PMP Certification Process

PMI offers the PMP certification to signify the capabilities of experienced professionals in managing complex projects. It indicates the project managers' skills and knowledge in team management, project outcomes, and risk mitigation. The certification provides global recognition and benefits both individuals and organizations.

How to get PMP Certification?

Achieving the PMP® is important because it demonstrates your project management skills, helping you secure better job opportunities and higher salaries. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting PMP certification, covering everything you need to know to achieve this professional milestone.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements: 

The project management professional certification process requires meeting the eligibility requirements to take the exam. Steps to get PMP certification include two main eligibility paths:

Criteria 1:

• Hold a four-year college degree (Bachelor's or equivalent).
• Have at least 36 months of project management experience leading projects within the past eight years.
• Complete 35 hours of formal project management professional training

Criteria 2:

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher (or global equivalent) from a GAC-accredited program
• 2 years of experience in  leading and managing projects within the past eight years
• 35 hours of project management training

Check out the PMP Certification Eligibility to get deeper insights.

Step 2: Apply for Your PMP Certification:

The next steps in the PMP certification process are to submit your application. To streamline the process, we recommend gathering all the necessary information beforehand. Professionals will be required to provide details such as their educational background and work experience. 

Step 3: Application Review:

The PMI reviews a thorough approach to ensuring that participants' experiences meet the eligibility criteria. Here's what you can expect after submitting your application: PMI will verify that you meet all eligibility requirements outlined in the certification handbook. Generally, this takes 5-10 business days to receive approval and marks the next step in the PMP certification steps.

Step 4: Pay the Certification Cost: 

Once you are notified that your application has been approved, you can initiate payment to proceed to the last stage. The fastest and easiest way to pay is through our online payment system. Once payment is received, PMI will email you an eligibility number that will be used to schedule your exam. You are eligible for one year, and you may take the exam up to three times during that year.

The cost of the PMP exam is listed below:     

Step 5: Exam Preparation:

It is a significant step in becoming a PMP-certified professional.

You can approach registered education providers to provide structured guidance on the PMP certification syllabus and personalized support. Experienced coaches, often with close ties to the Project Management Institute (PMI), offer valuable insights. Their expertise helps applicants achieve the highest level of preparation.

Key Study Materials:

• PMBOK Guide: The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide. It is a must-read for PMP aspirants. It covers essential project management concepts and aligns with the PMP exam content. Make sure to study the latest edition.
• PMI Agile Practice Guide: It covers agile methodologies and their application in project management.
• Practice & Mock Tests: It helps you familiarize yourself with the exam format, identify weak areas, and build confidence before the final exam.

Step 6: Schedule Exam: 

After qualifying, PMI will provide you with exam scheduling instructions and your eligibility code to use when scheduling your exam. You can schedule your exam online. The PMP certification guidebook and exam schedule guidelines provide details. The exam is the final step.

Step 7: Examination:

The exam can be taken online or in person at a nearby center and typically lasts around 4 hours. It includes various question types, such as multiple-response, fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice (MCQ), and matching. Throughout the exam, the applicant receives 230 minutes, with two 10-minute breaks. The exam covers five domains: initiating, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing, comprising 180 questions.

Check: PMP Certification Exam Pattern

Step 8: Earning Your PMP Certification:

After completing the PMP exam, the candidate receives a PMP® from the PMI and a digital badge.

In conclusion, by following these PMP certification steps and diligently preparing for the exam, you will be well-equipped to pursue and attain your Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and you will understand the process for obtaining it.

Know how to maintain your certification through our PMP Renewal Process.

Learn More

What are the advantages of PMP Certification?

Here are the advantages of PMP for professionals:

Global Recognition

The PMP qualification is widely recognized and respected in project management. It is a universal language for project managers and instantly conveys your experience and credibility.  The certification provides global career opportunities and gives a competitive advantage.

Increase Job Opportunities

A PMP certification boosts your work opportunities and offers you an edge. Project management qualifications set you out in the job market and are often required for top positions. A PMP credential will help you get into advanced project management roles in a competitive employment market.

Enhance Earning Potential

The increased earning potential is one of the biggest perks of PMP certification. According to the PMI, PMP®-certified professionals earn 33% more than non-certified professionals across 21 nations. About 66% reported higher total earnings last year, with 61% increasing by at least 5%. Thus, PMP certification is a smart professional move because it can quickly boost earnings and career growth.

Improve Project Management Skills

Project management techniques, methodology, tools, and best practices must be well understood to earn a PMP certification. Preparing for and passing the PMP exam confirms that you understand the PMBOK® Guide, the cornerstone of project management excellence. PMP skills are useful across industries and can boost project success rates.

Networking Opportunities

PMP certification gives you access to a large network of project management professionals and specialists. Your PMI membership and certification give you access to over a million PMP-certified professionals worldwide. This network is great for learning, sharing best practices, finding jobs, and staying up to date on project management trends. PMI networking opportunities can boost your career and lead to partnerships and job opportunities.

Enhance Job Security

In an increasingly unpredictable employment market, a PMP certification can boost job security. PMP-certified professionals are less likely to be laid off or downsized because companies value their skills. This project management certification shows your dedication to your profession and project management skills, making you an invaluable employee.

Check our PMP Certification Cost to know the ROI of PMP. 

What are the Prerequisites for PMP Certification?

The certification has specific prerequisites and eligibility. If you want to know how to become a PMP-certified professional, then understand the prerequisites properly:

Eligibility 1:

Participants who have completed high school or a secondary school diploma need:

• Minimum of 5 years (60 months) of experience leading and managing projects over the past 8 years
• 35 hours of project management training orCAPM Certification through PMI-authorized training providers

Eligibility 2:

Those with a Bachelor’s degree or global equivalent need:

•  3 years (36 ṁonths) of experience leading and managing projects within the past 8 years.
• Along with that, there are mandatory 35 hours of project management training or CAPM Certification through PMI-authorized training providers

Eligibility 3:

Those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher from a GAC-accredited program need:

• 2 years (24 months) of experience leading and managing projects within the past 8 years.
• All professionals must take 35 hours of project management training or CAPM Certification through PMI-authorized training providers 

What are the career benefits of PMP professionals?

PMP certification steps help professionals achieve greater career growth. In the current job market, PMP has strong dominance over other certifications. PMP certification is sometimes required for big client engagements in several sectors. Due to global market volatility, manufacturing, construction, information services, publishing, finance, insurance, management, professional services, oil & gas, and service will only hire PMP-certified project managers. It is expected that 22 million PMP positions will be created in 11 countries by the end of 2027. In the global market, approximately 88 million PMP-certified professionals are expected to be created in the near future. PMP certification verifies your project management knowledge and proficiency. You are more credible when you follow ethical norms as a respected PMP-certified project manager in a global society. According to the 9th PMI Salary Survey, PMP certification increases salaries by 20%. So, how do you become a PMP-certified professional? Follow the PMP certification steps to enhance your leadership skills.

Read the PMP Salary to know how much you can get after completing the certification. 

Who should apply for the PMP Certification?

PMP is a strong option for professionals who lead project planning and execution. Here is the list of professionals who can apply for the PMP:

• Project managers overseeing complex projects
• Team leaders and supervisors seeking recognition
• Program and Delivery Managers manage cross-functional initiatives
• Construction, manufacturing, and IT professionals managing timetables and budgets
• Business Analysts, Consultants, 
• Product Owners benefit from PMP since it validates their deliverable management skills.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Does PMP Expire?

Yes. The PMP certification is valid for 3 years and must be renewed to maintain certification. The renewal process demands 60 PDUs and renewal costs. PMI members pay less than non-PMI members. 

2. Is the PMP Exam Hard?

 PMP is more difficult than CAPM; however, proper training and guidance can help professionals pass the exam more easily.

3. Can I do PMP without experience?

No. The Project Management Professional Certification Process requires project management experience, which must be completed to sit for the exam. 

4. Which is the best project management certification?

It demonstrates your experience and career goals. CAPM certification is well-suited for professionals with less than 3 years of project management experience. In contrast, PMP is best suited for experienced professionals seeking leadership roles. PgMP is better suited to more experienced professionals.

5. What are the costs of the PMP Certification exam?

The PMP exam fee for PMI Members is $405, and for Non-Members is $655.

6. How many contact hours are needed for PMP certification?

Professionals must have 35 hours of formal training or CAPM certification to pursue the exam.

7. Can I apply for the exam before attending a course?

You can apply for the exam, but to pursue it, you must have 35 hours of training, and the application process requires proper guidance to pass the audit. It is better to enroll in the certification training and then apply for the exam.

8. How many PDUs are required for the PMP Certification renewal?

The renewal process requires 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.

9. How much does it cost to renew your PMP Certification?

The PMP renewal cost for PMI members is around $60, and for non-PMI members it is around $150.

10. What is the dreaded part of the PMP certification process?

The complicated project experience documentation and application process. In addition, the exam must be 180 questions in 4 hours. The indecisive questions and pass marks create mental stress. Moreover, the exam requires strong focus, adaptability, hybrid knowledge, and predictive thinking.

11. Can a PMP certification be cleared through self-study?

Self-study is required to pass the exam. However, 35 hours of professional training are required to sit for the exam. It is better to seek professional guidance and engage in self-study to pass the exam on your first attempt.  

12. What is the pass rate for the PMP exam? 

PMI does not disclose current success rates, but industry data and training providers believe the first-time PMP exam pass rate is 60% to 70%. Preparing for the exam using predictive, agile, and hybrid methods is difficult.

13. Is PMP in demand?

The Project Management Certificate has increased in value between 2018 and the present. PMP certification is worth 25% more. The benefits of PMP certification in 2026 are huge. The PMI survey also indicates that certified professionals can earn 33% more than their non-certified peers.

14. What is the future of PMP certification?

With 88 million project management jobs expected by 2027, demand for PMP certification is high. PMP holders may earn 20% more due to high demand and salary premiums, making PMP a global gold standard.

15. How often do I need to renew my PMP Certification?

The PMP certification must be renewed every three years. You must earn and report 60 PDUs through PMI's CCR program to remain active. If not renewed on time, certification expires and requires further reexamination.

16. Can anyone apply for PMP?

Not everyone can become PMP certified. PMI candidates must have 35 hours of project management training or CAPM certification, and 3-5 years of project management experience to apply for the certification.