Easiest Way to Earn PMP
- 1). Obtain the required educational background before applying to take the PMP examination. Candidates must have an associate degree, high school diploma or the equivalent, or a bachelor's degree or the equivalent, depending on the amount of project management work experience they have. All examinees must also have completed 35 hours of formal education, such as training sessions and workshops offered by approved providers, that covered the objectives of project management.
- 2). Acquire the mandatory professional experience before registering to take the PMP examination. Candidates with an associate degree, high school diploma or the equivalent must have at least five years of work experience managing projects. At least 7,500 hours of that time must have been devoted to directing and leading tasks in each of the five project management process groups. Candidates with a bachelor's degree or the equivalent need only three years of job experience managing projects, with a minimum of 4,500 hours focused on directing and leading tasks in all five of the process groups.
- 3). Complete the printable online PMP Application Form, making sure to fully document your academic, project management education and professional experience by filling out the appropriate experience verification and education forms included in the online PMP application.
- 4). Pay the examination fee, which was $150 to $555 in April 2010, and schedule a test date that occurs within one year of the date you received notification that your application was approved.
- 5). Prepare for the examination by reviewing the PMP credential handbook, PMP examination specification and PMP examination sample questions; reading "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)" and other current books on project management; and participating in a study group or study sessions available from PMI-approved providers. All resources are listed on the PMP Exam Prep webpage.
- 6). Arrive on time to take the PMP examination on your assigned test date. Get plenty of rest the night before so you'll be alert and experience minimal stress.
