Are you looking for a way to advance your career as a project manager? Do you want to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in leading and directing projects? Do you want to earn a globally recognized credential that can boost your salary and marketability?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should consider getting the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification. The PMP® certification is the gold standard of project management certifications, and it is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI)®.

The PMP® certification validates your competence in applying the best practices of project management, as defined by the PMBOK® (Project Management Body of Knowledge) Guide. It also shows that you have the experience, education, and skills to successfully manage projects of various sizes and complexities.

By getting the PMP® certification, you can benefit from:

• Increased credibility and reputation among your peers, employers, and clients
• Higher salary and earning potential, as PMP® certified professionals earn 23% more than their non-certified counterparts, according to PMI®
• Greater career opportunities and advancement, as PMP® certification is a requirement for many project management positions
• Enhanced knowledge and skills in project management, as you learn the latest tools, techniques, and methodologies
• Access to a global network of PMP® certified professionals and PMI® members, who can provide you with support, guidance, and opportunities

But how do you get the PMP® certification? What are the steps, requirements, and costs involved? In this course, we will answer these questions and more, and help you prepare for the PMP® certification exam.

Getting the PMP® certification is not an easy task. It requires a lot of dedication, preparation, and hard work. Here are the steps you need to follow to get your PMP® certification:

1. Meet the eligibility criteria

Before you can apply for the PMP® certification exam, you need to meet the eligibility criteria set by PMI®. The eligibility criteria depend on your level of education and project management experience. You need to have either:

• A four-year degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) and at least three years (36 months) of project management experience, with 4,500 hours spent leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education or training, or a CAPM® (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification
• A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or equivalent) and at least five years (60 months) of project management experience, with 7,500 hours spent leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education or training, or a CAPM® certification

You can use the PMP® Certification Eligibility Assessment Tool to check if you meet the eligibility criteria.

2. Submit your application

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can submit your application for the PMP® certification exam. You can do this online on the PMI® website. You will need to provide details about your education, work experience, and project management education or training. You will also need to agree to the PMI® Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and the PMI® Certification Application/Renewal Agreement.

You can use the PMP® Certification Handbook and the PMP® Application Checklist to guide you through the application process.

3. Application review

PMI® will review your application and verify your eligibility. This usually takes five to 10 business days. If your application is complete and meets the requirements, you will receive an email notification to pay the exam fee. If your application is incomplete or has any discrepancies, you will receive an email notification to provide more information or clarification.

4. Pay the exam fee

Once your application is accepted, you will need to pay the exam fee. The exam fee is $555 for non-PMI® members and $405 for PMI® members. You can become a PMI® member for $139 per year and enjoy various benefits, such as discounts on exam fees, access to PMI® standards and publications, and membership to local PMI® chapters.

You can pay the exam fee online using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Alternatively, you can pay by check, money order, or wire transfer, but this may take longer and incur additional fees.

5. Schedule the exam

After paying the exam fee, you will receive an email confirmation with your eligibility ID and instructions on how to schedule your exam. You can schedule your exam online on the PMI® website or by phone through Pearson VUE, the authorized test provider for PMI®.

You can choose to take the exam either at a Pearson VUE test center or online from your home or office. You can also choose a date and time that is convenient for you, subject to availability. You must schedule and take your exam within one year of your application approval.

6. Prepare for the exam

You will need to prepare for the exam by studying the PMBOK® Guide and other study materials. The PMBOK® Guide is the primary reference for the PMP® exam, and it covers the 10 knowledge areas and five process groups of project management, as well as the professional and social responsibility domain.

You can also use other study materials, such as books, courses, podcasts, blogs, and videos, to supplement your learning and reinforce your understanding of the concepts. You can find some of the best PMP® exam prep resources online, such as:

• [PMP® Exam Prep Course by Vamaze]: This is a comprehensive and interactive course that covers all the topics and domains of the PMP® exam, with over 35 hours of video lectures, quizzes, exercises, and mock tests. You will also get access to expert guidance, tips, and tricks, and a certificate of completion that fulfills the 35-hour requirement for the PMP® exam.
• [PMP® Exam Simulator by PM PrepCast]: This is a realistic and up-to-date simulator that mimics the actual PMP® exam, with over 2,100 questions, detailed explanations, and feedback. You can take eight full-length exams, or create your own custom exams based on your preferences and progress. You will also get access to live feedback and support from certified instructors and exam experts.
• [PMP® Exam Prep Book by Rita Mulcahy]: This is a popular and trusted book that helps you prepare for the PMP® exam, with clear and concise explanations, examples, exercises, and practice questions. You will also learn proven strategies and techniques to pass the exam on your first try.

7. Take the exam

On the day of the exam, you will need to bring a valid ID and arrive at the testing center or log in to the online platform on time. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and you have four hours to complete it. The questions are based on the following domains:

• People: 42% of the exam
• Process: 50% of the exam
• Business Environment: 8% of the exam

You will also need to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the following tasks:

• Task 1: Manage conflict
• Task 2: Lead a team
• Task 3: Support team performance
• Task 4: Empower team members and stakeholders
• Task 5: Ensure team members/stakeholders are adequately trained
• Task 6: Build a team
• Task 7: Address and remove impediments, obstacles, and blockers for the team
• Task 8: Negotiate project agreements
• Task 9: Collaborate with stakeholders
• Task 10: Build shared understanding
• Task 11: Engage and support virtual teams
• Task 12: Define team ground rules
• Task 13: Mentor relevant stakeholders
• Task 14: Promote team performance through the application of emotional intelligence
• Task 15: Plan and manage budget and resources
• Task 16: Plan and manage schedule
• Task 17: Plan and manage quality of products/deliverables
• Task 18: Plan and manage scope
• Task 19: Integrate project planning activities
• Task 20: Plan and manage procurement
• Task 21: Plan and manage project/phase closure or transitions
• Task 22: Assess and manage risks
• Task 23: Execute project with the urgency required to deliver business value
• Task 24: Manage communications
• Task 25: Engage stakeholders
• Task 26: Create project artifacts
• Task 27: Manage project changes
• Task 28: Manage project issues
• Task 29: Ensure knowledge transfer for project continuity
• Task 30: Plan and manage project/phase closure or transitions
• Task 31: Evaluate business environment changes to identify and support organizational change needs
• Task 32: Support organizational change
• Task 33: Employ continuous process improvement

You can use the [PMP® Exam Content Outline] and the [PMP® Exam Sample Questions] to familiarize yourself with the exam format and questions.

8. Receive your results

After completing the exam, you will receive your results immediately on the screen. You will also receive a printed copy of your score report at the test center or an email copy if you took the exam online.

9. Maintain your certification

The PMP® certification is valid for three years, and you need to maintain it by earning and reporting 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years. PDUs are the measure of your continuing education and professional development as a project manager. You can earn PDUs by completing various activities, such as:

• Taking courses or webinars on project management topics
• Attending events or conferences organized by PMI® or its chapters
• Reading books or articles on project management
• Writing or publishing articles, blogs, books, or podcasts on project management
• Volunteering or mentoring for project management causes or organizations
• Working as a project manager

You can report your PDUs online on the [PMI® website] or by using the [PMI® mobile app]. You can also use the [PDU Requirements Handbook] and the [PDU Activities Guide] to learn more about how to earn and report PDUs.

The PMP® certification cost includes the exam fee and the renewal fee. The exam fee is $555 for non-PMI® members and $405 for PMI® members. The renewal fee is $150 for non-PMI® members and $60 for PMI® members. You can save money by becoming a PMI® member for $139 per year and enjoy various benefits, such as discounts on exam and renewal fees, access to PMI® standards and publications, and membership to local PMI® chapters.

The PMP® certification cost does not include the cost of the study materials, courses, or other resources that you may use to prepare for the exam. The cost of these resources may vary depending on the provider, format, and quality. You can find some of the best and affordable PMP® exam prep resources online, such as:

• [PMP® Exam Prep Course by Vamaze]: This is a comprehensive and interactive course that covers all the topics and domains of the PMP® exam, with over 35 hours of video lectures, quizzes, exercises, and mock tests. You will also get access to expert guidance, tips, and tricks, and a certificate of completion that fulfills the 35-hour requirement for the PMP® exam. The cost of this course is $299.
• [PMP® Exam Simulator by PM PrepCast]: This is a realistic and up-to-date simulator that mimics the actual PMP® exam, with over 2,100 questions, detailed explanations, and feedback. You can take eight full-length exams, or create your own custom exams based on your preferences and progress. You will also get access to live feedback and support from certified instructors and exam experts. The cost of this simulator is $149.
• [PMP® Exam Prep Book by Rita Mulcahy]: This is a popular and trusted book that helps you prepare for the PMP® exam, with clear and concise explanations, examples, exercises, and practice questions. You will also learn proven strategies and techniques to pass the exam on your first try. The cost of this book is $99.

The PMP® certification is one of the most valuable and sought-after credentials in the project management field. By getting the PMP® certification, you can enjoy many benefits, such as:

• Increased credibility and reputation among your peers, employers, and clients, as the PMP® certification demonstrates your competence and commitment to project management excellence
• Higher salary and earning potential, as PMP® certified professionals earn 23% more than their non-certified counterparts, according to PMI®. The average salary of a PMP® certified project manager in the US is $116,000, according to Indeed.com
• Greater career opportunities and advancement, as the PMP® certification is a requirement for many project management positions, and it opens the door to more challenging and rewarding projects and roles
• Enhanced knowledge and skills in project management, as you learn the latest tools, techniques, and methodologies based on the PMBOK® Guide, and you apply them to real-world scenarios and situations
• Access to a global network of PMP® certified professionals and PMI® members, who can provide you with support, guidance, and opportunities to grow and learn as a project manager

If you are ready to take your project management career to the next level, enroll in our PMP® certification training course today and get started on your journey to becoming a PMP® certified project manager.