If you are just beginning your PMP application process, consider the following tips:

• Start your application online at PMI.org. (it doesn't cost you anything to start)
• Determine if you have enough project management experience to apply for the PMP credential (minimum 3 years non-overlapping experience with at least 4500 hours leading or directing project tasks if you have an undergraduate degree; additional experience is required if you do not have a degree)
• Download this Excel spreadsheet to collect your experience offline:   experience spreadsheet
• Consider the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification if you do not have enough experience
• Download the PMP handbook:

  PMP handbook

• Create a resume of your experience and/or an offline file documenting your project experience
• Consider that "projects" do not have to be "for profit" - you can get credit for community and church projects

What is the PMP exam?

The PMP exam is administered by The Project Management Institute (PMI®) and a PMP applicant must pass the exam in order to qualify for the PMP credential.  The exam is composed of 200 multiple choice questions and is a “pass/fail” examination.  Of the 200 questions, 25 are “test” questions and are not used to determined the final score;  therefore, the passing score is based on the number of right answers out of 175 questions. 

You will be given 4 hours to take the exam.  You will also be given some tutorial and prep time prior to starting the test (approximately 15 minutes).  As you will not be allowed to bring in any materials to the testing facility, applicants should use some of the prep time to jot down formulas and any other memory helping notes.  You will be provided with a calculator (you will not be allowed to use your own), pens or pencils, and a few blank sheets of paper.

The exam covers the following domains:

• Initiating
• Planning
• Executing
• Monitoring and controlling
• Closing
• Professional and social responsibility

The domains are subdivided into the nine knowledge areas:

• Integration Management
• Scope Management
• Time Management
• Cost Management
• Quality Management
• Human resource Management
• Communication Management
• Risk Management
• Procurement Management

What is the passing score for the exam?

PMI no longer publishes a passing grade.  The pass determination will vary from time to time based on psychometric analysis performed by PMI.  Our suggestion is to take as many sample tests as you can – once you begin achieving a pass rate of 80% or better on the sample exams, you should be ready to take the actual exam.

What qualifies as a project for the PMP application?

If the effort meets the definition of a project:  temporary (has a beginning and an ending) and produces a unique product, service or result, then the effort qualifies as project for the PMP application.  This would include projects for non-profit organizations, pro-bono projects, volunteer projects for church organizations, and much more.     

I worked on projects but was not the project manager.  Does my experience still count?

Yes, you do not have to have had the title of “project manager” in order to claim project management experience.  Your experience, though, must include “leading or directing” project tasks. 

I took a project management class 10 years ago.  Can that class count toward my educational requirement for the PMP application?

Yes, educational requirements do not have a time limit associated with them.  FYI, keep good records or documentation in the event your application is audited.