PMP Exam FAQs
What are the eligibility requirements to apply for the PMP certification?
To apply for the PMP certification, you must meet specific education and professional experience requirements:
Education:
A four-year degree (bachelor’s or global equivalent) OR a high school diploma, associate degree, or global equivalent.
Project Management Experience:
Four-Year Degree: At least 36 months of leading projects within the past eight years.
High School Diploma or Associate Degree: At least 60 months of leading projects within the past eight years.
Project Management Education:
35 hours of formal project management education/training OR a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.
What constitutes the 35 hours of project management education/training requirement?
The 35 hours of project management education/training requirement for the PMP application refers to formal instruction that covers core project management principles. To meet this requirement:
Eligible Formats:
Proof of Completion:
One Hour Equals One Hour:
Content Areas:
The training must include topics aligned with PMI's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure.
Eligible Formats:
Courses from registered PMI training providers.
University or college courses focused on project management.
Online training programs, including self-paced or instructor-led courses.
Internal training programs provided by your employer.
Proof of Completion:
Certificates of completion, transcripts, or similar documentation showing the course name, duration, and date.
One Hour Equals One Hour:
Each instructional hour counts as one credit toward the 35 hours, provided the content directly relates to project management practices.
Ensure the course you choose covers all relevant knowledge areas and provides documentation for your application.
How do I apply for the PMP exam, and what is the application process like?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the PMP exam:
Complete the Application Form:
Submit the Application:
Respond to Audits (If Selected):
Pay the Exam Fee:
Schedule the Exam:
Prepare for the Exam:
Create a PMI Account:
Visit the PMI website (pmi.org) and create a free account to access the application.
Complete the Application Form:
Fill out the online application with details about your project management experience, education, and training.
Provide specifics on projects you've led, including objectives, deliverables, and outcomes.
Submit the Application:
Review your entries for accuracy and submit your application online. PMI typically reviews applications within 5 business days.
Respond to Audits (If Selected):
If selected for an audit, provide additional documentation such as proof of education, experience verification forms, and training certificates.
Pay the Exam Fee:
After application approval, pay the exam fee ($405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members).
Schedule the Exam:
Use PMI's platform to schedule your exam through Pearson VUE, either at a testing center or online.
Prepare for the Exam:
Once scheduled, focus on studying and ensure you’re ready by the exam date.
The process is straightforward but requires careful documentation to demonstrate your eligibility.
What is the format and structure of the PMP exam (number of questions, time limit, question types)?
The PMP exam format and structure are as follows:
Time Limit:
Question Types:
Content Domains:
Number of Questions:
The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions.
5 of these are unscored pretest questions, but you won’t know which ones.
Time Limit:
You have 230 minutes (3 hours and 50 minutes) to complete the exam.
There are two optional 10-minute breaks during the exam for those taking it at a testing center or online.
Question Types:
Multiple-choice (one correct answer).
Multiple responses (select all that apply).
Drag-and-drop (match items or steps).
Hotspot questions (identify specific areas on a diagram or chart).
Content Domains:
People: 42% of the questions (focus on leadership and team management).
Process: 50% of the questions (focus on project management practices).
Business Environment: 8% of the questions (focus on project alignment with organizational goals).
Updates, and what changes to expect:
As of now, the PMP exam format and structure are expected to remain consistent into 2025. The current exam comprises 180 questions to be completed in 230 minutes, covering three domains: People (42%), Process (50%), and Business Environment (8%).
Updates, and what changes to expect:
As of now, the PMP exam format and structure are expected to remain consistent into 2025. The current exam comprises 180 questions to be completed in 230 minutes, covering three domains: People (42%), Process (50%), and Business Environment (8%).
However, PMI periodically updates the PMBOK Guide and the Exam Content Outline (ECO) to reflect evolving industry practices. The PMBOK 8th Edition is anticipated to be released in early 2025, which may lead to subsequent updates in the PMP exam content and structure.
It's advisable to regularly check PMI's official communications for the latest information on any planned changes to the PMP exam to ensure your preparation aligns with the most current standards.
Should I register for the PMP exam in advance, or can I wait until the last minute?
"I had four testing centers within a 30-minute drive, so I registered and paid just the day before the exam. I didn’t want to plan ahead and stress out. I arrived 30 minutes early as instructed and was able to start right away."
What are the best ways to prepare the day before the PMP exam?
The day before the exam, you can focus on engaging activities that reinforce key concepts and strategies. Watch concise review videos on critical topics, revisit mindset techniques to approach the exam confidently, and review tips for handling time management effectively during the test. As a general rule, focus on activities that help you feel calm and ready without overloading yourself.
Can I sit for the PMP if I was a production planner?
Sure you can. For a production planner taking the PMP exam, focus on understanding project management processes, especially in resource management, scheduling, and risk. Align knowledge of production workflows with PMI's frameworks like Earned Value Management (EVM) and critical path methods to bridge your practical experience with standardized project management practices.
Are PMP bootcamps worth it, and what should I consider before enrolling?
"I once purchased a CAPM bootcamp based on a friend's suggestion, but it ended up being the worst bootcamp experience I’ve had. The instructor simply read PMI slides, with no exercises or meaningful interaction—just the occasional “Do you understand?” To make matters worse, when I gave constructive feedback, the instructor handled it poorly. This experience taught me to research instructors thoroughly before investing in a bootcamp. There are likely better options out there that offer engaging, interactive, and effective learning."
How has the PMP exam changed under the latest PMBOK 7, and what were recent changes in exam content outline?
The PMP exam underwent significant changes in January 2021, aligning with the updated Exam Content Outline (ECO) and incorporating concepts from the PMBOK Guide – Seventh Edition, released in August 2021.
Approaches - It integrates various project management approaches:
PMBOK Guide – Seventh Edition:
Content: It emphasizes a principles-based approach, focusing on outcomes and value delivery, and provides greater inclusion of agile and hybrid methodologies.
Candidates are expected to understand and apply principles from both traditional and agile methodologies.
The shift to performance domains and principles requires a broader understanding of project management beyond prescriptive processes.
Recommendations for Candidates:
Practice: Engage with practice exams and questions that reflect the new exam structure and question formats.
Key Changes:
Exam Content Outline (ECO):
Domains - The exam now focuses on three domains:
People: 42%
Process: 50%
Business Environment: 8%
Approaches - It integrates various project management approaches:
Predictive (Waterfall): 50%
Agile/Hybrid: 50%
PMBOK Guide – Seventh Edition:
Structure - This edition introduced significant changes, including:
Replacing the 10 Knowledge Areas with 8 Project Performance Domains.
Introducing 12 Project Management Principles.
Content: It emphasizes a principles-based approach, focusing on outcomes and value delivery, and provides greater inclusion of agile and hybrid methodologies.
Implications for the PMP Exam:
The exam now assesses knowledge and application across various project management approaches, reflecting the diverse practices in the profession.
Candidates are expected to understand and apply principles from both traditional and agile methodologies.
The shift to performance domains and principles requires a broader understanding of project management beyond prescriptive processes.
Recommendations for Candidates:
Study Materials: Utilize the PMBOK Guide – Seventh Edition, the Agile Practice Guide, and other PMI resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the updated content.
Training: Consider enrolling in PMP preparation courses that cover the latest exam content and incorporate agile and hybrid methodologies.
Practice: Engage with practice exams and questions that reflect the new exam structure and question formats.
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