What are the pmp exam requirements? Education, experience, training requirements full analysisWhat is the eligibility criteria for PMP certification?
Want to get the golden certificate in project management – PMP certification? Understanding the application requirements is the first step to success.
In this article, we provide you with a detailed explanation of the latest PMP exam application requirements, covering academic background, project experience, training hours and important considerations, to help you successfully open the certification journey.
First, the education and project management experience requirements
PMP certification for applicants to put forward a clear academic and practical experience in project management requirements, both of which must be met at the same time.
Bachelor’s degree or above:
A minimum of 4,500 hours of project management experience is required.
This experience must have been gained within the eight years prior to the date of application and must be at least three years (36 months) in length.
Experience must cover the five process groups of project management (initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing).
High school/college degree or less:
A minimum of 7,500 hours of project management experience is required.
Again, this must have been accumulated within 8 years prior to the date of application and must be at least 5 years (60 months) in length.
Experience must also cover all five process groups of project management.
II. 35-Hour Project Management Training Requirement
Regardless of education level, all PMP exam applicants must complete the required formal training in project management.
PMP Training hours and content:
35 hours of project management training must be completed.
These 35 hours are typically counted as Professional Development Units (PDUs).
The training needs to cover the ten knowledge areas of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide): Integration Management, Scope Management, Schedule Management, Cost Management, Quality Management, Resource Management, Communication Management, Risk Management, Procurement Management, and Stakeholder (Stakeholder) Management.
PMP Training Organization Selection:
Training must be provided by a Registered Education Provider (REP) authorized by PMI (Project Management Institute).
Choosing a formal authorized institution is the key to ensure that the training hours are recognized by PMI.
Other Important Notes for Application
After meeting the above basic requirements, you also need to pay attention to the following details to ensure successful qualification.
Definition of project experience:
“Project Management Experience” refers to the practical application of project management knowledge, skills, tools and techniques on a project.
The definition of “project” is broad and is not limited to any industry or type (e.g., IT, construction, manufacturing, marketing activities, R&D, internal process optimization, etc.).
The description of your experience should reflect your roles, responsibilities and participation in the five process groups on the project.
Experience Supporting Documents Preparation:
When applying online, you will need to fill out a detailed description of your experience for each project.
The information requested typically includes: project title, objectives, start and end dates, your roles and responsibilities on the project, project management process groups utilized, and a summary of project outcomes.
PMI will conduct random sampling and those selected may be required to provide references from project contacts (e.g., managers, clients, or colleagues).
PMP Exam Qualification Process:
PMI conducts a rigorous review of submitted application materials.
The review focuses on the authenticity and compliance of hours of experience, years of experience, and proof of training.
If materials are inaccurate, have vague information, or do not meet requirements, the application may be rejected or additional materials may be requested.
Exam eligibility and fee payment notification will be granted only after the review is approved.
Summarize
To apply for the PMP certification, the core requirements are: the number of hours and years of cumulative project experience to meet the corresponding academic degree + completion of 35 hours of systematic training provided by the PMI REP organization.
At the same time, be sure to fill out and prepare the application materials truthfully, completely, and clearly to meet PMI’s strict audit. Only if you fully meet all the conditions and pass the audit, you can formally register for the PMP certification exam, and step forward to the project management professionals.