How to Become a PMP?

Fahad Usmani, PMP

September 19, 2024

If you’re looking for information on becoming a PMP-certified professional, you’ve come to the right place.

In this blog post, I will cover everything you need about the PMP certification, one of the most valuable credentials for project professionals seeking to advance their careers.

While earning it can be long, becoming a PMP is achievable with the right knowledge and preparation. However, it involves multiple steps, each requiring careful planning and a strategic approach.

The first step is to gather all the necessary information about the exam. I recommend visiting the PMI website, reading the PMP handbook, and reviewing the frequently asked questions.

Before I explain the steps to becoming a PMP, let us know the PMP Certification.

What is the PMP Certification?

The PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is a globally recognized credential for project managers. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), it shows that you have the knowledge and skills to manage and lead projects successfully.

To earn the PMP certification, you need relevant work experience, formal project management training, and must pass a challenging exam. This certification helps professionals advance their careers by demonstrating their expertise in planning, executing, and completing projects. It’s highly valued across industries and can open doors to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

How to Become a PMP?

The process of becoming a PMP requires five steps:

1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

The first step is to determine whether you’re eligible before applying. Many professionals have applied for the PMP exam, only to be audited and fail because they lacked the required experience.

I’ve often received emails from operations professionals interested in the PMP exam. They believe they are working in project management, but they are not.

There are three main eligibility requirements for the PMP exam:

  1. Education: You need either a degree or a high school diploma.
  2. Project Experience: If you have a degree, you must have at least three years of experience leading and directing projects. If you have a diploma, you must have five years of experience, and this experience must have been gained within the last eight years.
  3. Training: You must also have completed 35 contact hours of formal project management education.

You can move on to the next step if you meet these conditions.

2: Attend the Training

This is a crucial step toward becoming PMP certified. You must complete 35 hours of project management training. I recommend starting with a reference book to make the most of this training.

Begin with Head First PMP. Read it thoroughly and focus on understanding the concepts. You can go through the book a second time if needed. After that, move on to the PMBOK/Agile Guide. While it’s not the most engaging read, it is essential for the exam. However, I suggest reading a reference book first to build your foundation.

Starting with the PMBOK/Agile Guide may leave you bored or overwhelmed, lowering your confidence and motivation to continue preparing for the PMP exam.

Once you’ve read these materials, you’re ready to attend your PMP training.

Some people suggest completing the 35 contact hours before starting exam preparation, but I don’t recommend this. During the training, you will encounter many new terms, which could be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with them. Those familiar with the PMBOK/Agile Guide may engage in discussions, ask tough questions, and solve problems, which might leave you feeling lost or embarrassed if you’re unprepared.

I made this mistake myself. I attended a classroom training session without first studying reference books or the PMBOK Guide, and it was a struggle. I couldn’t contribute to discussions, which was frustrating and embarrassing.

No one advised me, and I don’t want you to go through the same experience.

Before starting a training program, read at least one reference book and the PMBOK Guide to familiarize yourself with the content.

These days, there are plenty of options for earning your 35 contact hours, either through in-class or online programs.

Classroom programs can be expensive, follow rigid schedules, and are often available only in major cities. In contrast, online training is affordable, flexible, and accessible anywhere. Unless you have a strong reason to attend a classroom program, I recommend opting for a high-quality online course.

I suggest the PM Sprout 35 Contact Hours Training Program, which I developed with PMSimplify. This affordable, fully online, PMI-approved course offers one-year access and is aligned with the latest exam content applicable in 2024.

Click here for more details

3: Apply for the PMP Exam

This is a key step in becoming a PMP. After completing your training, scheduling the exam right away is important to maintain momentum in your preparation. Many aspirants delay applying for just a few days, often leading to losing interest. Avoid this mistake.

First, get a PMI membership before applying for the exam. Membership reduces the exam fees, and the membership cost is less than the discount you receive, so you’ll save money. Additionally, you’ll get free access to a digital copy of the PMBOK Guide, making it a great deal overall.

The PMI membership offers many other benefits as well.

Once you’re ready, begin the application process. Scheduling the exam will motivate you to study more intensely and with greater focus. I recommend giving yourself at least three months to fully prepare.

You can apply for the PMP exam either online or offline, but I suggest using the online method, which is faster and more convenient.

When you start the online application, you’ll have 90 days to complete it. You can find detailed guidance in resources like “How to Fill Out the PMP Exam Application Form.”

After submitting your application, two things will happen:

  1. You might be selected for an audit.
  2. You will be prompted to make a payment.

If you are selected for an audit, don’t worry. PMI will ask you to provide documents such as copies of your educational certificates, experience verification, and proof of training. Once you submit these, PMI will complete the audit within five business days. After the audit, you can pay and schedule the exam through Pearson VUE.

If you aren’t selected for an audit, you can make the payment immediately and set your exam date.

You’ll have one year to pass the exam, with up to three attempts. This one-year period begins from the date PMI approves your application. If you don’t pass within these three attempts, you must wait a year before reapplying.

4: Prepare for the Exam

Preparing for the PMP exam requires serious dedication. You should start by reading reference books, taking notes, reviewing the PMBOK/Agile Guide, and practicing with sample questions.

To succeed, you need to study diligently.

I recommend purchasing two high-quality PMP exam reference books. One should be Head First PMP, and the second could be Kim Heldman’s or Rita Mulcahy’s book. Read both books at least twice to fully grasp the material.

For a deeper understanding, refer to page 25 of the PMBOK Guide (6th edition) to see project management process groups and knowledge areas mapping. This will help you answer many of the exam questions effectively.

Next, focus on practicing PMP exam questions. Although each reference book has a few questions at the end of each chapter, I suggest investing in a PMP exam simulator for more comprehensive practice. Use the PMP Question Bank and PMP Mock Test to further enhance your exam readiness.

As you work through practice questions and mock tests, review your answers carefully to identify areas where you need improvement. Revisit those sections to close any knowledge gaps.

You’ll likely encounter some mathematical questions on the PMP exam. Although they may seem challenging, practicing these questions will help you feel more confident. If you find math-based questions particularly difficult, try using the PMP Formula Guide, which explains key mathematical formulas from the PMBOK Guide with examples and includes practice problems.

Free resources like Oliver Lehmann’s website offer mock tests for the PMP exam. He provides two sets of questions, and it’s a good idea to attempt both.

However, I advise against constantly searching online for free practice questions and tests. Trying to answer every sample question can waste time and lower your morale. Stick to trusted resources like the PMP Exam Simulator, PMP Question Bank, and PMP Formula Guide.

Many PMP candidates ignore the PMBOK/Agile Guide and rely solely on training, reference books, and other manuals. The PMBOK/Agile Guide explains all essential project management processes and workflows. Skipping it will make the exam more difficult, so study it thoroughly.

I recommend reading the PMBOK/Agile Guide at least three times before the exam. While the material may seem dry initially, it becomes more engaging once you understand the concepts.

Additionally, I suggest subscribing to PM Sprout’s PMP Exam Preparation Tool. This tool is designed to help PMP candidates and includes practice questions, study notes, flashcards, and true/false statements.

Click here for more details

If you’re already subscribed to the PM Sprout PMP Training Program, this preparation tool is included.

5: Take the Exam

This is the final step in becoming PMP certified.

Make sure to arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. The check-in process takes about 10 minutes, after which you can enter the exam room and begin.

The test starts with an orientation session, where you’ll receive instructions on navigating the exam interface. This session lasts 15 minutes, but you can start the test immediately if you finish early. Note that any extra time from the orientation cannot be used to take notes or create brain dumps.

The PMP exam consists of 180 questions; you have 230 minutes to complete it, roughly 1.2 minutes per question. If you’re well-prepared, this should be sufficient. Most successful candidates finish the exam in about two and a half hours.

There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so attempt every question. Make your best guess even if unsure—never leave a question unanswered.

Use any remaining time to review your answers before submitting the exam. After submission, you’ll be asked to complete a brief survey. Once that’s done, you’ll immediately see your results. If you pass, PMI will congratulate you; otherwise, they will offer their condolences.

Within one week of passing, PMI will send you a congratulatory email, and your name will appear in the certification registry. You’ll receive your official certificate within eight weeks.

Good luck with your PMP exam preparation!

To quickly recap the resources mentioned in this post:

  • Head First PMP
  • Rita Mulcahy
  • Kim Heldman
  • PM Sprout Training Program
  • PMP Exam Simulator
  • PMP Exam Preparation Tool
  • PMP Formula Guide
  • PMP Question Bank
  • PMP Mock Test

Is PMP Certification Worth It?

Yes, the PMP certification is worth it for project professionals. It is globally recognized and can boost your career by validating your skills and knowledge. I have felt it myself. After updating my CV with the PMP credential, I started getting more interview calls. PMP-certified individuals often have access to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater job security. The certification also equips you with advanced project management techniques and best practices that help you manage projects more efficiently.

While it requires time, effort, and financial investment, the long-term career benefits—such as networking opportunities and industry recognition—make it a valuable asset.

Summary

Becoming a PMP requires a significant investment of time and money, and it’s a lengthy process—but it’s worth it. With the right preparation and resources, you can pass the PMP exam on your first attempt. I recommend joining your local PMI chapter to connect with successful exam takers. Learning from their experiences can provide valuable insights to help you prepare and pass the exam.

This concludes our guide on how to become a PMP. I hope you found it helpful!

Further Readings:

Reference:

Fahad Usmani, PMP

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.

PMP Question Bank

This is the most popular Question Bank for the PMP Exam. To date, it has helped over 10,000 PMP aspirants prepare for the exam. 

More Details

PMP Training Program

This is a PMI-approved 35 contact hours training program and it is based on the latest exam content outline applicable in 2026.

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55 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. Really nice and interesting post. I was looking for this kind of information and enjoyed reading this one. Keep posting. Thanks for sharing.

  3. 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.

  4. 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. 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.

  6. 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!

  7. 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?

    1. I would recommend you start with the Head First PMP. Read it twice then go for the training.

  8. 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!

  9. 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

  10. Thanks for the valuable information

    I have MSc project Managment and I’m wondering if this might reduce the experience required?

    Thanks again

  11. 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.

    1. The PMP certification is enough. Once you are into it, according to your requirements, you can go for other certification courses.

  12. 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.

    1. 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.

  14. 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

    1. 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.

  15. 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.

    1. 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.

  16. 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

    1. 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.

  17. Hi Fahad,
    I appeared today for exam & failed. need your suggestion as there is revision change planned for PMP.

    Bhagya

    1. 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.

  18. 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

  19. 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

  21. 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!

  22. 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

  26. 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

  28. 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.

  29. This write-up is very informative and enlightening to a PMP potential aspirant like myself.Thanks alot.

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