Introduction

An internationally recognized professional title for project managers is the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. Project Management Institute (PMI), a non-profit organization of professionals devoted to promoting the project management profession, is the provider of this course.

The PMP certification shows that a project manager has the expertise, knowledge, and experience to lead and manage projects. Employers frequently require the PMP certification when hiring managers because every organization widely acknowledges and recognizes it. It offers project managers a structure to ensure projects are completed on given deadlines within budget and to stakeholders’ satisfaction. A global network of project management experts and resources is also available to PMP-certified professionals, who may use these to stay updated with market trends and best practices.

What is Project Management Professional Certification?

The Project Management Institute (PMI), a well-known institute, offers the PMP certification, a widely respected professional credential in project management. The Project Management Professional Certificate helps the aspirants promote their role as a Project manager.

To become a PMP-certified professional, one must fulfill the qualifying requirements, which include 35 hours of project management training given by expert tutors and starting experience of 3-5 years in project management. After fulfilling the eligibility requirements, the candidate must pass the PMP exam, a 4-hour computer-based exam with 200 multiple-choice questions. The PMP certification gives project managers a competitive edge in the job market by demonstrating their expertise in the field. The capacity to lead and manage project teams and complete successful projects within the limitations of scope, time, and money is recognized among PMP-certified professionals.

Types of project management professional certification?

There are numerous certifications for project management experts, each with a distinct specialization and set of qualifications. Some of the most well-known certificates are listed below:

1. Project Management Professional (PMP): One of the most well-known project management credentials, the PMP is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It focuses on the PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), a collection of project management best practices and principles.
2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is an entry-level certification that validates fundamental project management expertise. The PMI also provides it.
3. PRINCE2: The PRINCE2 approach, widely used in Europe and gaining popularity elsewhere in the world, is the emphasis of this certification.
4. Agile Certified Practitioner: The PMI offers the ACP certification, which is focused on agile project management techniques, including Scrum, Kanban, and Lean.
5. Scrum Master Certification: The Scrum Alliance offers the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) credential, which focuses on the Scrum technique for agile project management.

There are different types of PM certification available over various institutions and websites. It’s crucial to conduct the study and choose the certificate that best suits your interests and career ambitions.

How to get project management professional certification?

The actions below must be taken to obtain a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification:

1. Check for the requirements: Meet the criteria for qualifying 36 months of project management experience, 35 hours of project management education, and a four-year degree, all provisions. After getting the suitable training, check for the documents and identity needed while applying for the examination.

2. Apply for the PMP test: The Project Management Institute (PMI) website accepts applications for the PMP exam. You must complete an application form with information about your training and previous project management experience. Then check for the practical examination which matches your knowledge and skills. You will be given an eligibility ID if your application is accepted, allowing you to schedule your exam.

3. Prepare for the exam: You should prepare well since the PMP exam is broad and complex. You can use PMI’s study guides, such as the PMBOK Guide, or enroll in a PMP test prep course. Make the notes using points and read them carefully. Various websites offer study and preparation material for the certification; review them carefully.

4. Schedule and take the exam: Once you’ve studied, you can schedule it on the PMI website. Check twice while scheduling your examination, and be confident with the date and time slot you will select. The selected schedule cannot be changed once selected and accepted. You will have four hours to complete the 200 multiple-choice questions on the exam. The test can be done at a Prometric testing facility and is computer-based.

5. Proceed with a payment: After filling in all the personal details and required information, you must schedule the time and payment. Payment is the primary step to apply for the examination, after which the application will proceed with the partner institutes and accepts application. Once the application is accepted, the ticket or a pass will be generated and shared with the registered email. Afterward, you can proceed with the preparation and give the exam on the target date.

6. Exam Day: After all the procedures, Give your exam on the scheduled date and time with total concentration and preparation.

7. Certification: After completing the exam, you must obtain 60 PDUs to keep your credentials active after three years. Attending project management-related classes, events, and activities approved by PMI will earn you PDUs.

Overall, earning a PMP certification can require months of study and preparation, but it is an essential qualification that can help you progress in your project management career.

How Much Does Project Management Professional Certification Cost?

Depending on your region, PMI membership status, and exam delivery mode, the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification cost can change.

1. Project Management Professional (PMP): Project Management Professional costs $555 for non-PMI members and $405 for PMI members.
2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): The price of Certified Associate in Project Management is $300 for non-PMI members, $225 for PMI members
3. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner: PMI Agile Certified Practitioner cost is $495 for non-PMI members, $435 for PMI members
4. Disciplined Agile: Disciplined Agile cost varies depending on the selected training partner.
5. Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA): Professional in Business Analysis costs $555 for non-PMI members and $405 for PMI members.
6. Program Management Professional: Program Management Professional costs $1,000 for non-PMI members and $800 for PMI members.
7. Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP): Portfolio Management Professional cost is $1,000 for non-PMI members and $800 for PMI members
8. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP): PMI Risk Management Professional costs $670 for non-PMI members and $520 for PMI members.
9. PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP): PMI Scheduling Professional cost is $670 for non-PMI members and $520 for PMI members
10. PMI Project Management Ready: PMI Project Management Ready cost is $128 for both non-PMI and PMI members.

You could also be required to pay a scheduling fee to the testing facility if you decide to take the exam there. Retakes and specific countries are also eligible for discounts from PMI.

Please be aware that these costs could change, so for the most up-to-date information, check the pricing shown on PMI’s website right now.

Benefits of Project Management Professional Certification.

Getting a Project Management Professional (PMP) credential has several advantages:

1. Recognition: The PMP certification is regarded as the industry’s gold standard. It shows you have the abilities, information, and practical understanding to manage projects successfully.
2. Increase in income: Increased income potential and job progression are two benefits of PMP certification. Companies often require PMP certification for senior project management positions.
3. Enhanced project management capabilities: To earn a PMP certification, you must show that you have knowledge and expertise in all aspects of project management, from planning to closing. Doing this can offer more excellent results and hone your project management abilities.
4. Networking opportunities: The PMP certification can put you in touch with other certified project managers and business leaders, allowing you to grow your professional network and benefit from the knowledge of others.
5. Confidence boost: Having the knowledge and abilities to manage complex tasks successfully might give you the confidence to take on challenging undertakings.
6. Career enhancement: The PMP certification is a worthwhile career investment since it can boost your professional credibility, expand your earning potential, and improve your project management skills.
7. Job Security: Although the job prognosis for PM (project manager) is still favorable, there is no assurance that a business won’t go through a reduction. The financial standing of any company can quickly alter, as the recent epidemic has shown. However, having project management credentials can boost your confidence that you continue to add value for companies with an expanding need for qualified project managers.

Project Management Professional Certification Education Partners

Several education partners offer the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification test as part of their training programs. The following are the most reputable and well-liked education partners:

The PMP certification exam is accepted by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which provides training programs and other resources to help candidates prepare for the test. One of PMI’s online and in-person training choices is self-paced courses, online instructor-led courses, and live boot camps.

1. Simplilearn: Simplilearn is a global training company that provides in-person and online PMP certification training. They offer extensive study materials, practice exams, and round-the-clock support for their courses, which certified PMP specialists instruct.

2. Udemy: Udemy is an online training and learning platform offering fundamental and advanced PMP certification courses. Practice tests and quizzes are included in Udemy courses taught by qualified instructors.

3. Project Management Academy: PMA offers a range of training options for PMP certification, including live online classes, in-person boot camps, and self-paced courses that may be taken whenever it’s convenient for you. They offer to practice examinations, study guides, and customized coaching with their systems.

4. Global Knowledge: Global Knowledge is a well-known training company that provides in-person and online PMP certification training. They offer extensive study materials, practice exams, and round-the-clock support for their courses, which certified PMP specialists instruct.

5. International Association of Project Managers: IAPM offers the Certified Project Manager (CPM) certification, emphasizing fundamental project management knowledge and expertise.

How to Prepare Project Management Professional Certification

Getting ready for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification might be challenging but worthwhile. You can follow the recommendations below to get prepared for the test:

Learn about the PMP exam’s outline of topics: The subjects and domains covered in the PMP test are listed on this page. It will assist you in determining what to study and how to schedule your study time.

1. Study the PMBOK Guide: The PMP exam’s primary reference is the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide. It goes over the fundamental ideas and ideal methods of project management. It can be used to review and study many exam subjects.

2. Take a PMP test preparation course: A PMP exam preparation course can assist you in understanding the exam format, reviewing the essential topics covered, and preparing for the exam by giving you practice exams. Numerous studies are offered both offline and online. Exam question banks with example questions are readily available online for practice. Practice answering as many questions as possible to become accustomed to the exam structure and determine what areas to pay particular attention to.

Source: LinkedIn

3. Make a study schedule: Plan your study and review the many knowledge domains needed for the exam. Give yourself enough time to properly learn each subject and practice responding to hypothetical exam questions.

4. Join a study group: Study groups can offer extra encouragement and motivation as you prepare for the test. You can interact with others studying for the PMP test and exchange information and experiences.

5. Target a date: Schedule your exam as soon as you feel secure in your preparation. This will offer you a target date to strive towards and enable you to maintain concentration on your planning.

One tip is that obtaining the PMP certification requires commitment and diligence. By adequately preparing for it, you can improve your chances of passing the exam and developing your project management career.