PMP certification: Are you eligible?

Introduction

If you have the aspiration of cracking the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam then you must possess demonstrable qualities on handling projects along with proven professional and educational experience to be eligible for appearing in the examination.

It has been more than four decades since the Project Management Institute has been supporting professionals in project management.  The value of PMP accreditation lies in the fact that it gives you global visibility and recognition.  Hence, it is imperative that all PMP certification aspirants comprehend the professional experience and educational qualifications as laid down in the Project Management Professional Role Delineation to qualify for testing.

PMP Role Delineation

The PMP Role Delineation encompasses certain attributes, which a candidate must demonstrate for the desired PMP credential. The project management professional is entrusted to be:

Be accountable for every aspect of the project under the supervision

Demonstrate capable leadership qualities of team handling, different aspects of project performance, and completing project successfully within time constraints, budget, and scope.

As defined in the project requirements specification, the aspirant must be able to demonstrate satisfactory understanding and knowledge for applying the methodology.

PMP Exam application

The detailed information provided in the PMP Exam application is a testimony of your experience as a team member on projects leading up to certification.  The submission of the details is proof that you have substantial project experience.  There are two parts of the Experience verification form Parts I and Parts II, detailing your experience in terms of hours as far as directing or leading a project task is concerned.

The five process groups

To fulfill the eligibility criteria an aspirant requires project management experience in initiating, planning, executing, controlling, monitoring, and closing processes.  If you have worked with the only a single project then you may not have experience in all the five process groups collectively.             

Educational background pathways

PMP accepts two educational pathways although it may be sufficient to provide the required amount of project management experience.  You need to acquire the required professional and educational experience in the last eight consecutive years prior to submitting your application.

If you have an Associate Degree recognized in the global market or a High School Diploma then it has to be paired with a minimum of five years’ experience in professional project management.  To be more specific, you must have spent at least 7500 hours in directing and leading project tasks. In the case of overlapping projects, the time is counted once, and besides, the project experience has to be unique. The pathway requires you to take 35 hours of formal education in project management training.

Those who pursue PMP certification and have a bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent degree must have a minimum of three years of unique experience which should not overlap in professional project management. During this period of professional experience, a total of 4,500 hours must direct the project tasks. Candidates must have 35 hours of formal education in project management training.

Calculation of experience

It is important to calculate your experience accurately in the application. Overlapping projects count as individual time periods. For example: if two projects overlap during a 60-day period, will be counted as two months, not four. Consider the diagram in the experience verification form for visual aid.

The contact time requirements should focus on training that directly addresses the learning objectives that apply to project management. These hours may include courses, workshops, and training courses that include issues of time, scope, cost, communications, human resources, project quality, risk, and integration management. While submitting the application you must have completed the required education and suffice the professional experience. PMI meetings and self-study do not meet the educational requirements.

The demarcations of leading and directing project tasks are identified in the PMP Exam Specification. To prepare the Exam Specification, use the PMP Credential Manual and the Third Edition of the PMBOK Guide. PMBOK Guide Third Edition is internationally recognized as the standard for the fundamentals of project management. The five basic processes and the nine areas of knowledge are detailed in this resource. Some sample questions on the PMP exam are available on the PMI website.

Conclusion

A PMP certification is a necessity to be recognized as a highly qualified professional in Project Management. Nevertheless, before becoming one, you must have the required training and meet the standards of the Project Management Professional Role Delineation to be considered as eligible for the PMP exam. Some of the standard qualities that are sought in a candidate to obtain the PMP credential include:

Leadership skills: One must have the ability to become a good leader in the accomplishment of important tasks and in the construction of projects within a set period.

He or she must possess the knowledge to do things correctly, and apply it to complete a project successfully.

Accountability: This should be given importance if one wants to become a successful project management professional. Nevertheless, this is something very observed if a person is really responsible. It is very important since he or she will take responsibility for all aspects when realizing the real projects.

While there are numerous academic qualifications and certifications that can improve your chances of getting a better job and better compensation, it is important to know the qualifications to be eligible for the degree.

If you want to reach the zenith of success in your career by acquiring a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification then you are on the right track. You must obtain a certain percentage of knowledge related to the exam to obtain the PMP certification. First, you must find out  PMP® certification eligibility requirements. Obtaining the PMP certification can advance your career. You could get a promotion in your current job or you could be hired for a new job that you look for because you have this certification. Your salary will also increase.

When a professional has the PMP certification, he has a management experience that goes beyond books. This certification also shows that you have the necessary knowledge along with the necessary skills to work on an organization project. Employers will want you because of your proven capability to leverage profits and set a good example to your coworkers.

References are taken from:

1.PMP Certification

https://www.knowledgehut.com/project-management/pmp-certification-training

2.(PMP) Certification

https://www.pmi.org.in/content.aspx?id=pproject-management-pmp