Project Management Professional (PMP)
Showcase your ability to lead projects across industries with this globally respected certification and unlock a world of opportunities. The Project Management Professional® (PMP) certification recognizes individuals who excel in managing people, processes, and business priorities to deliver successful projects.
Is a PMP rightr For you?
The PMP certification validates your project leadership skills and expertise across various methodologies, including predictive, hybrid, and agile. It highlights your ability to manage projects effectively, regardless of industry or location.
33%
Professionals with a PMP certification report earning median salaries that are, on average, 33% higher than those without the certification, according to a survey conducted across 21 countries.
1.5M+
PMP certification holders worldwide, with top countries including China, US, and Canada.
Path to a PMP certification
Before you apply, make sure you meet one of the following sets of PMP certification requirements
Set A requirements
- High school or secondary school diploma
- Minimum 60 months/5 years experience leading and managing projects within the past eight years
- 35 hours of project management education/training. You can also meet this requirement with:
– CAPM® certification or
Set B requirements
- High school or secondary school diploma
- Minimum 60 months/5 years experience leading and managing projects within the past eight years
- 35 hours of project management education/training. You can also meet this requirement with:
– CAPM® certification or
Set C requirements
- High school or secondary school diploma
- Minimum 60 months/5 years experience leading and managing projects within the past eight years
- 35 hours of project management education/training. You can also meet this requirement with:
– CAPM® certification or
Follow the steps below for a smooth application process:
Gather your application materials
Document your experience related to past projects and training. Below are some examples to help guide you through your documentation process:
- Projects you’ve led
- Where you’ve worked, your role and responsibilities, duration of projects
- Training you’ve completed
- Institutions attended, courses completed, qualifying hours
Additional tips
- Remember to register a PMI.org user account before moving forward with your application.
- Don’t miss any requirements with theapplication checklist.
- Take your time. The application is save-as-you-go, so you can take a break if needed.
- Remember to focus on your role and responsibilities for the project, not as much on the project itself.
Your application was accepted. What’s next?
First, congratulations!
You’re on the path toward career advancement. Once you verify your acceptance, the next step is to pay your exam fee.
In the case you’re selected for an eligibility audit, you must provide the following to confirm your eligibility:
- Copy of degree
- Verification of experience signed by supervisor
- Certification or proof of 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification
Schedule your PMP exam
After you pay, you can schedule your exam. Below are some helpful details about exam scheduling:
- You can take your exam at a Pearson Vue Testing Center (recommended) or securely online
- You may attempt the exam up to three times in one year if you don’t pass
Your application was accepted. What’s next?
While PMI certifications validate your existing skills and experience, preparation and study is critical to passing the exam.
Whether you’re looking for in-person training, practice exams, or on-demand courses that allow you to go at your own pace, there are plenty of options for exam preparation.
Countdown to exam day.
What to expect
About half of the examination will represent predictive project management approaches and the other half will represent agile or hybrid approaches. For more details about the PMP® exam and what to expect, check out the PMP® Exam Content Outline.
At a glance:
- 230 minutes
- 180 questions
- 5 unscored pretest questions, 175 scored questions
- Offered in 16 languages
Associated exam content
- People 42%
- Process 50%
- Business environment 8%
How to prepare for the PMP exam
Project professionals around the globe agree: the PMP certification is the gold standard in project management, setting you apart from your peers. Fortunately, we specialize in the most effective preparation strategies to help you succeed.
PMI members receive exclusive savings on exam prep.
Accommodations for Physical or Intellectual Disabilities
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"My PMP certification served as the catalyst for my career, showcasing my expertise, dedication, and relentless pursuit of growth,,
"My PMP certification served as the catalyst for my career, showcasing my expertise, dedication, and relentless pursuit of growth,,
"My PMP certification served as the catalyst for my career, showcasing my expertise, dedication, and relentless pursuit of growth,,
Maintaining your PMP certification
Earning your PMP certification is a significant achievement—maintaining it should be straightforward. Continuous skill development beyond certification is essential for advancing your career and amplifying your impact. To retain their certification, PMP holders must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years. Each PDU reflects one hour spent on:
- Expanding knowledge
- Sharing expertise with others
- Delivering presentations
- Engaging in professional reading
- Volunteering contributions
- Creating educational content