Project Management Professional (PMP)
The most important certification within the field of project management is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. The PMP certification is recognized across the world. In fact, there are currently over 650,000 active and certified PMP professionals worldwide. By attaining this PMP certification, professionals can show their employers they have the experience, knowledge, and skills to lead and direct projects.
Am I Eligible to Become a PMP?
The PMP certification has been developed to recognize a professional's advanced knowledge and abilities in leading and directing project teams. Consider becoming a PMP if you are an experienced project manager and would like to solidify your skills, distinguish yourself from others in your profession or at your organization, pursue a new or higher position within the project management field, and increase your earning potential.
To sit for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, you must meet the following requirements:
| Education | Project Management (PM) Experience | Project Management (PM) Education |
| Secondary degree: High school diploma, Associate’s degree, or Global equivalent. | 5 years (60 months) of unique non-overlapping professional PM experience. Note: At least 7,500 hours must be spent leading and directing a project. |
35 contact hours of formal education |
| OR | ||
| Four-year degree: Bachelor’s degree or Global equivalent. | 3 years (36 months) of unique non-overlapping professional PM experience. Note: At least 4,500 hours must be spent leading and directing a project. |
35 contact hours of formal education |
What Are the Next Steps?
Review the eligibility chart above and ensure that you have met all prerequisites for the PMP exam. If you do not meet all of these requirements you can either continue your studies and work up to the PMP requirements or you can look at one of the other seven project management certifications that the Project Management Institute (PMI) has to offer.
If you meet the PMP requirements, you are eligible to apply and sit for the PMP certification exam. Many potential PMPs enroll in training courses to better prepare them for their upcoming PMP exam. If you are interested in preparing for the PMP exam through a training course, browse the list of PMP exam prep courses offered on FindCourses.com!
Continuing Certification Requirements (CCRs)
Once you have passed the PMP exam and received the PMP certification, you must continue your learning and development in order to maintain your PMP status. For the PMP certification, a total of 60 professional development units (PDUs) are required over the course of three years. These PDUs can be earned through various project management activities and functions, such as research, writing and publishing articles, holding speeches or seminars on project management related topics, or engaging full time in project management activities.
The purpose of the CCR program is to enhance the development of PMP certified professionals, encourage individual learning opportunities, provide a standardized manner in which to attain and record professional development activities, and to maintain the value and global recognition of the PMP certification.