As you embark on a journey to obtain one of the most distinguished Project Management certifications called PMP®, many questions come to your mind. As careers enable, we pride ourselves on helping professionals by giving them clarity and confidence to pursue their dream path.
With this blog, we've compiled a list of comprehensive guides that features 25 Frequently Asked Questions about the notable PMP® certification training. This blog comprises several questions ranging from eligibility criteria to exam preparation to benefits from choosing PMP® as a career. Moreover, these FAQs are comprehensively designed to provide all the information and insights to explore the PMP® certification without hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions on PMP® Certification
Irrespective of whether you’re just starting out to explore PMP® certification, or you’re already on the path of becoming a certified professional with project management expertise. Read the blog through as we unveil the insights and knowledge which will enlist a sense of empowerment to help you make informed decisions. We hope these FAQs will direct you to achieve PMP® certification.
- Is it possible for me to take the PMP® exam without any experience?
No, you cannot. PMI®, or the Project Management Institute, doesn't allow candidates to appear for the PMP exam if they've not completed a minimum of three-five years of experience in leading projects. In addition, the requirements also depend on the candidate's education level.
Know:9 Key Steps to Pass PMP® Certification Exam
- What is the minimum experience you require to procure PMP®certification?
According to PMI®, you must have at least three years or 36 months of experience in leading and handling projects. Furthermore, this also includes 35 hours of project management certification training.
- Do I have to be a project manager to acquire PMP® certification?
No, it's not necessary. Having experience as a project manager will help you meet the requirements of PMP® certification. However, PMI® requires candidates to have professional experience in leading projects, and it doesn't specify your job title. Moreover, taking the lead to complete a particular task or simply overseeing a minor project will also be accounted for as your leadership experience.
Also, Read:In-depth Guide to PMP® Certification
- Do I need to be a PMI® member to earn PMP® certification?
No, there are no rules that only PMI® members can acquire a PMP certification. Nevertheless, there is a silver lining to having PMI® membership. The membership will help you save money while registering for the exam. In addition to this, the renewal fees for PMP® are significantly cheaper for PMI members.
- How long will it take you to process a PMP®application?
When you apply to PMI® for permission to attend the exam, it will take three to five days to hear back from the institute.
- Do I have to renew my certification in PMP®?
Yes, you have to renew the PMP® certification once every three years. However, you must complete 35 PDUs to qualify for the certification exam. In addition to this, you'd have to pay $60 in the form of a renewal fee for PMI® members. For non PMI® members, the renewal fee is around $150. Refer to the official PMI® website to know the exact figures.
- What are the different benefits that come with PMP® certification?
The following are the benefits of procuring the PMP® certification:
- The certification enhances the authority and worth of your resume and job profile while offering recognition in any industry
- The certificate will aid you learn and developing your skills
- PMP® certification will help you to earn 35 PDUs, which helps fulfill CCRs or Continuous Credential Requirements
- With the certification, it will enable you to earn greater salary as a project manager
- The certification will help validate efforts while giving you a chance to showcase your professional dedication
- You can network with certified professionals while building everlasting relationships
- What is the Simpliaxis PMP® training?
The PMP® certification with Simpliaxis is regarded among the best PMP training programs as it is comprehensive, and the training will help you prepare for the exam. If you follow the guidelines and the trainers impart knowledge, you can ace the ace on the first attempt.
- How would you acquire the PMP® certification?
The most sought-after way by which you can acquire PMP® certification is by being trained via Simpliaxis under an industry expert. By the looks of it, the industry expert will provide you with a structured approach to prep for the exam. Moreover, with Simpliaxis, you'll get a tried-and-tested path of learning, which guarantees your success for the PMP® examination. Following the study plan and the learning path will prepare you to pass the exam on the first attempt without a hassle.
The content for PMP® exam certification ranges from on-demand courses curated by industry experts to the 4-day mentor-inspired study plan. That's not the end; the certification training also stretches to a simulator exam and mock test to practice. Our experts have decades of experience as Project Managers and have carried out thousands of workshops.
- What should you expect after completing the PMP® course?
Upon completing the PMP® course, you can appear for the PMP® examination. The exam meets up with other requirements as well. Once you pass the examination, you'll be designated as a PMP® professional, making you a valuable member for project managers. The certification course will take you through the latest iteration of concepts and techniques in project management as PMI® approves it.
- Who should opt for PMP® certification?
Professionals who are in charge of leading and directing cross-functional teams with an intent to deliver projects within the definitive constraints such as budget, schedule, and scope.
- What is the application process for PMP® examination?
Here's a step-by-step guide for the PMP® examination application process:
- At first, you'd have to submit the online application for the PMI® examination
- PMI® will be reviewing the application, and if your application is deemed to be complete, PMI will send an email where you'll have to submit an exam fee
- After paying for the exam, PMI will send you an email regarding and suggest the following steps:
- Instructions to aid you while scheduling the examination
- Application randomly chosen for the audit process of PMI®
- Upon receiving the instructions regarding the exam schedule, you'll schedule the examination with Pearson VUE
- Furthermore, if the application is chosen regarding the audit, PMI® is going to provide you with several follow-up instructions to comply with auditing
Moreover, Simpliaxis will be helping you through the entire process to make your application process a seamless experience.
- How can I report my Project Management experience during the PMP® exam application?
You'll be required to report your overall experience regarding project management hours to the PMI®. By the looks of it, the experience will be reported group-wise for relevant projects.
- How far should you apply for the PMP®exam in advance?
Regarding the general guideline, it's a great idea if you apply for the examination about 4 to 6 months before you intend to attend the exam.
- Is PMI®going to refund membership discount, if you sign-up for membership after submitting payment for the PMP®exam?
Generally, the members of PMI® enjoy a $150 discount on the fee for PMP® examination. Nevertheless, the catch is a person needs to be an integral member of PMI® while submitting payment for the PMP® exam. This is the only way for you to benefit from the discount. Moreover, if you sign up for PMI® membership after paying for the exam, PMI® is not going to reimburse the discount amount. Long story short, you've to sign up for the membership to PMI® before paying for the PMP® examination.
- If you’re experienced however unemployed, will you be eligible for the PMP® certification?
There are no requirements outlined by PMI® or PMP® that a candidate has to be employed during application submission or examination. If you already have the experience required by PMI® for the PMP® examination, you’re perfectly eligible for the certification examination.
- What if I make an error on a PMP®examination application? What are you supposed to do?
Sometimes, we all make mistakes, even while filling out the application. However, you must be capable during the application process. If you've made an error in the PMP® certification application, you only need to send an email to PMI Customer Care. In that email, you must admit where you've made a mistake, and then the PMI® team will cooperate with you to find a resolution.
- How long will it take you to prepare for the PMP® exam?
Truthfully, there isn't a substantial answer to suggest, as all individuals are unique. However, we've seen that most people take around three months to prepare for the exam. Some attend the exam with a month's preparation, whereas others take almost a year.
- What is the difficulty level of the PMP® exam?
The PMP® exam is considered to be complicated. But with proper preparation and guidance from mentors and trainers at Simpliaxis, you crack the exam in one try.
- How much do I need to score to pass the PMP® exam?
According to the recent revelations by PMI®, the pass rate is less than 70%. The secret ingredient to passing the PMP® exam is being mentored or trained by industry experts in the career enabler ecosystem such as Simpliaxis.
- What does it mean by 3 Years / 36 Months of non-overlapping experience for PMP® certification exam?
To become eligible for PMP® certification, you'd need at least three years / 36 months of experience managing projects. Furthermore, this would mean leading and directing distinctive projects that should be combined; however, if a person has worked on two outstanding projects for a period of 18 months, which adds up to 36 months of experience. The only condition is that you must be precisely in the project management domain. Moreover, other roles, such as business analyst and software development, don't count here.
On the other hand, if you do not have a bachelor's degree, you'll need five years / 60 months of experience in project management. Our PMP® program of training is comprehensive and supportive enough during the training period.
- Is it possible for you to retake the PMP®certification exam upon failing?
In 1 year, you can retake the PMP® for around 3 times from the application approval date. After failing the PMP® exam three times in a row, you'd have to wait another year to reapply for the exam.
- How can I reapply for re-examination for PMP® certification?
The process to apply for project management certification is quite straightforward. Candidates would need three different chances to take the exam in one year. However, if you fail for the third time, you'll need to wait for a year from the date of the last attempt to try again. If you want to reapply for the PMP exam, you'd have to visit pmi.org and then pay a re-examination fee, and you'll receive a completely new eligibility ID.
Furthermore, you'll use the ID for scheduling the exam. Also, there is a time to attend the exam. However, you must follow the steps below and reapply for the examination. Then you'd have to wait for the result if you want to register and book a slot for a new exam.
- Is it okay for me to use a calculator during the PMP®certification exam?
If it is a non-programmable calculator, anyone can use it to solve questions during the PMP exam.
- Is there a passing score for the PMP®examination?
PMI® uses subject matter experts to determine the overall passing score for exams year after year. Also, there will be no way for you to know what is required to pass the PMP exam.
As we conclude this blog that features 25 crucial FAQs, we think it will help you as you're set on the path of PMP® certification. In addition, we sincerely hope to equip you with the confidence and the knowledge required to navigate the transformative aspect of your career. The PMP® certification requires individuals to navigate through different eligibility criteria, grasp the exam's intricacies, and embrace different career paths.
Pursuing PMP® certification isn't a professional milestone; instead, it's a testament to unique individuals' commitment to excel as project management professionals.
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