PMP Certification Requirements
Congratulations! You are headed toward your PMP certification - a great direction for your future. Yet getting PMP-certified isn’t as simple as passing a test. Real-world project management education and experience are required. This will allow you to prove you’ve got what it takes to be a PMP.
Below is a quick rundown of PMP requirements, plus the costs you can expect to pay. This will allow you to be sure you’re prepared when you’re ready to apply for certification. We will also give you a quick look at the PMP exam itself.
PMP certification eligibility criteria
First, the most basic question: Who can take the PMP exam?
PMP certification eligibility is based on the following 3 prerequisites:
- Number of years of project management experience: If you worked on multiple projects that overlapped in a single month, only one of those projects can count toward your experience requirement. It does not matter if part of your project management work was unpaid, as long as the experience occurred in a professional environment. Personal projects or School do not count (e.g. planning your own graduation party).
- Number of hours you spent directing or leading projects: For this PMP certification requirement, it is within criteria to count all the hours you directed or led projects, even if the work overlapped. Yet do not count individual projects or just you. This requirement is intended for cross-functional team projects in which you were responsible for all aspects and managed the project across the areas of time, cost, and scope.
- Number of hours of formal project management education: Prior to application for PMP certification, you will need to have spent time studying the topics of project management. All courses, training sessions, or workshops that address project management areas and offers an assessment or certificate of completion applies toward this requirement. Ensure that you are able to provide the name of the training session completed, academy and dates attended, and qualifying hours completed. There is no expiration date on the hours you have achieved.
- Note that PMP certification requirements vary based on your level of education. For example, if you graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree, you can qualify to take the PMP exam with less project management on-the-job experience.
Below is the outline of PMI’s PMP requirements:
PMP certification requirements: Bachelor’s degree or global equivalent
- 3 years (36 months) of non-overlapping professional project management experience
- 4,500 hours directing or leading projects
- 35 hours of formal project management education
PMP certification requirements: High school diploma, associate’s degree, or global equivalent
- 5 years (60 months) of non-overlapping professional project management experience
- 7,500 hours directing or leading projects
- 35 hours of formal project management education
PMP certification costs
Taking the PMP certification exam does include a few costs. And you will save more over time if you become a PMI member (specifically if you plan to maintain and renew your PMP certification over time).
Below is an overview of PMP certification exam costs for PMI members compared to non-members (note, prices are January 2020):
Remember that PMP certification costs are more then the exam itself. You will additional for study materials and any training required to earn the PDUs required to be eligible to apply for the PMP certification exam.
| Cost |
PMI Member |
Non PMI Member |
| PMI Membership Fee |
$139 |
N/a |
| PMI Exam Cost |
$405 |
$555 |
| PMI Re-Exam Fee |
$275 |
$375 |
| PMI Certification Renewal |
$60 |
$150 |
Questions
What are the prerequisites for PMP certification?
The requirement to sit for the PMP certification exam are as follows: A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree or the global equivalent) 7,500 hours leading and directing projects. 35 hours of project management education.
Can I take PMP exam without experience?
If you are asking the question, “can I get a PMP without experience?” The answer to this question is no, you cannot sit for the PMP certification without experience.
How do I prove the prerequisite 4500 hours for PMP?
To begin, the calculation of 4,500 – 7,500 hours equates to 2.2–3.6 years of experience (based on 40 hours per week)
Is it hard to get PMP certification?
The PMP exam is a detailed and challenging exam. It covers a thorough spectrum of project management topics and goes beyond the basics covered in other entry level exams. While it is difficult, it certainly is achievable. Should one study and utilize the right resources, you can pass the PMP exam on the first attempt.
What qualifies as PMP experience?
If you have applied for a project management position or looked into getting a project management certification, you have most likely seen the requirement for “project management experience.” For example, managed to team effort across a scope, time and cost criteria.
How do I prove my PMP experience?
Record and document your project management work experience
In order to apply for the PMP examination, you need to have accumulated 4,500 hours of project management work experience. If you do not have a bachelor's degree, the work experience requirement is larger at 7,500 hours of experience.
How do I prove project hours for PMP?
Begin the documentation process To Fulfill The PMP Experience Hours Requirement
1. Read PMI's requirements for PMP experience hours (i.e. PMI's Handbook.)
2. Create an experience hours log to document your current experience.
3. If you meet the requirements, you are ready to start your PMP application
How do I get 35 hours PMP?
In summary:
1. You need 35 hours of formal project management education before you apply for the PMP exam.
2. You can get credit for project management training you have done in the past if you have the documentation to prove it.
3. You can earn your hours with online or classroom training.
What happens if you fail PMP audit?
If you fail the audit, you may or may not get a suspension period. However, there is a chance of a lifetime ban from the PMP exam if you provide false information intentionally. Be truthful with the PMI - this is the only way to pass the audit.
How do I submit PMP hours?
Here's a summary of the steps for applying for your PMP credential.
1. Apply online via the PMI website.
2. Complete your education details.
3. Complete your project experience details.
4. Get agreement from your managers to use those projects and gain their support for a potential audit.
5. Complete your exam details.