PMP is an exam conducted by the Project Management Institute (PMI) located in Pennsylvania, USA. It is one of the most prestigious certificates for aspirants desiring to build a career in project management. Looking for professional advancement by securing the project management professional PMP certification? This article covers all you need to know about the exam, its schedule, and some valuable tips on preparing well. 

What is the PMP Exam? 

Companies constantly seek skilled and capable product managers to lead their projects. The PMP® certification ascertains that the candidate is well deserving of handling projects and reassures the companies of the candidate’s expertise. The project management professional exam evaluates the candidates on multiple grounds. It broadly covers people, processes, and the business environment. The main pointers include:

• Team Management: The primary trait of a successful project manager is the ability to communicate with the team and handle them effectively. 
• Soft Skills: Communication and cooperation are the most central soft skills for a project manager. The managers must be able to communicate effectively with the team to accommodate different points of view while getting the job done. 
• Technicalities: Lastly, the project managers must also be adept at balancing the technical side and the business side of the company management. 

The candidates are tested based on different performance domains assessing initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, managing and controlling the project and closing the project. With its rigorous examination process requiring candidates to earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDU) within three years ensures that the successful candidates are among the best in the industry. 

PMP Exam Schedule 

The PMP exam-taking process is very flexible, it allows candidates to schedule their exam date. Candidates must follow the PMP online application procedure, after which they can schedule their examination. After paying the fee and completing the audit, the candidates can have a one-year window to appear for the exam in which they are allowed to appear 3 times. There is no fixed date for appearing for the exam, the exam takes place every day. However, there is no guarantee of reserved seats. The candidates must reserve their seats at least 3 months in advance to get a guaranteed booking. 

PMP Exam Format and Eligibility

The PMP examination consists of a total of 180 questions, out of which the candidates are graded on 175 questions, while the 5 remaining questions are only present to assess the difficulty level of the exam. The PMP prerequisites for the test can be divided into two categories:

• A- Candidates must have a four-year degree, 35 hours of project management training/education, completed 36 months of leading projects, or must be a certified associate in project management. 
• B- Candidates must have an associate degree or a high school diploma, 35 hours of project management training/education, 60 months of leading projects, or a CAPM certification to be eligible. 

Click here to learn more about the PMP exam pattern.

PMP Exam Procedure

The foremost decision to make is whether you wish to appear for the exam online or offline. Computer-based tests have a faster result turnaround time of 5 business days compared to paper-based tests, which take about four weeks to release results. Online exam allows you to appear for it from the comfort of your home but the system on which you will appear for the exam must be pre-approved. After choosing the mode of the test, follow these steps:

For Offline Test:

1. Verify the language
2. Click on the schedule of the test
3. Select the suitable center (an additional step compared to the online test), date, and time
4. Review the information
5. Proceed to checkout and submit the order
6. You will receive an email confirming your reservation.

For Online Test:

1. Go through the online proctoring policies
2. Verify the language 
3. Select the date and time of the test
4. Review the information
5. Proceed to checkout and submit the order
6. You will receive an email confirming your reservation

Candidates also have the option to reserve their tests via telephone by calling Pearson VUE. The representative will ask for details including the name of the exam, PMI ID, name, email address, mobile number, and address to schedule your exam. 

Another thing to note is that candidates can also reschedule their exam till 48 hours before the appointment. However, the cancellation and rescheduling come at a cost. A fee of $70 is applied for rescheduling 30 days before the exam date. 

PMP Exam Passing Score

The minimum percentage needed to clear the PMP exam is set at 61%. Additionally, an 80% score is considered good. The test report is divided into two sections primarily. The first part of the test report declares the status of the result as pass or fail. The second part details the performance rating with markers of on target, above target, below target, or needs improvement.

However, clearing the exam is only the first step. Candidates must maintain their certifications by earning Professional Development Units (PDUs) to stay in the industry. A minimum of 60 PDUs are necessary to stay in the industry and can be earned by teaching, learning and volunteering for the following three years. 

PMP Exam Tips

With knowledge of the exam pattern and scheduling, the candidates can start preparing for the exam. However, it is important to strategically prepare to achieve your desired results and outshine amidst the sea of applicants. Here are some useful tips that can assist with your exam preparation:

• Understand the Exam Pattern: The foremost requirement to be successful is to thoroughly understand the exam pattern and the type of competencies it demands. 
• Practice Papers: It is crucial to sit for PMP practice tests before appearing for the exam directly. This helps candidates evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and get a general idea of the exam pattern. 
• Workshops and Study Groups: It is recommended to participate in study groups, discussion forums and enroll in workshops before appearing for the exam. This is crucial for candidates to get insights from the experts and seek valuable advice from fellow learners. 
• Brush Up Your Experience: The last thing to remember is to brush up your skills and experience as a project manager. Practical experience surpasses bookish knowledge and must be held onto. 

With complete knowledge of the PMP exam, candidates will now be equipped to ace the exam. With the PMP qualification in hand, aspirants can approach big companies and grab lucrative opportunities in no time. Further, the provision of ongoing PDUs assists the learners in staying up-to-date in the industry, leveraging it to continually hone their skill set and move towards better opportunities. 

Before We Sign Off!

A PMP® certification opens your avenues to a range of possibilities, including better career outcomes and a higher pay.

We wish you the best for your PMP examination. May you pass with flying colors! 

Choosing Simpliaxis for your professional courses is the first step toward advancing your career project management. 

Beyond a course, our PMP® certification is a pathway to career success, a supportive community, and unwavering guidance to achieve your aspirations

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When can I schedule my PMP exam?

PMP exams can be scheduled at any time, depending on the availability of slots for online and offline modes. 

2. What are the passing marks in the PMP examination?

While there is no strict passing score requirement mentioned by the Project Management Institute, it is recommended to get a minimum of 61% marks. Additionally, it is suitable to score 75%-80% marks for scoring the best opportunities. 

3. What is the mode of the PMP exam?

The PMP exam can be taken both online and offline, depending on your preference. 

4. How much time does the result declaration take?

Online test results are delivered in 5 business days, while the offline mode takes about four weeks for the result declaration.