What is PMP certification?
Project Management Professional certification, or PMP certification, was established by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the most valued, respected, and widely known credentials in project management, and one of the most valuable business certifications in the marketplace today. Earning and maintaining PMP certification demonstrates a solid and balanced foundation of experience and education for managing projects, and a commitment to continuous learning and involvement in the field of project management. The PMP certification is recognized known and respected worldwide, but has the highest concentration in the United States.

What is the value of PMP certification?
In simple terms, PMP certification can lead to significant career advancement and increased compensation. Below are Median Salaries, researched in the first half of 2009, for selected jobs performed by holders of the PMP certification in the United States (Source: Payscale, www.payscale.com).

• $ 81,769 Project Manager, Construction
• $ 87,699 Project Manager, Information Technology (IT)
• $ 88,912 Project Manager, Software Development
• $ 95,645 Information Technology (IT) Manager
• $ 99,696 Program Manager, Computer Software
• $117,841 Information Technology (IT) Director
• $119,334 Vice President (VP), Operations

Of course, compensation varies depending upon company size, industry, location, experience, skills, degree, and more, and compensation can include more than salary. But the list shows that there is progression and upward mobility in the field, and that it can be fueled, at least in part, by project management skills, of which PMP certification is a key indicator.

Who can and should earn PMP certification?
Professionals with PMP certification typically perform duties under general supervision and are responsible for all aspects throughout the project lifecycle. They provide leadership and direction to cross-functional teams charged with delivering projects on schedule, in budget, and within resource constraints. PMPs must demonstrate the knowledge and experience to effectively apply a methodology to projects. Managing expectations and ensuring well-defined project requirements and deliverables is part of this responsibility. PMPs must also adhere to a code of professional conduct.

What are the Eligibility Requirements?
Candidates must meet specific education and experience requirements, including:

1. HS diploma or associate's degree, 5 years of professional project management experience, and 7500 hours leading and directing project tasks, plus 35 contact hours of formal PM education

or

Bachelor’s degree, 3 years professional project management experience, 4500 hours spent leading and directing project tasks, plus 35 contact hours of formal PM education

2. Once accepted to take the PMP certification exam, candidates must pass a multiple-choice exam, designed to objectively assess and measure project management knowledge in management of communications, cost, human resources, integration, procurement, quality, risk, scope and time, and personal social and professional responsibility. Project management proficiency is also assessed in the project management process areas of initiation, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing on the PMP certification exam.

It easily can take 8 hours or so just to complete the PMP application.

When can the PMP certification exam be taken?
The candidate can sit for the PMP certification exam at almost any time, with a bit of lead time scheduling the exam. and the important thing, once accepted, is to prepare for and pass the PMP exam. It can easily take 40-80 hours or more to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on experience, learning style, and familiarity with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).

The PMI specifies that, once the application is approved, there is a one year eligibility period during which the exam can be taken. If the PMP exam is not passed, it can be taken up to a total of 3 times during that one year of eligibility.

Where is the PMP certification exam given?
The PMP exam can be taken wherever there is a PMP certification testing center. Prometric - www.prometric.com/pmi - is the administration partner for the PMI's exams, and PMP certification candidates can schedule an exam date and location at that address. Seating at testing centers is not guaranteed, so the PMI recommends that candidates schedule exams six weeks in advance, and at least three months before expiration of the one-year eligibility period.

What do I need to know to pass the PMP certification exam?
The PMP exam consists of questions in the following categories and in the specified proportions:

• 11% Initiation
• 23% Planning
• 27% Executing
• 21% Monitoring and Controlling
• 9% Closing
• 9% Professional & Social Responsibility

The PMP exam is 4 hours long and consists of 200 multiple questions. Preparation can best be accomplished by using exam simulations, taking formal training, studying the right books, and collaborating with fellow students. Formal training may include any combination of classroom training, mobile device, or online training. As the PMBOK is the core authoritative source for the knowledge required to earn PMP certification, a couple of reads directly from the PMBOK are also helpful.