How To Do PMP Certification?
There are over a million certifications available worldwide among which PMP is widely recognized, as it covers all the core topics essential for a project management professional. As per the survey conducted by PMI, PMP Certification offers around 22% more salary than the non-certified project managers.
What is PMP?
Project Management Certification is issued by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to individuals after they successfully qualify for the exam. This certification acknowledges that the individual has the right set of skills, experience, and achievement in the field of project management. PMP Training tests your ability to manage the people, processes, and business priorities of a professional project. PMP Certification Training benefits the individual and organization simultaneously.
How to Get PMP Certification?
PMP Course is challenging and requires a high level of dedication, motivation, and discipline. You have to prepare yourself for the level of questions you will face during the PMP exam. The exam is considered difficult because of its huge syllabus, type and length of the questions asked, duration of exam, and answer choices. However, a good study plan and support from the people around you will help you crack this exam in your first attempt. You can also enroll in an accredited training institute like Knowlathon to help you prepare for this exam.
Below is the step-by-step guide for getting your PMP Certification.
Step 1: Meet the PMP Certification Requirements
Before starting your journey towards PMP Certification, it is critical to ensure your eligibility. Check out the eligibility criteria as mentioned below:
- A four-year graduate degree in any discipline
- 36 months of experience in leading projects
- 35 hours of formal project management training
Or
- A high school diploma or an associate’s degree
- 60 months of experience in leading projects
- 35 hours of formal project management training
You need to keep track of your projects and training, and the information like your specific role and responsibilities so that you have ready data when you apply for the PMP Certification. However, the training requirement can be waived if you have a CAPM certification.
Step 2: Apply
Now you need to make an account with PMI and submit the application for the PMP exam. You have to share your basic personal information along with your educational background, and details of the projects you have worked on. Once the PMI approves your application, you have to pay your exam fee and schedule the PMP test.
Step 3: Prepare
You have to prepare for the exam either through the coursework or on your own. Individuals who have successfully passed this exam recommend spending 60 to 120 hours studying. It requires several months depending on the frequency of your studying hours and your capacity of learning.
You can also consider joining a training institute like Knowlathon which has an experienced team of trainers to help you pass the PMP exam. Knowlathon offers PMP training with various options including virtual instructor-led training, classroom training, and corporate training schemes. Remember that PMP Certification Training for 35 contact hours is mandatory to get this certification.
Step 4: Take the PMP Exam
You can take the PMP exam online or at a testing center near you. The knowlathon team will guide you through the procedure of the exam and will help assist you at each step. Keep in mind that 'I want to become a PMP' may be a good objective, but 'I want to gain PMP certification in X months' is a far better plan. When you have set a deadline for your goal, you tend to work a lot better.
Once you have successfully cleared your exam, you will be PMP certified.
Step 5: Maintain Your PMP Certification
Your PMP Certification is valid for three years. During these years you need to spend 60 hours on professional development activities, known as PDUs, to maintain the certification. This establishes that you are committed to professional development and are eager for continuous learning. If you are unable to maintain 60 PDUs, you have to retake the exam after three years.
Tips for PMP Exam Preparation
You can follow the important tips below to pass the PMP exam in your very first attempt:
- Survey and research the material you plan to cover. Familiarity with every topic makes you more confident.
- Attend PMP preparatory workshops from Knowlathon. These workshops provide you with the opportunity to understand the gaps in your exam preparation.
- Go for PMP exam online simulators. These simulators are designed to the same standards as the original PMP exam. This way you get more acquainted with the exam format.
- Become a member of discussion forums. These forums allow you free access to the online discussions, where the participants help you on various topics covered in the exam.