What Does It Take to Become a Project Management Professional?

Do you know what it takes to get this certification and how it can improve your career?

What Is Project Management?

Project management refers to the process of leading a team of people and engaging in work intended to achieve a particular set of goals for a specific project, within given constraints. Projects may take many forms, from building a new house to developing a website to restructuring entire businesses.

When you’re a project manager, you’re responsible for writing and reviewing project documentation, setting budgets, allocating resources, communicating with stakeholders and employees, and providing all necessary coordination to see the project through to completion.

The PMP Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a formal certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which gives a person the official credentials necessary to become a project manager. Currently, there are more than 1 million active PMP-certified individuals, and more than 300 chartered chapters around the world.

Possession of the PMP certification entails several benefits, including:

• Job opportunities. Being formally certified can open the door to a range of opportunities, with project manager being the obvious title. You could also apply to be a project coordinator or accept a similar role. On top of that, project management certification can equip you to handle a variety of leadership roles.
• Higher pay. Once you're formally certified, you’re likely to be entitled to a higher salary. Organizations will be willing to pay you more if you’ve shown you know what you’re doing in this field.
• Esteem and recognition. Some people pursue PMP certification to earn more esteem and recognition in their workplace or their career.

How to Obtain Your PMP Certification

There are two sets of requirements, but you have to fulfill only one of them. The mainstream path to PMP certification consists of the following steps.

• Obtain a four-year degree. First, you’re expected to obtain a four-year degree. The PMI does not specify what type of degree it has to be.
• Accumulate 36 months of experience leading projects. You’ll also have to accrue at least 36 months of experience as a project manager, a project coordinator, or a similar role.
• Undergo 35 hours of project management education/training. Before taking the exam, you’ll be required to undergo at least 35 hours of project management education and training. Readynez’s PMP training course is one of your best resources here. For that, you’ll be able to take your classes entirely online, review all the essential lessons for project managers, and prepare yourself fully for the upcoming exam.
• Pass the exam. The last piece is passing the PMP exam, which we will cover in our next session.

Alternatively,

• Obtain a high school diploma, an associate’s degree, or equivalent
• Collect 60 months of leading projects
• Undergo 35 hours of project management education/training
• Pass the exam

What’s on the PMP Exam?

The contents of the PMP exam change periodically, but the overall structure and the testing material remain fairly consistent. The content of the exam is divided into three categories:

• Domains are high-level areas of knowledge that a project manager must know to be successful in their career.
• Tasks are specific responsibilities of project managers within each domain.
• Enablers are examples of responsibilities and active work associated with tasks.

The three primary domains you’ll have to master are:

• People. Currently, 42 percent of the PMP exam is related to the People domain. This domain will test your knowledge on how to build a team, how to empower team members and stakeholders, how to educate and train team members, how to lead a team, how to manage conflicts, and related items.
• Process. Currently, 50 percent of the PMP exam is related to the Process domain. This will test your knowledge of managing communication, engaging stakeholders, planning your budget and resource allocation, assessing and managing risks, and how to execute the project with urgency.
• Business environment. Currently, only 8 percent of the PMP exam relates to the Business Environment domain, but it’s still vital if you want to pass. This domain will test your knowledge with regard to planning and managing project compliance, evaluating project benefits, assessing your current workplace environment, and supporting organizational change.

Maintaining Your Certification

If you want to keep your PMP certification valid, you’ll have to undergo additional training and education. The PMI formalizes the process of ongoing education with Professional Development Units (PDUs).

Each PDU is a one-hour block of time you spend learning, teaching others about project management, or volunteering for specific causes. For the PMP certification, you’ll be required to earn at least 60 PDUs over a three-year period to renew your certification.

Maximizing Your Chances of Passing the Exam

What steps can you take to maximize your odds of passing the exam?

• Plan in advance. Plan ahead as much as possible. You’ll likely be scheduling your exam date far in advance, so use the information to your advantage and study early.
• Review the core curriculum. Always place a priority on learning content you know is going to show up on the exam. The exam questions shouldn’t be surprising as long as you’ve specifically prepared for them.
• Study alone and with a group. There are advantages and disadvantages to both studying alone and with a group, so ideally you should incorporate both into your study routine.
• Take a practice exam. If possible, take a practice exam so you get used to the format.

Are you ready to get started with your PMP education? You’re in the right place.

If you already have a college degree and some experience in project management, you’re ahead of the curve – but no matter where you start, the right PMP course can raise your odds of success. Take a close look at Readynez’s PMP training course – and sign up today to get one step closer to your certification!