Introduction
The PMP certification is a globally respected credential, but maintaining it is critical for project management professionals. If your PMP certification has expired, you face two options:
- Pursue a new PMP certification, which means starting from scratch.
- Reinstate an expired PMP without retaking the exam.
This blog examines the new PMP certification process, particularly in light of the updated exam format, significant costs, and intensive effort required. We’ll also explore the alternative of reinstating your expired PMP certification, which can save you time, effort, and money.
1. What is New PMP Certification?
A new PMP certification involves restarting the entire process. Candidates must fulfill eligibility criteria, submit an application, and pass the challenging PMP exam, which has become even more rigorous with the updated exam format.
Key Challenges of New PMP Certification:
- New PMP Exam Format: The PMP exam has evolved to cover a broader range of topics, including Agile and Hybrid approaches, making it harder for candidates who may not have worked in these methodologies.
- Application Process: You’ll need to submit a detailed application, documenting your project management experience, which can be time-consuming.
- Extensive Preparation: Due to the difficulty of the updated exam, most candidates enroll in coaching bootcamps and use practice simulators to prepare, adding significant time and effort.
Costs Involved:
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Cost Category | New PMP Certification |
PMI Membership Fee | $139 (optional but recommended) |
Exam Fee (PMI Members) | $405 |
Coaching Bootcamp Costs | $500 – $3,000 |
Study Materials (Books, Simulators) | $300 – $500 |
Total Cost (PMI Members) | $2,105 – $3,944 |
2. What is Reinstating Expired PMP Certification (Alternate Method)?
If your PMP certification has expired, you don’t necessarily need to go through the hassle of retaking the entire PMP exam. Instead, you can reinstate it.
Costs Involved:
By choosing to reinstate your expired PMP via alternate methods, the costs can be dramatically reduced, often to less than 20% of the cost of a new PMP certification.
3. Pros and Cons: New PMP Certification vs Reinstating Expired PMP
Aspect | New PMP Certification | Reinstating Expired PMP |
Application Process | Requires full documentation of project experience | Not applicable |
Exam Requirement | Full PMP exam (180 questions) | No exam required |
Cost | Very High: Includes exam fee, coaching bootcamps, and materials | Lower |
Time Commitment | Extensive: Preparing for the new PMP exam is time-consuming | None |
Career Impact | Adds fresh credentials but comes with higher cost and effort | Maintains existing PMP certification with less hassle. This is great value as you can show PMP from your initial date. |
Learning | Full review of updated PMP content, especially Agile and Hybrid | Not Applicable |
Flexibility | Low: Fixed exam date, strict application process | High |
4. Why New PMP Certification is More Challenging than Ever
The updated PMP exam now includes new sections on Agile, Hybrid, and Traditional project management methodologies, making it more difficult, particularly for those without Agile experience. Most candidates find that self-study is not enough; many enroll in bootcamps or hire PMP coaches, which drives up the cost and time investment. The new exam format also demands a strong understanding of people, process, and business environment domains, making it tougher to pass.
5. The Benefits of Reinstating Expired PMP Certification
On the other hand, reinstating an expired PMP through alternate methods offers:
- No Exam Requirement: Skip the stress of preparing for and passing the new PMP exam.
- Lower Cost: Renew PMP at a fraction of the cost compared to bootcamps, exam fees, and study materials.
- Faster Process: You can renew PMP faster without the time pressure of preparing for an exam.
Instead of retaking the entire exam, you can maintain your PMP certification through programs which can help renew your expired PMP.
Conclusion
Obtaining a new PMP certification is now more challenging, costly, and time-consuming due to the updated exam format and increased emphasis on Agile and Hybrid methodologies. The costs can quickly escalate, especially with the need for coaching bootcamps and simulators.
In contrast, reinstating an expired PMP through alternate methods is a far more efficient and cost-effective option.
