"One of the lesser known and highly paid credentials available is the Project Management Professional (PMP). The PMP is the standard certification for Project Management and is offered by the Project Management Institute. The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a non-profit organization who is dedicated towards advancing the project management profession on a global scale. The Project Management Institute claim that PM’s with the PMP certification earn 10% higher than their non-credentialed counterparts. While I can’t verify this fact, at the least, it let’s employers know your commitment and passion to the field.  It also is a great way to learn the best current practices of Project Management.

Format of the PMP

The PMP is a rigorous exam that tests you on six crucial project management topics; initiation, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, closing, and professional and social responsibility.  The PMP is comprised of 200 multiple choice questions, in which you have four hours to complete.  There is no set score to officially pass the exam; passing scores are determined by advanced psychometric analysis. Meaning, a passing score is determined by the mean score of the population.  Those who pass the test are recognized as demonstrating knowledge and skill in leading and directing project teams and in delivering project results with the constraints of schedule, budget and resource.

PMP prerequisites

In order to sit for the exam, you must satisfy certain prerequisites. You didn’t think anyone can sit for the PMP, did you?  If you hold a High School diploma or equivalent, then you need a minimum of 60 months (5 years) leading and directing projects, plus 35 hours of project management education. If you possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, you will need 36 months (3 years) of project management experience, and 35 hours of project management education.

I want to take the PMP certification exam but do not qualify, what can I do?

For those who don’t qualify for the PMP exam, there is an alternative certification available to you. The CAPM or Certified Associate in Project Management is a valuable entry-level certification for project practitioners. It is specifically designed for those with less project experience. According to the PMI, the CAPM “demonstrates your understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology and processes of effective project management”.  In order to qualify for the CAPM exam, you must have a HS diploma or global equivalent, and at least 1,500 hours of project management experience OR 23 hours of project management education."

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