Everything you need to know about the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, for beginners and advanced learners

Learn everything you need to know about the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, a simple and practical guide for beginners and advanced students

Everything you need to know about the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, for beginners and advanced learners

General and Basic Information about the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a credential awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes project management professionals who have demonstrated a solid understanding of project management concepts, tools, and techniques, as well as significant experience leading and directing projects.

The PMP certification is recognized worldwide and is one of the most respected and recognized credentials in project management. The certification is designed to help project management professionals demonstrate their expertise and skills in project leadership and to help organizations identify and select qualified project leaders.

To obtain the PMP certification, a candidate must meet the education and project management experience requirements established by PMI. Candidates must also complete a PMP certification exam that covers a wide variety of project management knowledge areas.

The PMP certification exam covers five knowledge areas in project management:

Initiating: identifying and defining the project scope and objectives.
Planning: developing a comprehensive project management plan to guide the project.
Executing: implementing the project plan and managing project resources.
Monitoring and Controlling: monitoring project progress and making necessary adjustments.
Closing: completing and closing the project.

The certification exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, and candidates have four hours to complete it. Once a candidate has obtained the PMP certification, they must maintain it through continuing education and participation in the project management profession.

The PMP certification is a valuable credential for any project management professional who wishes to demonstrate their skills and experience in project leadership. It can also be a valuable professional development tool and a way to improve career prospects in project management.

This is a more detailed explanation of the five knowledge areas in project management that are evaluated in the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam.

Here's a description of the five knowledge areas in project management that are evaluated in the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam:

Initiating: This area evaluates the candidate's ability to identify and define the scope and objectives of the project, as well as to develop an initial plan that includes the necessary resources and stakeholders.
Planning: In this area, the candidate's ability to develop a comprehensive project management plan is evaluated. This includes creating a schedule, identifying risks and issues, determining budget and resources, and developing a communication plan.
Executing: The candidate's ability to implement the project management plan is evaluated in this area. This includes managing project resources, communicating with stakeholders, and monitoring project progress.
Monitoring and Controlling: This area evaluates the candidate's ability to monitor project progress, identify and address issues and risks, and make necessary adjustments to keep the project on track.
Closing: In this area, the candidate's ability to complete and close the project is evaluated. This includes conducting a final review, obtaining approvals, and transferring ownership of project deliverables.
Overall, the PMP certification exam covers a broad range of project management knowledge areas, and successful candidates must demonstrate their ability to effectively manage projects across all stages of the project lifecycle.

What types of companies hire personnel with the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification?

Companies across a wide range of industries and sectors hire personnel with the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. This certification is designed to be applicable to a broad range of project management professions and industries, including construction, engineering, information technology, healthcare, finance, and many others.

Large corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations often require or prefer candidates with the PMP certification for project management roles. Additionally, consulting firms and project management service providers may hire PMP-certified personnel to work with clients in various industries.

The PMP certification is a globally recognized credential, so it is not limited to any particular region or industry. Employers may also seek PMP-certified personnel for projects that cross multiple industries or regions, and having the certification may provide a competitive advantage in the job market.

What are the academic requirements to obtain the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification?

To obtain the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, a candidate must meet certain academic and experience requirements. The specific requirements are:

A four-year degree (bachelor's degree or the global equivalent), with a minimum of three years of experience leading projects, or
A high school diploma, associate's degree or the global equivalent, with a minimum of five years of experience leading projects.

In addition to the academic requirements, a candidate must also complete 35 hours of formal project management education, such as courses or training programs, and pass the PMP certification exam. The exam is a comprehensive assessment of project management knowledge, covering topics such as initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing projects.

It is important to note that the PMP certification has a strict application process, and candidates must provide detailed documentation of their academic and project management experience to be eligible to take the exam. Therefore, it is recommended that candidates carefully review the PMP Handbook and follow the guidelines provided by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to ensure they meet all requirements before submitting their application.

What are the salaries in the United States and around the world for specialists with the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, according to their level or classification of experience?

Salaries for specialists with the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification can vary depending on factors such as their level of experience, the industry they work in, and their geographic location.

According to the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Earning Power Salary Survey, the median salary for a PMP certified project manager in the United States is $120,000 per year. This figure can vary depending on the project manager's level of experience and the industry they work in.

In addition, the survey found that PMP certified project managers in other parts of the world earn varying salaries. For example, the median salary for a PMP certified project manager in Switzerland is $130,961 per year, while the median salary in India is $13,903 per year.

Overall, the PMI's survey found that PMP certified project managers earn higher salaries than non-certified project managers, and that the certification can lead to increased job opportunities and career advancement. However, it is important to note that these figures are median salaries and that actual salaries can vary widely depending on individual factors such as years of experience, location, and industry.

How many hours of experience are required for different levels of individuals with the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification?

To obtain the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, candidates must meet specific experience requirements, which vary depending on their level of education. The experience requirements are:

Candidates with a four-year degree (bachelor's degree or the global equivalent) must have at least three years (36 months) of experience in project management, with a minimum of 4,500 hours leading and directing projects.
Candidates with a high school diploma, associate's degree or the global equivalent must have at least five years (60 months) of experience in project management, with a minimum of 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.

In addition to the above experience requirements, candidates must also have completed 35 hours of formal project management education.

It's important to note that the experience requirements must be met within the last eight years from the date of the PMP application. Candidates are also required to document their project management experience in detail, including the project's name, description, duration, and their role and responsibilities in the project. This documentation is then subject to audit by the Project Management Institute (PMI) before the candidate can take the PMP certification exam.

What are the costs of the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in the United States?

The cost of the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in the United States varies depending on whether the applicant is a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) or not.

For PMI members, the cost of the PMP certification is $405 USD. For non-members, the cost is $555 USD. These prices are for the online exam, but the PMI also offers the option to take the exam on paper at certain locations, which may incur an additional cost.

It is important to note that these are estimated costs as of mid-2021.