Steps to Earning a PMP (Project management Professional) Certification

The world is evolving, and so is the world of businesses and organizations that create products or render services to make a profit. For the proper functioning of such organizations, they need departments with diverse responsibilities. Such include; marketing, finance, human resources, and IT, among others. These units run daily on activities geared towards achieving the goals of such organizations. And that is where the topic on Project Management Professional(PMP) certification comes in. And just as the name implies, it is about project management.

The PMP (Project management professional) certification

The PMP certification is distributed to the project managers after they pass the exam. This certificate recognizes and respects your experience, expertise and knowledge, and achievements as a project manager. This globally acknowledged PMP certification comes as an advantage to you and whatever organization you work for since it isn’t limited to a single industry.

So what’s the need for a PMP certification?

Project Management is a series of designated skills, techniques, and tools usually used to meet a project’s specified aims or objectives. The project a project manager manages is expected to meet certain standards. These standards should be enough to secure the interests of business managers and stakeholders.

The project manager has the responsibility to complete the project and deliver it on time. However, as competitions begin to grow with new procedures, cuts in expenditures, and strict quality guidelines, the project manager faces more complicated challenges. Hence, the need to get a PMP certification becomes necessary for every project manager who requires growth.

The number keeps increasing incredibly. Why you ask? Well, since the survival of an organization depends on the prompt and successful delivery of their projects, the need for people with the knowledge arises.

In addition, it may also interest you to know that a survey by the PMI in 2015 shows that a PMP certified project manager got a 20% hike in their salaries compared to the non-certified managers.

Steps to earn the PMP certification

You probably have questions ranging from unsaid doubts as to why you should actually go for this qualification and steps to take in the application process. Note that the PMP certification acknowledges your skills and experience in managing projects assigned to you.

It recognizes your exposure and puts it out there for organizations to see and respect. Also, as I earlier mentioned, it is globally accepted and not limited to a single organization or venture but a diverse business enterprise.

Now, I’ll walk you through the steps of applying for a PMP certification. For easier understanding, I simplified it into a six-step process:

STEP 1: Check for the eligibility status to get the PMP certification

This is the first and the most important part. You have to make sure you’re qualified and meet the academic and experience requirements for the PMP. The process is quite simple:

For a degree holder:

A non-overlapping minimum of 36 months of project management experience
At least 4,500 hours must have gone into managing, leading, and spearheading major projects as a project manager

For an individual without a degree

A non-overlapping minimum of 60 months as an experienced project manager
At least 7,500 hours of experience in managing, leading, and spearheading major projects

However, both cases require you to show that you have had 35 contact hours of the PMP certification training, which can be done after asserting that you are qualified and signing up at pmi.org.

STEP 2- Read the PMP (Project management professional) handbook

The PMI published an easy-to-understand handbook that provides all of the answers to your questions about sitting for the exam and earning the certification. It will take you through the process and procedures for applying.

STEP 3- Submit an application for PMI membership

By joining the PMI, you get to enjoy special discounts as you prepare for the exams. The membership gives you access to materials such as the PMBOK(A guide), the scheme and structure, and the standards of the exam and the PMP as a whole. Though membership is not compulsory, it is advisable to have it.

STEP 4- Prepare for your exam

To take the exam, you must have some preparations set into place to help you successfully pass the exam. Such should include studying the PMBOK, answering as many sample questions from PMP exams as you can, studying hard, and having a plan as you study.

You can find books and free self-study courses. You can also use online platforms like ExamsCert to practice PMP questions for free. Although it’s free, the quality remains top-notch.

STEP 5- Complete your application

All you need to do here is to fill up your application and submit it online. Note that the completion of the application is limited to 90 days upon starting.

After submitting, the PMI reviews the application within 5 working days to fully accept the application. Once accepted, you can then go ahead to pay the exam fees.

STEP 6- Take your exam

After paying your fee, all that’s left is to schedule the exam by gauging your level of preparations and your plans. Note that after getting approved to take the exam, you have a year from the date of the acceptance to take the exam. The exam can be taken 3 times during this period.

Finally, get enough practice before going for the actual exam. You can use online platforms like ExamsCert to practice PMP questions for free. Although it’s free, the quality remains top-notch.