
- Head First PMP
- Rita Mulcahy
- Kim Heldman
- PM Sprout Training Program
- PM Exam Simulator
- PMP Exam Preparation Tool
- PMP Formula Guide
- PMP Question Bank
- PMP Mock Test
Summary
Becoming a PMP involves a considerable amount of time and money. You can say it is a lengthy process; however, it is worth it. With the right preparation and resources, you can pass the PMP exam on your first attempt. You can join your local PMI chapter and speak with successful exam takers. Learn from their experiences, prepare well, and pass the exam.
Here is where this post on how to become a PMP ends. I hope it was useful to you.
If you have become a PMP recently, please share your experience through the comments section.
I am Mohammad Fahad Usmani, B.E. PMP, PMI-RMP. I have been blogging on project management topics since 2011. To date, thousands of professionals have passed the PMP exam using my resources.
Hello,
I attended the training in 2013 and did not prepared after that, the PMP structure is changing .
Is it worth and more than that possible to takeoff with preparation and pass the PMP. or its wise to wait for the roll out for the new PMP sructure.
Really nice and interesting post. I was looking for this kind of information and enjoyed reading this one. Keep posting. Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome Nathandigi.
Hi,
I have taken PMP training twice, but never had the guts to give the exams due to the fear of failing. Have decided to give my exams finally by this May 2020. I am currently working as a BI TECH lead with total 17 years of experience, do you think doing PMP will help me to change my career path. In addition to this I am a certified Prince2 practitioner and also SCM certified. Please guide..
Regards
CB.
Yes, of course, it will help you in your career growth.
Fahad
I have followed your tips after my first attempt on of which is read the PMBOK 6th edition.
Q1) when i down loaded this from the PMI site it has come with a large AGILE booklet. My last exam (Dec18) did not have a single Agile question . Should i really read the additional attachment or is it for post exam development
Q2) Blog says to read the PMBOK guide ; plus 2 other RMI text books including Heads UP. I accept this but i do not know how much will be duplicating and hence extending my prep time additional months: please advise
1) In the PMP exam, there will be no agile questions.
2) Reading two books will give you different perspective, there is no duplication.
3) I also suggest you revise the books you studied. This duplication will help you solidify concepts.
I have no idea about Andy Crowe method.
Can you explain it?
I took the exam last week and did not pass. I appreciate your suggestions on how to prepare for the 2nd attempt. I have the book, Head First PMP. I also took a 3 day boot camp based on the Andy Crowe materials and have used those materials along with Head First to study. I was wondering what your opinion was with the Andy Crowe method.
Your 2nd attempt preparation steps make good sense and I will use them to prepare for the retest.
Many thanks!
Thank you very much for detailed information. I was about to join a course for 35 contact hrs but now i’ll complete my homework or basic study first. I’d like to know which are reference books I can use before actually starting with PMBOK?
I would recommend you start with the Head First PMP. Read it twice then go for the training.
Hello Fahad and PMs,
Thanks for this great resource. I’m at Step II and unsure of how many hours in total to commit to exam preparation. What’s a conservative estimate?
Thank you!
Two to three hours per-day for three months would be sufficient.
I would to inform you that I have find your blog very interested for preparing the PMP exam. And with other materials courses like rita and head first I have obtained my PMP certificate.
Thank you a lot
Congratulations Mohammed on passing the PMP exam.
Thanks for the valuable information
I have MSc project Managment and I’m wondering if this might reduce the experience required?
Thanks again
Since you are degree holder, you should have at least three years of work experience.
https://pmstudycircle.com/2012/01/what-is-the-pmp-eligibility-criteria/
Also I would like to know, if someone like me can add Six Sigma and PMP Agile on top of PMP then can he or she earn a fair chance of doing good in Project Management profile? If not, then do you know any other certifications that may boost the PMP career path?
Waiting for your kind reply.
The PMP certification is enough. Once you are into it, according to your requirements, you can go for other certification courses.
I am a DBA Manager in Oracle. I am very much willing to make a career in Project Management and develop and grow in that area. I have around 12 years of IT (Technical) experience now. I wish to ask you that would it be wise for me to go for PMP? Also is it kind of too late for me? To add, I have around 3 years of Tech lead cum Managerial experience as I have done some end to end delivery of some projects.
If you want to switch your career, I will suggest you contact some one belongs to your field.
Also it is never too late. If you see opportunity in project management and have interest in it, you can go for it.
Hi
Thanks for the valuable information.
You are welcome Shabeer.
Hi Fahad,
I have just finished my bachelor degree in construction project management at university of technology, Sydney. It is a 4 year full time degree. I found your blog is very useful. And I have recommend your blog to my junior uni mates.
Got a question about the PMP certificate. I know it is a global recognized certificate. But I don’t know how would it be useful in Australia. Could you please give me some advices. As a recent graduate student, I am a bit confusing about my future career.
Many thanks!
Will
I think prince2 is more famous in Australia.
Anyway, the PMP certification will equip you with the best knowledge, tool and techniques used in project management so may be the PMP certification is not be widely popular in Australia but no one can deny your knowledge and hold on the subject.
You should go for this certification.
I consulted the site every now and then and it helped me a lot to pass my PMP Exam and get my basics right…very important!
Purchased the 400 questions bank which is good to gain the knowledge on PMBOK 5 and the subject as a whole, but there is a lot of room for case based questions to be introduced following the exam pattern.
Great Job Farhad.
Congratulations Priya on passing the exam.
I have updated the PMP Question Bank recently, and will update again to add more case based questions in future.
Hi Fahad,
About a month ago I passed the PMP exam and thought you would like to know that your site helped me to clarify some of the topics that I wasn’t sure about. This was how I studied for it:
1. Rita
2. If not clear from Rita, then PMBOK guide.
3. If not clear from PMBOK guide (most of the time, it wasn’t), then I would go to your site and find if you have posted a topic, and if yes, I would usually find an answer.
4. If still not clear (or if the topic was not on your site), I would go on “the wider net”.
Actually, there were just few cases when I resorted to step #4. I didn’t really keep track, but most of the times, it was because you didn’t deal with that particular topic that I was unsure of. I remember only one exception when, after reading your explanation (and the comments), I had to resort to the “wider net”. I think it was about configuration management, but now (after many days of exam hangover), I can’t be 100% sure.
From what others have said, you must already know, but I’ll repeat, because this is really true – your explanations are outstanding and anybody who reads them must understand the topic.
Thank you for that.
Dan
Congratulations Dan on passing the PMP exam.
I am happy that my blog helped you in your preparation
Regarding the configuration management blog post, I will review it soon and make the necessary changes as needed.
Hi Fahad,
I appeared today for exam & failed. need your suggestion as there is revision change planned for PMP.
Bhagya
Hello Bhagya, I am sorry to know that you have failed in your first attempt but dont lose your hope, you still have two more attempts with you.
Tell me how did you prepare for the exam in detail, then only I will be able to advise you accordingly.
Hi Fahad,
I just passed my PMP exam, during my preparation I referred your website on various topics, the way you explan the things, its too good.
Best wishes for pmstudycircle.
Thanks again
Navin
Congratulations Navin for passing the PMP exam, and thanks for your comment.
Hi Fahad,
I’ve just got my pmp certification!!! I would like to thank you, as since june this year, your website was of a great value to me, explaining difficult concepts in a very easy way.
my advice to you, write an PMP book like rita, etc. because the way you explain things, is very effective.
cheers from spain!
br,
Charles
Congratulations Charles for passing the exam, and I am happy that I could be of some help to you.
I have already written four eBooks:
https://pmstudycircle.com/pmp-products/
:)
Hi Fahad,
Thank you for your blogs . They are educative and informative.
Thanks Okobi for your comment.
Hi Fahad
I just passed the PMP and want to say your blog helped tremendously. Continue the great work, you are doing a magnificent job of simplifying the difficult topics. I’ve been recommending your blog to aspiring PMP aspirants.
Thanks again!
Congratulations Sabrena for passing the PMP exam, and thanks for your comment.
Hi,
I came to know from PMI website that the exam is changing a bit. I would like to know how different the exam will be if i appear before jan 11 and after it. Suppose if I appear for some online sites for “35 contact hours mandatory training” now, will it contain the updated information or the old information about pmp is enough for me to take the exam?
Please advice.
Thanks,
Sangeetha
Not much going to be changed. Anyway, if you have time you can wait otherwise you can go with it now.
Read below given blog posts:
https://pmstudycircle.com/2015/07/changes-to-the-pmp-certification-exam-november-2015/
HI Fahad, Thank you so much for information. What is latest edition of Head First PMP book?
I think it is the third edition. Anyway, you can find the latest version at amazon.
Fahad, I wanted to see if there was a data/ risk management concentrated PMP Certification?
Sorry, I am not able to understand your question. Can you please explain it little further?
All options are correct.
:)
Fahad,
I am an seasoned project guy … and hope the PMP better credentials our company in a new market.
In your opinion will the PMP most likely:
A.) Command higher rates, B.) Improve access to larger prospects, C.) Reveal more opportunity?
A well written blog that gives simple answers in an understandable way. Thank you
Thanks for your ever timely posts and assistance. Writing in Two months time.
Thanks for your comment Aderemi, and good luck for the exam.
One thing that you fail to mention. You must have experience within the last 8 years. I found out the hard way that anything older will not be accepted. I have been out of the field for many years.
You are right Steven, I have updated the blog post.
This write-up is very informative and enlightening to a PMP potential aspirant like myself.Thanks alot.
I am glad that you liked it. Thanks for your comment Abimbola.
A very useful, excellent write-up. Thank You from an aspiring PMP student!
Thanks Srihari for your comment.