Are you wondering if PMP Certification is your next step to landing a better job as a Project Manager? Are you eligible? Do you meet the standards? What are the requirements for PMP certification?
By taking a few minutes to read through and see what you need for PMP certification requirements, we hope to give you a better understanding of the process and get you on your way!
PMP Certification Requirements at a Glance
You must have 35 contact hours of Project Management Education and either 5 years minimum experience with at least a High School Degree, or 3 years’ experience with a bachelor’s degree.
PMP Certification Requirements Table:
|
Education Background |
Project Experience |
35 Education Hours Requirements |
|
Secondary Degree (High School etc.) |
5+ Years (60 months) |
Must |
|
Four-Year Degree (BSc, BA, etc.) |
3+ Years (36 months) |
Must |
Let’s get into each of the following requirements in detail.
The reasons behind the requirements
As with many professions, certification is not only a way to show what you know but learn what you need to know. Project Managers need to have the ability to communicate with clients, team members, government officials, vendors, suppliers, even the members of the public. The ability to change tone and remain professional requires excellent communication and often the ability to switch channels in mid-stream. The experience requirement shows that you’ve rowed this boat before.
Project Management has many technical aspects as well, regulations, processes to follow and understanding the academics of the position. A project manager needs to make sure they’re educated in the 10 areas necessary to complete the PMP certification exam. A candidate must show that they are accomplished, knowledgeable, and score an undetermined proficiency within the project management process groups in order to show they truly understand the role and pass the test.
Your experience shows your ability to be flexible in your style of communication professionally, and the exam shows that you are prepared with the knowledge needed to oversee whatever project comes your way.
We’ll explain each requirement thoroughly, both for your PMP experience and PMP education. Remember, the PMP experience requirements change based on your education.
You must meet the corresponding experience and education requirements in the table listed above before you can be scheduled for the exam.
The following is for individuals who have a high school diploma or an associate’s degree (or global equivalent)
PMP Requirements 1
The first education requirement takes into account the people that have had experience as a Project Manager but may not have received a college degree. Many individuals have worked their way up in companies to take on the role of Project Manager and that experience can translate to the knowledge required for the exam. If you’ve received your high school diploma or the equivalent, or an associate degree, you can apply for certification if you have:
- A minimum of 60 months leading projects
- 35 completed hours of project management education.
There are some great (and inexpensive) online courses that will satisfy the 35 hours of project management education requirement and prepare you for the PMP certification exam. Some of them even include a pass guarantee, meaning if you don’t pass the exam after taking their course, they’ll provide additional support and ultimately give the money back on your course purchase.
Of the online courses available, we strongly recommend Brain Sensei’s Self-Paced PMP Exam Prep course. They include a pass guarantee, money-back guarantee and access to the entire course with unlimited practice questions for an entire year. For those who prefer the guidance of an instructor, they also have live virtual classes.
Holding the title of Project Manager isn’t proof that you’re a great Project Manager nor does it guarantee that you’ll pass the PMP certification exam. However, being part of a team, leading projects for 60 months will definitely be a contributing factor for passing the exam. In fact, you need that before the PMI will allow you to take the PMP certification exam.
This works out to about 5 years of full-time experience. Typically, you can count time that you’ve led within a project, or supervision of other team members as work experience toward your 60 months requirement.
The following is for individuals who have received a four-year degree or above.
PMP Experience Requirements 2
A bachelor’s degree, or above changes the experience requirements necessary for becoming a certified Project Manager.
- A minimum of 36 months leading projects
- 35 hours completed of project management education.
If you haven’t utilized the PMBoK during course study, or don’t have enough hours, remember, there are several training courses to satisfy the project management education requirement.
As with those that don’t have a four-year degree or above, holding the title of Project Manager isn’t a direct requirement of showing your experience. Again, being part of a team, leading projects for 36 months will definitely be a contributing factor for passing the exam. In fact, you need that before the PMI will allow you to take the PMP certification exam.
This works out to about 3 years of full-time experience. Remember, you can count time that you’ve led within a project, or supervision of other team members as work experience toward your 36 months requirement.
35 Contact Hours PMP requirement
Whatever your level of education, whether number 1 or 2, you must document 35 contact hours of Project Management education (also called 35 education hours) before you can take the exam.
There are some great (and inexpensive) online courses that will satisfy the 35 hours of project management education requirement and prepare you for the PMP certification exam. Some of them even include a pass guarantee, meaning if you don’t pass the exam after taking their course, they’ll provide additional support and ultimately give the money back on your course purchase.
Of the online courses available, we strongly recommend Brain Sensei’s Self-Paced PMP Exam Prep course. They include a pass guarantee, money-back guarantee and access to the entire course with unlimited practice questions for an entire year. For those who prefer the guidance of an instructor, they also have live virtual classes.
PMP Certification – What is it?
PMP is the certification given to Project Managers who have fulfilled the requirements of PMI, the Project Management Institute. PMI’s goal is to empower people to “consistently create better outcomes for businesses, community and society worldwide,” by providing publications, community membership, as well as exams for certification. The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is one of many certifications they offer.
An individual must meet the requirements prior to taking the exam. Once you get your PMP certification you must continue your training in order to stay certified. Every 3 years, you must earn 60 PMP Professional Development Units (PDU) to keep your PMP certification in good standing with the PMI..
The most recognized professional certification in the field of project management internationally is the PMP certification. Candidates can earn on average a 32% higher income than individuals that don’t hold the PMP certification in the United States. Employers look for it, and respect the time invested to receive it.
Anyone who plans to remain in the field of project management should make sure that they earn their PMP certification and keep it in good standing..
PMP Certification Advantages
While just being certified doesn’t prove you’re a great project manager, the PMP certification does show that you have knowledge of project management skills and best practices. By ensuring the applicable experience and education requirements are followed, PMI controls the PMP application process and audits rigorously. Major corporations, non-for-profit organizations, and smaller businesses alike, hold the PMP certificate in the highest regard when looking at candidates.
Due to PMI’s distinguished record and firm policies, the PMP certification requirements, employers throughout many various industries know that candidates who have the PMP certificate have already met many of the job requirements they have posted, giving them the ability to focus on the person rather than the requirements.
Exams are never easy, and PMP is no exception. By meeting the requirements, especially the coursework necessary to complete the 35 hours, you are one step closer to the certificate.
Sign-up for a 7-day free trial! Try the first two modules of Brain Sensei’s story-based PMP and CAPM Exam Prep courses and a mini practice exam and see how it all works
PMP Certification Is Within Your Reach
Even if you don’t meet some of the requirements, PMP certification is a goal that can be set and achieved. The hardest part is meeting the experience requirements. By working towards being a lead, assisting in project management duties, and taking charge, the time will fly by allowing you to reach that goal. Showing that you are working towards it counts with a current employer. They will take note of the effort and it will show in your work, allowing them to give you more duties to get to the exam quicker.
If you are just starting out in your career path, you might want to consider CAPM certification. This is often the first step for project managers. There is no work experience required and anyone with a secondary school education can apply. The CAPM certification establishes your commitment to a project management career path and shows potential employers that you are serious about getting into that field.
The CAPM certification requirements aren’t as stringent as the PMP certification. With a secondary degree or above, enrolling for training to satisfy the 23 contact hours for the education requirement is all that’s necessary to be able to take the exam.
Employers are more likely to assign you project management duties to meet your eventual PMP certification requirements if you possess a CAPM certification. You’ll become familiar with the PMP exam content just by taking the CAPM and when the time comes, you’ll be in the driver’s seat and ready to roll!
PMP Certification is well within your reach once you’re on the right path.
Have you led projects and are looking to earn a project management certification? You might be interested in learning about how lucrative this can be. Check out these articles.
13 PMP Benefits Once You Get The PMP Certification
No experience leading projects but still want to get into project management? No problem! Check out these articles.
CAPM Certification Eligibility
What is a Certified Project Manager; How do I get PM Certifications
