PMP Exam Preparation & Best Practices to Score High
What is PMP Certification?
The Project Management Professional certification is essentially a credential that recognizes a person’s skills demonstrated in avenues of skilled approach to leading, directing and completing a project, well within the stipulated timeline, making the best of available resources and planning to stick to the budget constraints of the same. The certification is awarded by the Project Management Institute, USA, which is one of the top project management associations in the world.
Who should apply for PMP Certification?
If you plan on leading big teams across different functions and think that you can be apt at managing them all, committing to finishing a project on time, within budget with the resources at your disposal, the PMP certification is for you!
What are the Eligibility Criteria for the PMP Exam?
The PMP certification requires one to have professional experience in conjecture to their educational qualification. All the work experience though, has to be in the eight years preceding the application for PMP certification exam.
For High School Diploma or Associate degree: Minimum 60 months experience as project management professional with 7500 hours in a lead role. Additionally, 35 contact hours of formal education is necessary.
For Bachelor’s degree holders: Minimum 36 months experience as project management professional with 4500 hours in a lead role. Additionally, 35 contact hours of formal education is necessary.
Note: Hours spent on two projects running simultaneously will be counted towards any one project and not two. Hence, the 36 month experience cannot be overlapping.
What are the fees for the PMP Exam?
The examination fees vary depending upon whether you are a PMI member.
For PMI Members
- Computer-based exam: USD 405
- Paper-based exam: USD 250
For Non-PMI Members
- Computer-based exam: USD 555
- Paper-based exam: USD 400
How do I prepare for the PMP Exam?
PMI issues Project Management Book of Knowledge or PMBOK for your preparation. It is as simple as setting the goals with this. (A PMI membership is always a good idea).
The next step is to commit to a routine of studying, and that comes as a challenge for the professionals. The best way out of this fix is to find a study partner you can rely on, someone who motivates you to stay on track.
It is like going to the gym after years, and to get the motivation going a partner is important. Even joining a study group can work wonders! Try finding a study partner on studypal.co !
Besides, also research on online study resources for the extra edge you need over others! And also, researching for the best study program for the mandatory 35 contact hours before you begin goes a long way too!
What can I expect on PMP exam day?
While the PMP Computer-Based Tests (CBTs) are conducted across the world every single day, and you need to book a time slot with Prometric, the exam service provider whenever you are ready! But Paper Based Tests are on fixed dates and you need to be within 300 kms of the eligible centers to take that!
On exam day, carry two identification, exam confirmation email copy, water and food, a calculator and earplugs! The exam is four hour long with no breaks (although you can use the washroom at your own expense); so it is wise to have all resources at hand to be comfy during the examination duration.
What is the question format for PMP Exam?
PMP Exam has 200 multiple choice questions, out of which 25 are pretest questions—for one to warm up, and their answers don’t affect the scores. Note that there is no negative marking in PMP exam.
Can I retake the PMP examination?
A candidate can retake the exam for up to three times from the application approval day. If one fails all three, the candidate has to wait for a period of one year to reapply again!
But, the process can be costly, as re-examination fees are to be paid for each retake.
Re-examination Fees for PMI Members
- Computer-based exam: USD 275
- Paper-based exam: USD 150
Re-examination Fees for Non-PMI Members
- Computer-based exam: USD 375
- Paper-based exam: USD 300
One can book the retest within 3-4 days once the PMI systems reflect their scores.
