PMP Certification Course: Exam Requirements, Eligibility and Costs

PMP Certification Course

So you’ve decided to become PMP certified by taking a certification course — a great choice. Here at Brain Sensei, we can help you achieve your certification goals and take your career to the next level.

However, becoming PMP certified requires a certain number of steps, and you have to do more than just pass a one-time exam. You need real-world experience and must adequately prepare before taking the PMP certification exam.

If you are presently considering becoming PMP certified, here is a brief overview of the exam itself and how Brain Sensei can help you pass.

Prior to Taking the PMP Examination

Before taking the PMP exam, you must meet certain qualifications.

Project Management Experience

Years of project management experience are required to take the exam. You may take the exam if you have completed multiple projects in a single month, but only one of those projects can count as an experience requirement. The experience you have does not have to be paid, as long as it was gained in a professional setting. Projects completed in school or on your personal time do not count.

Project Management Hours

The hours you have spent managing projects are also important. You are allowed to count all of the hours you spent directing projects, even if some of the work overlaps. However, you are not allowed to count solo projects. To meet this prerequisite, you must have experience working in a cross-functional team environment where you were responsible for managing the time, cost, and scope of the project.

PMP Certification Course

The number of hours of education you have also is taken into account before you can take the exam. Before applying for PMP certification, you must spend time learning about the key components of project management. Courses, workshops, and PMP certification training sessions that cover project management topics and provide an assessment all count. You must provide the name of the courses you took, as well as the qualifying hours you accrued, and the institutions and dates associated with each course. Fortunately, educational hours do not expire.

Level of Education

Your PMP certification requirements depend on your level of education. For example, if you have a bachelor’s degree, you may take the PMP exam with less on-the-job project management experience. If you have a four-year degree, you must have at least 36 months (4,500 hours) of on-the-job project management experience. You must have spent those hours directing projects and have 35 contact hours of project management education.

If you do not have a four-year degree, you need to have at least 60 months (7,500 hours) of on-the-job project management experience. You must also have spent those hours directing projects and have 35 contact hours of project management education.

PMP Certification Exam and PMP Certification Costs

There are expenses associated with taking the PMP certification exam. However, when thinking about the PMP certification cost and your budget, it’s important to note that if you become a PMI member, you will save more in the long run, especially if you intend to renew and maintain your credentials on a regular basis. An exam fee is a small step to make if the next step is making a lot of money from a better job directly related to your project management certification. Here are some of the PMP certification costs associated with the exam:

• PMI Membership Fee – Non-members ($0), Members ($139)
• PMP Exam Fee – PMP exam fee for non-members: $555, PMP exam fee for members: $405
• Re-take Fee – Non-members ($375), Members ($275)
• Project Management Professional Certification Renewal Fee – Non-members ($150), Members ($60)

Those seeking credentials or wanting to become a PMI member should also keep in mind that the costs mentioned above are not the only ones associated with the exam. When coming up with a more accurate cost estimate for PMI members beyond the exam fee, you should expect to pay for training to earn professional development units for eligibility purposes.

You may also choose to pay for study materials.

As a PMI member, you’ll get access to electronic copies of the PMBOK® Guide and the Agile Practice Guide.

It’s also worth noting that compared to attending a college or university and receiving a new Bachelor’s degree, the exam fee and PMP certification costs are a paltry price to pay for a training course that will allow you to increase your earning potential dramatically. While you don’t pay for most exam fees for tests you take in college, college itself has a much higher cost estimate than the PMP certification cost, even when you factor in re-upping your membership each year.

The Exam Format

The Project Management Institute administers the PMP certification test. Once you pay the exam cost and receive approval for your PMP certification application, the PMI sends you an email with test instructions and an eligibility code so you can schedule your exam at a local center. You must schedule and take your exam within a year, otherwise, you will need to start the application process over and pay again.

The exam is composed of 200 multiple-choice questions, and test-takers have four hours to complete the test. You are tested on the five following process groups of management:

• Initiating
• Planning
• Executing
• Monitoring and controlling
• Closing

If you plan to take the exam on January 2, 2021 or later, you will be tested on the three following areas:

• People
• Process
• Business environment

It is acceptable to take the test multiple times. So, if you do not pass the first time, you can take the test up to three times in a single year. It might make sense to estimate costs associated with taking extra exams in your overall budget for PMP certification training; however, if you’re confident that the sample exams, knowledge areas, and online courses you’re exposed to during a PMP certification training course will effectively prepare you, you may not need to allocate much money to this part of your estimate costs.

Choosing an Online or In-Person Exam

You may also take the exam online from the comfort of your home or workplace. The Online Proctored Test allows individuals to take their tests at home while being monitored by a proctor via microphone and webcam. Before selecting this option, be sure your device meets the minimum system requirements.

You must also run a system test and exam simulation before selecting the online test option. If you do not do this, you are unlikely to receive a refund if your device does not meet the standards. If your device does not meet the standards, please choose to take the exam at a test center during the checkout process.

Canceling or Rescheduling Your Exam

To cancel or reschedule your exam online, log into the PMI.org website. Once logged in, you have the option to either reschedule or cancel your exam through Pearson VUE. Once you reach your Pearson VUE account, you can look at your current appointment details. If you want to change your exam delivery type, you can also do this online. Within 30 days of your scheduled test, you will need to contact PMI Customer Care for further assistance.

If you fail to cancel or reschedule within 48 hours of your appointment and you do not show to take the exam, you will still be charged the full amount. Do not email PMI or Pearson VUE to reschedule or cancel an examination.

Once you pass the examination, you need to maintain your certification. Your PMP certification is valid for three years, and during this time, you must earn at least 60 PDUs of project management education if you wish to maintain your certification.

Taking an Online PMP Certification Course

If you want to pass the PMP certification examination, you must prepare properly. Fortunately, Brain Sensei is here to help. Instead of run-of-the-mill PMP examination preparation courses, you will find yourself in the world of a female Samurai in ancient Japan. Work with this Samurai to overcome adversity while learning about key project management elements.

When learning, stories are extremely valuable, and that is why we use stories to help you absorb and retain important information. Our PMP certification course consists of quizzes, readable content, and a considerable number of practice questions.

Advantages of Using Brain Sensei

There are numerous reasons to choose Brain Sensei over other study materials and courses. When you use Brain Sensei to prepare for the exam, you can expect the following benefits:

• More Opportunities – In today’s competitive job market, companies often seek to hire project management professionals with an understanding of the most up-to-date process improvement systems and technology. Certified PMs with such skills are in high demand.
• Job Protection – Being certified can help protect you and your family during economic downturns. Individuals with certificates are often more attractive to employers and less likely to be let go.
• Higher Salaries – Certified PMs make an average of $111,000 a year, which is 22% more than non-certified PMs.
• Career Advancement Opportunities – If you want to advance your career, becoming certified can help. With additional credentials under your belt, you are more likely to receive the promotion you’ve always wanted.
• Work at Your Own Pace – There is no rush with Brain Sensei; you can study as quickly or as slowly as you need. You can also work whenever you want.
• Convenience – You have access to Brain Sensei everywhere you have a stable internet connection.

Complete PMP Certification Course

Brain Sensei gives test-takers access to a Complete PMP Exam Prep Course for just $499.99 for a full six months. There are eight learning modules included as well as four full practice exams, all for this single price. Test-takers also get access to 35 contact hours/PDUs, and our course comes with a 100% pass guarantee and a 100% money-back guarantee.

All four practice exams have 800 combined questions, and there are multiple self-assessments in each module. There is also a summary of key knowledge points for each process group. Each module includes interactive content and animations to hold your interest, as well as loads of material you can use to track your progress. When comparing different options, ensure that you factor in the PMP certification costs as well as the cost of quality instruction in your cost estimates.

You may find that the cost of quality bundles that offer you information about inputs, outputs, formulas, project schedules, and the agile framework are slightly higher, but worth it when it comes to finding a bundle that allows you to earn the registered mark of the Project Management Institute.

Visit Our Site

The PMP examination is no joke. You need to properly prepare by taking the best PMP certification course that’s available. But if you can pass the exam and earn your certification, your life can change for the better. Brain Sensei wants to help you pass, and our unique approach to training can be greatly beneficial to you and your professional goals. Visit our site today to learn more about our offerings.

Conclusion

The PMP certification is a valuable credential for project management professionals. By understanding the exam requirements, eligibility criteria, and costs associated with the PMP certification course, you can effectively plan your journey towards achieving this prestigious certification. Remember to allocate sufficient time for exam preparation, utilize study resources, and develop a comprehensive study plan. With dedication and focused preparation, you can successfully pass the PMP certification exam and open doors to new opportunities in your project management career.

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.

Should You Become PMP Certified? – Here’s Why Becoming A Certified Project Management Professional Can Boost Your Career

13 PMP Benefits Once You Get The PMP Certification

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