Project managers can be found in almost every industry around the world.You can take your career to the next level if you become a certified project management professional.Although it is not required to hold most management positions, earning your certification will allow you to accept more responsibility at higher levels within your company and often results in a salary boost.
Step 1: If you don't have a bachelor's degree, you can work in professional project management for 5 years.
The educational and professional experience requirements must be completed before you can apply to become a PMP.You must have worked in professional project management for at least 5 years if you have a secondary degree.You must have spent at least 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.You may be subject to an audit after submission if you self-report your hours.Each project you include in the experience section of your application will require signatures from your manager or supervisor.
Step 2: If you have a bachelor's degree, you can get 3 years of experience in project management.
You must have worked in professional project management for at least 3 years before applying to become a project manager.You must have spent at least 4,500 hours leading and directing projects during that time.The education requirement will be satisfied by a bachelor's degree.It doesn't have to be related to business or project management.You may be subject to an audit after submission if you self-report your hours.Each project you include in the experience section of your application will require signatures from your manager or supervisor.
Step 3: You have to complete a 35-hour project management training.
All candidates must pass a project management course regardless of their education level.Most of the world offers valid PMP prep courses.For an instructor-led classroom course, costs range from $2,002,500 to $2,500, while a quality podcast course costs from $200 to 500.You can find the most convenient registered education provider on the website.
Step 4: Become a member of the Project Management Institute.
It is recommended that you become a member of the PMI.As of March, you will be able to save money on exam fees.You can get a digital copy of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), the book on which the entire exam is based.To join, visit the website.A standard membership costs $129 per year, with a $10 application fee.Student memberships are discounted.To be eligible, you must be a full-time student in a degree-granting program at a U.S. accredited university or college.You can join a local chapter as well.As of March, this will cost an additional $30, but will offer additional networking and job hunting opportunities.
Step 5: You can apply and pay for the exam.
You need to create an account on the website and fill out an online form about your experience and education.You should get an eligibility email within 3 to 5 business days after you submit your application.As of March 2019, the exam fee is $555 for non-members and $405 for members.A few applicants are randomly selected for a physical audit.You will need to submit hard copies of your credentials if you are chosen for audit.You can schedule your exam after an audit takes up to 6 weeks.
Step 6: You can schedule your exam through the website.
You have a year to take the exam after your application has been approved.They don't administer the test themselves.Thomson Prometric is an international testing company.You can schedule your test date through the website of Prometric.If you schedule your test 3 months out, you have enough time to prepare, but not so long that you lose motivation.
Step 7: You can study alone or attend a class.
Depending on how much time and money you have, decide which option is best for you.Depending on the provider, the average class is between $1,700 and $4,200.Independent study guides and sample exams can cost hundreds of dollars.The average study time for independent study is 2 to 3 months, compared to 5 days for a class.You will need to master the entire guide.Those who enroll in classes have higher passing rates.
Step 8: You have to pass the exam to get your certification.
You have to take the exam in person.The test consists of 200 questions.After the test is over, your pass/fail results are presented to you, while your certification will be mailed a month later.If you don't pass the exam on your first try, you have a year to try again.You can take the exam 2 more times.You must wait a year after the last exam to apply for certification again if you fail 3 times.
Step 9: Professional Development Units can be earned through education.
If you want to keep your certification, you must participate in the Continuing Certification Requirements program.You have to earn 60 PDUs every 3 years.1 hour of project management training is equivalent to 1 PDU.There must be at least 35 of these PDUs centered around continuing education.A minimum of 8 PDUs must focus on technical project management skills.The minimum number of PDUs to focus on strategic and business management is 8.Any of the three categories can be related to the additional 11 PDUs.
Step 10: Give back to the profession and complete a maximum of 25 PDUs.
Anything that allows you to use and share your skills and knowledge to build up and contribute to the profession is included.There is no minimum amount ofPDUs you can earn from giving back.This is an optional way to earn PDUs.You could earnPDUs through continuing education.The maximum of 8 PDUs can only be achieved by working as a professional.
Step 11: To renew certification, report PDUs through the website.
When you have completed your 60 PDUs, make sure to record them in your personal dashboard on the PMI website.You can claim new PDUs here.The costs associated with acquiring PDUs are not a cost to maintain your membership.You don't need to provide further evidence of your participation because the PDUs are self- reported.