Examsnap – Become a Leader with PMI PMP Certification
The Project Management Professional by PMI is a certification specifically catering to the needs of project managers in the industry. PMP certification is recognized by employers and contractors across the globe andaccording to the statistics, PMP certified professionals earn 20% more than their non-certified colleagues. This certification will showcase an individual’s knowledge and ability to handle projects and manage resources and budgets.
About PMI
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a non-profit organization that has 500,000 members in 208 countries.PMP is one of many other popular professional certifications that the PMI offers. Some of the others include PgMP(Project management Professional), PfMP (Portfolio Management Professional), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), etc. All certifications offered by PMI are designed and maintained by management practitioners so that the testing procedures are fair, valid and meet industry standards. Therefore, candidates will be assessed solely on their knowledge and performance.
Why become a PMP?
If you are a project manager and looking to showcase and develop your management skills to better serve your client or company, then PMP may be ideal for you. Here’s a set of reasons as to why you should join the large community of PMP certified professionals.
PMP certification is authorized and validated by the ANSI against the ISO 17024, which means that you are assured a quality certification. PMP is also standardized against the ISO 9001:2008 standards. Due to the maintenance of the above standards, employers and certification holders can trust in the credential.
Most project managers across the world that lead successful projects are PMP qualified.Thus, PMP certification is in high demand for high positions in project teams. With PMP, you will gain access to a wide range of opportunities and benefits such as a higher salary and ability to choose the place of work.
Questions are drafted and edited by certified volunteers who come from various backgrounds, experience levels and jobs. Therefore,PMI exams are reliable, meet industry grades and represent an up-to-date requirement of professional competencies.
To maintain the PMP certification, you will have to periodically recertify. This will motivate you to challenge yourself, develop your skills and grow as a professional project manager.
Criteria for Eligibility
You now have a general idea on how PMP certification can open new doors to your professional career. Still, there are some criteria that you need to fulfill in order to be eligible for applying. You are required to satisfy one of the following:
Possess a secondary degree and minimum of five years of unique distinct professional project management experience during which at least 7,500 hours were spent leading and directing the project. You must also possess a project management education equivalent to 35 contact hours.
Possess a 4-year degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) and a minimum of three-year unique distinct professional project management experience during which at least 4,500 hours were spent leading and directing the project. Here too you will be required to have 35 contact hours of formal education in project management examsnap.com.
The above two criteria are just the specifics of the conditions you are required to meet. I strongly suggest you refer the Official Handbook for PMP or contact PMI directly to confirm whether you will be eligible with your current qualifications.
Exam Overview
PMP exam is a 4-hour assessment which consists of a total of 200 multiple-choice questions. Out of these 200, 25 questions are unscored – they will be used to collect data to refine and develop future exams. The test is offered in 14 different languages as a CBT (Computer-based Test), but under certain circumstances defined by PMI, it is offered as a PBT (Paper-based test). The test will assess your knowledge on the 5 main domains listed below where each domain will be allocated a specific weight percentage:
- Initiation (13%)
- Planning (24%)
- Executing (31%)
- Monitoring and Control (25%)
- Closing (7%)
For a more detailed analysis and blueprint of the exam, please use the Official Handbook. Familiarizing is just the first step, but it is the preparation and practice what matter the most! Here is a set of tips I’ve brought together that have proven to help test takers prepare effectively.
Tips for Preparation and Practice
If you haven’t already satisfied the 35 contact hour criteria mentioned previously, you will have to consider a training course. You can choose to cover the 35 contact hours through an institution, training program, degree/course, etc.
Use the official training materials because they cover all the necessary contentand proved to be effective and up-to-date. Test takers who have purchased the online training classes have shared their success stories and rated the program well. What’s more, the PMI’s official training program declares that you will definitely pass the exam if you complete the PMTraining Live Online Class. This course covers the requirement of 35 contact hours.
If you are looking for a more cost-effective option (the official training classes can be quite expensive), there’s always online forums and communities that are dedicated to PMP. Use these platforms to learn, discuss your doubts and obtain useful strategies and tips from previous test takers.
Use practice questions. Make sure you use updated and trustable sources to obtain questions, otherwise, practicing will become meaningless. By practicing, you will be able to apply different test strategies, identify your weak spots and judge your progress. Practice under exam-like environments – with the special training software you will be able to simulate such environments whenever you want. PMP it is a 4-hour exam without any intervals in between, so you have to be able to stay focused and calm throughout the entire time period.
Best Resources
Trustable resources are your best friend when it comes to practice and preparation. When you combine the best materials with sufficient practice, you will be able to achieve great results.
PMBOK official study guide is your go-to book when it comes to reviewing and practicing. It contains essential study materials and a practice guide.
PM PrepCast online forum – here you can discuss everything about PMP exam and find other resources that have been helpful to successful candidates.
ExamSnap is a website that offers PMP practice questions in the form of VCE files. As mentioned before, practicing in an exam-like environment can help reduce anxiety and improve time management skills. There are loads of up-to-date questions that you can use with the help of VCE software.
Conclusion
PMP by PMI is the best credential you can possess as a project manager. It will be your gateway to higher paid jobs, better client satisfaction via skills development and opportunities to work around the globe. With enough time for preparation and with trusted resources, you too can join the globally reputed network of PMP certified professionals.