- Your project management experience and eligibility
- The time needed to complete 35 hours of project management education
- Your PMP exam study schedule and preparation strategy
- How quickly you complete the PMP application process
In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, covering:
- PMP certification eligibility requirements
- How long it takes to complete the application
- The cost of PMP certification
- How to prepare efficiently and pass on your first try
- How to maintain your PMP certification after passing
Let’s get started by reviewing the PMP certification requirements and how to know if you’re eligible.
PMP Certification Requirements – Are You Eligible?
Before applying for the PMP exam, you must meet the Project Management Institute (PMI) eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure that only experienced professionals can earn the PMP certification.
Education and Experience Requirements
There are two paths to eligibility, depending on your education level:
Option 1: If You Have a Four-Year Degree
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (or global equivalent)
- Experience: At least 36 months of non-overlapping project management experience within the last eight years
- Education Requirement: 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification
Option 2: If You Have a High School Diploma or Associate Degree
- Education: High school diploma, associate degree, or global equivalent
- Experience: At least 60 months of non-overlapping project management experience within the last eight years
- Education Requirement: 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification
What Counts as Project Management Experience?
Your experience must include leading and managing projects, even if you don’t have the official title of “Project Manager.” Your experience should involve:
- Defining project scope, schedule, and budget
- Managing project teams and stakeholders
- Overseeing risks, quality, and communications
- Executing and delivering project outcomes
The 35-Hour Project Management Education Requirement
PMI requires all PMP candidates to complete 35 hours of project management education. This can be satisfied by taking a PMI-approved PMP exam prep course.
With the eligibility requirements covered, let’s take a look at the costs associated with obtaining your PMP certification.
PMP Certification Cost – How Much Does It Cost to Get PMP Certified?
Understanding the cost of PMP certification is crucial when planning your journey. The total cost varies depending on factors like PMI membership, exam fees, and study materials.
PMP Exam Fees
The cost of the PMP exam depends on whether you are a PMI member:
- PMI Member: $405
- Non-Member: $575
Tip: Becoming a PMI member costs $139 per year but provides a discount on the exam and access to valuable resources.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the exam fee, there are other costs to consider:
- PMP Exam Prep Course: Prices range from $300 to $1,500, depending on the provider.
- Practice Exams & Study Materials: $50–$300 for mock tests and study guides.
- Exam Retake Fees: If you don’t pass on your first attempt:
- PMI Member: $275
- Non-Member: $375
Why Investing in a Quality PMP Exam Prep Course Saves Money
Failing the exam means additional costs for retakes. A high-quality PMP exam prep course can help you pass on the first try, saving both time and money.
Now that you understand the costs, let’s explore the application process and how long it takes to apply for the PMP exam.
How to Apply for the PMP Certification Exam (Estimated Time: 2-4 Weeks)
Once you meet the PMP certification requirements and understand the costs involved, the next step is applying for the exam. Here’s a breakdown of the application process.
Step 1: Create a PMI Account (10 Minutes)
Visit the PMI website and create a free account. This account is required to submit your PMP application and schedule your exam.
Step 2: Complete the PMP Application (1-2 Weeks)
Once logged in, fill out the PMP application form with the following details:
- Education Background: Provide details about your highest level of education.
- Project Management Experience: List projects you’ve worked on, including your role, responsibilities, and duration.
- Project Management Education: Enter details about your 35-hour PMP prep course completion.
Tip: Ensure your project descriptions focus on key project management tasks that align with PMI’s expectations.
Step 3: Submit Your Application & PMI Review (5-10 Business Days)
After completing the form, submit your application for PMI review. PMI typically processes applications within 5 business days. If your application is selected for an audit, you will need to provide additional documentation, which may take up to 2 weeks.
Step 4: Pay the PMP Exam Fee (Instant)
Once PMI approves your application, you will receive instructions to pay the PMP exam fee. The cost depends on whether you are a PMI member.
Step 5: Schedule Your Exam (0-2 Weeks)
After payment, PMI will send an eligibility code allowing you to schedule your exam through Pearson VUE. You can choose:
- Online Proctored Exam: Take the test from home with a secure monitoring system.
- In-Person Exam: Visit a Pearson VUE testing center.
Common PMP Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Providing vague or incomplete project descriptions
- Failing to align experience with PMI’s project management framework
- Skipping details in the education section
With your application submitted, it’s time to focus on preparing for the PMP exam to ensure you pass on your first attempt.
How to Prepare for the PMP Certification Exam (Estimated Time: 4-12 Weeks)
Proper preparation is key to passing the PMP exam on your first attempt. The time required varies based on your experience, study schedule, and learning approach. Most candidates spend 4 to 12 weeks preparing.
Understanding the PMP Exam Structure
The PMP certification exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions covering three key domains:
- People (42%) – Leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement.
- Process (50%) – Project execution, risk management, and quality assurance.
- Business Environment (8%) – Organizational influence, compliance, and strategic alignment.
You will have 230 minutes to complete the exam, with two 10-minute breaks.
Best Study Strategies for PMP Exam Success
1. Enroll in a PMP Exam Prep Course
The best way to prepare is by taking a structured PMP exam prep course that fulfills the 35-hour project management education requirement.
2. Review the PMP Exam Content Outline
PMI provides a PMP Exam Content Outline that details what’s covered in the test. Familiarizing yourself with it ensures you focus on the right areas.
3. Take Practice Exams & Mock Tests
Practice exams are essential for testing your knowledge and improving time management. Look for full-length simulated PMP exams that replicate real test conditions.
4. Use a Study Plan
Setting a structured study schedule helps you stay on track. A recommended approach is:
- Study 6-10 hours per week for 6-12 weeks.
- Dedicate time to each knowledge area, followed by practice questions.
- Identify weak areas and focus on improvement.
5. Learn the PMBOK® Guide and Agile Frameworks
The PMP exam includes both traditional and Agile project management methodologies. Understanding these frameworks is critical for success.
Now that you know how to prepare, let’s explore how to choose the best PMP exam prep course to ensure you’re fully prepared.
How to Choose the Best PMP Exam Prep Course
Not all PMP exam prep courses are created equal. Choosing the right course can make the difference between passing on your first attempt or struggling to understand key concepts. Here’s what to look for in a high-quality PMP certification training program.
Key Features of a Good PMP Exam Prep Course
1. 35 Hours of PMI-Approved Project Management Education
The course must provide at least 35 contact hours of project management education to meet PMP certification eligibility requirements.
2. Self-Paced, Interactive Learning
Flexibility is key when preparing for the PMP exam. A good course should offer on-demand, self-paced learning so you can study at your own convenience.
3. High-Quality Practice Exams & Mock Tests
Look for a course that includes realistic, full-length practice exams to simulate the actual test experience. This helps improve confidence and time management.
4. Covers Agile & Hybrid Methodologies
Since the PMP exam now includes Agile and hybrid project management approaches, make sure the course you choose covers these topics comprehensively.
5. 100% Pass Guarantee
A reputable PMP prep course should offer a pass guarantee, showing confidence in its effectiveness. This means you get support until you pass.
Where to Find a Reliable PMP Exam Prep Course
Finding a course that meets all these criteria can be challenging. If you’re looking for a trusted, PMI-approved course that includes everything listed above, consider this PMP exam prep course. It’s a proven way to prepare efficiently and pass with confidence.
Now that you know how to choose a PMP course, let’s look at what happens after you pass the PMP exam.
What Happens After Passing the PMP Exam?
Congratulations! You’ve passed the PMP certification exam and officially become a Project Management Professional. But what comes next? Here’s what you need to know about receiving your certification and maintaining it over time.
Receiving Your PMP Certification
Once you pass the exam, PMI will:
- Send you an official digital PMP certificate.
- Provide instructions on how to claim your PMP digital badge for LinkedIn.
- List your name in PMI’s PMP certification registry.
Your PMP certification is valid for three years. To maintain it, you must earn Professional Development Units (PDUs).
How to Maintain Your PMP Certification
To renew your PMP certification, you need to earn 60 PDUs within a three-year cycle. PDUs are credits that show you’re continuously improving your project management skills.
Ways to Earn PDUs:
- Continuing Education: Take project management courses, webinars, or workshops.
- Giving Back: Volunteer, mentor, or contribute to project management communities.
- Professional Work: Apply PMP principles in your daily job.
What to Look for When Purchasing PDU Bundles
Many project managers choose to buy PDU bundles to complete their renewal requirements quickly. When selecting a PDU package, look for:
- Easy access: Online courses that fit your schedule.
- A single certificate of completion: Simplifies submission to PMI.
- Fast completion: Courses designed to help you earn PDUs efficiently.
If you’re looking for a reliable PDU package, check out this PDU bundle option, which offers an easy way to maintain your PMP certification.
Now that you know how to maintain your PMP certification, let’s summarize how long it takes to get PMP certified.
Final Thoughts – How Long Does It Take to Get PMP Certified?
The total time it takes to earn your PMP certification varies based on your experience, study habits, and how quickly you complete each step. Below is an estimated timeline:
Estimated Timeline to Get PMP Certified
- Meeting Eligibility Requirements: If you already have the required project management experience and 35 hours of project management education, you can move to the next step immediately.
- Completing the Application Process: 2-4 weeks
- Studying for the PMP Exam: 4-12 weeks (depending on study pace)
- Sitting for the Exam & Getting Certified: 0-2 weeks
Total Time to Get PMP Certified
- Fast Track (2-3 Months): If you study full-time and take the exam as soon as possible.
- Standard Track (3-6 Months): If you study part-time while working full-time.
- Extended Track (6+ Months): If you need more time to study and balance multiple commitments.
Final Steps to Get PMP Certified
Now that you understand the timeline and process, here’s what you can do next:
- Confirm you meet the PMP eligibility requirements.
- Choose a high-quality PMP exam prep course to complete your required training and study effectively.
- Apply for the exam and start preparing using practice exams and study plans.
- Once certified, keep your credential active by earning PDUs from a trusted PDU bundle.
Getting PMP certified is an investment in your career. With the right preparation and study strategy, you can achieve your Project Management Professional certification and open new opportunities in the project management field.
Start your PMP journey today with the right resources and get one step closer to your certification!
