PMP Certification - Commonly asked questions (FAQ)
Welcome to the ultimate FAQ guide for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification! Whether you’re a seasoned project manager or just starting out, the PMP from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is a globally recognized credential that can elevate your career. As a PMI PMP expert, I’ve compiled answers to the most commonly asked questions to help you navigate this journey. Let’s dive into the categories and get your questions answered!
Eligibility and Requirements
In this section, you will understand in-depth the PMP certification’s eligibility criteria, prerequisites, required experience, and educational qualifications needed to apply.
Do you need a PMP to be a project manager?
No, you don’t need a PMP to be a project manager. Many professionals manage projects successfully without it. However, the PMP enhances your credibility, demonstrates expertise, and often opens doors to better opportunities and higher salaries.
Can you get a PMP without a degree?
Yes! If you don’t have a four-year degree, you can still qualify with a secondary diploma (e.g., high school diploma), 60 months (5 years) of project management experience, and 35 hours of project management education.
Can I take the PMP exam without training?
Technically, no. PMI requires 35 contact hours of formal project management education before you can sit for the exam. This can come from online courses, workshops, or training programs.
Can I take the PMP exam without experience?
No, PMI mandates experience: 36 months (3 years) with a bachelor’s degree or 60 months (5 years) without one. This ensures you’ve applied project management principles in real-world settings.
What work qualifies for PMP?
Any work where you’ve led and directed projects counts. This includes initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing projects—across industries like IT, construction, healthcare, or marketing.
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Exam Difficulty and Preparation
In this section, you will understand in-depth the PMP certification’s exam difficulty, preparation strategies, study resources, and much more.
How hard is the PMP exam really?
The PMP exam is challenging due to its breadth (covering 5 process groups and 3 domains: People, Process, Business Environment) and scenario-based questions. However, with proper preparation, it’s very manageable.
Is PMP the toughest exam?
Not necessarily. Compared to exams like the CFA or bar exam, PMP is rigorous but not the “toughest.” Its difficulty lies in applying concepts to situational questions rather than rote memorization.
Is PMP an easy exam?
No, it’s not “easy.” It requires a solid grasp of the PMBOK Guide, critical thinking, and time management (180 questions in 230 minutes). But it’s achievable with dedication.
What is the pass rate for the PMP exam?
PMI doesn’t publish an exact pass rate, but estimates suggest it’s around 60-70% for first-time takers with proper preparation. Your odds improve with study and practice.
Can I pass PMP in two months?
Yes, with focused effort! If you study 2-3 hours daily, leverage a 35-hour course, and practice with mock exams, two months is realistic for many candidates.
How long does it take to study for PMP?
Typically, 2-6 months, depending on your experience and study pace. Beginners might need 150-200 hours, while seasoned PMs might manage with 80-100 hours.
How fast can I study for the PMP?
With an accelerated plan (e.g., 5-6 hours daily), you could prepare in 4-6 weeks. Consistency and quality resources are key.
Is the PMP exam open book?
No, it’s a closed-book, proctored exam—either online or at a testing center. You’ll rely on your knowledge and preparation.
How many people pass PMP first time?
Roughly 60-70% pass on their first attempt with adequate prep. Those who fail often underestimate the exam’s complexity or skip practice tests.
Is 70% enough to pass PMP?
PMI uses a psychometric scoring system, not a fixed percentage. You need to perform “proficiently” across domains, but there’s no clear 70% threshold.
Can you pass the PMP without taking a course?
You need the 35-hour training requirement, but beyond that, self-study with books, PMBOK, and practice exams can suffice for some.
Can you self-study for PMP?
Absolutely! After completing the 35-hour training, many candidates self-study using resources like the PMBOK Guide, Rita Mulcahy’s book, or online simulators.
How many times can I fail the PMP?
You can attempt the exam 3 times within a one-year eligibility period. After that, you’ll need to reapply.
Certification Validity and Renewal
Is PMP certification forever?
No, it’s valid for 3 years. You must renew it by earning 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) within that cycle.
Does PMP expire?
Yes, if you don’t renew it with 60 PDUs every 3 years, your certification becomes inactive.
What is the PMP renewal fee?
For PMI members, it’s $60; for non-members, it’s $150. Membership often pays off if you plan to maintain your PMP.
What is the grace period for PMP renewal?
You get a 90-day grace period after your 3-year cycle ends to submit PDUs and renew without suspension.
What happens if you don’t renew your PMP?
Your certification goes into “suspended” status for up to one year. After that, it expires, and you’d need to retake the exam.
How do I renew my PMP PDU?
Earn 60 PDUs through education (e.g., courses, webinars), giving back (e.g., volunteering), or working as a PM. Submit them via PMI’s online portal.
Do I need 36 or 60 PDUs for PMP renewal?
You need 60 PDUs every 3 years. The 36-month experience requirement is for initial eligibility, not renewal.
How many hours is 1 PDU?
Generally, 1 PDU equals 1 hour of project management-related activity (e.g., training, volunteering).
How do I claim PDUs for giving back?
Log activities like mentoring, writing articles, or volunteering on PMI’s CCR system. You can earn up to 25 “Giving Back” PDUs per cycle.
How to renew PMP after suspension?
If suspended (within 1 year of expiry), earn 60 PDUs, pay the renewal fee, and reactivate via PMI. Beyond a year, you’ll need to retest.
How long is PMP valid?
3 years per cycle, renewable indefinitely with PDUs.
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PMI Membership and Costs
How much is the PMI membership fee?
$129 annually, plus a one-time $10 application fee. It’s optional but reduces exam and renewal costs.
Do I need PMI membership to maintain PMP?
No, but it lowers renewal fees ($60 vs. $150) and offers perks like free PDUs and resources.
Can I renew PMP without membership?
Yes, you can renew as a non-member for $150, provided you’ve earned 60 PDUs.
What happens if my PMI membership expires?
Your membership lapses, but your PMP remains active if you renew it with PDUs. You’ll just pay the non-member renewal rate.
How many PDUs can a PMI practitioner get?
There’s no limit per se, but you need 60 per 3-year cycle for PMP renewal. Excess PDUs don’t carry over.
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Career and Value
Does PMP certification increase salary?
Yes! PMP holders often earn 20-25% more than non-certified PMs. In India, salaries range from ₹15-25 lakhs annually, depending on experience.
What is the salary of PMP in India?
A PMP-certified professional in India typically earns ₹15-25 lakhs per year, with senior roles exceeding ₹30 lakhs.
Is PMP worth getting?
Absolutely, if you’re in project management. It boosts credibility, salary, and global job prospects.
Is PMP a professional qualification?
Yes, it’s a globally recognized credential, though not a degree. It’s a certification of expertise.
Is PMP equivalent to a degree?
No, it’s a certification, not an academic degree. However, it’s highly valued in the job market, sometimes rivaling an MBA for PM roles.
Which is better, MBA or PMP?
Depends on your goals. An MBA offers broad business knowledge; PMP focuses on project management skills. PMP is faster and cheaper.
Which certification is best after PMP?
Consider PMI-ACP (Agile), PgMP (Program Management), or PRINCE2, depending on your career path.
If you’re preparing for Agile certifications, check out our PMI-ACP Mock Exam Simulator for in-depth practice, and if you’re aiming for program management excellence, our PgMP Practice Questions will help you master the exam with confidence.
Miscellaneous
Is PMP certification for beginners?
Not really—it’s designed for experienced PMs. Beginners might start with CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management).
How fast can I get PMP certification?
From application to certification, 2-6 months is typical, including prep and exam scheduling.
Is the PMP exam all multiple-choice?
Yes, it’s 180 multiple-choice questions, including some with multiple responses, testing application-based knowledge.
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