Why is PMP certification useful and what does the PMP exam look like?
In a dynamically changing labour market, professionals in all industries are constantly looking for ways to stand out and advance their careers. In the field of project management, the PMP qualification is considered the highest level qualification, opening the way to the best offers not only at home but also abroad. Only about 1 million people worldwide can boast this qualification. However, for more complex international projects, the PMP exam is now a requirement. But what is there to know about obtaining this qualification? What are the requirements, how is the exam structured and what can you do with this qualification? Here are the details!
What is the PMP exam?
The PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is recognised worldwide and is the highest level of qualification that project managers can achieve. It recognizes demonstrated knowledge and skill in leading and managing project teams and delivering projects within schedule, budget and resource constraints.
What are the benefits of the PMP exam?
Now let's see what the benefits of obtaining the certificate mean in terms of career opportunities at home and abroad.
Professional recognition
PMP certification is tangible proof of project management expertise. It demonstrates mastery of industry-standard practices and methodologies, which instils confidence in employers and clients alike.
Learning new skills and continuous professional development
In preparation for the exam, candidates gain a remarkable amount of knowledge about project management, but the learning doesn't stop there. Achieving the qualification requires continuous development of knowledge, skills and professional development. This commitment to staying abreast of industry trends, best practices and emerging technologies ensures that PMP exam holders remain at the forefront of the profession and achieve the best results in their field.
Better career opportunities
PMP certification is recognised worldwide, opening the door to the best projects for professionals at home and abroad. Whatever sector you work in, the PMP qualification provides a common language and framework, regardless of country borders.
Employers often give preference to candidates with PMP certification when recruiting for leadership or project management positions. Whether seeking promotion within an organization or looking for new opportunities, PMP certification can open the door to higher positions with more responsibility.
Greater financial recognition
Professionals with the PMP exam typically earn higher salaries. Indeed, the specific skills and expertise demonstrated by the certification are highly valued by employers, which means a more favourable benefits package and career development opportunities.
Who should get PMP certification?
The PMP certification can be useful for professionals who have at least 3-4 years of work experience, most of it in a project environment.
Whether you want to move up from your current position or increase your marketability in the labour market, PMP certification can open up new opportunities in any industry.
What are the prerequisites for the PMP exam?
The PMP exam requires proof of:
- 36 months of project management experience for university or college graduates (this can be done by filling in the project profile forms on the PMI website)
IMPORTANT: In the case of candidates with a secondary education, 60 months of practice are required for the exam.
- 35 hours of structured project management training or valid CAPM certification
TIP: If you don't have the experience to pass the exam, it's worth getting the CAPM certification.
How to apply for the PMP exam?
You can apply for the PMP exam online. You can register for free on the PMI website. It is important to note that creating an account does not in itself constitute PMI membership.
You can use PMI to prove your eligibility to take the exam, your qualifications, your project management experience and the 35 hours of training.
PMI will then send you a unique code, which you can use to book an exam appointment at an exam centre or for the online exam.
What exam questions should I expect? What does the PMP exam look like?
Project managers have to take a 180-question exam, which takes 230 minutes.
NOT TO KNOW: The test questions typically describe different situations, and it is not sufficient to have theoretical knowledge to answer them. The PMP exam was created by project managers for project managers, so all exam questions are related to real project management experience. See the PMP sample questions! >>
If you don't want to take the exam in person, you can do it online several times each week.
The PMP exam is in English, but the following language guides are also available: Arabic, Chinese (Simplified + Traditional), French, German, Hebrew, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Spanish (Mexican + Spanish), and Turkish.
How to prepare for the PMP exam?
To pass the exam, you will need:
1. Exam preparation programme
For the PMP exam, as we have already seen in the prerequisites, 35 hours of structured project management training are essential. This specific training is important because otherwise you may be in for some unpleasant surprises in the exam.
At ProMan Consulting, it is possible to carry out PMI-accredited PMP exam preparation programme, consisting of 3 days of training and 1 day of exam simulation and evaluation.
The 4-hour exam simulation contains questions similar to the real exam, which can be completed at home.
The programme can also be delivered online, in which case handouts and supporting materials will be sent to participants in electronic format.
TIP: Depending on the workload, it is advisable to postpone the exam date by 3-6 months after the exam preparer, as delaying it can significantly erode the knowledge acquired.
PMI membership
While it is possible to obtain a PMP qualification without being a PMI member, it is recommended for anyone considering a PMP. On the one hand, you can get a discount on the exam price, and on the other hand, you can get access to important study materials for the exam through membership.
2. Relevant project experience
It is also useful to check whether you have the necessary amount of project experience and to collect relevant projects.
Is the knowledge gained from the PMBOK® Guide sufficient?
No. Many people have the misconception that the PMP exam is based on the PMBOK publication, but this is only partially true. The exam questions can be based on any project management standard, resource, standard or textbook that is widely accepted in the international project management world.
However, the PMP Exam Content Outline provides the most detailed coverage of the exam requirements, which is only partially covered by the PMBOK. Therefore, we recommend in the first instance the appropriate preparation course, as well as the PMI's specially compiled materials and practice questions.
Price of the PMP exam
The price of the PMP exam is the same all over the world. The Project Management Institute (PMI) sets two prices for its exams and many of its other services, for those who are members and for those who are not. The price for the PMP exam in 2024 will be $575, and PMI members will pay $405.
Would you like to pass the PMP exam? You are welcome to our PMP exam preparation training!