
Given your prospective salary increase with PMP certification, the credential should pay for itself within a few years. In the U.S., this number increases to 32%-PMP-certified project managers make a median annual salary of $123,000, compared to $93,000 for non-certified project management specialists. Globally, PMPs make 16% more than their non-certified peers, according to a PMI salary survey. For this reason, these types of companies may not consider candidates or subcontractors who do not hold PMP certification. Highly regulated industries-like those in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, defense contracting and financial services-must align with government compliance regulations and meet specific security standards. PMP certification is always a nice resume booster, and some companies and industries even require it. Does Your Company or Future Career Value or Require This Credential? The PMP certification exam itself costs $405 for those with PMI membership, or $555 for everyone else. The PMI-authorized online PMP practice exam also costs $99. The official PMBOK guidebook, for example, costs $99.

PMP exam prep resources vary in cost as well.
#PMP CERTIFICATIONS TRIAL#
Free PMP certification training courses are available, but usually for just a short trial period. The courses you take to complete your contact hours may cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the provider and can range from $300 to more than $3,000. Can You Afford It?Ĭonsider whether you can afford the PMP certification cost. How much time you should spend studying depends on your learning style and may range from a few weeks to a few months. You might also want to set aside extra time to study for the PMP exam.

Keep in mind that you will need additional time to collect information on your past projects to submit to PMI.Īlso note that there is a lead time between when PMP candidates can apply to take the certification exam and when they are approved to take the exam based on testing center availability and how long it takes to validate credentials. Meeting these PMP certification requirements takes several years overall.
#PMP CERTIFICATIONS PROFESSIONAL#
How long does it take to get PMP certification? The process entails 36 to 60 months of experience leading projects, depending on what type of degree you hold, along with 35 contact hours of professional development courses. What to Consider Before Earning PMP Certification Can You Meet the Required Time Commitment? Many employers now require project management candidates to hold PMP certification, so make sure to list this credential at the top of your resume. Having this designation on your resume can make the difference between scoring the first interview and never hearing back about your job application. PMP certification can help you stand out as you apply for jobs. The PMP is a globally recognized credential as well, meaning your skills will be valued in countries around the world. Becoming a PMP can lead to more challenging projects and give you an edge over other candidates. PMP certification can help expand not just your network, but your company’s network as well. The PMBOK guide, published by PMI, covers the guidelines, principles and techniques project management specialists use to effectively manage projects, programs and portfolios. These include the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), among other resources. PMI lists on its website the 10 most commonly cited references on the PMP exam.
#PMP CERTIFICATIONS HOW TO#
When preparing for the PMP exam, you learn how to recruit resources and talent for projects, form a human resource plan, allocate resources properly and choose the right technologies and tools for each project. Strengthen Your Project Management Skills Their non-certified colleagues make a median wage of $93,000. According to a report from the Project Management Institute (PMI), PMPs in the U.S. Benefits of PMP Certificationīenefits of PMP certification include industry recognition, learning new skills, increased job prospects and higher earning potential. Candidates who have already earned the Certified Associate in Project Management® certification do not need to complete additional contact hours for the PMP credential.

Candidates with high school diplomas or associate degrees need a minimum of 60 months.Īside from work experience, PMP candidates must complete 35 hours of formal project management training, also called “contact hours.” You can complete your contact hours through training courses. But this test is just the last step on a much longer road to earning the PMP title.īefore they can even sit for the exam, prospective PMPs with bachelor’s degrees must have at least 36 months of experience leading projects.

To obtain PMP certification, you must pass a rigorous exam. PMP is a widely respected credential that many project managers earn to boost their resumes and credibility.
