The Project Management Professional (PMP®) Credential

Individuals who hold PMI ’s PMP credential demonstrate a proficient level of project management leadership skills, and as a result are able to receive salaries which are much higher than those of their non-credentialed colleagues. 

To be eligible for a PMP credential, you must meet specific guidelines that objectively measure experience, education and professional knowledge. You also must agree to adhere to the   and pass a rigorous multiple-choice examination that assesses your abilities in project management. 

Eligibility

• Applicants must receive specific education (35-hour course on project management). 
• With a Bachelor’s Degree (or its equivalent): Applicants must have a minimum three years’ professional project management experience (4,500 hours of leading and directing of project tasks, up to eight years from the time of application).
• Without a Bachelor’s Degree (or its equivalent): Applicants must have a minimum five years’ professional project management experience (7,500 hours of leading and directing of project tasks, up to eight years from the time of application)

The PMP Credential Examination

This four-hour examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that measure your ability to apply knowledge, skills and techniques used in project management. The examination is developed by groups of professionals who have the PMP credential and is routinely reviewed and revised to ensure the best and consistently objective appreciation.

Examination preparation tips:

1. Review the PMP credential handbook, the PMP Examination Specification and the PMP Sample Questions document (not for commercial use).
2. Study the PMBOK® Guide—Third Edition and other texts that discuss the management of communications, cost, human resources, integration, procurement, quality, risk, scope and time, as well as a project manager's social and professional responsibilities.
3. Enroll in formal study courses.

For more information, look through:

• Examination Locations and Scheduling
• Examination and Re-examination Fees
• Certification Appeals Procedures in the PMP Credential Handbook

Steps to Obtain a PMP Credential:

1. Fill in an online application or download an application and submit it via mail (faxes are not accepted).
2. If you meet all of the requirements, you will receive a letter by e-mail explaining how to apply for the exam.
3. Individuals who gain a credential from PMI will be added to PMI's Online Credential Registry and may immediately use the credential designation under their name.

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) Credential

Designed specifically for project team members, the CAPM credential is aimed at gaining overall project success by ensuring project management knowledge. To obtain a CAPM credential, you must meet specific guidelines designed for measuring of experience, education and professional knowledge. You must pass an examination that assesses your knowledge of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), and you must agree to adhere to the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Eligibility

Applicants must have:

• A high school diploma or its equivalent (at least)
• 1,500 hours of work in a project team or 23 contact hours of project management education

The CAPM Credential Examination

Applicants must pass a three-hour, 150-question, knowledge-based examination that uses the PMBOK® Guide as its only source. The questions are developed by individuals with the CAPM credential from around the globe to ensure that the examination continues to be a reliable and valid assessment of project management terms and practices.

To prepare for the examination an applicant should:

• Review the PMBOK® Guide—Third Edition
• Download and study the CAPM credential handbook — paying particular attention to the CAPM examination blueprint.
• Participate in Project Management Methods and Mechanics, a web-based self-study course offered by PMI that makes learning the PMBOK® Guide less daunting and more effective
• Attend Registered Education Provider courses developed specially for the CAPM examination.

For more information review:

• Examination Locations and Scheduling
• Examination and Re-examination Fees
• Certification Appeals Procedures in the CAPM Handbook

Steps to Obtain a CAPM Credential:

• Fill in an online application or download an application and submit it via mail (faxes are not accepted).
• If you meet all of the requirements, you will receive a letter by e-mail explaining how to apply for the exam.
• Individuals who gain a credential from PMI will be added to PMI's Online Credential Registry and may immediately use the credential designation under their name.

In addition to these examination preparation resources, PMI's Basic Knowledge Assessment will help you to measure your knowledge of project management and identify areas to focus on while preparing for the exam.