Introduction
The Project Management Professional (PMP) exam is taken by professionals in the field of project management who want to improve their skills and efficiency to advance their careers (Angel, 2009). The certification endows managers with the skills necessary to work in any country around the world. The exam is taken only by individuals who have worked for a certain period in project management. Therefore, anyone willing to sit for the exam without prior experience in project management is not allowed until they gain some experience in the field. There are three main categories for the PMP exam eligibility requirements namely, education, project management experience, and project management training (Crowe, 2005).
Education
The first and most important requirement for taking the PMP exam is the level of education the applicant has achieved. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or its global equivalent, or a secondary degree such as an associate’s degree or a high school diploma (Angel, 2009). Any discipline of specialization is allowed as long as the applicant has prior experience in the field of project management. Earning PMP certification is a career milestone because it increases employment opportunities for project managers in the global labor market.
Project Management Experience
Project management experience is an important requirement. An applicant who has a bachelor’s degree is required to have at least 4,500 hours of project management experience (Crowe, 2005). This translates to about three years working in the field. Applicants who hold high school diplomas are required to have 7, 500 hours of experience, or approximately five years of project management experience (Angel, 2009).
This experience should include both leading and directing projects in any discipline or field. In both instances, the project management experience should have been attained within a certain period before the day of the exam. The Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide (PMBOK Guide) contains a list of acceptable knowledge and skills that an applicant should possess to be eligible for the exam (Phillips, 2013). The title of an applicant’s job does not matter as long as the tasks completed meet the requirements for the exam.
Project Management Training
The number of hours of project management training required for all applicants is similar despite their level of education. In that regard, all applicants should have undertaken 35 contact hours of formal project management training. Examples of units included in the training include project scope, risk, integration management, schedule, and project procurement (Crowe, 2005). An hour of classroom instruction on project management is equivalent to one contact hour according to Project Management Institute’s requirements. This training is usually provided by both PMI Registered Education Providers (REP) or non-Registered Education providers (Crowe, 2005). Training is offered through live classes and online platforms. Many people choose online classes because they are cheaper and more flexible.
Exam Fees
Finally, the price of the exam depends on the membership status of an applicant. The Project Management Institute (PMI) charges $405 for members and $555 for non-members (Phillips, 2013). The registration fee for new members is $ 139. One of the benefits of being a PMI member is the opportunity to take a PMP course that fulfills the 35 contact hours of project management training required for the exam. Also, members save some money on exams in addition to paying less for renewal. Therefore, being a PMI member is highly beneficial.
References
Angel, G. (2009). PMP certification, a beginner’s guide. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Professional.
Crowe, A. (2005). The PMP exam: how to pass on your first try. New York, NY: Velociteach Press.
Phillips, J. (2013). CAPM/PMP project management certification all-In-one exam guide (3rd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Professional.